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How To Decorate a Blank Tote Bag

By ShirtSpace | Nov 27, 2024 | Updated Dec 03, 2024

Tote bags can be used for many things – a shopping bag, a purse, a beach bag, a trick-or-treating candy collection bag, and many other purposes. Regardless of the purpose of your bag, you can make your tote bag stand out with one of these ten creative decorating methods.

Hero image credit: Sandhya from Sandhya Tailor

10 Ways to Decorate Blank Tote Bags

These decorating methods aren’t the only ways you can customize a tote bag, but they are simple, effective and transform a tote bag beautifully. Here are some decorating canvas bag ideas to get you started:

DTF	Painting
Embellishment	Screen Printing or Screen Print Transfers
Embroidery	Sublimation
HTV	Tie-Dye
Iron-on Transfers	Using Natural or Recycled Materials

Choosing the Right Tote Bag for Decoration

The type of decorating you would like to do should influence the type of tote bag you select. For example, you will want a tote bag with enough polyester in the mix to sublimation print. Cotton-heavy or canvas tote bags will not work for this type of printing.

Embroiderers usually prefer a thicker fabric for their designs. For embroidery, we would avoid plastic-like PVC, lightweight polyester, like the fabric used for the Gemline 1182 Latitudes Foldaway Shopper Tote, or heavily coated material, such as the polypropylene with a metallic coating used for these Liberty Bags Metallic Totes.

Printing methods (besides sublimation) typically work with most tote bag materials, but pressing time, temperature and pressure may vary.

Painting and embellishment are pretty versatile, too, but consider the type of paint or glue you may be using when selecting the type of tote bag you will also be using.

Essential Supplies for Decorating Tote Bags

Embellishments: Appliques, buttons, beads, patches, pins, rhinestones, ribbon or trimming, fabric glue, needle and thread
Embroidery: Needle(s), thread
- Optional: Stabilizer, embroidery machine, embroidery hoop
Heat Transfers: Heat press, parchment paper, transfer (DTF, HTV, screen print transfer)
- Optional: Heat-resistant tape (such as Thermo Tape™), pressing pillow
Painting: Paint, paint brushes, water cup to rinse brushes
- Optional: Fan for quick drying
Tie-Dye: Soda ash, rubber bands, kite or sinew string, dye.

Customization Methods: How To Decorate a Tote Bag

Choose one decorating method, or go with multiple for a unique look that stands out! Combine two, three, four or more for a one of a kind design that’s all your own.

Tote Bag Decorating Using Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

Image credit: twinster photo

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) is perfect for simpler designs that are limited in color. Thicker letters and shapes yield the best results with HTV designs most of the time. You can buy pre-cut designs or invest in a vinyl cutter, like a Cricut. Then, attach your HTV by ironing it onto the tote bag or using a heat press. These range in price from a Cricut EasyPress to a beginner clamshell press, up to equipment worth thousands of dollars – such as a Stahls’ Hotronix Heat Press.

TIPS FOR HEAT-PRESSING HTV ONTO TOTE BAGS:

Use a Weeding Tool: This helps to protect the design from rips or tears and makes your task easier!
Pre-Press the Tote Bag: Press the bag for 5–10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles, creating a smooth surface for the HTV.
Use a Heat Press Pillow: Place a heat press pillow or pad inside the tote bag to ensure even pressure, especially around seams or zippers.
Set Correct Temperature and Time: Typically, press at 305°F for 10–15 seconds. Refer to your HTV’s specific instructions for optimal results.
Apply Firm, Even Pressure: Use firm pressure to ensure the HTV adheres well to the thicker tote bag fabric.
Peel According to HTV Type: Follow the HTV’s recommended peel instructions (hot, warm, or cold) to avoid damaging the design.
Post-Press for Extra Adherence: Cover with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper after peeling the carrier sheet and press again for 5 seconds to lock in the design.

