Sewing a shopper bag from a T-shirt and a ready polyester bag: 4 rectangles, handles 60 x 8 cm, handle offset 11 cm, 10 cm bottom fold, and bias-bound side seams.
BeginnerFree
Translated
Things you will learn
The T-shirt and factory bag are cut into 4 rectangles of the same size.
The handles are cut from the lower part of the T-shirt: 2 strips measuring 60 x 8 cm.
It is best to reinforce the handles with firm fusible interfacing or 4 cm strips cut from the store-bag handles.
The boxed bottom is formed with a 10 cm fold and then secured by the side seams.
What you will make
You will make a double-layer shopper bag: decorative T-shirt fabric on the outside, a polyester base inside, reinforced handles, and a boxed bottom. The source calls the bag sturdy thanks to the reinforced handles, double layer, and bias-bound side seams, but the load should still match the fabric and seam quality.
Materials and tools
Materials
Unwanted women’s T-shirt, for the outer decorative layer and handles
Ready polyester store bag, 1 pc., used as lining and reinforcement for the soft T-shirt fabric
Firm fusible interfacing, recommended for reinforcing the handles
Bias tape, for finishing the side seams and adding strength
Sewing thread, matching or contrasting
Cardboard or plastic for the bottom insert, optional; cover the insert with fabric
Soft rubberized polyurethane mesh, optional tip from the discussion: cut into strips and place inside the handles
Tools
Sewing machine, for straight seams, handles, bottom, and side seams
Scissors, for taking apart and cutting the T-shirt, base bag, and handles
Pins, for pinning handles, lining, and the bottom fold
Iron, for pressing handles and folds
Ruler or measuring tape, for 60 x 8 cm handles, 11 cm offset, and 10 cm fold
Preparation
Why use a factory bag
In the original version, the factory polyester bag reinforces the soft T-shirt fabric and becomes the inner layer. In the discussion, the author clarified that if you sew from burlap-like fabric, denim, or another sturdy fabric, you can skip the ready store bag.
Check the length for the handles
From the lower part of the T-shirt, you need 2 strips 60 cm long and 8 cm wide. If there is not enough continuous length, the author allows sewing each handle blank from two pieces.
Cutting the T-Shirt and Base
First take the T-shirt and ready bag apart into matching rectangles, then cut the strips for the handles.
Make 4 rectangles of the same size
Cut off the upper part of the T-shirt from the armholes upward. Match the remaining part to the factory polyester bag, trim the excess, and remove the old seams so you get 4 rectangles of the same size.
Cutting the outer layer using the ready polyester base.
Cut the handle strips
From the lower part of the T-shirt, cut 2 strips 60 cm long and 8 cm wide. If the fabric is not long enough for full strips, piece each blank from two parts.
Handle size
In this tutorial, the source handle size is 60 x 8 cm.
Handles and Bag Top
The handles are reinforced separately and then sewn between the outer textile layer and the polyester lining.
Reinforce and stitch the handles
It is best to reinforce the handles with firm fusible interfacing. If you do not have it, cut 4 cm wide strips from the handles of the store-bag base and use them as reinforcement. Fold the handle edges toward the center, pin, press, and stitch.
Handle after folding the edges toward the center.
Option from the discussion
One commenter suggested inserting strips of soft rubberized polyurethane mesh into the handles: this may add shape and shoulder comfort, but it is not required in the original method.
Sew the handles between the layers
Pin the handles to the textile base, placing them 11 cm from the edges. Cover with the polyester lining and sew. Repeat the same for the second half of the bag.
Handles are pinned with an offset before joining with the lining.
Turn and secure the top edge
Turn the pieces right side out and secure them with a straight stitch along the fold line. At the handle joins, you can add an extra line of stitching.
Check the handles
Before assembling the bottom, make sure the handles on both halves of the bag are symmetrical and the 11 cm offset is the same.
Boxed Bottom
The main construction detail of the shopper is the 10 cm fold that creates the boxed bottom.
Sew the bottom line
Place the front and back bag pieces together and sew them along the bottom edge.
Form a 10 cm fold
Make a 10 cm wide fold, using the photo as a guide. Pin the layers and align the fold line so the corners come out even.
Forming a 10 cm fold for the boxed bottom.
Neat corners
The discussion specifically praised how neat this bottom looks. Do not rush the seam: first align the fold line and pin the fold.
