Handmade Tote Bags
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Beach-Towel Tote Bag
With a few stitches, a bath towel can be turned into an all-in-one beach mat and tote bag.
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T-shirt Bag
Turning an old T-shirt into a grocery bag is an easy way to go green.
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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.
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Monogrammed Tote
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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Silhouette Tote Bag
A bag with a decorative silhouette is more than a useful carrier; it's a conversation piece.
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Glittered Tote Bag
Make your tote bag sparkle with this glittering rhinestone-embellishment technique.
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Doggie Tote Bag
Tote your pup, or at least his image, with you wherever you go with this adorable and easy-to-make bag.
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Iron-On Monogram Tote with Petals
An iron-on initial in a woodsy typeface is an inspired (and easy) alternative to embroidery. Floral appliques extend the theme.
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Embroidered Tote Bag
Turn a child's drawing into a long-lasting keepsake with this bag.
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Tote Bag with Iron-On Blooms
Cherry blossoms are famously short-lived, but on a sturdy satchel they can last long past the season.
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Appliqued Sea Star Tote Bag
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.
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Iron-On Kids' Tote Bag
A cloth bag makes a natural canvas for young artists. This iron-on design will spur their self-expression.
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Tote Bag with White Cherry Branch Silhouettes
White silhouettes give this tote bag a modern, screen-printed look.
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Monochromatic Log-Cabin Leather Tote
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.
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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.
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Tote Bags with Iron-On Silhouettes
Sleek silhouettes turn a modest bag into an artful accessory.