Learn here how to make a no-sew DIY tote bag from a tank top with this free tote bag pattern! This has had over 1000K saves on Pinterest, so be the next to try this easy tote bag pattern!
This quick craft (and with simple step-by-step instructions) takes less than 15 minutes to make!
Don’t want to pull out your sewing machine? Even better because no sewing is needed to make this easy diy tote bag from old clothes! This is a great project for a simple bag that is practical and fun! You could even have the kids work with you on this one! In fact, my daughter wants to pick out her own tank top next time we are at Walmart so she can make her own tote bag.
I saw another simple shoulder bag tutorial online on how to make a simple bag out of a t-shirt.
I got thinking to myself – why bother with cutting the sleeves from an old t-shirt step? Just get a tank top and make this great tote the perfect size!!
I love to take mine to the grocery store to use as a reusable bag. In New York State, plastic bags are now not allowed to be given out at stores. You either pay 5 cents for a paper bag, or bring your own tote bag. These are great to carry produce, bread, and other lighter groceries. This particular fabric may not be the best for a bag full of cans, but it works well for other groceries! Plus you can throw it in the wash machine after every use!
Material needed to make a no-sew tote bag:
- Tank Top (I got mine from Walmart – check out the selection on Amazon as well!). You can also use a t-shirt made from cotton fabric. I don’t recommend any heavy stuff or heavy fabrics in order to keep your perfect tote bag light and airy. You can also find tank tops very cheaply at thrift stores!
- Scissors – although you can use a rotary cutter, I recommend scissors for this tote bag tutorial.
Seriously – That’s it!
How Do You Make A Homemade Tote Bag?
I went into Walmart and found this adorable pink and black chevron tank top for just $3.88! I grabbed size XL so I could make the biggest tote possible. But you can make bags of different sizes depending on the tank or t-shirt you use. A snip here, and a tie there, 15 minutes later you get a tote bag!
- First thing is to turn your tank top inside out (with the outer fabric piece on the inside) and lay the fabric flat with the long side on the right and left. Measure 2″ from the bottom corners and mark across the bottom of the shirt using straight lines.
2. Connect your dots until you get a line that is 2″ above the bottom of the bag – all the way across.
3. Before you begin cutting, if you want to sew on a pocket piece, whether on the exterior or add an interior pocket for safer storage, you can at this step of the tutorial! Otherwise, you can move on to the next step.
4. Now you need to get your pair of scissors and start making cuts at the bottom corner, and create strips of cloth that you will tie. Start at very end and make your first cut up the seam until you reach the 2″ line that you drew.
5. Now make cuts every 3/4″ to 1″ along the bottom. Be sure to cut through both the front and back of the fabric as the strips you are creating will be paired up and tied together. You don’t need to cut the right sides or do anything to the side seam (yay, no raw edges!). All the work is done at the bottom of the shirt.
6. When you finish making the cuts all along the bottom, find your first pair of strips and tie it together twice, making a knot. Now do this with each pair of strips the way along the bottom.
7. When you finish tying, you will notice that there are still small holes that remain in between the knots. If you are nervous that smaller items or something you are carrying in your tote will fall through, then you will need to do one more row of knot tying.
8. You will find new pairs to tie together for this second row of knot tying. Take the top strip from one knot, and the bottom strip from the knot next to it – and tie those 2 together. Do this all the way across the bottom so now those holes are tied up. Tiny items may still sneak out, so only use this bag for items you know can’t fit through those small holes!
9. Here is what the bottom looks like when it is completely tied. You should have an even and flat bottom. The bag will curve when you use it because of the stretchy fabric.
10. Turn your tote back now right side out and you’ll see the cute knots at the bottom. That’s it – you are done! The top of the bag is ready to go since the handles were already in place.
Now you have the perfect bag for the beach, the park, for groceries, yard sale shopping, the local farmers market – you name it! What a great way to put an old tank top to good use to create a cute tote out of it!
You can also use this idea to make some unique gift bags filled with great gifts for friends. That way they get reusable shopping bags as a bonus gift!
15 Minute DIY Tote Bag No Sew For Beginners
DIY Tote Bag Idea – made from a tank top! Learn how to make functional tote bags – NO SEWING Required! These are perfect to use as grocery bags, take to the local farmers market, or use as a beach bag!
Ingredients
- Tank Top (I got mine from Walmart – check out the selection on Amazon as well!). You can also use a t-shirt made from cotton fabric. I don’t recommend any heavy stuff or heavy fabrics in order to keep your perfect tote bag light and airy. You can also find tank tops very cheaply at thrift stores!
- Scissors – although you can use a rotary cutter, I recommend scissors for this tote bag tutorial.
Instructions
- First thing is to turn your tank top inside out (with the outer fabric piece on the inside) and lay the fabric flat with the long side on the right and left. Measure 2″ from the bottom corners and mark across the bottom of the shirt using straight lines.
