Cotton Tote Bags
Custom printed cotton tote bags for shops, events and brands, with your logo or artwork. Short runs from Tooting, with free artwork set-up.
- No design yet? We set up the artwork free of charge when we print the job.
- Tight deadline? Same-day printing is possible on many jobs if your file is ready early. Call to check first.
- Can't get here? Collect from Gatton Road, or have it delivered in the UK for a quoted charge.
Tote bags: a promotion people carry around
A good tote bag is walking advertising. Bookshops, cafes, galleries, schools, charities and conferences use them, and because people carry them for years, your logo gets seen on the bus, the Tube and in shops. A printed tote is also a popular personal gift, with a name, an illustration or a child's drawing.
Choosing a bag
| Weight | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 100 to 140gsm | Light and low-cost | Giveaways and conference bags |
| 140 to 220gsm | Good everyday weight | Shops and brands |
| 280gsm and up | Heavy canvas | Premium merchandise and gifts |
Natural (cream) and black are the classics, and other colours are available. Long handles go over the shoulder, which many people prefer. Short handles suit retail. A gusset, or a bottom panel, gives extra room, which is good for shopping or laptops.
Print methods
- Screen printing is best for one- or two-colour designs in medium or large runs. It gives a strong, durable finish.
- Heat transfer suits small runs, names and full-colour designs.
- Digital print can reproduce complex artwork on a smaller quantity.
- Embroidery works well on heavier canvas for a premium finish.
Your design is usually placed on the front, with an area of around 25 x 30 cm. A thick, heavy canvas can affect the fine detail, so bold designs usually work best.
Design ideas that get used
People are more likely to carry a bag that looks nice than a bag that reads like an advert. A strong illustration or a witty line with a small logo often gets used for longer than a large logo alone. Consider a design that speaks to your local identity: a Tooting reference may mean more to your customers than a generic slogan.
Eco considerations
Cotton is reusable, but producing it does have an environmental impact, so a tote only pays back when it is used many times. Choosing a well-made bag with an attractive design is more sustainable than giving away cheap bags that get thrown out. Organic and recycled options are available on request.
Ordering
Send your design and tell us how many bags you need, what colour, and how heavy. Artwork is set up free of charge when we print the job. A small run from ready artwork can often be done quickly. For large or screen-printed orders, tell us your date early on. For one-time retail packaging, you may want to look at paper bags instead, and for heavier-duty carrying, branded bags.
Questions we hear about cotton tote bags
Can you print one tote bag?
Yes. A single tote with a name or an image is a popular gift.
What is the best print method for tote bags?
Screen printing is great for larger runs with few colours, while heat transfer suits small runs and full-colour designs.
What colour should I choose?
Natural and black are the classics. Tell us your design colours, as pale ink on a dark bag may need a base layer.
Can I wash a printed tote bag?
Yes. Wash it cool and inside out, and iron on the reverse if you need to.