I am so in love with how this library tote bag turned out! When I was brainstorming ideas to make this bag happen I wasn’t actually sure if the way I wanted to do it would work. But it totally did, so today I’m going to share how I made it.
First, I searched for a “book-related” quote that I could use. When I found “So many books, so little time”, I knew it was perfect. I spent a bit of time designing the layout and must thank my Facebook peeps! 97 of you helped me pick between the two options and the overwhelming majority chose this one.
MAKING THE LIBRARY TOTE BAG
Using the Print and Cut feature in Silhouette Studio Designer Edition, I printed the design onto Silhouette Printable Canvas and then cut a fun shape around the quote. This specialty media has an adhesive back and is generally used in papercrafts, but I thought I could make it work for this.
Next, remove the paper from the canvas and stick it onto a plain tote bag. Most box stores carry plain canvas totes for $3.
Topstitch the canvas onto the bag using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
At this point, I liked the quote, but it looked way too plain on the bag. I headed to the fabric store with the bag and matched it to a couple of fabrics that I fell in love with.
Using Silhouette Clean Cut Fabric Interface, I cut out three 3D Layered Flowers that I downloaded from the Silhouette Online Store. This was my first time cutting fabric with my CAMEO and I loved it! So simple and the flowers turned out great.
After deciding on placement, iron the first flower petal directly to the bag. Place the second petal onto the first, and iron just the middle of it so that the petals can move and have dimension. The third petal is ironed on top of the other two, again just in the middle. Lastly, sew a button into the middle of the flower.
Want to make your own tote using this fun quote?
If you have a Silhouette or Cricut cutting machine:
Download the “So many books, so little time” and the Frame SVG files.Â
Import both into your Silhouette or Cricut software and use the print and cut feature.
If you don’t have a Silhouette, no problem!
Download the “So many books, so little time” pdf file
Print and cut with scissors.
Files are for personal use only. Do not alter.
Wouldn’t this make a great teacher gift?
Very cute, Kim. I am in desperate need of a new library tote and this would be perfect. I keep using my grocery store bags and it’s getting a little embarrassing. Thank you for joining along in the typography fun!
Great Bag Kim! I am planning on spending a lot of time in the library this summer with my pre-k son, and this bag would make him feel special.