Upcycled Plastic Bag Holder

Learn how to make an upcycled plastic bag holder to keep bags organized! This beginner sewing project only uses a men’s shirt sleeve!

A couple of weeks ago I made a men’s shirt into a skirt for my daughter. The sleeves were left so I tried to think of something to do with them.

The sleeve was the perfect size to make a plastic bag holder, and one side is already finished! I love the detail of the cuff and buttons. I have a weakness for gingham fabric, but you can choose any print or solid.

What is refashioning?

Refashioning is to fashion clothing again or differently. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing clothing to fit different or to look different, but the majority of the item stays the same.

What is upcycling?

Upcycling is to reuse material to create something better than the original. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing adult clothing into clothing for children or I’m sewing clothing into an accessory or house item.

Do you love to sew? Try one of these sewing projects:

• Beginner sewing projects
• Upcycled gift ideas
• Men’s shirt upcycle and refashion projects
• Kitchen sewing projects
• DIY plastic bag holder
• eco friendly sewing projects

Upcycled DIY plastic bag holder

Supplies

• Sleeve from a men’s shirt
• 8 inches of 1/4 inch elastic
• 8 inches of 1/2 inch ribbon
• Sewing tools
• Sewing machine

Cut the sleeve 18 inches tall measuring up from the cuff.

Press the cut edge up 1/2 inch. Press it up again 1/2 inch.

Sew around the casing next to the fold. Leave a 2 inch hole.

Cut the 1/4 inch elastic 8 inches long. Use a safety pin to insert the elastic into the casing.

Overlap the elastic ends 1/2 inch and sew together.

Pull the elastic inside and sew the casing closed.

Pin some ribbon onto the side of the cuff without buttons. Fold the ends of the ribbon under to enclose the raw edge.

Sew around the ends of the ribbon with a square shape to secure.

Stuff the plastic bags into the bag holder from the cuff and hang it up on a hook in your kitchen. Pull the bags out as you need them.

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!