Simple Ways to Repurpose Your Tote Bags Without Being a Seamstress

Since the switch to reusable bags, having to constantly buy new bags because you’ve forgotten your reusable one at home has become second-nature. All of a sudden, you have an endless pile of materialised grocery pouches in the shape of a mountain, nesting in the boot of your car.

Would it surprise you if I said that your endless pile of bags didn’t have to keep on growing? There is actually a lot more you can do with a tote bag than simply using it to hold shopping. If you’re in the mood to get crafty one afternoon, go fetch that pile out of your boot and start creating.

Turn your Tote Bag into a Pillowcase.
You don’t have to be a sewing whiz to know how to do this one. All you need is a sewing machine, scissors and an insert pillow. The cute tote bag designs from the Cotton On Group make some really groovy pillowcases and here’s how you can do it:

1. Cut the tote bag into two squares – one for the front and one for the back. They should be the same dimension as your insert pillow. For example, if your pillow is 30 cm x 30 cm, then the size of your tote bag squares should also be 30 cm x 30 cm.
2. Sew the two squares together by laying the designs inside-out. Pin together and then use the sewing machine to sew three sides, leaving one side open so that you can insert the pillow.
3. Once you’ve sewn three sides, turn the pillowcase so that it’s no longer inside-out. Insert the pillow then proceed to sew the final side so that there is no longer an opening.

And there you have it! A tote bag pillow.

Tote Bags Make Really Groovy Backpacks.
If you’re like me and hate it when your bag slips off your shoulder, why not turn that tote bag into a backpack! This idea makes the perfect school, beach or sleepover bag. Watch this video to learn how to repurpose your tote bag into a groovy new backpack.

Repurpose Them into Aprons.
Who would have thought, an apron made from tote bags? How uncanny. Well, it’s been done before and you can do it again. Whether you’re using it in the kitchen or in the shed, why not make use of your old bags and turn them into something rather convenient. You can learn how to turn a tote bag into an apron here.

Give it a New Purpose by Turning it into a Planter.
This one is for the green thumbs. Tote bags as planters is a budding trend that is adding colour and creativity to both indoor and outdoor gardens. It’s the new hanging plant design that’s a little bit creative and out there. Learn how here.

Don’t let your tote bags go to waste. After all, they’re not exactly helping the environment if you don’t reuse them. Get creative and sustainable by repurposing your tote bags today!