A plain canvas tote costs a few dollars. Add a funny saying with your Cricut, and suddenly it’s the bag everyone asks about.
Totes are also one of the easiest iron-on projects. They’re flat, sturdy and forgiving.
I rounded up 12 Cricut tote bag ideas: funny shopping sayings, totes for moms and book lovers, a farmers market bag and a Christmas wine bag. Each one comes with the cut file.
Tip: Want to personalize a tote? Make a monogram in our free Monogram Maker, download the SVG and cut it in iron-on vinyl.
What You Need to Make Tote Bags with a Cricut
Here’s what I use:
- Canvas tote bags: 100% cotton canvas or a cotton blend. Natural, white, black and pastel totes all work.
- Iron-on vinyl: Cricut Everyday Iron-On or Siser EasyWeed. Glitter and patterned iron-on look great on totes too.
- Infusible Ink: it only works on polyester, so use the Infusible Ink-compatible tote bags.
- Heat press: a Cricut EasyPress or a home iron. A pressing pillow or a piece of cardboard inside the bag helps a lot.
- Weeding tool: for the small bits inside the letters.
Canvas is thick, so press a little longer than you would on a t-shirt, and press from the back too.
How to Put Iron-On Vinyl on a Tote Bag
Slide a piece of cardboard or an EasyPress mat inside the tote, so the heat stays on the front. Press the bag for a few seconds first to remove wrinkles and moisture.
Fold the tote in half to find the center, then place the design about 3 inches below the top. Press with the settings from the Cricut Heat Guide, peel the carrier sheet, and wait 24 hours before you wash it.
12 Cricut Tote Bag Ideas
Here are my favorite Cricut tote bag ideas, starting with funny sayings and finishing with a Christmas wine bag.
1. I’m Not a Shopaholic Tote Bag Bundle
Most Popular Tote Bag Design
Twenty funny tote sayings, like “I’m not a shopaholic, I’m just helping the economy” and “born to shop.” With over 350 favorites, it’s the most popular file in this list.
Black vinyl on a natural canvas tote is the classic look. Make a few and keep one in the car for shopping trips.
2. Emotional Baggage Tote
Funniest Tote Bag
“Emotional baggage. Just kidding… as if it would all fit in here.” This one makes me laugh every time.
It’s a great gift for a friend with a good sense of humor. The little flowers are a cute touch.
3. Some Groceries, Mostly Wine
Best Grocery Tote
Twenty shopping bag sayings, like “some groceries, mostly wine” and “none of this was on my list.”
Make a set of reusable grocery bags with a different saying on each one.
4. Nothing in This Bag Belongs to Me
Best Tote for Moms
“Nothing in this bag belongs to me. #momlife” Every mom will get it.
It looks so soft in black vinyl on a blush pink tote. Add it to a baby shower or Mother’s Day gift.
5. Good Food, Good Mood Tote Bundle
Best Value Bundle
Fifteen tote bag designs, like “good food, good mood,” “shopping like a boss” and a “milk, eggs, wine” list.
The designs are bold and simple, so they’re easy to weed. Great if you’re making a stack of gifts.
6. Bag Full of Goodies Bundle
Best Bundle for Crafters
Twenty-two designs, like “bag full of goodies,” “yay! I remembered the bag” and “I craft so hard I sweat glitter.”
Try white or gold vinyl on a black tote. It looks so sharp.
7. Books and Stuff
Best for Book Lovers
“Books & stuff” over an open book, with little sparkles around it.
It’s the perfect library bag. Make one for your book club friends or a teacher who loves to read.
8. Farmers Market Bag
Best Market Tote
“Farmers market bag” with a little basket and some leaves.
Take it to the market on Saturday morning. It’s big enough for veggies, flowers and a loaf of bread.
9. I Can’t Believe I Remembered This Bag
Most Relatable Tote
“Wow, I can’t believe I remembered to bring this bag.” We’ve all been there.
It’s a funny little gift for the friend who has twenty reusable bags at home and none in the car.
10. Eggs, Milk, Wine Checklist
Best Reusable Grocery Bag
A little shopping list: eggs, milk and wine. Only the wine is checked off.
It’s simple to cut and weed. It comes as a PNG too, if you’d rather sublimate it.
11. Pool Day Tote
Best Summer Tote
“Pool day” in big, rounded letters, with little daisies around it.
Pack it with a towel, sunscreen and a good book. It works for a beach day too.
12. Eat, Drink and Be Merry Wine Bag
Best Christmas Gift Bag
“Eat, drink and be merry” on a little drawstring wine bag.
Slip in a bottle of wine and it’s the easiest hostess gift for a Christmas party. Make a few at once for the holidays.
Cricut Tote Bag FAQs
What size should a tote bag design be?
About 9 to 10 inches wide for a standard 15 x 16 inch tote. For smaller totes, go down to 7 or 8 inches.
Why is my vinyl peeling off the tote?
Canvas has a rough texture, so it needs more pressure and heat. Press a little longer, press from the back, and put something firm inside the bag while you press.
Can I wash a vinyl tote bag?
Yes. Wait 24 hours, turn it inside out, wash in cool water and hang it to dry. For heavy canvas totes, spot cleaning keeps them looking new longer.
More Cricut Project Ideas
- 15 Funny Cricut Kitchen Towel Ideas (Easy Gifts for Every Season)
- 16 Cricut Shirt Ideas for the Whole Family (Funny, Cute and Personalized)
- 16 Cricut Sweatshirt Ideas for Cozy DIY Crewnecks
- 18 Cricut Teacher Gift Ideas They’ll Actually Use
- 21 Cricut Christmas Gift Ideas Everyone on Your List Will Love
