Create custom canvas tote bags with these bulk printing options that you can do at home at low cost!
Ever want to create multiple canvas tote bags with the same logo or design, but found it to be too pricey to have done professionally? Well, you’re in luck because here are 3 bulk printing options that you can do at home at low cost!
Most of us have probably encountered a time when we needed a custom canvas tote bag. Whether it be for wedding totes, or company branded bags. In some cases the cost can be a bit hefty, other times a minimum order requirement may be much more than the number actually needed. Instead of hiring out a project like custom canvas bags you can now do it yourself! Check out the video tutorial below for bulk printing options that you can do at home at low cost!
- Stamping
Supplies:
- Canvas Tote Bag
- Stamp
- Either Screenprinting Ink or Fabric Paint
- Craft Mat
- Paint Brush
- Paper Towel or Cardstock
Step 1: Add screen printing ink (or fabric paint) to a silicon mat (or craft mat) with a foam paint brush. Be sure to add a liberal amount.
Step 2: Press the stamp into the ink multiple times until the entire design is covered.
Step 3: Put a paper towel or piece of cardstock inside the bag to prevent bleeding.
Step 4: Place your stamp face down on your tote bag and press.
Step 4: Slowly pull up the stamp. TIP: If you notice any areas where the paint did not take, simply go over it with a paint brush.
Step 5: To heat set your ink so you can wash your tote bag, simply heat up a Cricut EasyPress to 320 degrees for 40 seconds. You can also use an iron medium heat for 3-5 seconds.
- DIY Screen Printing
Supplies:
- Canvas Tote Bag
- 12” Wooden Embroidery Hoop
- Screen Printing Mesh
- Screen Printing Ink
- Squegee (or other smooth surface tool to pull ink over screen)
- Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Cricut Machine
- Cricut EasyPress and Mat (an iron or ironing board will also work)
- Scissors
- Weeding Tool
- Painter’s Tape
Step 1: Create the design you want for your tote bag. Then, add it to the Cricut Design Space. Resize the design so it will fit onto your tote bag. I resized mine so it was 10” wide. Then, hit make and select heat transfer vinyl from the material option.
Step 2: Cut out your design by laying it on the cutting mat shiny side down. Weed out the design leaving the negative behind. This will be the stencil for your screen printing. If you don’t have a Cricut machine you can trace your design or logo onto the top of the vinyl. Then, use scissors or a craft knife to cut it out.
Step 3: Cut a piece of screen mesh larger than your embroidery hoop.
Step 4: Set your Cricut EasyPress to 280 degrees for 25 seconds. Then, place a paper towel on top of the ironing pad (this will prevent any adhesive from getting on to it). Add your heat transfer vinyl on top with the shiny side facing up.
Step 5: Go over the design with the EasyPress for 25 seconds. Continue moving around the design until you’ve gone over each section.
Step 6: Once the vinyl is cool to the touch, remove the clear liner from the top.
Step 7: Open your embroidery hoop, place you design on top so it’s in the center (make sure the side with the vinyl is on the bottom). Add the outside ring and tighten. TIP: If you see any areas that are loose, just give the outside screen a tug and it’ll tighten it. Also, add painter’s tape to any exposed areas on your screen where you don’t want ink/paint getting on your canvas tote bag.
Step 8: Place the screen on the center of the bag.
Step 9: Use a pallet knife to add screen printing ink above the design. Take a squeegee (or credit card) and place it above the ink. Then, with the squeegee at a slight angle, pull the ink down over your design while you hold the frame with your other hand (this will help prevent the screen from slipping). Continue pulling the ink down and over your design. If you have some areas missing ink, simply add a small line of ink above and pull it down with the squugee.
Step 10: Slowly life up on the screen to reveal your design!
Step 11: To heat set your ink so you can wash your tote bag, simply heat up a Cricut EasyPress to 320 degrees for 40 seconds. You can also use an iron medium heat for 3-5 seconds.
When you’re finished using the screen, simply remove it from the hoop, rinse it with water, and let it dry for later use.
- Heat Transfer Vinyl
Supplies:
- Canvas Tote Bag
- Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Cricut Cutting Machine (or you can use a craft knife and craft mat)
- Cricut EasyPress and Mat (or iron and ironing board)
- Weeding Tool
- Scissors
Step 1: Create the design you want for your tote bag. Then, add it to the Cricut Design Space. Resize the design so it will fit on your tote bag. I resized mine so it was 10” wide. Then, hit make and select heat transfer vinyl from the material option.
Step 2: Select Heat Transfer Vinyl on your cutting machine and make sure to change the image so it’s mirrored. Cut out your design by laying the vinyl side up on the cutting mat. Weed out the negative, leaving the design behind. If you don’t have a Cricut machine you can trace your design or logo onto the top of the vinyl. Then, use scissors or a craft knife to cut it out.
Step 3: Place your canvas tote bag on top of a heat protective mat or surface. Set the Cricut EasyPress to 340 degrees for 30 seconds (an iron can also be used by following instructions on the back of the vinyl packaging).
Step 4: Flip the bag over and iron for another 15 seconds.
Step 5: Once the liner is cool to the touch, slowly remove the liner.
With these bulk printing options that you can do at home at low cost, you can start creating your own custom canvas tote bags today! If you’re looking for some bags to get started, check out these canvas tote bags!