UPCYCLE TENT WALLS TO REUSABLE TOTE BAG

by Stefanie Wirick-Fierro

Ready for a new shelter but don’t know what to do with your old one? If you’re up for a DIY project, here is a great idea for upcycling the fabric walls into something cool and useful. These DIY helps reduce waste going to landfills, reuses something you already have and of course recycles it!

What you'll need: Scissors, sewing pins, 1 safety pin, thread and a needle (or sewing machine).

Body of Bag:

  1. Size will vary depending on your shelter size
    1. Cut 2 square or rectangular panels of the same size. Right side of fabric will be side of fabric you want to show when complete.
    2. Fold short side of each panel to the “wrong side” (1/4” to 1/2”) and stitch straight across.
  2. Layer panels with the wrong sides facing out and folded edges on the same side. Sew sides 1, 2 and 3 together, leaving the folded edges open (this is the top opening of your bag).

Carry Straps

  1. Cut 2 strips (about 2.5” wide and about 10” long)
  2. Fold 1 strip in half lengthwise (with wrong side out) and stitch 1/4” from the raw edges. Repeat with 2nd strip.
  3. Turn each strap right side out: Pin a safety pin to end of one end and guide through the tube of fabric to the other side.
  4. Pin each strap to top of bag: Find the center of each bag panel along the top and pin each strap end equally from center (about 5-1/2 to 6” total distance). Pin with raw edges on the inside of bag opening. Stitch to attach.

Packing Strap

  1. Cut strip of contrasting color trim from edge of shelter.
    1. Make sure it’s long enough to secure the folded bag.
    2. Fold strip in half lengthwise.
    3. Pin center of strip to the top inside edge of one bag panel and stitch.

 

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