DIY: Sweatshirt Market Tote Bag

This sweatshirt was no longer as slouchy as I would like (one too many tumbles in a too hot dryer…yep!) and was languishing unloved in my wardrobe. So I thought I’d turn it into a handy little market tote, (complete with reinforced handles) ready for my next shopping trip… here’s how….

Start by pressing and laying out flat with shoulder seams lined up….

Cut off the sleeves using the seams as a guide…

Cut a big “U” shape out of the neckline…

Turn inside out, remove ribbing, sew opening closed (I curved my corners), then turn right side out again….

Now for the handles. Cut 2 x 7″ sections from the ribbing you just removed….

Fold in half lengthwise and serge (you could also zig zag or stretch stitch) all the way along the open edge. Look what it does! Cuurves into a perfect handle shape!

Feed one side of a handle through the tube…

Secure/stitch the 2 handle/strap pieces together…

Then slide the tube of ribbing over the join to hide it and distribute evenly. Repeat for both handles….

and you’re done!

The beauty of this is that it provides a little more structure and support to what would otherwise be rather stretchy handles, which has kinda what put me off the idea of T Shirt bags in the past. Plus sweatshirt fabric is sturdier to begin with. I think this bag could take a few fresh apples and bananas without breaking into a sweat (unintentional pun 😉

Do you use reuseable shoppers? Handmade or shop bought? My worst habit is actually remembering to take them with me to the shop…doh!