Garment and Shoe Bags from Recycled Shower Curtains

Put Some Old Fabric Shower Curtains To A New Use

This is an intermediate sewing project only because of the zipper on the garment bag and the drawstring casing on the shoes bags. Other than that, this is about the quickest sewing project you can imagine!

Recycled Garment Bag Materials

• Old fabric shower curtain
• Matching or contrasting thread
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• 22- to 27-inch zipper in color of your choice
• Medium size safety pin

Instructions for Garment Bag

Print out the shoulder template twice. Turn one over and trace the template to the top side of the paper so you have one continuous pattern of the top of the garment bag. Tape together and cut out the rounded top of the pattern.

Cut the top hem off the curtain. Turn so the bottom hem is now on top.

Fold the curtain in half down the middle having the hem at the top.

Place the pattern over the fabric shower curtain and cut the shoulders allowing for a 5/8-inch seam. You will leave a 3-inch opening at the very top where the hem is located. This allowance is for the finished opening for the hanger and it's already hemmed for you!

Cut down the sides of the doubled curtain allowing for a 5/8-inch seam as well.

The garment bag will measure 24 inches across at the widest part of the shoulder and 39 ½ inches in length. The length can be adjusted for longer garments if desired.

Cut an opening down the middle of the front piece for the zipper but minus ½-inch at top and bottom of the opening.

For example, if you have a 24-inch zipper, cut the opening 23 inches. Now insert the zipper following the instructions on the package. Leave the zipper half way open for the next step.

Pin the front and back right sides together. Stitch all around leaving the finished 3-inch opening at the top. Clip the bottom corners and clip the curved edges. Turn right side out and press.

Instructions for Matching Shoe Bag

Use the leftover fabric to cut an 11 ½ by 34-inch rectangle. You can adjust the length according to the shoe size.

A bag for men's shoes may need to be a bit bigger. Measure the shoes to make sure before cutting the bag and allow about 4 extra inches in length.

Sew up the sides, clip corners, turn right side out and press.

2 inches below the top edge on one side seam do two button holes for the drawstring about an inch apart.

The button holes should be large enough for the finished width of your drawstring plus about ½ inch more so the drawstring will go through the casing easily.

Fold over the raw edge of the bag and hem to the inside of the bag with a single row of stitching.

Cut a piece of fabric that is approximately 2 inches by 35 to 40 inches for the drawstring. Fold both long raw edges to the middle of the strip and press in place then fold again. Press and then stitch down the one side where the first folds were made.

Hook the safety pin to one end of the drawstring and run through one of the button holes; through the casing; and out the other button hole.

When both ends are equal in length run a tacking stitch at the opposite seam (where the center of the drawstring sits) to anchor the drawstring in place.

Pull tight and tie in a bow.