Painting Techniques for Canvas Tote Bags

Image credit: Breakreate

Painting on a tote bag is one of the best decorating techniques for beginners and kids because anyone can do it with little equipment. Let your creativity and imagination run wild. You can hand paint or use a stencil. Paint onto the fabric words or designs, structured or abstract—there are so many options.

TIPS FOR PAINTING TOTE BAGS:

Choose the Right Paint: Use fabric paint or acrylic paint mixed with a fabric medium to ensure flexibility and longevity on the tote bag.
Pre-Wash and Iron the Bag: Wash the tote to remove any chemicals and finalize sizing. Then, iron it flat to create a smooth painting surface.
Place Cardboard Inside the Bag: Insert cardboard or a plastic sheet inside the tote bag to prevent paint from bleeding through to the other side.
Sketch Your Design First: Lightly sketch your design with a pencil or fabric chalk to guide your painting and avoid mistakes.
Use Multiple Thin Layers: Apply thin layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry before adding more for an even, crack-free finish.
Heat-Set the Paint: Once dry, set the paint with an iron on medium heat (use a pressing cloth) or tumble dry on low to lock in the design and make it permanent.

Embroidery: Decorating Canvas and Denim Bags with a Personal Touch

Kerri, or Botanical Bunny of Botanical Threads, puts her crafty mark on these tote bags by embroidering designs with carefully thought-out placement.

Tote bags pictured (left to right): BAGedge BE010 Canvas Tote with Contrasting Handles in “natural/forest” and Artisan Collection by Reprime RP998 Denim Tote Bag in “indigo/denim.”

“I thought these totes would be the perfect canvas for some hand-embroidered fall-themed designs. I hand-embroidered each tote using various embroidery techniques, including French knots for the corn and satin stitch for the mushroom. These were such a joy to create. They’re truly the perfect tote for a trip to the farmers market.” - Kerri (Botanical Bunny), Botanical Threads

TIPS FOR EMBROIDERING TOTE BAGS:

Choose the Right Stabilizer: Use a medium-weight tear-away or cut-away stabilizer to support the fabric and prevent puckering.
Hoop Properly: Ensure the tote bag and stabilizer are securely hooped, and the fabric is taut to avoid shifting.
Slow Down the Stitching Speed: Embroider at a slower speed to maintain precision and reduce the risk of thread breakage or design distortion.

How to Decorate Canvas Tote Bags with Screen Print Transfers

Elle of Shop Elle Nicole used screen print transfers to transform a tie-dye tote bag from ShirtSpace into works of art! Read on to learn how she did it.

Tote bag pictured: Q-Tees TD800 Tie-Dyed Canvas Bag in “pink lady.”

“To decorate this tote, I used a screen print ink transfer. These kinds of transfers use the same ink as traditional screen printing but are applied with a heat press instead. I love this option because it's a mess-free option for screen printing and requires less equipment. This option is also my favorite because it's super durable, like traditional screen printing. I pressed this onto the tote bag at around 360 degrees for about 10 seconds, peeled it hot, and ta-da! We now have an adorable contrast tie-dye tote that I cannot wait to wear!” – Elle, Shop Elle Nicole

TIPS FOR HEAT-PRESSING SCREEN PRINT TRANSFERS ONTO TOTE BAGS:

Prep the Bag: Lint roll and pre-press the tote bag for 5–10 seconds before applying the transfer to remove moisture and wrinkles, ensuring a smooth surface.
Use a Firm Pressure Setting: Tote bags often have thick fabric, so adjust your heat press to a firm pressure to ensure the design adheres evenly.
Check the Heat and Time Settings: Follow the manufacturer’s temperature and press time recommendations.
Use a Heat Press Pillow or Pad: Place inside the bag to create an even pressing surface and avoid seam marks.
Peel According to Instructions: Pay attention to whether the transfer is a hot, warm, or cold peel, and remove the carrier sheet accordingly to avoid ruining the design.
Press the Inside for Extra Adherence: After applying the transfer, turn the tote bag inside out and do a quick 5-second press on the back to ensure the design is fully set.

