Don't throw away that old button-down shirt just yet! This detailed tutorial will show you how to breathe new life into a forgotten garment by transforming it into three stylish and functional accessories: a tote bag, a mini coin purse, and a chic headband. This project is the ultimate upcycle, turning one piece of clothing into a coordinated set of handmade items. It’s a perfect project for any level of sewer looking for a creative, eco-friendly way to use up old clothes.
Materials You'll Need
This project's charm comes from using a single shirt. A pinstripe or patterned shirt works great for this, but a solid color would also be beautiful.
1 Long-Sleeve Shirt: Choose a shirt that is in good condition, as the fabric will be the main material for all three items.
Fabric for Lining and Interfacing:
A medium-weight fabric for the tote bag lining.
Fusible interfacing for the tote bag's main body.
Hardware & Notions:
Snap button or magnetic clasp for the coin purse.
A small piece of elastic for the headband.
A piece of lace or ribbon for headband embellishment.
Sewing thread in a coordinating color.
Optional: A pair of tote bag handles (if you don't want to make your own).
Tools:
Sewing machine
Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter
Pins or Clover clips
A ruler and fabric marker
An iron and ironing board
Part 1: The Tote Bag
The main body of your tote bag will come from the front and back of the shirt.
Cut the Main Panels: Lay your shirt flat and cut a large rectangular panel from the front and another from the back, avoiding the collar and button placket. The size of these panels will determine the size of your tote bag. The video uses the existing shirt pocket, so be sure to cut around it if you want to include it.
Prepare the Panels: Iron fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of your two main outer panels. This will give your tote bag structure and durability. Then, pin and sew the outer panels and the lining panels together, right sides facing, to create two separate bag bodies (one outer, one lining).
Attach the Handles: If you're using pre-made handles, simply pin them to the top of your outer bag body. If you're using the shirt sleeves or other scraps, create your own handles by sewing two long fabric strips. Securely sew the handles to the main outer bag panels.
Final Assembly: Insert the lining into the outer bag, right sides together. Sew the top edge all the way around. Pull the bag through the small opening you left in the bottom of the lining. Give the bag a final press and close the opening in the lining.
Part 2: The Mini Coin Purse
The sleeves of the shirt are perfect for making small pouches and purses.
Cut the Purse Panels: Take one of the sleeves and cut off the cuff. Cut a rectangular panel from the sleeve. This will be your main purse body. You can also cut a small pocket from a scrap of the shirt and attach it to the front of this panel if you wish.
Create the Loop: From a leftover scrap, create a small fabric loop. Pin this loop to one of the top corners of your main purse body, raw edges aligned.
Sew the Purse: Fold the purse panel in half, right sides facing. Sew a seam along the three raw sides, leaving a small opening to turn.
Add the Closure: Turn the purse right-side out and close the opening. Sew a snap button or magnetic clasp to the top opening of the purse.
Part 3: The Headband
The remaining sleeve and scraps are perfect for creating the final accessory.
Cut the Headband Strip: Take the remaining sleeve. Cut a long strip of fabric, approximately 20-24 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.
Sew the Headband: Fold the strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew a seam down the long edge to create a tube. Turn the tube right-side out.
Insert the Elastic: Cut a piece of elastic about 6-8 inches long. Use a safety pin to thread the elastic through the fabric tube. Sew the ends of the elastic together to create a continuous loop.
Finish and Embellish: Sew the two open ends of the fabric tube together to finish the headband. If you'd like to add an extra touch, sew a piece of lace or a strip of fabric to the front of the headband for a decorative accent.
Your upcycled set is now complete! Enjoy your brand-new, coordinated tote bag, coin purse, and headband—all made from a single old shirt.
No comments:
Post a Comment