Upcycled T-Shirt Handbag : : Tutorial

Check it out ... handbags knitted from strips of recycled t-shirts! 

Do you remember as a kid making potholder from knit loops? That's all there is to it. This red bag is one of the first ones I made. Of course I couldn't use just one color red, I mixed it up a bit with a burgundy tee, and a taupe tee.

Then I got a little fancy and added a flap and just one strap and some fun home dec fabric as lining. 

This handbag is the largest of the three and my favorite ... Love the brooch on the flap!

Tutorial:

Knitting needles: Size 11 circular, 24” or 29”.

T-shirts: 5 or 6 size large in coordinating colors

Cutting t-shirts into ‘Yarn’:

1.      Lay shirt flat with the front facing you and smooth out any wrinkles.

2.      Fold shirt in half lengthwise. (Do not try and line up the hem)

3.      Place shirt on a green mat and align the folded edge with a horizontal line on the mat.

4.      Using a large see-through ruler and a rotary cutter, cut off the hem area.

5.      Cut the remaining body of the shirt in 1/4 “ – 3/8 “ strips. Stop when you reach the underarm of the sleeve. The width of the strips will be determined by the weight of the shirt. If it is a rather heavy knit, cut ¼ “strips. If the shirt is lightweight, cut 3/8” strips.

6.      Repeat steps 1-5 for all your t-shirts.

 

Knitting Instructions:

1. Pull strips to break the loop, creating a little roll out of them.  Tie together 3 or 4 strips of ‘yarn’.

1. Cast on (CO) 62, 80, 90 (Small, Medium, Large) stitches.
2. Knit (K) 1 row.
3. Purl (P) 1 row.
4. Tie on yarn as needed. This way you can see what color is needed next.
5. Repeat 2 and 3 until the purse measure 10”, 12”, 14”.

Flap Instructions:

1. Bind off 39, 48, 55 stitches.
2. Knit 1 row, turn work. Repeat until flap measures about two thirds the length of the body.
3. Cast off stitches.

Finishing:

1. Pick up 4, 4, 5 stitches at the top edge of work, on either sides of the flap.
2. Knit these stitches until the strap measures the desired length.
3. Whip stitch, or crochet the bottom shut.

Lining:

1. Cut lining for purse about 2” larger in length and width than the purse measures. The purse will stretch as it hangs.
2. Cut the flap lining just slightly larger than it measures, allowing for seam allowance to be turned under.
3. Machine, or hand stitch flap lining into place.
4. Drop the purse lining into the pure and Machine or hand stitch in place.

Embellishments:

Hand sew a large button or broach to the flap, or braid a loop and attach to the purse, then add a large button to the front.

 

Comments

[Danita]

Love visiting your blog Cynthia! You always have something fresh and fun to teach :)
Can't wait to try this when I learn knitting.
Danita

[Alisa]

These are aweome, Cynthia!

[donna!ee]

i agree...you always share fresh, fun AND challenging! thank you so much ... :)

[Deb Ambrosino]

Cynthia,

The red bag is so facinating, thanks for telling the colors used to create a rich, beautiful "red". The taupe was a surprise but it all works so well.

Deb

[Claire Smith]

Hey Cynthia, I love your tutorials, particularly the flower headband.
Would like to ask you a question about the use of your tutorials.
If you could email me that would be great. I tried to email you but nothing happened when I clicked on the link.

Thanks, Claire :}

[Darcy]

Great purses! Thanks for sharing the patterns too. Now... if you can come over for a week to visit and teach me to knit?? xo
*The blue with the brooch is my favorite! So fresh and beachy.
Darcy

[dreambox 500]

Wow what a nice handbags.I really surprised to see this beautiful bags.You made a fabulous collection.

[Bettsi]

Can you tell I am just loving your blog!? So many wonderful projects- this one is really great.

[Marcia L.]

Love your bags! Are these knitted in the round or flat then seamed?