Upcycled tote bags – 13+ ways to makeover a logo tote; a round-up of fun ways to upcycle a promo bag.
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.
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!
Check out these other posts while you’re here!
- 25+ ways to refashion purses & bags
- Free, easy tote bag pattern to sew
- 17+ upcycled needlepoint cross stitch projects to sew
- 40+ ways to upcycle sweaters into something new
- 20+ upcycled purse tutorials
- 18+ ideas for sewing with upcycled neckties
Upcycled tote bags – 13+ ways to makeover a logo tote
This is a hand sewing method that is really easy to make - I basically used this tutorial and then hand sewed the coaster to my bag.
I chopped up an old tshirt to replace this front panel, and added some hand stitching to jazz it up.
I used a thrifted quilt block to cover up the logo and added some machine embroidered patches alongside it.
Reverse applique involves cutting off the top layer and letting something peek forward - I have a tutorial for this technique here and it's perfect for cutting off logos.
I used another old tshirt for the base of this tote and then a bunch of cut-up letters from old tshirts!
The easiest fix is to buy a store-bought patch and slap it over the logo (or in this case, the embroidery). I bought this fun D&D patch off Etsy!
I wanted to include a no sew option - there is one with some fun press-in studs and glued ribbon/fabric.
I love all the layers and textures in this simple drawstring bag makeover.
Instead of just covering up the small logo, cover up the whole bag with fresh fabric!
Another neat layered example, I love the shapes on this one.
This is so creative and cool - she turned all her tote bags into a canvas coat!
Another inventive option - she chopped up the bags and reworked them into true purses. See an instagram reel about the bags here too!
@abidwrites made a fun picnic blanket from totes, this is is such a good idea!
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.
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!