25/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 theSunday Special IX

Turn the t-shirt inside out if you want the print to be hidden or leave it as is if you want to preserve the design. S WHS &XW R̆ WKH VOHHYHV DQG neckline L D\ WKH W VKLUW ÀDW RQ D ÀDW VXUIDFH VXFK as a table. Using scissors, cut off both sleeves along the seam. Then, cut out the neckline in a wide U-shape; this will form the handles of the bag. You can make the handles as long or short as you like, depending on whether you want a shoulder bag or a hand-held tote. Step 3: Decide how to seal the bottom There are two main ways to close the bottom of your t-shirt bag: Option A: No-sew fringe knot method • Cut slits along the bottom hem of the t-shirt, about 2.5cm wide and 7 to 10cm long (like fringe). Make sure you cut both front and back layers. • Tie the front and back strips together in tight double knots. • If you notice any holes between the knots, tie diagonal knots between neighbouring strips to reinforce. Option B: Sew the bottom shut • I I \RX SUHIHU D FOHDQHU ¿QLVK DQG KDYH sewing materials, sew a straight line along the bottom hem using either a hand-sewing needle or a sewing machine. A double stitch will increase strength, especially for heavier items. Step 4: Turn the bag right-side out If you sewed the bottom, turn the t-shirt right-side out again. If you use the fringe method, you can keep the knots on the outside for a rustic look or turn the bag inside out to hide them. That’s it, your bag is ready to use. G HWWLQJ FUHDWLYH Once you’ve mastered the basic version, \RX FDQ H[SHULPHQW ZLWK GL̆ HUHQW W VKLUW sizes and shapes. Child-sized t-shirts make great snack bags, while oversized ones are good for groceries. Sleeves can be saved and used as mini drawstring pouches.

Some people add buttons, embroidery or iron-on patches for decoration. Others cut and knot the neckline to create a drawstring. The possibilities are endless, limited only by what you have at home. If you’re part of a school, workplace or community centre, this could be a great group activity to promote sustainable living. Even kids can get involved with supervision. Why it matters A W ¿UVW JODQFH D ',< W VKLUW EDJ PD\ VHHP OLNH D WULYLDO WKLQJ %XW WKH ULSSOH H̆ HFWV RI small habits add up. A report by the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion highlights that reusing textiles could reduce fashion related emissions by up to 20% by 2030. By replacing plastic or paper bags with fabric alternatives, we reduce our demand for disposable packaging, which in turn contributes to both carbon emissions and marine pollution. In Malaysia, initiatives like Kloth Cares have been raising awareness about textile recycling. However, most Malaysians still lack access to textile recycling bins or aren’t aware of what to do with worn-out clothes. Upcycling at home bridges this gap and creates tangible solutions. “I used to donate clothes to charity shops, thinking I was doing good. But then I learned many of them get shipped R̆ WR ODQG¿OOV RU LQFLQHUDWRUV RYHUVHDV ´ said Amira, 32, who now upcycles her family’s old clothes. “Now I only donate things in excellent condition. The rest, I WU\ WR UHXVH ´ Beyond the bag Once you’ve mastered the basic t-shirt bag, consider exploring other upcycling ideas. Old jeans can become storage bins. Shirts can be quilted into cushion covers. (YHQ VRFNV FDQ EH WXUQHG LQWR FR̆ HH FXS sleeves or draft stoppers. The possibilities are endless, limited only by imagination and time. For those who aren’t into crafting, that’s okay. The next time you think of tossing an old shirt, ask a friend if they want it, donate it to a local shelter or drop it at a textile collection bin. Someone else might ¿QG YDOXH LQ LW HYHQ LI \RX QR ORQJHU GR

How to make a bag using old t-shirts I T’S safe to say that most of us have at least a few t-shirts sitting at the back of the wardrobe – faded, stretched out or just no longer worn. Maybe they’re from an old college • An old t-shirt (preferably cotton, size M or larger) • A pair of sharp scissors • A ruler or measuring tape • A marker or chalk (optional, for guid ance) BY DAYANA SOBRI

event, a holiday abroad or a band you loved at 18. Too sentimental to throw out, yet no longer practical to wear. But instead of letting them gather dust or end up in the bin, why not give them a new purpose? Turning old t-shirts into reusable bags is a simple, cost-free and sustainable way to reduce textile waste. It’s also surpris ingly therapeutic. No sewing machine? No problem. You can make one using just scissors and a few knots. A quiet fashion problem Before we dive into the how-to, it helps to understand why this small act matters. According to the Malaysian Department of Statistics, Malaysians generated more than 100,000 tonnes of textile waste in 2022 alone. Most of it ends up in ODQG¿OOV *OREDOO\ WKH IDVKLRQ LQGXVWU\ LV responsible for 8 to 10% of carbon emis sions. Clothing production has doubled in the past 15 years and garments are often worn fewer than 10 times before being discarded. Repurposing clothing is one way to counter this. It diverts waste, reduces reliance on single-use plastic bags and adds a personal touch to everyday living. I started making t-shirt bags during the lockdown period, when I was decluttering and looking for something practical to do. It became a small habit, one I still enjoy. They’ve come in handy for grocery runs, beach outings and even as gift bags. What you’ll need The beauty of this DIY project is how little it requires. Here’s what you need:

If you have a sewing machine and some thread, you can reinforce the bottom for added durability, but this step is optional. Step 1: Choose the right shirt Pick a t-shirt you no longer wear. Soft, worn-in cotton works best as it’s easy to cut and knot. Avoid shirts with holes near the hem unless you’re planning to sew, as that area will form the base of the bag.

Using a tie-dye ruched t-shirt

The shirt with cut sleeves and fringes

The result … a hippie shoulder bag