50. Personalized Tote

Start with a plain canvas bag from a crafts store, and approach it just as you would (suitably enough) a blank canvas. Do you want to add a modern design? Pretty labels? Handy pockets? The ideas here are just a beginning.

IRON IT ON
Tools and Materials

scissors
iron-on transfer paper (available at office-supply and crafts stores)
plain canvas tote bag
iron
twill tape or grosgrain ribbon, for handles (optional)

Iron-On How-To

Cut around images cleanly to avoid making jagged edges. Following transfer-paper manufacturer’s instructions, print images on transfer paper in black or in color and cut them out. Arrange images on bag, faceup, for a preview (keeping in mind this is a mirror image of final design). When you’re ready to iron, place images facedown. Iron over images, starting at edges of each and using even pressure so that the image doesn’t slide. When iron-ons have cooled, remove backing paper. Replace bag handles with colorful twill tape or cover them with ribbon, if desired.

Iron-on templates from Marth Stewart Living: (remember, when copying these onto transfer paper, mirror the image)
Books Template (PDF)
Knitting Template (PDF)

ADD POCKETS
Tools and Materials

12 1/2-by-19-inch canvas
tote bag
seam ripper
scissors
fabric for pocket
measuring tape
thread
fabric glue or pins
twill tape or grosgrain ribbon
children’s apron with pockets

Pockets How-To

1. Begin by removing existing handles with a seam ripper.
   
2. Make outer pockets: Cut two pieces of fabric 6 inches narrower than width of bag. Cut one of these pieces 2 inches shorter than height of bag. Cut remaining piece 5 inches shorter. Fold over top 1/4 inch of each; hem. Stack small piece onto large piece, aligning at bottom. Center on bag; glue or pin into place. Machine-stitch bottom. For handles, cut two pieces of 1 1/4-inch-wide twill tape twice the height of bag plus 20 inches. Attach with glue or pins, covering sides of pocket. Attach other handle. Stitch along both sides of each tape. Reinforce handles at top and bottom of bag.
   
3. Make inner pockets: Cut off apron top. Glue or pin lower portion in place. Fold over top edge by 1/4 inch; stitch into place.

Source: Martha Stewart