Spring is here, the weather is warming up. and it’s time to get your spring/summer tote bag ready for flower picking/farmer’s market perusing/outdoor market strolling! So, today we’ll show you how to make this fun HTV tote bag, turned trendy by adding tie dye!
This project combines two of our favorite crafting techniques (tie dye + heat transfer vinyl) to create a one-of-a-kind tote that you’ll be obsessed with! This tie dye project is for the beginner and is getting us so excited for the release of our new tie dye book, DIY Guide to Tie Dye Style, that will be out in just over a month! Inside you’ll find another fun tote project along with ideas and techniques for making 20 different modern and beautiful tie dye projects from wearables to home decor to party supplies!
This project is also perfect if you are new to cutting HTV with your Silhouette Cameo and we know once you get the hang of it, you’re gonna be hooked! Here is what you’ll need:
Supplies needed to make a DIY Graphic HTV Tote Bag
Blank tote bag
Heat Transfer Vinyl
Silhouette Cameo or cutting machine of your choice!
“It’s cool to care” cut file
Tie Dye
Rubberbands
Iron
Dishtowel or Teflon sheet
How to make a DIY Graphic HTV Tote Bag
Step 1: Wash and dry your tote bag.
Step 2: Prepare your dye. Bind tote with rubberbands using the crumple technique.
Step 3: On a dye safe surface, saturate the tote bag with tie dye.
Step 4: Let dye set according to dye package directions.
Step 5: Wash and dry tote alone according to dye package directions.
Step 6: Load your cut file design into your cutting software and adjust settings to cut HTV. (If you have never cut HTV with your Silhouette machine, visit our post here to walk you through it!)
Step 7: Load vinyl into your cutting machine and cut the design. (Be sure to mirror your design!)
Step 8: Place the yellow circle face down on the tote and cover it with a dishtowel or teflon sheet. Then, apply the circle using a hot, dry iron, checking 30 second increments to ensure that it has adhered. Remove the plastic backing.
Step 9: Place the black part of the design, face down over the yellow circle and cover it with a dishtowel or teflon sheet. Then, apply the design using a hot, dry iron, checking 30 second increments to ensure that it has adhered. Remove the plastic backing.
You did it! Now it’s time to book a trip to NYC so you carry your tote, stroll the streets and fill it with treasures. (Or, take it to Target, get some popcorn and walk the aisles. Whatever works.)
Happy crafting!
xo, Liz