Tote Bag Decorating Using DTF Transfers

Elle also used DTF transfers to transform another tote bag into a piece of fashion and practicality. With matching accessories like a tumbler cup and sticker, she was able to repurpose this awesome fall design into a variety of products to appeal to her customers.

Tote bag pictured: Q-Tees QTBG 12L Economical Tote in “light pink.”

“DTF means “direct to film.” These are made by printing a design onto a PET film, using water-based inks and an adhesive powder. I love to purchase DTF transfers for full-color designs. You can print high-quality images in as many colors as you want – unlike screen print transfers, where you are more limited by color. DTF is applied to your garment with a heat press. I pressed this onto my tote at around 320 degrees for 15–20 seconds, let it cool, then peeled! Another option with DTF is to press one more time with a protective parchment sheet on top after you peeled the initial layer. This really gives the item the “screen print look” without the same cost and effort that goes into screen printing. I think this DTF-printed tote turned out great, and I cannot wait to rock it this fall!” - Elle, Shop Elle Nicole

TIPS FOR HEAT-PRESSING DTF TRANSFERS ONTO TOTE BAGS:

Prep the Tote Bag: Line roll and then pre-press the bag for 5–10 seconds to remove wrinkles.
Use Medium to Firm Pressure: To ensure the DTF transfer adheres properly to the tote bag's thicker fabric.
Adjust Temperature and Time: Set your heat press to around 300-325°F and press for 10–15 seconds. Check your DTF manufacturer’s recommendations for the best results.
Place a Heat-Resistant Sheet Over the Transfer: Use parchment paper or a Teflon sheet over the transfer to protect it from direct heat and prevent scorching.
Check Peel Type of DTF Transfers: For hot peel transfers, peel immediately. For warm peels, wait a minute or more before peeling. For cold peels, allow the transfer to cool completely before peeling off the carrier sheet for a smooth, finished look.
Post-Press for Extra Durability: After peeling, press again for 5–10 seconds with parchment or Teflon paper over the design to ensure maximum adherence and longevity.

Iron-On Transfers: Easy and Quick Tote Bag Decorating Ideas

Do you want to attach a design but without a heat press? Iron-on transfers are here to save the day! When deciding how to decorate a canvas bag, you only need a regular clothes iron to create the custom tote bag of your dreams! Iron-on patches and heat transfers are an easy way to add a little flair to what you wear! We decorated this basic tote bag with these embroidered construction vehicles. This bag combines a few decorating methods, so read how we achieved it below.

A person ironing on embroidered patches to a canvas bag, painted with a road design using acrylic paint.
A canvas tote bag decorated with acrylic paint and iron-on patches.

“To decorate this fun tote bag, I first lightly sketched out the road shape using a pencil and then painted the black roads with acrylic paint. After the black paint dried, I painted the dashed lines. I did two coats and a touch-up with black to clean up the lines. After the paint was completly dry, I attached the construction vehicle embroidered patches using an Oliso Smart Iron, but any hand-held iron will work. As a finishing touch, I embellished the tote, gluing small pebbles and moss around the edges of the road and construction vehicle.” – Britt, Marketing Specialist at ShirtSpace

TIPS FOR DECORATING TOTE BAGS WITH IRON-ON TRANSFERS:

Pre-Wash and Iron the Tote Bag: Wash the tote to remove any residues and iron out wrinkles to create a smooth surface for the transfer.
Position and Secure the Transfer: Place the transfer in your desired spot and secure it with heat-resistant tape to prevent shifting during pressing.
Use a Firm, Flat Surface: Press on a solid surface rather than an ironing board to ensure even pressure, which is crucial for proper transfer adhesion.
Apply Even Pressure and Heat: Use firm, steady pressure with an iron or heat press, following the transfer's temperature and time settings (typically 350-375°F for 10-15 seconds).
Peel Carefully: Check whether the transfer is a hot, warm, or cold peel, and remove the backing accordingly to avoid damaging the design.
Press Again with a Protective Sheet: After peeling, cover the transfer with parchment paper or a Teflon sheet and do a quick 5-second press to seal the design and enhance durability.

