Retail bag for workshop organisation

Fairtrade cotton tote bag

Custom tote bag

This simple tote bag became a customised tote bag by tweaking it slightly to make it more unique. The lightweight fairtrade cotton tote bag is dyed to match a specific Pantone grey, prior to construction. The panels are then screen printed with the logo both front and back. When the bag is sewn together, a woven logo label is sewn in over the top hem of the bag. Long shoulder-carry handles complete the bag. Following completion of the customised tote bag, a personalised branded swing tag is added prior to packing for shipment. The swing tags include a barcode that can be read at the point of purchase.

To customise this tote bag further, other options can include including a lining or making the bag reversible so it can be used one of two ways. It can also add external pockets around the bag or internal pockets. To upgrade this bag, other personalisation options include printing all over the front and back panels, including the handles. Cotton web handles could be added or PU handle straps.

Bespoke tote bags can be manufactured in a number of ways to really personalise the bag and make it unique.

Sizes of bespoke bags in Fairtrade cotton

A standard tote bag size is 42 x 38cm. Manufacturing a bespoke tote bag means that you can make it any size and portrait or landscape orientation to suit its purpose. The size of the customised tote bag can be increased to include side panels and a gusset for greater capacity.

Lining a tote bag

Adding a lining to a tote bag can include the same Fairtrade cotton and could be printed or dyed to a different colour. It can also be in a different fabric such as a wipe clean PVC. The lining could serve as compartments inside of the bag for keeping the contents separate or internal pockets.

Fabric options for a bespoke tote bag

Cotton is a popular choice for bags. It comes in many forms such as recycled cotton, both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste and Fairtrade organic cotton are sustainable cotton choices. Cotton weights are measured in ounces or gsm and this applies to standard cotton or other greener cotton options.

Not limited to cotton, we work in a variety of fabrics including synthetics such as PVC or PU leather. Jute, bamboo and hemp are environmentally friendly options. Denim, non-woven PP, RPET for bags and polyester are all options to consider when working out what the bag you are making will be used for. Each of these fabrics have pros and cons associated with them, so it's a question we ask at the beginning of your bag project, so we can make sensible recommendations based on the bag purpose and your budget.

Pantone matching a bespoke bag is possible by dying the fabric prior to construction or overprinting. We supply colour swatches prior to full production to ensure you select the right colour to suit the rest of your product portfolio or brand guidelines.

Straps and handles for Fairtrade tote bags

The length of a strap can be customised to suit the objective of the bag. Short handles for hand carry, long handles for shoulder carry or both. Across body straps, with adjustable buckles and usually used on messenger bags can also be used on a tote bag.

The handles on the bag can be made from a number of fabrics to suit the style of the tote bag. Leather handles or vegan leather (PU leather) can be added for a premium finish to the bag. Cotton webbed handles in contrast colours, stripes or overprinted is possible. Other suggestions for custom handles on bags include overprinted cotton or a rope.

Decoration of a bespoke Fairtrade tote bag

Logo printing on a bag doesn't need to be limited to the centre of the bag and a screen print. There are multiple print options and choosing the right one will be determined by the artwork you want to print on the bag. Other decoration options include embroidery and applique. It's also possible to print all over the panels of a bespoke tote bag, on the handles and on the inside of the bag or on the lining. Other decoration options include badges and labels.

Closing a bag

Popular options for closing a tote bag include a zip at the top that runs from one end of the width of the bag to the other. The colour of zip can be metal gold, antique brass, rose gold or silver. Other options include coloured plastic zips. The zip tape can vary in colour and an array of stock colours are available or the zip tape can be Pantone matched to the fabric or print of the bag.

Metal poppers, draw cord closures and flaps with poppers to securely keep the flap down is possible, as are metal or plastic buckles or velcro.

Labels for Fairtrade cotton bags

Adding a label to a bag can offer a variety of branding opportunities. Fabric labels can be woven or printed and sewn in various external or internal hems on the side or over the top of the tote bag. PU leather badges or leather labels can be debossed or embossed and be sewn in on the panels of the bag, the straps or pockets.

Metal badges or labels can be branded and attached at any place on the bag. Colours range from metallic colours to overpainted Pantone matched metal.

Accessorising your bespoke Fairtrade tote bag

Pantone matched trim, piping and thread are tiny details that can make a big impact on your customised tote bag. For a truly bespoke tote bag, the possibility of matching the colour of the thread to the print in the logo or internal taped seams for a precise and neat finish will give your bag the edge over your competitor's bag.

Adding branded merchandise or premium umbrellas to your portfolio is something our sister company can help with. Other solutions we can help you with include a fulfilment and pick and pack service.

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