Tote bags

How basic can we start?  This is the basic and classic cotton canvas tote bag.  It is made of a 7 oz. cotton canvas material.  Such a bag is typically made from one piece of fabric folded in the middle and sewn at the edges or two pieces of fabric sewn together around three edges.  The handles are added for portability - hence a tote bag.

The size here is 15" x 16" with short carrying handles.  Handles can be over the shoulder or grab and go.  The grab and go handles are shorter - extending 6-10" from the top of the bag.  The over the shoulder handles (also known as drop handles) are intended for you to hang on your shoulder.  (There might be times that you find I have a knack for stating the obvious but I thought it was good to share.)

The size of the bag is variable as well.  A 13" x 13" tote is just the right size to hold a bunch of 8 1/2" x 11" pieces of paper.  Mini totes are available to put a small gift box into and the pictured bag here is just large enough to tote to the beach with a towel and sunscreen.

Of course, material matters as well.  While this 7 oz. material is nice and basic, there are alternate cotton canvas options which are stronger and more durable and others which are more flimsy.  Then there are assorted other materials such as nylon, denier polyester, polypropylene, cotton jersey and leather.  Stay tuned - there's much more in the bag to discuss.