Custom canvas tote bag in natural and green with horse, Nantucket pennant, clover and star patches

Custom Tote Bags: How to Design a Tote That Is Totally You

Custom tote bags are having a moment, and it is easy to see why. A tote is something you use every single day, so making it personal means you get to enjoy it every single day too. Whether you want a bag for yourself or a thoughtful gift, here is how to design a custom tote bag that is totally you.

Step 1: Choose your tote color

Our Everyday Tote comes in four classic colorways, each with a natural canvas body and colored trim and handles:

  • Natural & Green: preppy, earthy and our most classic look.
  • Natural & Navy: nautical and crisp, perfect with navy and red patches.
  • Natural & Red: bold and cheerful, great for holiday gifts.
  • Natural & Black: sharp and modern, made for bright, bold patches.

Step 2: Pick your patches

This is the fun part. Every custom tote comes with 5 patches included. Some favorite combinations:

  • The city girl: New York City, cherry, bow.
  • The beach bag: palm tree, lobster, smiley.
  • The West Coast: LA, palm tree, smiley.
  • The lucky tote: horseshoe, clover, cherry.
Close-up of Nantucket pennant and seashell embroidered patches on canvas
Embroidered patches add texture and a collected, vintage look.

Step 3: Add a monogram

Want your tote to feel even more personal? Add up to 3 A to Z letter patches for a monogrammed tote bag. Letters count toward your 5 included patches, so a popular setup is 2 initials plus 3 favorite designs. Read more in our guide to monogrammed tote bags.

Step 4: Think about placement

A strong custom tote design has one focal point. Put your largest patch or your initials front and center, then scatter smaller patches around it. Want something specific? Leave a placement note when you order. Our patch placement guide has more layout ideas.

Who custom tote bags are perfect for

  • Bridesmaids and bridal parties
  • College students and new grads
  • Teachers, coaches and team gifts
  • Moms, sisters and best friends
  • Anyone who loves a specific place, like the beach town they visit every summer

Why patches beat printed totes

Printed designs can crack and fade. Embroidered patches have texture and dimension, and they give your tote a vintage, collected look. Every patch is hand-applied, so each tote is made to order and no two are exactly alike.

Design yours

It takes about two minutes: choose a color, pick 5 patches, add your initials and check out. Orders ship in 7 to 10 business days. Start designing your custom tote bag or browse all tote bags.

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