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Upcycled tote bags – 13+ ways to makeover a logo tote

Upcycled tote bags – 13+ ways to makeover a logo tote; a round-up of fun ways to upcycle a promo bag.

Upcycled tote bags - 13+ ways to makeover a logo tote

Canvas bags are a common swag item, especially for companies wanting to appeal to an eco-friendly audience. Not everyone wants to be a walking billboard though, and promo totes are one of the most common things I see in the Goodwill Outlet bins. I can’t resist picking up the nicer, heavy weight canvas bags that are $1 or less; the recent craze over buying mini Trader Joe’s totes inspired me to dig them all out and start actually putting them to use! I thought I’d share some of the different ways I’ve covered up logos, as well as some other tutorials and inspiration from other creators.

too many tote bags

I saw this in a store recently and hated it — tote bag overconsumption is not helping out the planet! Skip buying one and thrift it instead. Let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas for making these bags over!

Several of my examples involve applique – check out this post of how to machine applique tips!

Pin this post of upcycled tote bags – 13+ ways to makeover a logo tote with this link or collage photo – please click through to original websites before repinning individual photos!

how to upcycle a promo bag ugly canvas tote

Check out these other posts while you’re here!

Upcycled tote bags – 13+ ways to makeover a logo tote

 

Not pictured:

  • Add a ruffle over the logo! Ruffles are always fun to sew, and make a perfect coverup for a logo like this unattributed on Pinterest.
  • Hand embroider over the logo! I've definitely said the "I don't want to be a billboard" phrase - and I love this very simple hand embroidery coverup on a tote, unattributed via Pinterest.
  • Use iron-on vinyl over the logo! This would work best for screen-printed logos, not embroidered; here is an example on the Expressions Vinyl blog.
  • Paint over the logo! This would be a fun party idea- here is an example on Eleanor Levie's website.
  • Turn them into a picnic blanket!
  • Don't forget about dye - I don't have any examples to share (yet?) but dye can change the vibe of a tote bag if not cover up a logo properly.

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peovee

Saturday 6th of July 2024

This is a great list of upcycle ideas!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Monday 15th of July 2024

thanks!!

Mary Alice

Sunday 2nd of June 2024

I had my grandkids draw on fabric and then I sewed that over the logos of a few tote bags and then gave them to my parents (the great-grandparents) and their parents (my son and daughter in law). All recipients were thrilled to use those totes.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Monday 3rd of June 2024

that is a brilliant idea, I love it!! thanks for sharing!

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