How To Make A Reusable Grocery Bag From Old T Shirts

Every year, millions of single-use plastic bags end up in landfills, oceans, and natural ecosystems. While many people are turning to reusable alternatives, not everyone has access to affordable or durable options. The good news? You can create your own high-functioning, washable grocery bags using nothing more than old t-shirts you already own.

This sustainable DIY solution requires no sewing machine, minimal tools, and less than 30 minutes per bag. By repurposing worn cotton garments, you’re not only reducing textile waste but also crafting a soft, stretchy, and surprisingly strong carrier perfect for farmers markets, errands, or everyday shopping.

Why Repurpose T-Shirts Into Reusable Bags?

Cotton t-shirts, especially those made from jersey knit fabric, offer unique advantages when transformed into tote-style bags. Their natural elasticity provides give when carrying heavy or bulky items, while the tight weave resists tearing under moderate loads. Unlike synthetic reusable bags that rely on petroleum-based materials, these homemade versions are biodegradable at the end of their life cycle—assuming they’re 100% cotton.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), textiles account for nearly 6% of all municipal solid waste in the U.S., with over 17 million tons discarded annually. Turning old clothes into functional tools like grocery bags is a small act with cumulative environmental benefits.

“Repurposing clothing extends its lifecycle and delays entry into landfills. Even one garment reused reduces carbon emissions equivalent to driving 15 miles.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Sustainable Materials Researcher, University of Oregon

Tip: Choose dark-colored or patterned t-shirts to hide stains and wear over time. Avoid shirts with large holes or thinning fabric near the seams.

What You’ll Need: Tools and Materials

The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity. Most households already have everything required. Below is a complete checklist of supplies:

Basic Supplies

• One clean, dry cotton t-shirt (any size)
• Sharp fabric scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Permanent marker or chalk (for marking cuts)
• Paper clip or safety pin (optional, for knotting help)

No needles, thread, or sewing machine is needed—this method relies entirely on knotting the fabric strips together to form a woven base. If you prefer a sewn version for added durability, that variation will be covered later.

Selecting the Right T-Shirt

Not all t-shirts work equally well. Consider the following factors:

Factor	Best Choice	Avoid
Fabric Type	100% cotton or cotton-blend (at least 60%)	Polyester-heavy blends or performance fabrics
Thickness	Medium-weight jersey (like standard crewnecks)	Sheer, overly thin, or pilled fabric
Size	Large or XL yields larger bags; smaller sizes work for produce totes	Tight-fitting shirts with little excess material
Condition	No rips near hem, sleeves, or neckline	Stretched collars, underarm stains, or weak seams

Larger shirts provide more surface area for cutting long, continuous strips. Dark colors or busy prints also help conceal dirt and fading after repeated use.

Step-by-Step Guide: No-Sew T-Shirt Grocery Bag

Follow these clear, sequential steps to transform an old t-shirt into a sturdy, knot-based reusable bag.

1. Lay the shirt flat on a clean surface. Smooth out wrinkles. Cut off the sleeves by slicing along the seam where the armhole meets the body.
2. Remove the collar by cutting horizontally across the front and back just below the neckline. This creates an open top. Save scraps for cleaning rags if desired.
3. Determine bag height. Measure 12–18 inches up from the bottom hem (depending on original shirt length). Mark this line around both sides. This becomes the new bottom edge of your bag.
4. Cut horizontal strips from the marked line down to the original hem. Each strip should be about 1 inch wide. Do not cut through the center—leave the middle ~4 inches uncut to preserve structural integrity.
5. Flip the shirt inside out carefully. Now begin tying knots: take the front strip directly above each back strip and tie them together in a double knot. Work your way around the entire perimeter.
6. Turn right side out once all knots are secured. Gently pull on knots to tighten. The knotted layer now forms a reinforced base capable of holding several pounds.
7. Test strength by placing books or canned goods inside. Adjust any loose knots as needed.

Tip: Use a paper clip to grab and pull back strips through tight spaces, making knotting easier without straining fingers.

The resulting bag typically holds 8–12 pounds depending on fabric thickness and knot tightness. Handles remain intact from the original shoulder sections, providing comfortable carry capacity.

