Make a no-sew
t-shirt bag
and face mask
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100 billion plastic bags are used annually in the US Only about 2% are recycled. Plastic bags are polluting from the start of production to end of life, polluting our waterways, killing wildlife, and breaking down in tiny microplastics that are now in our food. Make your reusable bag a #plasticfree fashion statement! Post a selfie w/bag and tag us! IG @CafCu #DIYbag #BYObag Watch the short video below. Make a face mask with the cut-off sleeve and bottom seam! |
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SUPPLIES: 1 old t-shirt*, good fabric scissors**, and chalk (or pencil) *Make sure you ask an adult if the shirt you choose is ok to cut and if it is OK to use the scissors. You can use a short or a long sleeved t-shirt. It won't matter since you will be cutting the sleeves off anyway. Step 1: Cut Sleeves Off of Shirt Lay your t-shirt out flat on a flat work surface. You can put a book in the middle to help keep it from moving around when you cut. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut the sleeves off of your t-shirt. ++ If you want to make a face mask too, save the sleeves! **Check with your adult to make sure it’s ok to use the scissors you find! |
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Step 2: Cut Neck Out of Shirt Use a cardboard ½ circle shape (or upside down plate) to draw a 1/2 circle below the neckline; then cut out the scoop shape **Be careful not to cut the scoop too low; you don't want the opening to be too wide. Step 3: Cut Bottom Slits ++If you want to make a face mask too, cut of the bottom seam of the shirt off first and save it. At the bottom of the shirt, mark off about every inch (the width of about two student-sized fingers together). Then cut on the lines through both layers of shirt (length will depend on the size of the shirt so you will have to make the call). Cut the fringes long enough that you will be able to tie them twice. ** Your shirt bag will stretch with weighted objects inside, so make sure your tote is not going to hang down to tour feet! |
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Step 4: Tie the Knots
Keep the slits lined up and starting with one end tie the aligning front and back pieces together in double knots until you have done the entire row. If you don't want the knots to show, you can put the ties inside the bag for a less fringed look. **If you like to sew, you can hand or machine stitch the bottom seam with a sewing machine. Step 5: Draw or paint a message on your bag! Inspire others to bring a reusable bag and to go #plasticfree! Be sure to pack your own groceries and things and when you go shopping with your new bag! And remember to wash your bag and to wash your hands too! DOES YOUR CITY/TOWN HAVE A PLASTIC BAG LAW to reduce plastic pollution? If not, learn about the problem with plastic bags and bag policy here--> |
No-Sew 3 Minute Face Mask! Make a face mask with the cut-off sleeve and bottom seam of the t-shirt, It's easy and fun. This great video shows you how! Put a message on your face mask too! 
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