Handmade Tote Bags

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 20

Beach-Towel Tote Bag

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.

2 of 20

T-shirt Bag

How to Make the T-Shirt Bag

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

3 of 20

No-Sew Market Tote Bag

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.

4 of 20

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.

5 of 20

Yoga Mat Tote Bag

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.

6 of 20

Removable Tote Organizer

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).

7 of 20

Running-Stitch Tote

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.

8 of 20

Silhouette Tote Bag

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

9 of 20

Glittered Tote Bag

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

10 of 20

Doggie Tote Bag

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

11 of 20

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.

12 of 20

Embroidered Tote Bag

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

13 of 20

Tote Bag with Iron-On Blooms

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

14 of 20

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.

15 of 20

Iron-On Kids' Tote Bag

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

16 of 20

Tote Bag with White Cherry Branch Silhouettes

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

17 of 20

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.

18 of 20

Personalized Tote Bag

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.

19 of 20

Tote Bags with Iron-On Silhouettes

Sleek silhouettes turn a modest bag into an artful accessory.

Replay gallery

Account

More