If you’ve got a pair of shorts lying around that don’t quite fit anymore, don’t toss them out just yet! With a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can repurpose them into a trendy bag that’s both functional and fashionable. Follow along with this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to breathe new life into those neglected shorts.
Materials Needed:
- Unworn shorts
- Sewing machine (or needle and thread if sewing by hand)
- Scissors
- Chalk or fabric marker
- Liner fabric
- Sturdy cardboard
- Plates or bowls for shaping
- Pins
- Iron (optional, for pressing seams)
Step 1: Prepare the Shorts Start by cutting off the top of the shorts to create an open end.
Step 2: Adjust the Fly Area If there’s excess fabric below the fly, turn the shorts inside out, pin the area, and sew it up to streamline the shape. Trim any excess fabric.
Step 3: Measure and Cut Measure the width of the bottom of the shorts. Then, cut up one seam of each leg, lay the pieces flat with right sides together, and sew them to create one large piece of fabric for the bag’s bottom.
Step 4: Create the Bag Bottom Use plates or bowls to trace a curve onto the fabric, creating a template for the bottom of the bag. Cut out the shape.
Step 5: Cut the Liner Fabric Using the bag’s top part as a guide, cut out the liner fabric, leaving extra for seam allowances. Repeat the process for the bottom of the bag.
Step 6: Sew the Bag With right sides together, pin and sew the bag’s main fabric pieces. Use the excess fabric from the leg seams to create straps, folding and sewing them for reinforcement.
Step 7: Add Pockets Cut additional strips of liner fabric for pockets. Fold, press, and sew the hems, then attach them to the liner.
Step 8: Insert Cardboard Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard to fit the bottom of the bag, providing structure.
Step 9: Complete the Liner Hem the top of the liner, sew the sides together, and attach the bottom to the liner. Insert the cardboard.
Step 10: Assemble the Bag Place the liner inside the bag and sew around the top to secure it in place.
Step 11: Final Touches Inspect your work and make any necessary adjustments. Your shorts-to-bag transformation is complete!
This tutorial offers a fun and sustainable way to repurpose unworn clothing items into stylish accessories. Experiment with different fabrics, embellishments, and pocket configurations to customize your bag to suit your personal style and needs. Enjoy your newfound bag and the satisfaction of giving old garments a new lease on life!
