How To Make An Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bag With Braided Handles

 Now I have seen a lot of t-shirt tote bag tutorials but this one is really nice! I especially like the braided shoulder straps. Pop on over to Leannes’ blog Chichidee handmade for the step-by-step tutorial on how to make an upcycled t-shirt tote bag.

I have seen plenty of T-shirt tote bag tutorials over the years, but this one from Leanne at Chi Chi Dee Handmade is far more polished than the usual quick cut-and-tie version.

Instead of simply chopping the sleeves from an old shirt and knotting the bottom, Leanne turns three unwanted T-shirts into a proper lined tote bag, complete with interfacing, an optional pocket and beautifully braided handles.

It is a clever upcycled sewing project that still feels genuinely useful rather than something you make once and quietly return to the back of the cupboard.

What Makes This T-Shirt Tote Different?

The braided handles are the first thing that caught my eye.

They are made from recycled T-shirt yarn and give the finished bag a much more substantial, handmade look. They also solve one of the common problems with basic T-shirt bags: thin jersey handles that stretch until the bag is somewhere around your knees.

The bag is also fully lined and reinforced with interfacing. That extra structure makes it suitable for carrying everyday items without the entire thing sagging into a stretchy fabric puddle.

Leanne’s tutorial uses:

• One T-shirt for the outside of the bag
• One T-shirt for the lining
• One T-shirt for the braided handles
• Calico or another firm fabric as interfacing
• An optional piece of T-shirt fabric for a pocket

It is a particularly good project for using shirts that have attractive colours or prints but are no longer worn.

A Closer Look At The Tutorial

The full T-shirt tote tutorial is broken into four main stages.

First, Leanne explains how to cut the outer bag, lining and interfacing pieces. Her original rectangles measured approximately 30 cm by 38 cm, although you can adjust the dimensions depending on the size of your shirts.

The handles are made by cutting one T-shirt into continuous T-shirt yarn, dividing it into strands and creating two fishtail-style braids.

The outer fabric is then reinforced, the optional pocket is attached and the braided handles are sandwiched between the outer bag and lining.

Finally, the bag is turned right side out, topstitched and neatly closed at the lining.

There are plenty of progress photographs in the original post, which are especially useful when it comes to placing the handles and joining the lining to the outer bag.

What I Like About This Project

The best part of this design is that it does not look obviously recycled.

You could use a favourite vintage shirt, a striped top, a band T-shirt or several coordinating solid colours and end up with a bag that looks intentionally designed rather than hastily rescued from the laundry basket.

I also like that the tutorial makes use of almost every part of the shirts. Even the handles are made from recycled jersey, so there is very little need to purchase new fabric.

Adding a lining is another worthwhile detail. Jersey fabric can be wonderfully forgiving, but it is also stretchy, and an unlined T-shirt bag can quickly lose its shape. The lining and interfacing help the finished tote behave more like a traditional fabric bag.

What To Know Before You Start

This is not a completely no-sew T-shirt tote.

You will need a sewing machine, basic sewing confidence and enough patience to work carefully around the bulky braided handles.

Leanne also recommends using T-shirts that are not too stretchy or slippery. A medium-weight cotton jersey will be easier to cut, press and sew than a very thin synthetic shirt.

The tutorial lists an overlocker or serger as optional. You can use a zigzag stitch on a regular sewing machine to secure the fabric edges instead.

A ballpoint or stretch sewing-machine needle would also be a sensible addition. Standard needles can occasionally snag or skip stitches when sewing through knitted T-shirt fabric.

Tips For Choosing Your T-Shirts

Choose shirts that are clean, reasonably strong and not badly stretched around the seams.

Large shirts will give you more room to cut matching rectangles and create longer handle strips. Shirts without side seams are particularly helpful when making continuous T-shirt yarn, although shirts with seams can still be used.

Before cutting, decide which shirt will become:

• The outer bag
• The lining
• The handles

Place the most attractive print or colour on the outside. Save the plainest shirt for the lining and use a contrasting shirt for the handles if you want them to stand out.

Make sure any printed graphic is centred before you cut the outer rectangles. There is nothing quite like proudly finishing a bag only to discover half the design has vanished into the side seam.

Possible Variations

Once you understand the basic construction, this tote would be easy to personalise.

You could:

• Use contrasting shirts for the front and back
• Add two internal pockets instead of one external pocket
• Add a magnetic snap at the top
• Make shorter handles for a handbag-style tote
• Make longer handles for a shoulder bag
• Add boxed corners for a wider base
• Use a favourite child’s shirt to create a keepsake bag
• Turn an old sports or concert shirt into a memory tote
• Add a woven cotton lining for less stretch

A piece of thrifted cotton sheeting or an old pillowcase could also be used for the lining if you do not have three suitable shirts.

For more recycled fabric inspiration, this recycled fabric twisted twine tutorial is another clever way to use strips that would normally end up in the bin.

You may also like these recycled T-shirt pom-poms, which are perfect for using the smaller scraps left behind after cutting your bag pieces.

Is This T-Shirt Tote Tutorial Worth Trying?

Yes, especially if you want an upcycled bag that feels more finished than a basic no-sew grocery tote.

The project does require more work than simply cutting and knotting a shirt, but the lining, interfacing and braided handles make a noticeable difference to the final result.

It would make a practical library bag, casual handbag, craft-project tote or reusable gift bag. It could also be a lovely way to preserve a sentimental shirt that is no longer wearable.

The original tutorial is still available with the full materials list, measurements and step-by-step photographs.

Looking for more ways to refashion t-shirts? check out this amazing refashion book.