🧶 How to Make a Large Shopper Bag from T-shirt Yarn

Sure! Making a large shopper bag from T-shirt yarn (also known as T-yarn or textile yarn) is a fun and eco-friendly DIY crochet project. This bag is perfect for everyday use – sturdy, stretchy, washable, and stylish. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide including materials, techniques, and tips.

🧶 How to Make a Large Shopper Bag from T-shirt Yarn

✂️ Materials Needed:

T-shirt yarn (T-yarn) – approx. 800g–1kg (depends on size and pattern)
- You can buy it or make your own from old T-shirts.
Crochet hook – 8 mm to 12 mm (depending on your yarn thickness)
Scissors
Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
Stitch markers (optional but useful)

🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions

🧵 Step 1: Make or Prepare Your T-shirt Yarn

If you’re making your own yarn:

Use seamless cotton T-shirts.
Cut the body into 1–2 cm wide continuous strips.
Stretch the strip gently – it will curl into a tube shape.
Roll it into a ball.

Tip: Use the same thickness for consistent texture.

🧺 Step 2: Start with the Base (Flat Oval or Rectangle)

Option 1: Oval Base

Chain 20–30 (depends on how wide you want the bag).
Single crochet (sc) into the second chain from the hook and across.
When you reach the end, add 3 sc into the last stitch to curve around.
Continue on the other side of the chain.
Add 3 sc into the other end to match.
Join with slip stitch.

Repeat for 4–6 rounds, increasing at the ends to keep the oval shape.

Option 2: Rectangle Base

Chain 25–35 stitches.
Work single crochet (sc) back and forth for 6–10 rows.
When the base is wide enough, work around the entire rectangle to begin building sides.

👜 Step 3: Build Up the Bag (Sides)

After the base is done, start crocheting in the round without increasing.
Use single crochet (sc) or half double crochet (hdc) for a tight, sturdy stitch.
Continue working up in rounds until the bag is about 30–40 cm (12–16″) tall.

Optional textures:

Back loop only (BLO) stitches for ribbed texture.
Mesh stitches (ch1, skip1, sc) for a more open look.

🪢 Step 4: Add Handles

Option 1: Built-in Handles

When your bag reaches the desired height, mark where you want handles (e.g., 6–8 stitches on each side).
Crochet until you reach the first marker, chain 10–15, skip the same number of stitches, and continue around.
Repeat on the other side.
On the next round, sc into the chains to reinforce the handles.

Option 2: Separate Handles

Create two flat straps with rows of single crochet (e.g., 5 stitches wide, 30 rows).
Sew onto the inside of the bag with a yarn needle.

✨ Step 5: Finishing Touches

Weave in all yarn ends securely using a yarn needle.
You can add a button loop and button to close the top if desired.
Block the bag gently by stuffing it and lightly spraying with water to shape it.

🧼 Care Tips

Wash in cold water by hand or gentle cycle.
Air dry flat to avoid stretching.

🪄 Customization Ideas

Use multiple colors for stripes.
Add a pocket on the inside or outside.
Attach wooden handles for a stylish touch.
Sew in a fabric lining for extra durability and to prevent stretching.

🧶 Simple Pattern Summary (Beginner Friendly – Oval Base)

1. Ch 25
2. Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. 3 sc in last ch.
   Work on other side of ch, sc across, 3 sc in last ch. Join.
3. Round 2–6: Sc around, increase 3 sc at each curved end. Join.
4. Round 7–30: Sc in each stitch (no increases). Work in spiral or join each round.
5. Final rounds: Mark handle placement, ch 12 for handles, skip stitches, continue round.
6. Reinforce handles with 1–2 more rounds.
7. Fasten off, weave in ends.

🧺 Final Thoughts

This project is:

Beginner-friendly 🧶
Sustainable ♻️
Customizable 🎨
Super functional 🛍️

Watch tutorial:

🧶 How to Make a Large Shopper Bag from T-shirt Yarn