I take it as a personal challenge to attempt to recreate (read “I’m not paying for that, [insert store name here] plays too much!”) nifty crafted doohickeys.
It’s my own heartfelt vendetta against all seemingly DIY-able jewelry, crafts, accessories, clothing, and general knickknacks. If it’s got rhinestones, canvas, paint, or yarn, I won’t rest until I’m a Pinterest “nailed it” horror meme!
Lately I’ve been drawn to real throwback purses: bucket bags, bamboo basket handbags, and woven carry-alls.
So generally this was my inspiration. Minus the lining. I have no interest in transporting pens or loose change. 
It came to me pretty simply. I figured tank top straps are already like purse handles, so I’d start from there.
Supplies
Scissors, Tank top of choice, Cardboard, Objects to carry
Steps
1. I cut my tank top into strips leaving the neckline and armpit holes (That’s the scientific term) intact.
2. Stretch the strips to have enough length to work with.
Be careful not to cut the strips too thin, because you will lose them when you stretch. Also maybe don’t use your Hulk strength.
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3. Interweave and knot the strips to create the net. Think basketball 🏀 netting.
Ideally I would have slipped a flattened box into the tank top so that I could clearly sort and weave the straps. You could probably also pin them in place while you planned your pattern!
What you don’t want is to tie neighbor strips to one another! Otherwise you’ll just have purposeless knots. You’re tying every other strip together, and then securing them with knots.
Leave the middle strip alone. It will be tied to the the following strip.
In this example tank top we would tie strip #1 to #3, and strip #2 to #4
Following this pattern around the tank top should create your first row of quasi-diamond shaped openings, once you finish the row, you follow this pattern until your ends are too short to keep it up.
4. Seal off the bottom of the bag by tying opposing ends to one another; reaching across the circle to match each end up.
If you were to look down into the netting you could see the freely hanging ends as if you were standing under a basketball hoop.
Tie your ends together and make sure not to leave any gaps.
5. Test it out. Doing this you’ll see if any ends were left unmatched, and whether or not you should reinforce certain areas with additional knots.
Better next time…
Next time I won’t cut the strips so thin, and use a thicker fabric. I’ll use a cardboard insert to help sort my strips, and I’d like to try this with tank tops of varying sizes. I could maybe also make the diamonds a little smaller so that when stretched, they don’t turn into gaping holes. 🙄
Roze Goes Rating:
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This can be overcome with practice. I’ll use thicker fabrics. I can probably find some great thrifted tanks with interesting patterns or textures for a different look. Maybe denim!
Will YOU DIY?
I hope you’ll try some new DIY this month! this ones just in time for Memorial Day weekend. #MAYbe you need a cute beach bag or sack to carry your toys or snacks. Reduce, reuse, recycle!♻️
Head on over to hasombags.com to see more ethically sourced upcycled cloth bags, napkins, and bookmarks!
Roze,
rozegoes.com 