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

Step 2: Let's Get Started!

Turn the t-shirt inside out and sew underneath the design (or further down if you want a bigger bag). Cut off and save the excess.

Step 3: Making Pockets

Now it's time to make some oddly-shaped pockets! Turn the shirt right side out again and sew the sleeves shut. You can trim the excess if you need to. Now turn the shirt inside out and sew the bottom half of each armhole shut - this will make the pockets a more normal size on the outside. As you can see in the second picture, I opted to put velcro to hold the pockets shut... If you're feeling really ambitious, I'm sure you could add zippers.

Step 4: Making the Top Flap

Cut slits from the neck hole close to the edges of the bag. Be careful not to cut the pockets! Sew the loose fabric on the top through to the back of the shirt. Add the fastener of your choice.

Step 5: Making the Straps

I decided to make my bag with two handles, though I could also see it working well as a messenger bag. To make the handles, take the bottom part of the shirt that you saved from before and cut a loop about 3" wide. Stretch the loop so the fabric curls in on the edges, then cut into two even pieces. Sew the pieces shut at both ends.

Step 6: Attaching the Straps

While you may be tempted to glue the straps onto the bag, sewing them on will make it more durable. Make sure you leave enough room on the front for the flap to close.

...and you're done! Enjoy!