Geeky T-Shirt Repurposing: Batman Drawstring Bag

A couple years ago on the eve of comic-con I realized I didnt want to drag a boring purse around, but I also wanted a small bag I could throw some of my swag in that wasnt indestructible-will-never-decompose plastic.

My friend had given me this batman shirt she said she had loved but grew out of and never used anymore.  It was also a bit small for me, and I couldnt bear get rid of it, so I decided I could repurpose it into a simple drawstring bag.

Unfortunately I made this a couple years ago and I have no idea what tutorial I used (I might have even used the book recommended at the bottom of this post, but I am not sure).  Regardless, this tutorial over at Momtastic does a good job giving you the basics, and I like that it doesnt require you to buy specialty materials like grommets.

I will note the bottom of my bag differs from the tutorial.  I just folded over the corners of my bag and stitched them down, then ran the string into the loop I just created and made big knots so it wouldnt slip out.  You want to make sure when you fold the corners over you leave just enough room to thread the rope through, but not enough where the knot would slip out.  Or, you could just follow the tutorial and do it the right way instead of the lazy way.

If the dimensions dont match the t-shirt (or other fabric) you have, dont get discouraged.  Its your bag, you can make it whatever size you want!  I modify tutorials all the time as you can see with the bottom of my bag.    I am a firm believer in working with what you have, and as long as you are happy with the end result, who cares how you got there.  See the "recommended modifications" at the bottom for some ideas of ways you can modify the tutorial using things you already have in your home.

After comic-con I ended up gifting the bag to a friend's son that was going through a huge Batman phase (I am pretty sure he still is).  I am happy the shirt got to be used and loved by all of us!

Recommended Modifications:

• Instead of a t-shirt, try using old superhero sheets/pillow cases.
• Instead of string, you can use ribbon, shoe laces, or leftover strips of fabric.

Recommended Books:

Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt by Megan Nicolay

Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay