T-shirt tote bag

Do you have an old t-shirt you don't know what to do with but are tired of making new shirts out of old ones? Try making this tote bag... it even has pockets!

Step 1 Materials needed

You will need:

- one old t-shirt, preferably with a design you like
- a sewing machine
- scissors
- velcro, snaps, or other fastener of your choice

Comments

[SageMinto]

I am trying this project as I type. Very easy!
I can't wait to see how it turns out! Although I am a bit torn on whether or not it should be a messenger bag or a regular one.
Thanks for posting this!

[JenniferDodge]

Any Ideas on how I could make this a messanger bag?

[chuCraft]

You could attach a shoulder strap further down the bag, letting the top flop over and have a messenger-shaped bag of adjustable size. I'm sure there are some other ways to do it, but that was the first thing that came to mind.

[joeyms]

I really didn't figure out the flap part, but it is a cute bag anyways. Thanks for the project.

[ccherry]

I need a simple project my girl scouts can make for holiday presents- I think i just found it- thanks

[MommyBerrios]

Thank you, ccherry, for the Girl Scout reference! That's what made this site come up while I searched for GS-themed bags for my troop. We were just about to start our sewing badge - We're definitely going to do this! It's so simple and helps re-enforce the concept of reuse/recycle.

[ccherry]

The ones our girls did were a hit- I would show everyone a pic but they are busy being used by five different families.

[halfpuppy]

Great project. My 10 year old son wanted a bag for a school outing, so we scaled this one back a little bit (no Velcro), he did the whole thing himself on the sewing machine in about 15 minutes. I especially love the sleeve side pockets. Thanks!

[chuCraft]

It's always great to hear about this project being put to good use. I'm glad you and your son liked it!

[Dalya]

Agh! I really want to try this out. I have a crappy 29.99 sewing machine :D I have tons of shirts in my room, most of them are with cute designs. I love your instructable! Awesome pics!

[chuCraft]

Thanks! This project was inspired by the enormous amount of t-shirts just lying around my house that I didn't particularly want to get rid of.

[scottamus]

That's a great idea, thanks.

[MaskedLioness]

That looks like a fun project, and just in time for Earth Day too. Thanks.