Custom canvas bags

Canvas Tote Bag – The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Canvas tote bags have been in the scene for decades, and it has since been the favorite of a demographic of people. Because of their insane flexibility, simplicity, and functionality, this category of bag is really something you’d want.

And in case you know little-to-nothing about canvas tote bags, here’s an FAQ about canvas tote bags you would want to know before including it in your business’s arsenal!

What Are Canvas Tote Bags?

Figure 1: An image of a canvas tote bag

Canvas tote bags are shoulder-carry bags that are made from fabric material that can be made from linen or cotton. We can dissect it as is – canvas bags or bags that are made from cotton or linen, and tote bags or unfastened shoulder bags with parallel handles.

Canvas Tote Bag Material: What is a Tote Made Of?

Figure 2: Tote bags can be made of various materials such as non-woven cotton, linen, canvas, and many more!

This eco-friendly bag is made from durable fabric material that is woven, which can be cotton or linen. There are instances, though, where canvas tote bags are mixed and combined with a small percentage of polyesters.

They appear thicker than ordinary yarn because they’re woven with 2 warps. Canvas tote bags are made to be stronger than traditional cotton bags.

DID YOU KNOW: Canvas material is also used in several other products, too? Yes, because of their strength, they’re also used in backpacks, tents, sails, marquees, as well as shoes and electronic device cases.

History of Tote Bags

Before we continue with the discussion of tote bags, it’s imperative that you learn about the history and the story behind them.

Etymology of Totes

To start, you might be wondering what the word “tote” is. Simply, it’s a word that means “to carry.” The earlier uses of tote bags are those that are worn and used around the waist, and their use was for carrying jewelry or other type of accessory.

The First Totes

However, the earlier versions of the tote bag that we know of today came into existence in the 1940s and was created by LL Bean for the purpose of carrying wood and ice. 2 decades pass and the manufacturer reinvented the bag, which has been later known as the “boat bag.”

It’s technically the same shape, color, and form, but its trims had a different color than the bag.

Fast forward to the 1960s, bag creators started to become a hit in the market. Bonnie Cashin created her own line of bags, named Cashin Carry Tote Bags. These bags were large in size and beautiful in terms of style and design.

The Totes We Know Today

Then, The Strand, a New York Bookshop introduced a new style and type of tote bag – and it is the closest one that we know of today. The bag had a soft structure and has been made from a combination of natural cotton canvas.

From there, history was made. In our times today, we have regular totes, high-end totes, and even luxury tote bags used in varying applications and occasions.

How Are Canvas Tote Bags Made?

The manufacturing process of canvas tote bags is not as simple and as some of you might think. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. To help you understand it further, here’s the step-by-step process of how canvas tote bags are produced and manufactured.

Figure 3: An image of a canvas tote bag manufacturing factory

Step #1: Material Collection

The first step is the collection of materials that are going to be used for the canvas tote bags. These include the fabric, polypropylene plastic, as well as other things that are going to be involved.

NOTE: We’ll skip the spinning part and will go straight to the cutting of the fabric.

Step #2: Fabric Cutting

After that, the next step is the cutting of the fabric. The size will depend on the size of the canvas tote bag you’re planning to create. You also have to cut the base for of your canvas tote bags.  

Most manufacturers use digital machines for the cutting of the fabric, and this will all be automated. This is also the step where the straps of the canvas tote bag will be cut out. It’ll usually be 14” to 17” and are about an inch and a half wide.

Step #3: Folding and Positioning

Once that’s cut and finalized, the next step would be to fold and position the fabric. Then, you’ll need to fold the fabric about an inch on both sides.

Step #4: Pinning

For the fold, make sure that you pin it and then compare each side constantly to ensure that they’re at the exact same size so when you combine them together, it’s symmetrical.  

Step #5: Sewing

After that, perform the sewing. Sew the base to the first side of the bag and make sure that it’s symmetrical. Then, sew the 2^nd part or side to the base.

Sew the sides together so that they make and take the shape of a bag.

Step #6: Attaching the Straps

After that, attach the straps by measuring about 4 inches from the top of the bag. Sew the bag from inside so that you’ll be able to attach the straps to the inner seams or the area you’ve sewn.

