Cut Out + Keep

"I Love Ny" Tote

Declare your love for the Big Apple!

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/i-love-ny-tote • Posted by carlyjcais

Take that shirt showing genuine NYC pride and remake it into a stylish totebag. LOVE is in the details!

You will need

Project Budget
Cheap

Time

1 h 00

Difficulty

So-so
Medium done2 1290690172 Medium done1 1290690205 Medium materials 1290690554 Medium done3 1290690557

Description

Take that shirt showing genuine NYC pride and remake it into a stylish totebag. LOVE is in the details!

Instructions

  1. Small step1 1290690291

    Lay your shirt flat and cut a square out of it, through both layers. Cut as close as you can to the neck ribbing and the armscye seams so you can get the largest square possible from one tee.

  2. Small step2 1290690300

    Pin the square pieces, right sides together, at the sides and the bottom.

  3. Small step3 1290690314

    Sew the sides and bottom together. Do not pivot at the bottom corners; instead round them off (this little trick will be a lifesaver if you ever spill any small objects in the bag; this also prevents dust and dirt from collecting in the corners).

  4. Small step4 1290690326

    If you have an overlocker or serger, overcast the raw edges to prevent unraveling; if not, use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.

  5. Small step5 1290690350

    Measure about 1 3/8" up from the upper line of stitching on the t-shirt's remaining hem piece, and mark. Make another mark at the same place at the other side of the hem piece.

  6. Small step6 1290690362

    Cut straight across.

  7. Small step7 1290690376

    Fold the raw edge of the hem piece under itself and sew it down, matching the stitching line of the hem.

  8. Small step8 1290690387

    This will become the handles for the bag.

  9. Small step9 1290690404

    Cut the hem piece into two pieces.

  10. Small step10 1290690418

    Pin each piece to the underside of the top part of your tote.

  11. Small step11 1290690431

    Fold the end of each piece under just prior to sewing it for added strength.

  12. Small step12 1290690443

    Sew around the edge of the handles, making a square with an "X" through it. This is an exceptionally strong stitch, used commonly for tote handles, and can withstand a lot of stress. You're done! Since the bag is made of stretchy knit fabric, it will conform to the shape of what's inside, and can stretch if you load it up too heavy. You can slip a piece of canvas or some other strong woven inside near to bottom to prevent this - otherwise, hang from your shoulder and declare your love for the Big Apple!