- Connect your dots until you get a line that is 2″ above the bottom of the bag – all the way across.
- Before you begin cutting, if you want to sew on a pocket piece, whether on the exterior or add an interior pocket for safer storage, you can at this step of the tutorial! Otherwise, you can move on to the next step.
- Now you need to get your pair of scissors and start making cuts at the bottom corner, and create strips of cloth that you will tie. Start at very end and make your first cut up the seam until you reach the 2″ line that you drew.
- Now make cuts every 3/4″ to 1″ along the bottom. Be sure to cut through both the front and back of the fabric as the strips you are creating will be paired up and tied together. You don’t need to cut the right sides or do anything to the side seam (yay, no raw edges!). All the work is done at the bottom of the shirt.
- When you finish making the cuts all along the bottom, find your first pair of strips and tie it together twice, making a knot. Now do this with each pair of strips the way along the bottom.
- When you finish tying, you will notice that there are still small holes that remain in between the knots. If you are nervous that smaller items or something you are carrying in your tote will fall through, then you will need to do one more row of knot tying.
- You will find new pairs to tie together for this second row of knot tying. Take the top strip from one knot, and the bottom strip from the knot next to it – and tie those 2 together. Do this all the way across the bottom so now those holes are tied up. Tiny items may still sneak out, so only use this bag for items you know can’t fit through those small holes!
- Here is what the bottom looks like when it is completely tied. You should have an even and flat bottom. The bag will curve when you use it because of the stretchy fabric.
- Turn your tote back now right side out and you’ll see the cute knots at the bottom. That’s it – you are done! The top of the bag is ready to go since the handles were already in place.
Check out more easy craft or no-sew projects you can try:
- No Sew Pillow Covers with a Felt Flower
- Easy DIY No Sew Rope Bowl
- Upcycled Cereal Box Notebook
- Repurposed Materials: Thrift Store Lampshade Into Cheese Platter
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Beverly says
I love your idea! How in the world did you figure out how to tie the bottom the second way, so that the bottom had no holes? I have tons of tank tops that I bought at Walmart. I wear one under a plaid flannel shirt during the winter. I wear a size medium. How small will the tote be? Do these totes stretch downward when items are added? I like small purses and this tote would sure be cute. They’d make cute gifts. They could be customized by adding like items, baby shower, bridal shower, get well, gym/sports, etc. I could see a laundry bag using a very large tank top.
Karen says
Love the idea to make this the packaging for a gift with one or several small gifts in it. Anyone can do this!
Maura says
Beverly – I don’t know that you can make this entirely hole free by just using knots. I believe you’d have to get your sewing machine out for that. The size of the tote depends on the size of the tank. And yes the tote will stretch – but again that is relative to the kind of material and how heavy the objects are inside the tote. Using this for shower gift or themed gift is brilliant!
Jessica says
This is great! I was given a T-shirt bag, but they had seen the bottom. I don’t have access to a sewing machine, and who in the world would ever hand stitch all that?? This is so much easier & cuter! Thank-you! 👜
Donna says
Could this work as a cat carrier?
Maura says
Hmmm….don’t think a cloth tote bag can work as a cat carrier – there isn’t a good way to keep the cat contained. I’d recommend a cat carrying crate or a cat harness.
Carol says
Okay, I just made two with a couple old tanks that had been designated to
the sleepshirt drawer. They rock. It’s a secret because if word got out that I had actually done a craft in my late 60’s, my reputation would be ruined!
Maura says
LOL best comment I’ve gotten in awhile – thanks Carol for the laugh!!
concrete contractors says
Wow! Good job on this. I made a tote bag as well before except it’s made from unused shirt and girl, I love it a lot. I usually use it when I go to the beach.
emma williams says
Whenever I spend the night with the kids, I hate taking a suitcase etc..This idea is so cute, to throw, extra panties, pj’s house slippers and bathing suit if weather permits.Any extras of any kind. Toothbrush, makeup kit etc. No time for the frills…This makes good sense and Carol, above, I am 84 today!!
Gale says
Like the idea – first thing that happened I got a different idea. Small slot by each side seam then put shoe lace through – could be inside or outside. Tie off with or without a bow and walla. Since I volunteered at our hospital thrift store we got a lot of shoe laces and a lot of those tank tops. Thank you for the great idea.
Maura says
It’s all about inspiration and taking your project to the next level! Love your idea!
Andrea says
This is a wonderful idea.. i definitely will try. I am thinking of sewing a decorative stitch about a 1/4 inch above the line drawn for security then cut the slits and tie from the right side of the shirt. I think the ties would be a cute accent to bag. Thank you so much for idea
Maura says
Love that idea – then nothing will fall out! 😉