Step #7: Polishing

Lastly, polish the canvas tote bag by cutting loose strings and ends. Double-check the measurements as well as the seams that you’ve created and check it before distributing it to consumers.

This 7-step process is derived from a homemade or DIY type of canvas tote bag. The manufacturing process would usually entail these processes but in a much larger scale.

Moreover, the production of canvas tote bags in factories are often done using heavy-duty auxiliary machinery and equipment, not by hand. Well, it’s safe to say that some steps would require the human touch, but from the cutting and sewing, it’s performed and accomplished by technology.

DIY Tote Bags

Figure 4: An image of a DIY tote bag

You’ll find multiple guides online that talk about how to create your own canvas tote bags. In fact, the process we discussed above is the method of creating canvas tote bags by hand. And although not everything will fit perfectly into those steps, that is the general structure of how canvas tote bags are made.

Here are a few videos that you can use to guide you in creating canvas tote bags inside your home!

If you want a larger size of a canvas tote bag, here’s a tutorial from Sotak Handmade.

How Do I Choose the Right Tote Bag?

Figure 5: Size is among the most important considerations for your canvas tote bags

Choosing the right tote bag is not like how you choose candy from a candy shop – it’s not the easy. The whole point is, you need to know and consider the factors involved.

So, here’s a quick and simple guide of what you may want to consider in choosing your tote.

Manufacturer of the Tote

It may sound unorthodox, but, considering the manufacturer of the tote bag is a big deal. You want to look who made it, their business ethics, as well as their overall reputation. It won’t tamper with the quality or whatsoever, but it can be a factor for advantage or disadvantage.

Physical Weight

Physical weight is the total weight of the canvas tote bag without having anything inside. In case you didn’t know, there’s a considerable amount of tote bags that are quite heavier than the usual.

You want a canvas tote that’s not too heavy and not too light at the same time. If it’s too light, it could mean that the materials used are lightweight and could be unvaluable.

Shape and Flexibility

The shape of a tote bag is one of the most distinctive features it could have. No matter how beautiful the colors might be, if it’s asymmetrical and unpolished, it won’t be that good too.

So, you want to choose a canvas tote bag that has the shape you want, that’s symmetrical, and that’s flexible but, of course, sturdy and strong. When we mean flexible, we don’t mean that it could be stretched out only flexible that it doesn’t just pop a hole when too much weight is put on.

That brings us to the last consideration, which is…

Strength

Strength is one of the most important factors. This factor refers to how the tote bag is capable of retaining its shape and functionality even if it’s twisted, scrunched, and turned to every position.

Moreover, strength is also the determining factor if, for example, the weight capacity of the tote bag is only 5 pounds, and you exceed it by about 3 pounds, it wouldn’t look bulky, and its fibers wouldn’t start to pop out.

How to Clean and Wash Canvas Tote Bags?

Washing your canvas tote bags is simple. You just need to understand what is and what’s not allowed to use. To wash your canvas tote bags, of course, you need to remove all its contents.

After that, you can wash it like how you wash regular clothes or apparel. Here are a couple of points to consider:

• Rinse it properly after washing it with laundry detergent
• Avoid using too much fabric conditioners as it can tamper with the quality and strength of the canvas material
• Wash it with care; avoid rigorous wringing because it can produce creases and folds

Can You Machine Wash Canvas Tote Bags?

Yes, you can put canvas tote bags inside a machine washer or a washing machine. However, you need to note that in washing them, you need to set the speed to gentle. This is so that the fibers will remain intact.

Where Can You Purchase High-Quality Canvas Tote Bags in China?

Here in the country, you’ll find tens of thousands of canvas tote bag manufacturers and suppliers. However, you wouldn’t be able to find a supplier or manufacturer as reliable and trustworthy as us here at Precise Bag.

For a significant number of years, we have produced high-quality canvas tote bags in various styles, forms, shapes, and structures.

We can produce canvas tote bags that are perfectly precise, affordable and inexpensive, as well as easily customizable. No matter how customized and personalized you want your canvas totes, our team can provide and produce that for you!

Other than our canvas tote bags, you can also count on us if you need cooler bags, shopping bags, lunch bags, and garment bags.

Get a Free Quote From Us Today!

Work with China’s most trusted canvas tote bag supplier and manufacturer. Reach out to us and we’re more than happy to help you with the canvas tote bags that you need!