20 replies to this topic

[pwcross]

Hey, all,

I just wanted to offer up a method for reusing old or thrift-store tank tops. If you have or can find woven tank tops (non-stretch), you've got a free/cheap reusable grocery bag! Just turn it inside-out, sew a seam across the bottom opening (where the waist/hip is), so that you've closed off the bottom. Then, flatten out each bottom corner you've just made, sew a line of stitching perpendicular to the seam you've just made, so that you've created a flat bottom for the bag. That's it, you're done! I've got a bunch of these stashed in my glove compartment and my diaper bag so that I've always got reusable bags on me in case I forget to bring them from home.

[Hayden]

Thanks for this. I'm gonna search youtube for a how-to video on this. Will post back if I find one.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

I've made purses out of jeans before. If you put another small cloth bag inside, you can have
a "hidden" bag-just unzip the zipper.
Most jeans have those little pockets up front too for smaller stuff, and those 2 big ones on the back.
Just cut them off below the crotch, sew away and add a handle (from another pair's waistband) and you're done.

I also made a cute bag out of an old shirt that has a cartoon drawing on it of two pink butted moles.
The caption read-Molasses.

[mariaandrea]

I LOVE this. So simple and easy to do. I can't believe I've never heard of doing it before. In fact, I have one old tank top sitting in a drawer, so guess what's going to happen to it? ;) Thanks!

[Germs]

Very simple and creative idea, not entirely sure i would look good in any sort of tank top, never mind one created out of a bag, but still a creative and useful idea.

[Mon-Jes]

Oh, that's neat! I hadn't thought about doing that. My sewing skills aren't the best, so while I can sew something closed, making a neat 'n' tidy tote bag is still far away for me. This sounds like a quick substitute.

[zararina]

Nice to really reuse old clothes. Some clothes could be donated to charity, be sold on a garage sale for extra income and use for reusable shopping bags like what is discussed on the thread starter. It was simple to make just simple stitches and it was already done. Thanks for sharing how to make that kind of grocery bag here.

[kasheba]

This is such a fun and creative idea i never would have thought of that.

[kathie_san]

This is a creative idea. I have a bunch of old clothes sitting in my storage room, I've been thinking of donating them since they can still be used, but before that I'll make some re-usable bags from them. :)

[artistry]

Very creative way to recycle the old tank tops. A couple of seams and you are ready to shop. Thanks for the share.

[makeitmom]

Wow what a great idea, when I go to yard sales next weekend, I'll be looking for tank-tops for sure! Goodness, what a wonderful alternative to buying bags.

Thanks for the wonderful tip!

[Babyobesity]

Very creative way of making grocery bags. This is so simple, yet very effective. I love this idea, and I'm definitely going to be making some grocery bags in the future. Thanks for the wonderful idea!

[Jessi]

Great idea! I'm always in need of more reusable bags (not just for groceries, but they're really handy to pack day trips or hauling things to/from the garage, etc. This could easily be turned into a unique fashion statement, too, having a variety of tank top bags for various purposes....but still showing off your style.

[greenking]

Hayden have you found the Youtube? Thanks...

[Sandra Piddock]

This forum is a real education for me - I just never would have thought of that, and yet I congratulate myself on being pretty 'green.' Actually, you could extend this to old vest tops as well, because the shoestring straps provide ready made handles. It wouldn't be as strong as the tank top bag, perhaps, but it may do for storing bread in. Over here, they sell cotton bread bags, which help to keep the bread sticks fresh. I have a vest top that has lost its vibrant colour - I think it is about to be reincarnated as a bread bag!

[visionrafael84]

Wow amazing, I love hearing all the creative things people come up with. I dont have a sewing machine, but I do have my trusty tread and needle.

[steph84]

Cool idea, Just Curious! I have a few old t-shirts that I can use for this. I might have to double up the fabric so that my groceries don't rip through it though. Very clever. Will post pictures of my project when done.

[rbaker_59]

This idea reminds me of a quilt pattern I have been wanting to make, just need to save up enough old jeans for the pockets and zippers. It is called a college quilt. You take the pockets and zippers, as well as the fabric that is still good and design the top of the quilt using pockets and zippers to make zippered pockets into the top pattern. The finished quilt has stow away pockets to hide money or valuables. It is a really neat idea to send kids off to college with. I am amazed at all the things you can actually make from older clothes instead of putting them into a landfill.

[btatro]

Very neat. I have turned old tees in scarves and a few other things. Great way to reuse some worn but favorite fabrics!

[aphil]

Thanks for sharing this creative and intelligent way to recycle. It is amazing how the simple things are so handy. Then, when you show the simplicity of your idea, it opens everyones minds to more creative ideas. I am definitely going to do this and feel good about it.