I needed a few more travel bags for a recent trip, so I grabbed an old button down shirt, and whipped up a few bags that are suitable for packing all manner of bits and pieces while travelling. All up, I made seven bags - today I'll show you three of them.
Made with one of my old button down shirts, these bags took literally minutes to make - possibly the easiest project ever.
- Do up the buttons.
- Decide on the finished size of each bag.
- Decide where the button placket will sit on the finished bag.
- Cut front of bag with the button placket. (Make sure buttons are well away from the seams).
- Cut a corresponding piece from the back of the shirt. You can see that I haven't bothered with matching the direction of the stripes.
- Undo the buttons.
- With right sides together, sew around all four sides (top, bottom and two sides).
- Neaten edges.
- Turn right side out.
That's it - a quick and easy sew!!! The bags can be made in different sizes to suit the end purpose. The smaller the bags, the more you'll get from one shirt - or make one large bag.
A woman's shirt, will most probably have darts in the front. As you can see, I didn't worry about avoiding the darts, resulting in the front of one bag being a little fuller than the back. For me, the bags are totally utilitarian - practical before pretty.
Using a man's shirt will overcome the problem of darts, as well as most likely providing more fabric to play with.
As you can see from the photos, I used my new travel bags for storing cables, cords and chargers for electronic gadgets. They served the purpose very well!!!
I'll be adding my new travel bags to both the Electronic Gadget Covers and the Reusing Shirts link parties, here at Threading My Way.
How to you look after cables and cords when travelling? I have quite a collection, and filled all three bags.
Stay tuned to see the rest of my travel bags made from the same shirt...
Edited to add: Shirt Sleeve Drawstring Bags
... Pam
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This is a genius up-cycling idea!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of having someone else stitch the closures, leaving me to do the simple stitching - HA! Welcome back from Retreat! Can't wait to see your finish posts :D
ReplyDeleteLoved this idea - thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteI can usethose every day , thank you for a great idea ,,,
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheila.
DeleteThese would be easy to make for Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes too. Lots of small items would fit into the bags. I'd suggest reinforcing the buttons with Fray Chek (or similar) because kids in very poor countries might not be able to resew a button.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion, Lin.
DeleteSo very creative!
ReplyDeleteThis is so smart!! Thanks for sharing this idea! I've got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow that features your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=92239 --Anne
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous recycling idea! Genius!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Caroline - and SO easy.
DeleteThese are just brilliant, divide and conquer all those bits and pieces whilst traveling (or while still at home come to think of it!)
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd let you know I pulled an old shirt out of the rag bag to try this at the weekend, only to find I had removed the buttons for my button covered clutch bag! Never mind, the next shirt that is on it's way out in this house is definitely being turned into useful little bags!
DeleteWow Pam, you have BLOWN MY MIND! I can't believe how easy these are to make and how adorable they look! I'm adding these to my To Make list straight away. Thanks for sharing at To Grandma's House We Go. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm about to make another bag, and I know it will only take a few minutes to make. Thanks, Kate.
DeleteP.S. I'll be featuring your genius travel bags this Wednesday at House of Hollingsworth Blog. xx
DeleteGreat.
ReplyDeleteSuper smart idea. When I cut up shirts for the big back material, I always save the cuffs and arms, thinking something good could come of them. I will definitely be trying this.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I have a tutorial coming up soon, showing how I used the sleeves.
DeleteGreat idea. These will be perfect for packing extra pairs of shoes. I cringe at the thought of putting them in without a covering so I end up having to find a plastic bag. This is a nice neat alternative.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leanna. I have to put my shoes in a bag, too, and until recently it was a plastic grocery bag.
DeleteWhat a great idea! I am going to make some. Thanks!
ReplyDeletexo Dianne
What a wonderful little make. Very functional. #Trash2Treasure
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helena. Super, super quick to make.
DeleteSuch a good idea, I always have cables and chargers and plugs all over the place travelling. This is a sewing project even I could manage and the button front is really effective.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with me on #Trash2Treasure and happy travels!
What a fabulous idea! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm!
ReplyDeleteI think his would also work with an old quilt cover, using the poppers in place of the buttons. Nice idea and these would set you back a pretty penny in the holiday shop. #Trash2Treasure
ReplyDeleteNot sure my kids of the wild comment posted for some reason. Great idea and so useful #Trash2Treasure
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lucy.
DeleteSuch a practical idea. Nice way to use old shirts too. I do like a quick project. #Trash2Treasure
ReplyDeleteSimply Brilliant! My mind is spinning with all the upcycle ideas. Now to raid the "give away" box! Thank You!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment. Have fun upcycling!
DeleteVery clever! I'll have to try some!
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