How to Make a Picnic Blanket Backpack Out of T-shirts
For more information, watch the video!
Materials: 10 old t-shirts, serger or sewing machine, scissors, ruler, pins, pencil
1. Take out one of the shirts, measure a 12 by 15 inch rectangle, and pin the front and back layers together. Use a straight edge to connect your points, cut out the square, and you will have 2 equal rectangles.
2. Repeat with 7 more shirts and you will have a total of 16 squares.
3. Place 2 squares wrong side together, pin one side, and sew a seam. Use a serger, or if you don't have one, a small zigzag stitch and cut the extra fabric from the seams.
4. Continue connecting squares until you end up with four rows of four squares.
5. Now sew all your rows together and sew a seam around the entire thing.
6. Take out a large scrap and cut out two straps that are 20 inches by 4 inches. Serge or sew around the the edges of both straps.
7. Cut a rectangle measuring measuring 12 by 10 inches. Finish the edges of that rectangle as well.
9. Pin your rectangle piece to the very back panel, flip it over, and mark where the ties go.
10. Open it all up again and pin your straps to the appropriate panel.
11. Use a straight stitch to attach your flap and two straps.
12. Make two holes in the flap, then cut two 20 by 2 inch strips and sew around the edges.
13. Now sew the strips to the appropriate panel using a straight stitch.
14. Cut the scraps into smaller strips, then cut two more 12 by 15 inch squares. Serge around 3 sides, stuff it with your scraps, then serge around the 4th side.
15. Now just fold the pillow up inside the blanket, tie it up, and go get yo'self some nature!
I absolutely love this idea. I have bins filled with old tees that I really would feel wasteful not to use in some way- and this project is perfect! My dorm has this wonderful courtyard that is great for stretching out in, but sometimes can lead to mud or grass stains. A tee shirt blanket wouldn't be hard to wash- even in the crowded laundry room. =)
This is a great idea and it further confirms the fact that I need a serger!!! I will try it with a zig zag. I look forward to all your awesome ideas everyday! I think I'll make one each for the three ankle bitters...most of your ideas work in a smaller version as well ;)