Upcycling Workshop: T-Shirt to Tote Bag

Upcycling is a clever and thrifty way to clear out your wardrobe, save money and help fight textile waste. In this workshop, we'll transform your old T-shirt into a reusable tote bag that is uniquely yours!

In this workshop, our experienced Peer Learning Advisors will guide you through turning one of your unused or unwearable t-shirts into a unique tote bag, while equipping you some simple machine-sewing and upcycling skills. Brought to you by Sustainability at Sydney and the USYD Waste Fighters Society, this free workshop is part of our program of events in recognition of Fashion Revolution Week (Monday 15th - Wednesday 24th April), an annual campaign bringing together the world’s largest fashion activism movement for seven days of action

What you'll learn:

• How to use a sewing machine
• Basic machine sewing techniques 
• How to repurpose materials 
• How to transform an old T-shirt into a tote bag

How to take part:

• This event is for students and staff at the University of Sydney. 
  
• The class is suitable for beginners, with all skill levels welcome. 
• Tickets are free but spaces are limited. Please cancel your ticket or let us know if you can no longer attend, so your spot can go to someone on the waiting list.
• What to bring: Participants are required to bring an old unwanted shirt to transform it into a bag. Bring an old t-shirt from home, or visit your local second-hand store.

Tips for bringing the right T-shirt

• Size: The larger the t-shirt, the larger the bag you can create. 
• Material: The best T-shirts for this project are made of medium to heavy-weight cotton. Think about the level of stretch your fabric has. When its turned into a bag and is carrying something heavy, will it stretch and lose its shape
  

Details  

• Location: ThinkSpace, Level 2, Jane Foss Russell Building (G02) (Above SciTech library), 160 City Road Darlington Campus, The University of Sydney NSW 2006.

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• Time: 10am - 12pm
• Facilitator: Francesca Branagan

Fashion Revolution Week Program

All events, except where noted, will take place in ThinkSpace. All are free and open to all University of Sydney staff and students. Spaces are limited!

• Tuesday 16th April, 11:30am - 1pm - Stitch Craft Launch with Morning Tea and Seminar Viewing Party "Fight Fast Fashion"
• Wednesday 17th April, 10am – 12:30pm ­– Clothes Swap
• Wednesday 17th April, 2pm – 4pm: – Mending Workshop
• Friday 19th April, 10am – 12pm: Upcycling Workshop: T-Shirt to Tote Bag
  
• Monday 22nd April, 1pm - 2pm: Intro to hand-sewing (event will be hosted in CreateSpace)
• Wednesday 24th April, 3pm - 5pm: Crocheting Workshop

Learn More  

Sustainability at Sydney

By working together as a University community, we can make our campuses more sustainable. Join a program or group today and help us reach our sustainability targets. Stay informed on new opportunities to get involved by joining our mailing list and following our social media. 

USYD Waste Fighters Society

Join the USYD Waste Fighters Society today, to make waste reduction (both on and off campus) achievable and fun by sharing ideas at informative and social events throughout the year. We love to hear from all members, both new and old, so join us and meet some waste-fighting friends!

ThinkSpace | University of Sydney Library 

ThinkSpace is a technology showcase and creative play space, aimed at sparking ideas and providing opportunities for collaboration. Thanks to our most recent round of Sustainability Action Grants, the space now hosts a 'slow fashion' hub on campus. Dubbed "StitchCraft", the space will be stocked with sewing machines, equipment and second-hand fabrics to allow you to mend, repair, recycle and remake clothes.