Looking for a fun, fashionable, and eco-friendly crochet project? A crochet bag made with T-shirt yarn is the perfect choice! T-shirt yarn, also known as “trapillo” or “zpagetti,” is stretchy, sturdy, and great for accessories like handbags, totes, and baskets. In this detailed tutorial, you’ll learn how to crochet a durable and stylish T-shirt yarn bag using simple techniques and stitches.
Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a quick, satisfying project, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
♻️ What Is T-Shirt Yarn?
T-shirt yarn is a recycled textile yarn made from old or surplus T-shirts or jersey fabric. You can:
- Buy pre-made T-shirt yarn at craft stores
- Or make your own by cutting up old T-shirts into continuous strips
It’s thick, stretchy, and ideal for making sturdy, structured projects like bags, rugs, and home décor.
🧵 Materials You’ll Need
- T-shirt yarn: 1–2 skeins (or approx. 150–200 yards)
- Crochet hook: Size 10 mm (N/P) or 12 mm (depending on your yarn)
- Scissors
- Stitch marker (optional, helpful for tracking rounds)
- Yarn needle: For finishing and sewing pieces together
- Bag handles or strap (optional): Wooden, leather, or crochet straps
- Lining fabric (optional): For extra structure
🧶 Basic Crochet Stitches Used
This bag is beginner-friendly and uses these simple stitches:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Half Double Crochet (hdc)
👜 Simple Crochet T-Shirt Yarn Bag Pattern
We’ll create a flat-bottom tote bag worked in the round from the base up.
🧱 Part 1: Base of the Bag (Oval Shape)
Foundation Chain:
Ch 16 (you can adjust the length depending on how wide you want your bag).
Round 1:
Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 13 ch. Work 3 sc in the last ch. Now rotate and work on the other side of the chain: sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in last ch. Join with sl st to first sc. (32 sts)
Round 2:
Ch 1, sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next 2 sts. Join. (38 sts)
Round 3:
Ch 1, sc in next 13 sts, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st three times, sc in next 13 sts, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st two times. Join. (44 sts)
You can stop here or continue increasing until the base reaches your desired size.
🧺 Part 2: Body of the Bag
Round 4:
Ch 1. Working in back loops only, sc in each stitch around. Join. (This helps define the base of the bag.)
Rounds 5–12 (or desired height):
Ch 1, hdc in each stitch around. Join.
Optional: Add stripes or color changes by switching yarn every few rounds.
🎯 Part 3: Handles
Option A: Built-in Handles
Round 13:
Ch 1, hdc in next 8 sts, ch 6 (skip next 6 sts), hdc in next 12 sts, ch 6 (skip next 6 sts), hdc in remaining sts. Join.
Round 14:
Ch 1, hdc in each stitch and 6 hdc in each chain space (handle holes). Join and fasten off.
Option B: Separate Handles
Skip Round 13. Instead, sew or attach leather, wooden, or crochet handles after completing the body of the bag.
🧵 Part 4: Finishing
- Use a yarn needle to weave in ends securely.
- Block the bag if it’s curling or uneven.
- Optional lining: Sew a fabric liner and hand-stitch it into the inside of the bag for extra strength and to prevent stretching.
🧑🎨 Customization Ideas
- Add a button flap or drawstring closure
- Use a shell, puff, or bobble stitch for texture
- Attach tassels, keychains, or patches for decoration
- Try a round or square bottom instead of oval for a different look
🧼 Care Tips
- If you’re using cotton T-shirt yarn, most bags are machine washable on gentle cycle
- Lay flat to dry to keep its shape
💡 Tips for Working with T-Shirt Yarn
- Don’t pull too tightly: It’s stretchy, so keep your tension relaxed.
- Use a large hook to avoid stiff fabric.
- If making your own yarn, cut strips 1–2 inches wide and stretch them to curl into tubes.
✅ Final Thoughts
Crocheting a T-shirt yarn bag is a perfect blend of eco-conscious crafting and everyday utility. Whether you use it as a grocery tote, beach bag, or daily carryall, this durable, washable, and stylish accessory is as practical as it is pretty. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle old T-shirts or use up fabric scraps.
With just a couple of hours and some chunky yarn, you’ll have a beautiful handmade bag that’s as unique as you are!
Video tutorial:
