In this easy upcycling tutorial, I'll show you how to make a tote bag from old curtains. I repurposed an old curtain and made a tote bag. A friend gave me their old curtains and I’d already upcycled the majority of them into gardening tool belts. I made one for myself and gave the others away to friends.
You can watch the gardening tool belt sewing tutorial here - • How to make a gardenin...
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The remaining curtain fabric was perfect to make this bag. Curtain fabric is perfect for this type of upcycling project because it’s quite rigid and sturdy.
First I cut five pieces - two identical pieces for the front and back, two identical pieces for the sides, and one for the bottom. The dimensions are in the comments below. I then sewed the two side pieces to the front panel. Then I sewed these to the back piece.
I used a sewing machine for this project but you could probably use iron on hemming tape and hand stitching. You’ll see that I got lazy toward the end and used iron on hemming tape. Next the bottom is attached.
One tip I would suggest is not to sew the corners at the same time you’re sewing the bottom to the other pieces. Once done, then sew the bottom corners on the diagonal. This gives you a nice rounded finish on the corners.
To make the handles, I used some vinyl handles that I had cut off a backpack that I had repurposed a while ago. If you don’t have anything like that, you could sew handles in the same way you would a waistband for a skirt or pants.
I then sewed the handles to the bottom of the bag and top, near the opening.
And finally, I used an old calico grocery bag for the inside lining. I had to take in the side seams slightly so it fit snuggly inside. This wasn’t hard and, best of all, I didn’t have a perfect job because no one would see the lining. I couldn’t be bothered sewing this so used iron-on hemming tape to secure it in place. Quick and easy.
I love this tote bag. It’s functional, hardy, and best of all, cost me nothing. When I’m thrift shopping, I always look out for curtain fabric because it’s so perfect for upcycling projects.
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See you next time,
BEX.
My upcycling tutorials are perfect for people looking for:
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* tutorial how to sew a tote bag
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* how to upcycle clothes ideas
* upcycling clothes ideas
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* how to flip thrift store clothes
Second Life Upcycling is about altering and upcycling clothes to give them a second life, inspiring people to recycle, repurpose, refashion, reuse, and rethink. On this channel, you'll find easy, quick, and simple step-by-step clothes upcycling tips and easy sewing tutorials. I have been thrifting, second-hand shopping, and sewing for 30+ years. I started thrifting in the 1980s. My passion is following an ethical style when it comes to my clothing choices and living an environmentally friendly life. I rarely buy new clothes (or anything new for that matter), instead shopping second hand at shops, Goodwill, Vinnies, Salvos and flea markets.
Why upcycling is important.
Upcycling promotes a more sustainable, creative, and responsible approach to fashion, all of which contributes to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
Upcycling helps reduce waste by repurposing old or unwanted garments, often diverting them from landfill. With the fashion industry being one of the planets largest polluters, upcycling and repurposing clothing reduces the need for new materials and decreases carbon emissions associated with the product and disposal of clothing.
Traditional clothing manufacturing consumes significant amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. Upcycling clothing not only extends the life of existing textiles, conserving these valuable resources, but promotes more sustainable consumption patterns.
Upcycling clothes and other materials encourages creative freedom by transforming old clothes into unique, personalised garments. Upcycling and sewing fosters innovation and encourages people to experiment with designs, creating one-of-a-kind items that reflect personal style and creativity. Cost Effective Upcycling clothing can be very cost-effective by reducing money spent purchasing new clothes but can also assist charities when clothes are purchased second hand from charities.