Sew the sides and finish with bias tape
Sew the side seams, finish them with bias tape for extra strength, then turn the bag right side out and smooth all folds.
Finished boxed bottom after turning the bag right side out.
Extra Bottom Reinforcement
Make an insert if needed
To strengthen the bottom, you can make an extra insert from cardboard or plastic covered with fabric. This is an optional step from the source text.
Check before washing
If you plan to wash the bag often, a removable plastic insert is more practical than cardboard.
Finish and variations
Finish
Final check
Open out the boxed bottom, check that the handles are symmetrical, and see whether the outer T-shirt fabric pulls against the polyester lining. Add a removable bottom insert if needed.
Variations
Denim or burlap-like version
According to the author’s clarification in the discussion, if you sew an eco bag from burlap-like fabric, denim, or another sturdy fabric, you can skip the ready factory bag.
Pieced handles
If the lower part of the T-shirt is not long enough for 60 cm strips, the handle blanks can be sewn from two pieces.
Soft padding inside the handles
Tip from the discussion: you can insert strips of soft rubberized polyurethane mesh into the handles so they hold shape better and feel more comfortable on the shoulder.
The T-shirt and factory bag were not aligned before trimming, or old seams were left in place.
How to fix it
First align the T-shirt with the polyester bag, then trim the excess and remove seams so you get 4 rectangles of the same size.
The handles are soft and stretch out
Problem
The handles do not hold their shape after stitching.
Likely cause
There is no interfacing or other reinforcement.
How to fix it
Reinforce the handles with firm fusible interfacing. If you do not have it, use 4 cm wide strips cut from the handles of the store-bag base; as an option from the discussion, you can insert soft rubberized polyurethane mesh.
It is unclear whether a factory bag is needed for sturdy fabric
Problem
With denim or burlap-like fabric, the double layer seems unnecessary.
Likely cause
The source method is designed for soft T-shirt fabric.
How to fix it
If you sew from burlap-like fabric, denim, or another sturdy fabric, the author clarified in the discussion that you can skip the factory-bag step.
The bottom is uneven
Problem
The boxed bottom looks crooked, with corners at different heights.
Likely cause
The 10 cm fold was not aligned before sewing the side seams.
How to fix it
Form a 10 cm wide fold, align the fold line, and pin the layers before stitching. Only then sew the side seams.
The side seams look weak
Problem
The bag should carry shopping, but the side seams look unprotected.
Likely cause
The seams were not finished with bias tape, or the fabric is too soft.
How to fix it
Finish the side seams with bias tape, as in the source. For the bottom, add a separate cardboard or plastic insert covered with fabric if needed.
?FAQ
Why use a ready store bag?
In the original version, it reinforces the soft T-shirt jersey and works as polyester lining. For sturdy fabric such as denim or burlap-like fabric, the author said in the discussion that you can skip this step.
What size are the handles?
Cut 2 strips from the lower part of the T-shirt, each 60 cm long and 8 cm wide. If there is not enough fabric, you can piece the strips from two parts.
How far from the edge should I pin the handles?
Pin the handles to the textile base 11 cm from each edge.
How do I make the boxed bottom?
First sew the front and back pieces along the bottom edge, then form a 10 cm wide fold, pin it, align the fold line, and after that sew the side seams.
Do I need a bottom insert?
It is optional. The source says you can strengthen the bottom with a cardboard or plastic insert covered with fabric.
Your project
Log in to track your project, attach photos, and publish your result into the shared feed.
Recently in one tutorial I saw rubberized mesh made of soft polyurethane inserted into handles, cut into strips :unsure: That really impressed me: surely those handles not only hold their shape well, but are also comfortable on the shoulder because of the springy layer. So, if it is relevant to you, keep it in mind ;)
I agree with Ninel: the pattern seems very simple, but the result is wonderful. My question is this: if, for example, I sew it from denim or another sturdy fabric, is it not necessary to duplicate it? As I understand it, the factory bag here is needed to reinforce the T-shirt jersey?
BeginnerFree
Recently in one tutorial I saw rubberized mesh made of soft polyurethane inserted into handles, cut into strips :unsure: That really impressed me: surely those handles not only hold their shape well, but are also comfortable on the shoulder because of the springy layer. So, if it is relevant to you, keep it in mind ;)