Variation: Sewn Base for Extra Durability

If you own a sewing machine or enjoy hand-stitching, consider replacing the knotted base with a sewn closure. After completing step 4 above:

• Pin a piece of scrap fabric (or folded hem) across the cut edge to seal the bottom.
• Sew a straight stitch ½ inch above the raw edge to close it securely.
• Optional: Add a second row of stitching for reinforcement.

This version eliminates fraying over time and offers a cleaner aesthetic. However, it does require laundering precautions to prevent unraveling.

Real-Life Example: A Week of Zero-Waste Shopping

Jamie Rivera, a sustainability coordinator from Portland, OR, began making t-shirt bags after noticing her household went through an average of 15 plastic bags weekly. “I had five old band tees I wasn’t wearing,” she said. “I turned them all into bags during a Sunday afternoon.”

For one full week, Jamie committed to using only her handmade bags for groceries, pharmacy runs, and local bakery visits. She carried two in her backpack daily and kept three folded in her car.

“The first time I loaded four bottles of water and two melons into one bag, I was shocked it held. They stretch so naturally around odd shapes,” she noted. “And because they’re soft, I don’t worry about scratching jars or bruising fruit.”

After seven days, none showed signs of strain. One developed a minor snag near a knot but remained fully functional. Jamie now teaches monthly workshops at her community center, helping others reduce reliance on disposables through creative reuse.

Maintenance and Longevity Tips

Like any fabric item, t-shirt bags benefit from proper care to extend their usability.

Washing Instructions

• Machine wash cold with like colors. Turn bags inside out to protect knots.
• Use mild detergent—avoid bleach or fabric softeners which degrade fibers.
• Hang dry or tumble dry low. High heat may shrink cotton and weaken seams.

Storage Recommendations

Keep bags accessible to encourage regular use. Fold them into compact squares and store in purses, glove compartments, or near your front door.

“Convenience drives habit change. If reusable bags aren’t within reach, people default to plastic—even when they intend otherwise.” — Marcus Lin, Behavioral Sustainability Analyst

Tip: Label each bag with permanent marker to identify contents—e.g., “Produce,” “Bottles,” or “Bulk Items.”

When to Retire a Bag

Retire a bag when:

• Knots consistently loosen despite retying
• Fabric shows visible thinning or holes near stress points
• Odors persist after washing (may indicate bacterial retention)

Even retired bags can be cut into rags, used as garden ties, or shredded for compost (if 100% natural fiber).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use synthetic or blended t-shirts?

Yes, but with caveats. Polyester blends resist stretching but are less breathable and won’t biodegrade. They may also pill faster. For maximum eco-benefit and comfort, prioritize cotton-rich fabrics.

How much weight can these bags hold?

A well-knotted bag made from medium-weight cotton typically supports 8–12 pounds. Heavier loads are possible with thicker shirts or sewn bases. Avoid exceeding 15 pounds regularly to prevent handle separation.

Do these bags really replace plastic?

Yes—especially when used consistently. One t-shirt bag can replace dozens of single-use plastics over its lifetime. If every U.S. household replaced just 10 plastic bags per month with reusables, over 1 billion plastic units would be diverted annually.

Final Checklist: Make Your First Bag Today

Ready to get started? Follow this concise action plan:

• ☐ Gather one clean t-shirt and sharp scissors
• ☐ Lay shirt flat and trim sleeves and collar
• ☐ Measure and mark new bottom edge (12–18” from original hem)
• ☐ Cut 1-inch horizontal strips up to the mark (leave center uncut)
• ☐ Tie front and back strips together in double knots all around
• ☐ Turn right-side out and test with light items
• ☐ Wash before first heavy use to pre-shrink fabric
• ☐ Store in car, purse, or entryway for easy access

Conclusion: Turn Waste Into Worth

Creating a reusable grocery bag from an old t-shirt isn’t just a craft—it’s a statement. It reflects a commitment to mindful consumption, resourcefulness, and personal responsibility toward planetary health. What begins as a few minutes of cutting and knotting evolves into lasting behavioral change.

Each time you carry groceries in a bag made from a faded concert tee or a gift from years ago, you’re choosing circularity over disposal. You're proving that sustainability doesn’t require expensive gear or complex systems—just intention and initiative.

💬 Start today: dig out one unworn t-shirt and make your first bag. Share your creation online with #TShirtBagChallenge, or teach a friend the method. Small actions, multiplied across communities, create real impact.