Dukes and Duchesses

Dallas Fort Worth Creative Lifestyle Blogger

knitting repurposed thrifty treasures · Written by Randi Dukes

The Upcycled Market Bag Tutorial

I recently knit an upcycled market bag and today I have the full tutorial to share with you.  I love the way it turned out and if you can knit, you can quickly and easily make your own!  They’re perfect for loading up with fresh produce or using for a quick trip to the beach.
 
upcycled market bag tutorial
 

Find used t-shirts at the thrift store {about five large ones} in a similar shade.  I was fortunate to find a pile of old Scout troop shirts that were all the same color {and cheap!} but a little bit of discrepancy in color shade won’t make any difference in this project.

To make the yarn, cut the shirt into strips.  Rather than re-create the wheel, I’ll point you to a great tutorial found here.

If you don’t want to bother making your own t-shirt yarn, you can buy cotton t-shirt yarn online {affiliate}.

Once the t-shirt is cut into strips, give the strips a tug and they’ll scrunch right up into a really neat yarn.  Wind that yarn into a ball to make the knitting a bit easier and tangle-free.

Once you have the t-shirt yarn made, you’re ready to start knitting!

To finish the bag, follow this knitting pattern.
 
Using circular needles in a larger size {I used US 13}, cast on 70 stitches.  Place marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the round.
Knit 2 rows.
Knit in twisted drop stitch {Insert right needle into stitch as though to knit.  Wrap yarn around both needles, then around the right needle.  Pull through the stitch as if finishing a regular knit stitch} for 10 inches.
K5, K2tog across the row.
K 1 row.
K4, K2tog across the row.
K 1 row.
K3, K2tog across the row.
K 1 row.
K2, K2tog across the row.
K 1 row.
K1, K2tog across the row.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail and, using a tapestry needle, weave yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight.  Weave in all yarn ends.
 
For the handle, cast on 7 stitches.  Knit in garter stitch until handle reaches a desired length.  Cast off and stitch handle onto bag using yarn ends.

 

 
 

This bag is simple enough for a beginner knitter and would make a great gift as well.

Take your market bag to the store and enjoy … you’ll be the envy of everyone in the produce department!

upcycled market bag

About Randi Dukes

I’m Randi, a Dallas-based mom of five kids, ranging from third grade to college and including a set of twins. I love strong coffee, craft and DIY projects, my planner, and my big ol’ family. When I’m not creating something for my blog, I can be found in the car, running kids from one place to another. I’m the one knitting at the red light. Connect with me on google+ | twitter | facebook

Comments

  1. Ashley says

    I love this, Randi. I remember seeing that same link on T-shirt thread from LBB’s site. I haven’t ever tried it. Mine was the vase and somehow I made it by 1 vote…crazy! Great job.

    Reply

  3. Baye says

    Oh,no! I’ve held off of taking up knitting again, but this is pushing me over the edge. I’d love to make some of these. One thing we have in abundance is old t’s! Thanks for sharing with everyone.

    Reply

  4. chiwei says

    This is so cool, I love all the stuff you can do with t-shirt yarn. I can’t knit (trying to learn), but I can crochet, so maybe I’ll adapt this to a crochet pattern. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

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