Upcycling jeans & T-shirts
Upcycling T-shirts & jeans into bags and pencil cases
Have a look through your wardrobe and sort out anything that you don’t wear anymore or is a bit old and worn. You can turn these items of clothing into fabulous bags, pencil cases or mini travel bags without even needing a sewing machine. Upcycling is all the rage and allows you to give old clothes a new lease of life. We'll show you how you can easily upcycle old T-shirts and jeans and turn them into practical bags, mini travel bags and pencil cases without even needing a needle and thread.
Upcycling T-shirts: making a bag out of an old T-shirt
Making a bag from a T-shirt
Do you have an old T-shirt that you no longer wear and don't want to throw away? Our easy upcycling idea will give your T-Shirt a new lease of life. We'll show you how to make a bag out of a T-shirt. Simply follow our step-by-step instructions and create a practical everyday accessory in no time at all and this can be done even without needing a sewing machine, needle and thread.
In addition, there are different methods to make your own homemade bag out of an old T-shirt, depending on your preferred style.
T-shirt upcycling step-by-step instructions
This simple T-shirt upcycling idea can easily be completed at home. You probably already have most of the things you will need to get started!
Everything you will need
An old T-shirt
Ruler
A pair of (fabric) scissors
Pen (tailors chalk, fineliner or pencil)
Step-by-step instructions
1. Start by cutting out the sleeves on your T-shirt. Make sure to cut off the sleeves in a semi-circle so that the straps on your handmade bag look great.
2. Next, cut out the collar in a semi-circle. Make sure that the shoulder section is not too thin, as this will later be used for the straps on your bag.
If you would like a bag with fringes, you can trim around the edges where you have already cut out the arms and collar.
3. Now, put your T-shirt flat in front of you and measure approx. 2 cm from to the left from the bottom right-hand side. Mark this point with a dot. From this point, measure 10 cm upwards from the bottom hem and draw a line.
4. Next, measure another 2 cm to the right and draw another line measuring 10 cm. Repeat these steps until you have reached the edge of your T-shirt.
Tip: If you love fringed bags, you can also opt to make the fringes longer on your handmade bag.
5. Cut along each line on your T-shirt to make the fringes. Cut both the front and back.
6. Pull down slightly on each individual fringe. This will make the fringes slightly longer and may cause them to curl.
7. Now, knot each fringe on the front and back together. It is a good idea to make a double knot.
8. Your brand-new handmade bag is now finished and you can take your new bag with you next time you head into town!
T-shirts with bright prints can also be used to make stylish bags. If your T-shirt has a breast pocket, you can use it as a small extra pocket on your new bag.
How to make a no-fringe bag out of an old T-shirt
Do you prefer a bag with a smarter look? You can also upcycle your old T-shirt into a no-fringe bag in a similar way!
Follow our step-by-step instructions above, but make sure to turn your T-shirt inside out before measuring and cutting the fringes. Carefully knot the fringes and turn your T-shirt inside out again. The result is a smart no-fringe bag!
Making a handmade bag with braided straps
If you would like to add a personal touch to your handmade bag, you can also decorate the straps on your bag. You could braid the straps to create a great look. Follow our step-by-step instructions below on how to make a handmade bag with braided straps:
1. Start by cutting just below the collar to make the straps longer.
2. Next, split the seam at the top of the shoulder on both sides for the straps.
3. Now, cut each of the four straps into 3 vertical strips.
4. You can use these 3 strips to create a braided strap. To add a splash of colour you can also add a coloured piece of ribbon, a shoelace or spare pieces of fabric.
5. Finally, knot the opposite, braided straps together at the top. Your wonderful braided bag is now finished and you can use it next time you pop into town!
You can also jazz up your handmade bag with batik, textile pens or embroidery!
Upcycling jeans to make a DIY pencil case
How to make a pencil case out of an old pair of jeans
You don’t need to throw away your old pair of jeans, as you can upcycle them. You can even upcycle ripped jeans that can no longer be worn. You can use the high-quality denim fabric to make lots of beautiful items and accessories. We will show you how to make a mini travel bag or a practical pencil case out of an old pair of jeans. This is the perfect idea for keeping all your pens and bits and bobs in one place.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make a DIY pencil case from an old pair of jeans
The best thing about this upcycling idea is that you don't need a sewing machine or any sewing skills. With a little fabric glue, you can easily make new items and accessories by upcycling your old jeans.
Everything you will need
An old pair of jeans
Ruler
A pair of (fabric) scissors
Pen (tailors chalk, fineliner or pencil)
Fabric glue
An iron
Zip
How to make a pencil case using an old pair of jeans
1. Don’t forget to iron your pair of jeans before you upcycle them. Now, turn your jeans inside out and cut out a piece of fabric for your pencil case or mini travel bag. A good size is 20 x 27 cm, but if you want to make a pencil case you will need to measure how long your pencils are. Make sure to add 2 cm to these measurements for all 4 sides.
2. When you have cut out your piece of fabric to the desired size, you should turn it over and place it in front of you. Fold the piece of fabric by placing the short sides on top of each other. Unfold it again and mark the centre fold.
3. Measure 2 cm along the two short edges and draw a vertical line. This is the seam allowance that you will glue together later.
4. Now, place the edge of the fabric on your marked line and iron over the fold.
5. Place the zip over the mark in the middle.
6. Next, apply some fabric glue to the piece of fabric on both the left and right of the zip. Make sure that no glue gets on the zip. Now, glue the non-ironed edges on the fabric part of the zip.
7. Leave your handmade pencil case to dry well. Make sure to also follow the instructions on how to use the fabric glue.
8. Now, open the zip and turn your pencil case inside out.
9. Apply the fabric glue to the short sides between the two layers of fabric and glue the left and right side of your pencil case together.
10. Leave everything to dry.
11. Turn your pencil case inside out again. Voilà! Your new pencil case or mini travel bag is all done.
Upcycling old clothes: ideas for upcycling old T-shirts and jeans
Upcycling allows you to easily transform old items of clothing into new, stylish accessories with just a little creativity. With our ideas, you can quickly and easily create a unique bag for everyday use or a practical pencil case or a mini travel bag to keep your handbag organised. Why not give it a try and give your old clothes a second chance!