Embellishment: Tote Bag Decorating with Buttons, Beads, and Patches & More!

You do not always need to draw the line at paint, prints or dye to decorate a blank tote bag. Add texture and flair to your tote bag by attaching trimmings and decorative items like ribbons, trim, beads, rhinestones, sequins, appliques, patches, buttons, strings and more.

Image credit: Mayabun from Getty Images

TIPS FOR EMBELLISHING TOTE BAGS:

Plan Your Design: Arrange your embellishments on the tote bag before attaching them to clearly visualize the final look and ensure balance.
Use Strong Adhesives or Stitching: Secure beads, buttons, and patches with fabric glue, or hand-stitch them using heavy-duty thread for added durability. Make sure you use glue suitable for the fabric and the items you are attaching.
Use an Inner Barrier: If you are gluing, place cardboard or a plastic sheet inside as a barrier inside the tote. The purpose is so that the glue does not seep through to the other side of the tote.
Reinforce High-Stress Areas: Apply extra stitches or glue on corners and edges of patches or more oversized embellishments to prevent peeling or detachment over time.
Add a Fabric Backing for Beads and Buttons: Place a small piece of fabric behind the area where you attach beads or buttons to provide extra support and prevent fabric tearing.
Avoid Overloading One Area: Spread embellishments evenly across the tote to avoid creating weight imbalances or stressing the fabric in one spot.
Test Washability: Check if the embellishments are washable or recommend spot cleaning or handwashing to maintain the tote bag’s appearance.
Pin-Back Buttons: For a look that you can change whenever you want without damaging your bag, we recommend printing out images, graphics or any type of design that can be sealed in button form and arranged in several ways.

Image credit: Marija Zaric

How to Decorate a Tote Bag by Sublimation Printing

Corinne Blackstone, crafter and apparel decorator, lends some advice as she explains how she decorated these two totes by sublimation printing:

Tote bag pictured: Liberty Bags PSB810 Sublimation Small Tote Bag in “white/black”.

”How cute is this little tote!? It is the perfect size for a gift bag. To add this fun back-to-school design on this small tote, I folded up a shirt to fit inside the tote to act as a pressing pillow. This also raised the center of the bag up above the seams of the sides and bottom. Then, I used a little bit heavier pressure with my heat press to make sure everything would be pressed evenly. This bag is 100% polyester, making it the perfect tote bag to use for sublimation. I pressed this at 400 degrees for 60 seconds with a clamshell heat press.” – Corinne Blackstone

Tote bag pictured: BAGedge BE256 Polyester Canvas Rope Tote in “white sublimation.”.

“This large tote is perfect for all that Halloween candy you are going to get trick or treating, but it is also a thick and hefty bag. Because of its thick handles and seams, this tote bag required me to use three pressing pillows inside of the tote to ensure the design was raised above the thick seams. Because of this, I needed to lower the pressure on my heat press, but once I did that, this came out beautifully! Be sure to press your sublimation designs at 385 degrees to 400 degrees for 60 seconds.” – Corinne Blackstone

TIPS FOR SUBLIMATION PRINTING TOTE BAGS:

Choose the Right Material: Use tote bags made from polyester or high polyester content (at least 65%) for vibrant, long-lasting results.
Ensure Your Tote is Sublimation-Safe: One tote we sent Corinne to decorate melted, despite it being 100% polyester. Be careful of straps or trims that are not heat-resistant.
Set the Optimal Temperature and Time: Use a heat press temperature of 385-400°F and press for 45–60 seconds to allow the dye to transfer fully.
Use a Pressing Pillow: Which is essential for totes with uneven surfaces, thick materials, or chunk straps.
Place a Protective Sheet Inside the Bag: Insert a sheet of parchment paper or butcher paper inside the tote bag to prevent ink bleed-through to the other side.
Secure the Transfer: Use heat-resistant tape to hold the sublimation transfer in place and prevent ghosting or shifting during pressing.
Use Medium Pressure: Apply medium pressure to ensure even heat distribution without flattening the fabric too much or causing scorch marks.
Peel Hot for Best Results: After pressing, peel the sublimation paper off immediately while it’s still hot for a crisp, clear design.

