Who needs designer?
Not this frugal woman lol.
I saw a handbag similar to this one, but without the shoulder strap, a little smaller and a solid color. It was so cute, but not worth $50 in my mind. However I loved the main shape and function of the bag.
So I reverted to my normal “oh I can make that for cheaper than buying” mindset and it actually turned out to be true this time 😅
There’s a snap closure to help keep the flap in place when not open, and a pocket that goes the full width of the bag. It’s not shown in the picture, but I usually have my iPad and Kindle with me so I made it oversized to fit those too, when needed. And, the shoulder strap is adjustable!!
Everything used to make this bag was from recycled materials, or things I already had on hand, like the strap hardware, zipper and interfacing.
But!
•The outer fabric came from a shirt I adored, but shrunk too many times in the wash.
•The inner fabric and shoulder strap came from a fitted bed sheet.
•The tassels were earrings I loved the look of, just never wore.
And out came this (nearly) perfect bag that I am now obsessed with! And it cost me $0! I only wish I had a black zipper available rather than white. A couple years ago I found a strip of zipper that was 20 ft long with 20 zipper heads for like $6 and it felt like a solid investment at the time. Even tho not many of my projects require zippers. Now I wish I would have gotten more colors than just white.
The pattern was honestly incredibly easy to draft; it was all just rectangles!
This bag was the second attempt. But even the first attempt was worthy. The yellow and black bag in the third picture (the first attempt) was made from a duvet and the same fitted bed sheet as the multicolored bag. However that one doesn’t have an adjustable strap. I’ll keeping the first attempt too just because I previously made a dress from the yellow fabric (a duvet cover) so now the dress with a matching bag is an ensemble. And it matches perfectly because I usually style the dress with black leggings and a black hijab.
So technically, I have two bags for $0!!
Creating your own handbag from recycled materials not only saves money but also reduces waste and allows for personalized style that stores just can’t offer. Using reclaimed fabrics like old shirts and fitted sheets, as well as repurposing accessories like earrings for tassels, makes each piece truly unique and environmentally friendly. One of the key advantages of DIY bags like these is customization. The adjustable shoulder strap ensures that you can modify the length to suit your comfort or outfit style. Snap closures add security and ease of access, while oversized pockets are perfect for modern essentials such as tablets and e-readers. Many sewing enthusiasts find drafting patterns from simple shapes—such as rectangles—makes DIY projects approachable even for beginners. Starting with straightforward pattern drafting allows you to experiment and refine your skills, and results in a stylish bag without complicated seams or cuts. Additionally, sourcing zippers and hardware from previous projects or bulk purchases can be a great investment to enhance multiple creations over time. Though having a variety of zipper colors is ideal, white zipper tape can often blend nicely with patterned or multicolored fabrics too. A bonus of creating handbags this way is the opportunity to coordinate your accessories with your outfits, like pairing a bag made from the same fabric as a dress. Not only does this form a cohesive look, but it also reflects your personal style authentically. DIY recycled handbags celebrate creativity, sustainability, and frugality—proving you don’t need a designer label to carry a unique, practical, and eco-conscious bag. Whether you’re motivated by budget, environment, or fashion, making your own can be a rewarding and delightful experience.
I'm obsessed with how you repurposed your shirt and bedsheet! It looks so unique and stylish. Did you follow a specific pattern or draft it yourself?