Projects Print - Maker Camp

Materials:

old t-shirt that you don’t mind cutting up
scissors (or rotary fabric cutter for older kids and teens)
Optional:
- masking tape
- ruler
- pen
- pony beads or other beads with a large-ish hole
- a bamboo skewer, skinny screwdriver, ballpoint pen cap, or other stick-type object to push fabric through the bead holes

T-shirtTote-copy

No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag

20-30 min

Ages 8+

What Will You Learn?

What can you make from an old t-shirt? Lots of great upcycled projects!

Watch the video below with Make: author Kathy Ceceri to find out what makes t-shirts stretchy and strong, and see how to turn a retired wearable into a no-sew shopping tote. It’s just one of the projects from Kathy’s book Fabric and Fiber Inventions. (Hint: Get the book in the Maker Shed or your local library for step-by-step written instructions!)

The Video

About the Book

Enjoy this project? The No-Sew T-Shirt Tote bag is just one example of fun and innovative projects you can find in the book Fabric Inventions by Kathy Ceceri. Fully illustrated with easy step-by-step projects, this fun book starts with the basics of sewing and knitting before moving on to more complicated topics such as silkscreen and electronic circuits in your wardrobe. By completing the projects here, you’ll soon be able to create your own amazing fabric and fiber inventions!

Kathy Ceceri

Kathy Ceceri is a STEAM educator and the author of over a dozen books of hands-on learning activities with a focus on science, technology, history, and art. She has taught live online workshops for Maker Camp, written beginner-level tutorials for companies including Adafruit Industries, and worked with the Girl Scouts of the USA to develop robotics badges and a cybersecurity challenge. Formerly the Homeschooling Expert for About.com (now ThoughtCo), Kathy teaches enrichment workshops through schools and libraries, and offers classes directly to families through SEA Homeschoolers. Check out Kathy's books in MakerShed and on Kathy's site. Follow Kathy's works-in-progress and interesting links on Twitter and Facebook and in the group DIY Homeschool. Watch the trailer for her online classes here!

Please Note

Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for these projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear and adult supervision. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. Use of the instructions and suggestions found in Maker Camp is at your own risk. Make: Community disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense.