Crafty Summer Series - T-shirt tutorial (results!)

It is reveal day! Challenge #1 in the Brassy Apple and friends Crafty Summer Series is

T-shirts! What can do you with a t-shirt?

It's time to find out!

It seems that Mister Linky isn't working so we will forgot using it for this challenge. *You will need to add your static blog link in the comments section so everyone will know where to find the next great idea!* All comments will be entered into a drawing for a FREE camera strap slipcover from *Shey*[B] Be sure to peek into her shop and mention what your favorite is when you comment too! Be sure to link back to this post here so everyone can find all the other proejcts and get in on the fun too!

You can post your ideas from now (Wed June 3rd) until Sunday night (June 7th). Even if you are not posting a tutorial you can still comment about your favorite ideas, etc and be eligible to win the FREE camera strap slipcover.

Let's get started!

T-shirt sling bag (repurpose)

Supplies:

T-shirt - any size. Great to re-purpose or re-use a favorite shirt, outgrown, stained, etc.

Rotary Cutter and Mat (not necessary but nice)

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Thread

Pins

Material for a Bag Strap - can use fabric, or the by the yard materials at fabric store - 27 inches long for child sized

Shoestring/ribbon/string - something similar in width and strength for casing and closure

(and if you craft one up please share it in the Brassy Apple Flickr Group!)

STEP 1: Lay out your T-shirt (if your shirt has a direction image on it see directions below)

Step 2: Using your Rotary Cutter and Mat (or scissors) cut off both sleeves at an angle - leaving as much shirt as possible. Then cut off the neck hole as well.

Step 3: Flip your t-shirt inside out. Now let's attach your bag strap. In one of the corners pin the end of your strap through one layer of the t-shirt. Sew in place.

Step 4: Tuck the bag stap under and in between the t-shirt layers so it lays flat and comes out the top of the t-shirt. Pin.

Step 5: Pin the 3 sides you cut and sew together.

Step 6: Keeping your strap flat and un-twisted, place the other end of the strap in the opposite corner and pin through one layer of the t-shirt. Be sure to place, pin and sew under the finished hemline. Sew in place being careful to not sew through the finished hemline area. We need that area in the next step.

Step 7: Flip your "bag" right side out. Using the hemline as a premade casing, find the middle of the top and slightly roll the hemline between your two fingers to seperate the two layers. Cut two small slits side by side for your string to go through.

Step 8: Thread through 1 shoestring, ribbon, string, or whatever you would like to pull the top of your bag together. I found this pair of shoelaces on clearance for .90! Pull the top together, tie it off and strap it on!

These bags for great for your kids to be able to throw on their backs while bike riding or taking to the park. They can hold a water bottle or any of their "treasures" they find while out playing. Perfect for trips too to hold all of their cars/toys/crayons. Take it to the beach or the pool! And one of the great things about this bag? It's machine washable! Just throw the entire bag in the washer and the dryer when it gets dirty!

Second option: (directional graphic)

If your t-shirt has a directional image on it and can't be flipped upside down, cut and sewn up like pictured above and follow these alternate directions.

Step 1: Cut off the sleeves and neck hole. (same as instructions above)

Step 2: Turn your shirt inside out and lay flat. Place your strap inside the shirt between the 2 layers, lining up with the bottom of the shirt. Pin in one corner. Pin the entire bottom of the shirt and sew together sewing through and attaching the strap.

Step 3: Pin and sew the 2 angled sides where the sleeves where once located. Leave the top open. Be sure your bag strap is out of the way.

Step 4: Fold back the top edge about 3/4 an inch (or however wide you would like your casing to be) and pin. Sew. Turn your bag right side out and cut to slits in the casing (follow instructions above)

Step 5: Keeping your strap flat and untwisted pin and sew it under your casing on the "back" side of your bag. Thread your string through the casing. And you are done!

Now it's your turn! Add your link in the comments! Have fun looking around at all the other bloggers who took on the challenge!