Create Gorgeous Tote Bags EVERYONE ADORES

1. An adorable sloth tote bag

2. An afro-themed tote bag 

Why try this out?

Imagine you’re on your way to the bookstore or a fun gathering over at the beach. You head to your wardrobe to pick a tote bag… only to be greeted by ugly or boring options.

Oh, the horror 💀

Okay, okay. While it might not be THAT dramatic 😄, sublimating your totes definitely gives you a repertoire of cool options to choose from when going out.

Maybe you’ll have a Fiji-themed tote for going to the beach, a Pride and Prejudice one for going to the book store… it’s up to you, dear reader.

What tools will you need?

• 💡 Sublimation Printer: A good sublimation printer will help you print out vibrant designs.

• 🛍️ Blank Tote Bags: These are the canvas for the sublimated designs. Ensure they’re 100% polyester or a high-polyester blend.

• 🏢 Heat Press: You need a heat press like this one that can fit the whole tote bag.

• 💈 Lint Roller: Debris can cause the designs to be unevenly printed. 

• 🛡️ Heat-Resistant Tape: It’s used to hold the designs and the totes together.

• 🗒️ Butcher Paper: Quality butcher paper stops ink transfer and prevents the heat press from damaging the designs.

• 🏜️ Printed Designs: Purchase ready-made designs or create your own using Canva.

Now, onto the fun part!

How does this work?

Step 1: The Setup

Organize your supplies. Next, print out your designs on high-quality sublimation paper.

Step 2: Preparing the Tote Bag

Lay your blank tote bag on a flat surface and place a sheet of butcher paper inside it to prevent ink transfer.

Step 3: Warming Up Your Tote

Open up the heat press and put a sheet of butcher paper in it. The tote bag goes in next. Then, set another sheet of butcher paper on top before closing the heat press.

Preheat the tote bag at 380^oF for 10 seconds.

Step 4: Taping Your Design

Bring out the bag with your gloves and tape your selected design on top of it. 

Tip: Use the straps of the bag to center your design.

Step 5: The Butcher Paper Sandwich

Once the designs are secure, open the heat press and begin layering again.

A sheet of butcher paper goes in first, then the tote bag and the designs. Finish up with another layer of butcher paper.

Step 6: Sublimating Your Designs

Close up the heat press and allow the sublimation process to occur. The transfer takes 60 seconds at 390^oF.

Step 7: Removing the Tote From the Heat Press

Once a minute goes by and remove the tote bag from the heat press with your gloves, Wait until this cools down so the design nicely settles in.

Step 8: Finally!

Finally, peel off the sublimation paper, and voila, your beautiful tote bag is ready to be used.  ✨

A helpful extra

Okay! That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Reply with the word “PrintCraft” and we’ll send you a $10 Amazon Gift Card for your next project.

Happy sublimating,

The PrintCraft Team

🙂 P.S. Please ask 1 or 2 friends to join by sharing this link with them!