From Tee to Tote

By Ethan Pham

T-shirt totes are a great craft for all ages. Not only are they sturdier than a normal plastic

bag, but they are also a stylish and customizable accessory. By just using a pair of scissors and an old t-shirt, you can transform an unassuming piece of clothing into a useful and fashionable bag for carrying your belongings. In addition to this, the craft helps reduce textile waste and is washable and reusable. Whether you're a crafting enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to carry your items, creating a t-shirt tote bag is an enjoyable and eco-conscious craft.

Supplies:

• An old t-shirt, with preferably thicker fabric, so it can support more items.

• A pair of scissors

First, lay the shirt on a flat surface and cut off the sleeves. Use the sleeve seam lines as a guide for cutting.

After we cut out the sleeves, we have to cut out the neckline from the shirt. Your cut should be about four inches from the shirt’s neckline.

Now we cut off the bottom hem of the shirt. The cut should be a couple inches in from the

bottom of the shirt.

After we cut out the bottom hem, we will cut the bottom of the shirt into strips about one inch in width and four inches in length. Do this for the entire length of the shirt.

With the cutting phase completed, it's time to create ties for the shirt. Take the fringed sections from both the front and back of the shirt, and tie them together using a double knot. Repeat this step for all fringed sections.

Congratulations, your t-shirt tote is now ready! Additionally, you can consider donating your tote to the Willis Dady Homeless Shelter. These bags are helpful for Willis Dady’s front desk and donation room volunteers to have when handing out items to clients. They are a sturdy and reusable option for people experiencing homelessness to carry items.