Eco-Friendly Designs: Using Recycled Materials for Tote Bag Decorating

Using old items around the house can result in a trash-to-treasure tote bag that is as eco-friendly as it is fashionable.

Image credit: nads0404 from Nadia Samra’s Images

TIPS FOR DECORATING TOTE BAGS WITH RECYCLED ITEMS:

Gather Reusable Items: Collect materials like old fabric or HTV scraps, broken jewelry pieces, buttons, ribbons, tape, or material from worn-out clothes, such as old t-shirts, to repurpose creatively.
Plan a Layout First: Arrange your recycled items on the tote bag to visualize your design before attaching them, ensuring a balanced and cohesive look.
Use Strong Fabric Glue or Hand-Sew: Secure materials with a strong fabric adhesive or hand-sew using durable thread to keep the decorations in place.
Layer and Mix Textures: Combine different textures like lace, felt, or denim to add visual interest and dimension to your design.
Incorporate Functional Elements: Use zippers, pockets, or fabric loops from old garments to add decorative flair and practical features.
Personalize with Paint or Stencils: Use fabric paint or stencils to enhance or outline the recycled pieces, creating a unique, upcycled look that tells a story.

Tote Bag Decorating with Tie-Dye

Blogger and crafter, Natalie, tie-dyed her tote bags for her blog, Doodlecraft, in varying colors and patterns. Tie-dyeing tote bags are a great way to add a splash of color to an otherwise plain accessory. Plus, tie-dye can be as simple or as complicated as you would like to make it, with dyeing techniques ranging from beginner to advanced. Or think outside of the box and tie-dye using a more unconventional approach than a classic spiral or scrunch pattern. Follow the following steps, and your bag will dye beautifully.

Image credit: Doodlecraft Blog

“Learning how to tie-dye high-quality colorful designs on a canvas tote bag is super fun and easy, and makes a fun alternative to shirts. All you need is 100% cotton tote bags and Tulip Tie Dye Party Kit, and you are ready to go!” – Natalie, Doodlecraft Blog

TIPS FOR TIE-DYEING TOTE BAGS:

Choose a Cotton or Natural Fiber Bag: Use a tote bag of 100% cotton or a high cotton blend for the best dye absorption and vibrant colors.
Pre-Wash the Bag: Wash the tote bag without fabric softener to remove any sizing or chemicals that could prevent the dye from adhering properly.
Soak in Soda Ash Solution: Soak the tote bag in a soda ash solution before dyeing to help the colors set more effectively.
Create Tighter Folds and Ties: Use rubber bands or string to secure tight folds, twists, or knots to create defined patterns and prevent the dye from bleeding into unwanted areas.
Apply Dye Evenly: Squeeze dye into each section carefully and flip the bag over to ensure both sides are fully saturated.
Wrap and Let Set: Place the dyed tote bag in a plastic bag or wrap it in plastic to keep it moist. Let it sit for 24 hours to allow the dye to set correctly.
Rinse and Wash Separately: Rinse the bag under cold water until the water runs clear, then wash it separately in warm water to prevent color transfer onto other items.

Tote-ally Awesome Bags!

Now that you have a ton of inspiration for making a tote bag your own custom masterpiece, the opportunities are endless. Tell us in the comments how you plan to decorate a tote bag or any other methods we might have missed!

Image credit: elladoro from Getty Images

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