How to Make Tote Bags Using Cricut Machine

Are you a beginner who just bought a new Cricut machine or an experienced crafter who wants to try making tote bags? In this blog, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make tote bags using a Cricut machine. Making tote bags is super simple. All you require is a Cricut cutting machine and an Easy Press machine. There are other materials that you may require, which we will guide you through in this blog. So let us go straight to the blog on how to make tote bags without wasting your time.

Step 1: Collect Materials

To create your own canvas tote bags, the following are the materials you would require:

• Scissors

• Cricut Wedding Tool

• Measuring Tape

• HTV Heat Transfer Vinyl

• Cricut Cutting Mat

• Cricut Easy Press Mat 12×12

• Easy Press Mini

• Canvas Tote Bag

• Cricut Maker

Step 2: Make Your Design in the Cricut Design Space

Follow the below steps to make your design in Cricut Design Space:

1. First, measure the space of the canvas tote bag where the design needs to be placed.

2. After that, tap on the New Project on the Cricut Design Space.

3. Then, select the text to be written and type your name.

4. You may keep the font according to your preference; we choose the Future LT condensed Extra Bold font.

5. Thereafter, resize the font you have to fit into your canvas bag.

6. Next, change each of your alphabets to your customized color by going to the Ungroup name.

7. Now modify your font and type “books.”

8. Choose your desired font settings; in our case, we chose the Cottage Style.

9. We got this font from Creative Fabrica.

10. The size word (books) to fit under the name.

11. Now change your font color to your choice.

12. Change the font color of (the books) to desired color

13. And finally, click on make it.

Step 3: Cut Your Design

One of the most crucial steps when creating a design using heat transfer vinyl for mirroring your image. Mirroring flips your design so that the sticky side of your vinyl is facing downwards on your shirt and your design is upwards. After you have flipped your design, click on Continue.

Step 4: Weed HTV

After you’re done cutting your design, weed your design. The weeding process removes all of the unwanted areas of your project, like lowercase, O’s, A’s, and other negative areas. Weeding your project is just like weeding a garden; all you have to do is pull out all the unwanted pieces from your design. We started the weeding process by cutting all the larger pieces which are surrounding the design. After that, we gently pulled the extra vinyl from the corners away from the mat and left the design stuck to the plastic sheet.

Step 5: Heat Transfer

Temperature, pressure, and time settings depend upon your Easy Press machine and the material type you’re working on. You can take reference Cricut’s heat press guide instructions for the exact values. After the application of iron or heat, press carefully and pull it back from the plastic sheet. And if you see any spots on the tote bags which aren't attached to your tote bag, re-press the iron for some more seconds. There is a pro tip for you, for reinforcing your vinyl, always place the canvas bag over with your vinyl facing downwards. Also, iron the back for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of vinyl should we use on a tote bag?

Heat Transfer Vinyl is just like regular vinyl, with the paper backing that can be peeled off.

Can we use permanent vinyl on tote bags?

The addition of vinyl to your tote bag is a very easy process, and it’s an amazing way to customize your tote bag. You apply permanent vinyl on your synthetic fabric bag or cotton, whose application is easier for work.

Can I make a tote bag with a Cricut machine?

To make a tote bag with the Cricut machine, follow the below instructions:

1. Firstly put your tote bag over your Cricut EasyPress mat.

2. After that, make sure to insert a sheet of cardstock inside the tote bag so that your design does not leak through your tote bag material.

3. After that, place the butcher paper sheet over your design, and then finally, press the EasyPress machine.

4. Make sure only to apply light pressure while not moving your EasyPress machine.

Why am I not able to stick the vinyl on my tote bag?

The reason for the non-sticking of vinyl on my tote bag could be because of the short pressing of material on the surface. Your material requires a high temperature to be stuck.

Visit: Cricut.com/setup

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Source: https://cricutdesignscut.wordpress.com/2023/02/16/how-to-make-tote-bags-using-cricut-machine/