T-Shirt Tote Bag

With this crazy Coronavirus lockdown I've been going through and cleaning things like crazy! This includes my lovely art room where I often shove things in corners and add it to my mental "to-do" list yet they continue to sit there for months on end. Well, this is the perfect time to get these projects done!

I had an old t-shirt of my Papaw's that I had tye-dyed with my Grandma. I have 2 so I thought it'd be cool to actually make something with one of them. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share with you all a perfect quick project that can be done with any age!

This would be great for all those kiddos at home if you need something to fill up some time! Have your kiddos pick out an old shirt they no longer like to wear or if you have adult sized shirts that would be even better (ya know, more room for all the stuffs!). 

Supplies:
-Old t-shirt (the bigger the better unless you have itty bitties doing this project!)
-Good pair of scissors 
(that's it, crazy!)

1. Lay your t-shirt on the floor or a flat surface (actually make sure it's laid out evenly unlike me!)

2. Cut off the sleeves of your shirt in a half U-shape (you're creating the handles of the bag with this step). You can draw this out if you prefer but I just went ahead and cut away!

3. Next, cut the neckline into a complete U-shape (you are creating the bag opening here).

4. Next, cut "fringe" strips at the bottom of the shirt (exactly like you were making a fleece tie blanket!). You are cutting through both the front and back layers here. Note: I should have cut off the hem strip on the bottom of the shirt because I, personally, do not like that extra chunk of fabric. I ended up having to cut this off each piece afterwards! 

5. Tie the front and back fringes together in a knot and continue all the way across the bottom of the shirt.

6. And just like that, you have a new tote bag! ...But let me show you the cool thing about this bag... 

If you're into the hippie vibe and dig those fringes, you can totally rock it that way! BUT, if fringe just ain't your thing then go ahead and flip the whole bag inside out! Those fringes will be hidden on the inside and no one will know! Check it...

Note: you can even add some embellishments like these cute bows made out of scrap fabric!