Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. DIY Projects & Crafts
  3. Handmade Tote Bags

Handmade Tote Bags

December 22, 2010
Skip gallery slides
Pin
ft_jun05msl27.jpg
Embellished, glued, ironed-on or sewn, here are our favorite ways to personalize an ordinary tote bag, and even a few ways to make your own from scratch.
Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beach-Towel Tote Bag

woman holding beach towel tote bag
Credit: The Morrisons
How to Make the Beach-Towel Tote Bag

With a few stitches, a bath towel can be turned into an all-in-one beach mat and tote bag.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

T-shirt Bag

3018_100507_tshirtbag.jpg
How to Make the T-Shirt Bag

Turning an old T-shirt into a grocery bag is an easy way to go green.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

No-Sew Market Tote Bag

mld103886_0209_hmarketbag10.jpg
How to Make the No-Sew Market Tote Bag

This no-sew bag can be stowed in your purse for a quick trip to the market, yet is strong enough to carry fruits and vegetables.

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Monogrammed Tote

1205_kids_totebag.jpg

You can monogram a canvas tote without a single stitch: Print the initial as large as possible from a computer, enlarge further on a photocopier, and cut out to make a pattern. Back fabric with fusible webbing, following the package directions. Lay the initial facedown on the webbing side of the fabric; trace, and cut out. Center the letter on the bag, and iron on.

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Yoga Mat Tote Bag

tvs7898.jpg
How to Make the Yoga Mat Tote Bag

One of the best ways to keep your yoga mat in good condition is to house it in a tote bag such as this easy-to-make version.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Removable Tote Organizer

gt03aprmsl_totebag.jpg
How to Make the Removable Tote Organizer

It's not a tote itself, but this handy accessory can help organize your favorite bag. A three-pocket pouch is easily fashioned from a carpenter's canvas nail apron (available at hardware stores).

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Running-Stitch Tote

mla103104_0807_tote.jpg
Credit: Kate Sears
How to Make a Running-Stitch Tote

This carryall, decorated using a running stitch, is as stylish as it is sturdy, thanks to a simple pattern of threads in varying colors and textures.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Silhouette Tote Bag

ft_nov04msl16.jpg

A bag with a decorative silhouette is more than a useful carrier; it's a conversation piece.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Glittered Tote Bag

5109_030410_tote.jpg

Make your tote bag sparkle with this glittering rhinestone-embellishment technique.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Doggie Tote Bag

mld104894_1009_dog09dog.jpg

Tote your pup, or at least his image, with you wherever you go with this adorable and easy-to-make bag.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Iron-On Monogram Tote with Petals

mld105654_0510_monogram5.jpg

An iron-on initial in a woodsy typeface is an inspired (and easy) alternative to embroidery. Floral appliques extend the theme.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Embroidered Tote Bag

5074_011810_arttote.jpg

Turn a child's drawing into a long-lasting keepsake with this bag.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tote Bag with Iron-On Blooms

mld105654_0510_opener8sbb.jpg

Cherry blossoms are famously short-lived, but on a sturdy satchel they can last long past the season.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Appliqued Sea Star Tote Bag

mla_10436_0609_starfishbag.jpg

A pair of sea stars float across a natural-hue tote. Because the canvas bag is too thick to print on, we used a lightweight canvas for the impressions (muslin also works) and appliqued them in place for a pleasing sense of dimension. The finished product is perfect for the beach, but it would look just as chic on a city street.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Iron-On Kids' Tote Bag

mld105654_0510_artwork515.jpg

A cloth bag makes a natural canvas for young artists. This iron-on design will spur their self-expression.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tote Bag with White Cherry Branch Silhouettes

mld105654_0510_christine70.jpg

White silhouettes give this tote bag a modern, screen-printed look.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Monochromatic Log-Cabin Leather Tote

md106711_0111_handbag_022.jpg

A monochromatic log cabin design in soft cowhide gives the pattern a modern yet relaxed vibe.

To make the bag, stitch together an 8-by-5 1/2-inch rectangle and 3-inch-wide strips using a leather needle and heavy-duty thread. Be sure to increase the stitch length to avoid perforating the leather. Add a strap of natural canvas. If you like, you can sew a matching lining.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Personalized Tote Bag

mwd105451_spr10_bag1.jpg
How to Make the Personalized Tote Bag

What busy woman couldn't use a great bag? Just as personal as a gift of jewelry but a little less expected, a simple tote bearing a chic design is baggage any girl would want to carry around.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tote Bags with Iron-On Silhouettes

ms_sewing_book_iron_on_bags.jpg

Sleek silhouettes turn a modest bag into an artful accessory.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 Beach-Towel Tote Bag
    2 of 19 T-shirt Bag
    3 of 19 No-Sew Market Tote Bag
    4 of 19 Monogrammed Tote
    5 of 19 Yoga Mat Tote Bag
    6 of 19 Removable Tote Organizer
    7 of 19 Running-Stitch Tote
    8 of 19 Silhouette Tote Bag
    9 of 19 Glittered Tote Bag
    10 of 19 Doggie Tote Bag
    11 of 19 Iron-On Monogram Tote with Petals
    12 of 19 Embroidered Tote Bag
    13 of 19 Tote Bag with Iron-On Blooms
    14 of 19 Appliqued Sea Star Tote Bag
    15 of 19 Iron-On Kids' Tote Bag
    16 of 19 Tote Bag with White Cherry Branch Silhouettes
    17 of 19 Monochromatic Log-Cabin Leather Tote
    18 of 19 Personalized Tote Bag
    19 of 19 Tote Bags with Iron-On Silhouettes

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Handmade Tote Bags
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.