How to Decorate a Tote Bag

Decorating a tote bag is an easy way to express your creativity and show your artistic side. There are many ways to decorate a tote bag, from embroidering it or sewing on embellishments to painting a design on it. With a little preparation, even people who don’t think of themselves as an artist can create an attractive design on a tote bag.

Things You'll Need

• Plain paper
• Transfer pen
• Iron
• Fabric Paint
• Paint Brush

Instructions

1. Lay out the paper and create your design with the transfer pen. Or print a stencil or picture from your computer and copy that onto plain paper with the pen.

2. Place the bag on a large, flat surface and make sure that there are no wrinkles in the fabric. Any wrinkles will make it very difficult for you to transfer your design properly.

3. Iron the paper to transfer the design, following manufacturer’s directions. When you’re done, lift up a corner of the paper and check to make sure that the design transferred completely.

4. Use the fabric paint to add color to the design. Use a brush or squeeze it directly out of the bottle if it comes with an applicator tip. Go slowly to keep your painting neat.

5. Allow plenty of time for the paint to dry before you begin handling your bag.

References

• Sulky of America: Iron-On Transfer Pens