Looking for project that is sew easy for any level of skill? This mini duffle bag is perfect for just that and makes a great gift too. Today is the last Tuesday of the month which means it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. First, lemme just say I mean this is super easy because as I continue to heal from my fractured thumb, that means if I can do it, you can too. Right?

As always, I’m a sucker for taking something cast-off and seeing potential in it. For me, that’s half the fun.

This time around, I have put in over 13 hours of drive time to my kids sporting events this week and I wanted to stay home. The oldest three girls went on a run and to the thrift store, so I ask them to pick out a couple of fun button-down shirts for me. Here’s what they showed me that I thought would work. Thanks, girls!!

Ok, so to make things simple for all considered, I am writing this out as well as quick video in case you have a better time with visual steps. Also, yes, I’m making another bag because (1) I love them (2) I had another project but broken thumb decided otherwise for now.

Here are my past bag projects below:

• Upcycled Messenger Bag
• Boho Bag from Refashioned Skirt
• DIY Denim Bag
• DIY Sling Bag from Refashioned Shirt
• Corduroy Hip Bag from Refashioned Pants
• Reusable Compact Shopping Bag from Refashioned Tank Top
• Upcycled Bandana Drawstring Bag
• and more HERE

GETTING STARTED

What’s great about this mini duffle bag is that you can use any size shirt (or any fabric) to create a size you want. Small shirt offers a small bag, etc. And there’s no set pattern, so you have flexibility. Also, and added bonus is these are great as gift bags, especially if you use a loved one’s shirt. What is more, you can mix up shirts if they’re the same size add lining, pockets… the sky’s the limit!

TERMS OF USE: If you want to create a mini duffle bag, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own. 

Here’s what you need:

• long sleeve button-down shirt in any size or pattern (have fun choosing!) in natural fabrics is best, like cotton, linen, or blends.
• sewing machine
• coordinating or contrasting thread
• sewing scissors or rotary cutter like I’ll be using because of my thumb
• ruler or tape measure
• tailor’s chalk or basic chalk, pen, pencil
• clothing iron
• iron-on interfacing (if desired for adding form to thinner fabrics)
• seam ripper (optional)

To make this simple, watch the video tutorial in the video below AND you can follow the outlined steps below as well. Oh, and there’s a few special cameos in this video. {{wink, wink}}

STEP 1

First, you want to cut the shirt sleeves off and save those for later. Then, following the cutting lines shown, continue until you get the results pictured below.

If you notice, I cut on the button placket the same distance from each button on the top and bottom.

Additionally, I remove the pocket with a seam ripper.

STEP 2

In order to create the bag depth, cut 3 ½” squares from each corner.

STEP 3

Next, bring back those sleeves and cut through both layers so you get 4 – 16″ x 2 ½” strips.

STEP 4

At this point, if you’re using a shirt made of a thinner fabric, you may want to use an iron-on interfacing. For instance, the polka dot bag in the video tutorial. If you have a heavier fabric or just don’t want to use interfacing, skip to STEP 5.

Cut your interfacing with ¼” allowance.

I prefer not to make my sewing needle gum up with the interfacing, so I add the allowance. However, you can use a heavy-duty needle to punch through the interfacing and fabric layers for added oopmf to your seams. Just watch out for build-up on your needle.

STEP 5

As you can see, I sew down the long side, across the short side, and then up the other long side leaving the last short side open. This is so you can turn the strap right side out. Also, as I mention in the video tutorial, I mistakenly removed the paper and had to place it back on so it wouldn’t stick to my sewing foot or feed dogs.

Last, remove the paper from the straps.

STEP 6

After sewing, turn the straps right sides out.

Then, press with an iron turning in the open end ¼” and press as well.

STEP 7

To finish the straps, topstitch an ⅛” from the edge around all sides.

STEP 8

Then, attach the handles as shown on both sides of the button portion of the cut shirt.

Use a simple box stitch to attach the straps.

STEP 9

After that, let’s focus back on the bag body assembly. Again, the video demonstrates assembly by starting with pinning and stitching the long sides.

In addition, as an extra measure for stability, double back over the button placket so it can withstand the opening and closing of the mini duffle bag.

As I mention in my video, I am horribly missing my serger for this part as I don’t care for messy edges and that encases each seam beautifully, when it is working, anyways.

STEP 10

After that, it’s time to box the corners. Pinch together as I’m doing in the picture below and stitch straight across. If you need to see it in action, check my video tutorial above.

STEP 11

Finally, remove the interfacing paper and trim any loose threads. Then, unpin the handles and unbutton the opening so you can turn your bag right side out.

REFASHION FUN

With all this fun I’m having, I hope you can enjoy the fruits of my labor. Here are my two mini duffle bags rarin’ and ready to go. woot!

I’m thankful with my fractured thumb I am able to make these two from the thrifted shirts. Which one is your favorite?

Oh, and I had to make use of those fun cuffs.

While I adore polka dots, I’m also a sucker for the blue/green color that’s reminiscent of my kitchen cabinets.

SHARE

As always, I create these projects to inspire you to give DIY a try. Leave some comment love below as well as pin and share to inspire others.

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While you’re at it, here are more refashion projects like this mini duffle bag: