Whether you're new to crochet or looking for a satisfying weekend project, crocheting a bag with t-shirt yarn is one of the most rewarding makes you can tackle. It works up quickly, feels wonderfully tactile, and the finished result is a sturdy, stylish bag you'll actually use day to day. Best of all, when you use eco-friendly t-shirt yarn, you're giving recycled materials a beautiful new life.
T-shirt yarn — sometimes called jersey yarn, fabric yarn, or even spaghetti yarn — is made from strips of recycled fabric and textiles. It's normally at least 80% cotton, made from remnant and recycled fabric, and is wonderfully soft, washable, and versatile. It has a satisfying chunky stretch to it that makes it an absolute joy to work with, especially for bags that need to hold their shape while still being flexible.
Here at Jolly Good Yarn, we stock a brilliant range of recycled super chunky t-shirt yarn in a variety of colours — from classic neutrals like black and grey to cheerful stripes. Each bobbin gives you around 100–120 metres of yarn and typically weighs 800g, which is more than enough to complete a generous tote or market bag.
Yarn: One bobbin of Jolly Good Yarn's recycled t-shirt yarn. For a classic, everyday tote, we love the black or grey — both timeless and practical. Fancy something a bit more fun? The navy and white stripe or white and grey stripe add a nautical touch that's very on-trend.
Hook: For t-shirt yarn we recommend using an 8mm, 10mm, or 12mm crochet hook. For larger projects, you can go up to a 25mm hook. For a bag with a firm but not too stiff structure, a 10mm hook is the sweet spot.
Other bits: A pair of scissors, a blunt-ended yarn needle for weaving in ends, and stitch markers if you have them (pegs or a bit of scrap yarn work perfectly well too).
This pattern creates a roomy, round-based tote — great for shopping trips, the beach, or popping to your local farmers' market. It uses only basic stitches, so it's ideal for beginners.
Approximate finished size: 30cm wide × 28cm tall (excluding handles)
Tension: Approx. 7 dc × 8 rows = 10cm with a 10mm hook (tension isn't critical for a bag)
Abbreviations: ch = chain, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, st = stitch, sp = space
Start with a magic ring (or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring).
Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 dc into the ring. Join with sl st. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, 1 dc, 2 dc in next st repeat to end. Join with sl st. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, 1 dc in each of next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st repeat to end. Join. (24 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st repeat to end. Join. (30 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1, 1 dc in each of next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st repeat to end. Join. (36 sts)
Continue in this pattern, adding 6 sts each round, until your base measures approximately 20cm across (usually around 8–9 rounds with a 10mm hook).
Once your base is the right size, stop increasing and simply work dc into each stitch around. Do not join at the end of each round — just continue in a continuous spiral. Place a stitch marker at the start of each round to keep track.
Continue until the sides of the bag measure approximately 20–25cm tall, or your desired depth.
When your sides are tall enough, it's time to add the handles. Work to the halfway point of the round and mark this stitch.
Handle 1: Dc across the next 8 sts, ch 18 (this forms the handle loop), skip 8 sts, dc into the next stitch. Continue working dc around to the halfway point.
Handle 2: Repeat as above on the second side of the bag.
Next round: Work dc all the way around, working 18 dc into each chain-18 handle space to fill them in.
Work one more round of dc all the way around to neaten the top edge, then fasten off.
Weave in your ends securely using your yarn needle — t-shirt yarn can be a little slippery, so make sure to weave in at least 10cm and double back on yourself. Give your bag a gentle tug to check everything is secure.
If you'd like a firmer base, you can cut a circle of thick card or craft plastic to sit in the bottom.
Don't pull too tight. T-shirt yarn has natural stretch, so if you crochet with a tight tension the fabric can become stiff and the stitches hard to work into. Keep it relaxed and let the yarn do the work.
Joins are normal. Due to the recycled nature of the yarn, the length, width, and ball weight can vary, and it may also contain joins. Simply overlap the old and new ends by a few centimetres and continue crocheting — the thickness of the yarn hides joins beautifully.
It's machine washable. One of the great advantages of t-shirt yarn is that your finished bag can be popped in the washing machine on a cool, gentle cycle. Brilliant for a shopping bag that sees a lot of use.
Experiment with colour. Because each bobbin gives you so much yarn, you might find you have enough to stripe two colours together for a more striking look. The light sage green paired with natural white would look gorgeous.
Jolly Good Yarn was born from a combined passion for crafting and concern for the environment — using off-cuts and remnants creatively is not only satisfying but helps close the recycling loop, ensuring useful materials are turned into beautiful things rather than going to waste. When you pick up a bobbin of their t-shirt yarn, you're not just making something lovely — you're making a genuinely sustainable choice.
Ready to get started? Browse the full range of recycled t-shirt yarn at Jolly Good Yarn and find your perfect colour. Happy hooking! 🧶
