The best tote bags start with a sturdy fabric that holds its shape, carries a full load and takes a print beautifully. Cotton canvas does all three, and it softens with every use.
Here is how to choose the fabric for your tote, the lining and how many metres to buy.
What makes a good tote bag fabric
Four fabrics for a tote bag
Cotton Canvas
Our heaviest cotton, woven in a basketweave that holds its shape on its own and takes hard wear.
Cut the handles across the width for long, strong straps.
How many metres for a tote
Based on a flat tote about 38 x 42 cm, cut from our 145 cm wide Cotton Canvas. For a boxed base, allow 1.5 m for two. The market bag is about 50 x 40 cm with a 15 cm gusset. Your pattern's cutting layout has the exact figure.
Prints made for bags
Classic GinghamMarie Le Moal
Romantic Peony FloralAline Bea
Painterly PoppiesNinola Design
Trailing FloralSarah Thorpe Designs
Beaumont Bloom CheckHelen Bowler Designs
Forest TangleMalika Buttinger
Lemon TrellisLina Romberg
Garden LoopUna Somerville
Printing your own logo or artwork for a tote? Upload it on the Custom Upload page and choose Cotton Canvas as the base.
Prints for tote bags
Tote bag fabric questions
What is the best fabric for a tote bag?
Cotton canvas. It is heavy, tightly woven and holds its shape with a full load. Cotton Canvas is 330 GSM and 145 cm wide.
What GSM is best for a tote bag?
About 250 to 400 GSM for a tote that stands up on its own. For a soft, foldable bag, 150 to 200 GSM works well.
Do I need to line a tote bag?
Canvas is strong enough on its own. A lining in Signature Cotton gives a clean inside finish and a place for pockets.
How much fabric do I need for a tote bag?
1 m of 145 cm wide canvas makes two flat totes with handles, and 1.5 m makes three.
Can I print my own design on tote bag fabric?
Yes. Upload your artwork on the Custom Upload page and choose Cotton Canvas, from 1 m in 0.5 m steps.