Multi-colored textured crochet tote bag (made with t-shirt yarn wrapped with scrap cotton yarn) with dark brown leather handles, resting flat on a white wooden plank surface.

Multi-colored textured crochet tote bag (made with t-shirt yarn wrapped with scrap cotton yarn) with dark brown leather handles, hanging from a black wooden chair against a light-filled background.

Multi-colored yarn skeins, a Fiskars rotary cutter, and scissors resting on a green cutting mat

A shirt sitting on a green cutting mat with a rotary cutter. T-shirt being made into t-shirt yarn

A scrap yarn tote bag in the process of being made. Shown with a 4mm crochet hook

BagsPart of Crocheting for Calm

Zero Waste Totebag

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Made from 3 old t-shirts that I turned into "yarn" and scrap yarn. I didn't actually crochet with the t-shirt yarn, I crocheted over it. It is a neat technique which allows you to create a dense and sturdy fabric with less of your yarn stash. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed working through my stash of scrap yarn and being able to "wear" some of my favorite old t-shirts that are no longer wearable as clothing.

Patterns & Tutorials

Pattern as writtenZero Waste Crochet Bag Using Scrap Yarn and Old Tshirtsby Make & Do Crew

Inspired byHow to Make T-Shirt Yarnby Holly AunaHelped give me the courage to make t-shirt yarn the first time.

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Materials I Used

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Crochet Essentials2 Pieces Knitting Counters, Knitting Needle Marking Tool, Plastic Knitting Stitch CounterI have tried these mechanical row/stitch counters and I really prefer them over the digital stitch counters. Amazon mostly sells digital counters and I don't love them. There isnt a replaceable battery so if I put down a WIP with its counter and don't pick it up in 3 months, I worry the counter is dead. In order to wake up the screen, you have to click the button but it is the same button that you click to add a row. I worry as soon as I push it to wake it up that I have also pushed it to add a row. The digital ones are much less expensive but I prefer these mechanical ones.

Crafting23" Sew On Purse Handles

Crochet Essentials3 Pack Retractable Tape Measure 60-inch 1.5 Meter

Crochet EssentialsEmbroidery & Crochet Scissors Set with Case

Crochet EssentialsKollase Crochet Markers, Metal Stitch MarkersI never worry about losing stitch markers, I love the colors and they don't break like the plastic ones!

Crochet EssentialsLarge-Eye Tapestry Yarn Needles with Tube (15pc)

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