How to make custom tote bags (2023)

Fashion with a function that is how we describe tote bags. They’re not only a staple piece to your outfit but it serves many purposes; they could be promotional materials, a gift, a grocery-run must have, or a popular product to your store.

There are so many reasons to love custom tote bags that it's hard to imagine a time before they were in style.

This blog is a step-by-step guide on how you can create your own custom tote bags

Prepare your design

Ai or PNG works best for us to make sure we have a high-quality version of your artwork when creating your mockup. We also accept PDF, PNG, and JPEG files.

What if I can’t design my own artwork?

We’re here to help! Here’s how: Get a pen and paper and sketch your idea for us. It doesn’t have to be perfectly drawn, the purpose of the sketch is for us to get a good understanding of how you want your design to turn out instead of blindly guessing what you want, and would save us time going back and forth with revisions.

Here’s a sample sketch from one of our clients that we turned into a digital artwork

If you want to know more about our free design conversion service, you may read this blog.

Choose a material

Cotton tote bags and canvas tote bags are becoming more and more popular. One reason is their high level of sustainability and eco-friendliness. Another is their versatility and usefulness, together with their stylish flair and casual-chic elegance.

Cotton

Most people know that cotton is one of the oldest materials that has been used for decades. Hence, cotton is the best material to make a bag compared to plastic, considering its environmental aspects.

Cotton totes bags are also more durable and reusable tote bags. They are cheaper in the long run and good for any kind of shopping. Any kind of logo, heat transfer, iron-on, and screen print can be done easily on a cotton tote bag's surface because the cotton material is resistant to over 350 Fahrenheit.

Furthermore, they are perfect for any kind of embroidery because of their soft cotton material. An average size cotton tote bag weighs about 2-6 oz.

Here are more things you need to know about cotton tote bags in comparison to canvas tote bags:

Cotton tote bags sport a smoother, more refined texture; this is why they make some of the best products when it comes to promotional bags, gift bags, and stylish purses or accessories; since cotton is a perfect medium for personalization, you can turn your promotional cotton tote bags into veritable works of art;
You can wash, clean, and maintain cotton tote bags just as you would your cotton clothes and other accessories; as long as you follow the general rules regarding cotton washing and maintenance, your cotton tote bags will last for years;
Cotton is resilient and durable, becoming a good choice if you want products that can resist wear and tear; however, make sure you buy premium quality 100% cotton tote bags for daily uses and heavy carrying.
You can use a cotton tote bag for almost anything you can imagine: groceries and shopping, casual outings, formal wear, at the beach, as bridal gift bags, promotional bags, pantry storage of dry products or vegetables, gifts for girls and women in your life, and more.

Canvas

Canvas cotton bags are sturdier compared to cotton bags because canvas tote bags are intensely sewn during their manufacturing stage. Canvas features an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that they are durable but lightweight. Hence, they can carry heavier items and last more years compared to cotton tote bags. Additional to what cotton tote bags can carry, canvas tote bags can even carry large-sized and heavy books.

Here are more things you need to know about canvas tote bags:

Because of their durable material, canvas totes are also perfect for detailed logos. Heat transfer, iron-on, and screen print can be done quickly. The canvas material is durable to more than 350 Fahrenheit.

You can waterproof canvas tote bags for even more resilience to wear and tear, especially if you want to use them outdoors;

Cleaning and maintenance of canvas tote bags are not difficult if you follow the rules; we have put together a complete guide on how to clean canvas bags to help you take better care of your canvas bags in the long run;

In the fashion world these days, canvas bags compete with classic leather bags regarding quality, looks, sustainability, and elegance; as you can see, canvas bags are more than just shopping accessories, becoming more and more stylish in the last years;

Being more resilient, more massive, and sturdier, with a more rugged texture, and a solid look, canvas bags find their utility in a wide range of fields. They make excellent teacher bags due to their heavy-duty features, can become the heart and soul of DIY styling projects, and can use them for anything from grocery shopping to office meetings.

Print option

You have the option to choose from single-sided printing or double-sided printing (front and back) choose which option works best for you on your order form, or simply inform your account manager about it.

Popular options

Our popular options include a zipper, an inside pocket, and a drawstring, and more. These options may add extra security and functionality to your tote bag so make sure you consider them. Choose which option works best for you on your order form or simply inform your account manager about it.