Craftsy T-Shirt Shoe Bag TUTORIAL
A few weeks ago Craftsy put out a challenge to their instructors...make something awesome with some extra Craftsy t-shirts. I can't really explain my train of thought, but I thought shoe bags! I've been wanting some shoe bags for when I travel. And the knit of the t-shirts meant that the shoe bags would be both stuffable and stretchable- both selling points when traveling! We were sent two Craftsy shirts. They are super soft knit.
I chose four fabrics that went well with the soft khaki of the shirt. I wanted bright, fun and cheerful. I mixed and matched the fabrics and the ties.
Here's a quick little tutorial so you can make your own! These would also be a great way to repurpose old t-shirts (especially the ones that you can't let go of!).Supplies: One t-shirt per bag, 1/8 yard of fabric for bag, 1/8 yard of fabric for ties (or substitute 2 1/4 yards of twill tape or ribbon)Cutting: Cut two 10 1/2 x 13" pieces of knit from each t-shirt.* Cut four 4 1/2 x 10 1/2" pieces from the bag fabric. Cut two 1 1/2 x 38" pieces for the ties. * You might want to adjust the length based on your shoe size. I added 3" to the length of my shoe.
Step 1: Mark the center inch on the back of two of the bag fabric pieces. It is 1 3/4" from either edge. Two pieces remain unmarked.
Attach a marked bag fabric piece to a knit t-shirt piece along the 10 1/2" edge using a 1/4" seam. Repeat with the other two pieces (one marked bag fabric piece and one knit t-shirt piece). Note that you will want to use a needle designed for stitching knits- ballpoint/jersey/stretch. You will also want to pin heavily as the knit can be unruly.
Attach the unmarked bag fabric pieces along the 10 1/2" edge of each marked bag fabric piece. You should now have two identical pieces with a knit t-shirt piece, then a marked fabric bag piece and another unmarked fabric bag piece. It will measure 10 1/2 x 20". Press all seams away from the knit.Step 2: Place the two pieces right sides together. Stitch a 1/4" seam down each 20" side. DO NOT stitch the 1" marked area and backstitch at the beginning and end of this gap.
Make certain the seam is pressed away from the knit t-shirt.
Then stitch a 1/4" seam along the bottom. The corners should cross as shown creating a strong seam.
Step 3: Turn the bag right side out. Fold under a 1/4" seam along the top raw edge. Pin each of the side seams and stretch out on your ironing board. Use pins to keep the 1/4" even along the edges. Press.
Fold the top of the bag in along the seam. Pin in place and topstitch along the edge securing the inside edge.
Topstitch along the top edge as well. Topstitch along the outer edges of the inch openings creating a channel for the tie.
Step 4: Press the ties in half, then press in each side to create double fold binding.
Press in half again concealing all raw edges. Top stitch. Put a safety pin on the end and feed through the channel. Feed the other tie through the channel from the opposite side. Tie the ends in place.
Step 5: Plan an awesome trip and use your bags!xx LC