Make a Tote Bag and Cover a Chair Seat with T-shirts

T-Shirt Chair Seat Cover

It takes less than an hour to transform a bland chair into an eye-catching seat covered in jaunty stripes. Wrapped in stretchy, fuss-free t-shirt fabric, the chair becomes a soft, inviting spot to park your tuckus.

What You’ll Need

• Patterned t-shirt
• Screwdriver
• Staple gun and staples
• Scissors

 Turn the chair upside down and using the screwdriver, remove the screws. Pull off the seat. If the existing seat cover is smooth and relatively clean, leave it in place. If it’s gross or heavily textured you may want to remove it and replace with a plain muslin cover. Wrap t-shirt fabric around the seat. Straighten any pattern, smooth the fabric and tack in place on all four sides with staples. Wrap the corners snugly to minimize wrinkles and bunching and staple in place, avoiding the screw holes. Cut away any excess fabric and replace the seat.

Tote Bag

 Earn your stripes with an upcycled t-shirt tote that rides your shoulder in style. The construction is relaxed yet roomy enough to carry everything you need. It’s perfect for a casual day out at the beach, park, or a concert under the stars.

What You’ll Need

• Long-sleeve t-shirt
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Straight pins

 Lay out the t-shirt and smooth out wrinkles. Fold the top of the shirt down as seen in the photo, smooth, and fold the bottom of the shirt up to the top fold. Pin in place and stitch the sides together, double-stitching the ends to make them strong and secure. Flip the bag inside out and tie a knot in the sleeve ends to form the strap.

Photos by Steven McDonald, produced by Jodi Mensing Harris

© Caruth Studio