Sometimes the most enjoyable sewing projects are the smallest ones. With just a few hours at your sewing machine, you can create something beautiful while giving an old garment a new lease of life. This Fibre Move project by Barbara, CEO of Fibre Mood, featuring the Sofora Bag, is the perfect example.

Why you'll love this project

✨ Give an old shirt a second life
✨ Enjoy a few relaxing hours of sewing.
✨ Create a one-of-a-kind bag with a personal story.
✨ Choose a more sustainable way to create.

And of course, you can expect plenty of curious looks, compliments, and questions like “Where did you get that bag?"

How do you make the Sofora Bag from an old shift?

The playful handles of the Sofora Bag immediately reminded me of shirt sleeves. That's why I used the sleeves of a striped shirt to create the bag's signature cuff details. The front and back of the shirt were transformed into the centre panel and bottom section of the bag.

💡 Don't have enough fabric from a single shirt? No problem. Simply combine a second shirt or use matching fabric scraps for the lining. That way, every last piece of fabric can be put to good use.

For extra structure, I added a layer of batting between the outer fabric and the lining. This helps the bag hold its shape, but it's completely optional. Feel free to adapt the project to suit your own preferences.
 

A bag with a story

The best thing about upcycling is that you're not just making a bag. You're preserving the memories of a favourite garment while giving it a new purpose. That makes every Sofora Bag unique, with a story all its own.

Happy sewing! And let us say it already: wow and well done! Your handmade bag is sure to attract plenty of admiration.