WholeLook.

Tote Decorating & Fabric Patches

By WholeLook

Draw a design on a cotton tote and stitch on a small patch for a bag you can use.

AI-generated cheerful animals making tote decorating & fabric patches in a colourful craft setting

For: Ages 10+ with adult help, teens & adults

Activity steps

  1. Prepare the bags

    Prewash, dry and iron the totes ahead of time. Slide a cardboard insert into each bag so ink cannot transfer. Sketch a simple motif on scrap cardboard and test the fabric markers on an inconspicuous area.

  2. Colour the design

    Use light marker strokes on the flat tote. Leave a clear space for the patch and keep the insert in place until the ink is dry. Follow the marker’s instructions for drying and later heat setting.

  3. Stitch a patch

    Remove the insert for sewing. Thread a needle, knot the end and sew small running stitches around the patch edge, catching only the front of the bag. Secure the thread inside and return the needle. Adults assist younger guests.

  4. Finish at home

    Let the bag dry flat. Send each guest the marker’s heat-setting and washing directions; an adult operates the iron later if required. Count every needle before clearing the table.

Host tip: Use sew-on patches so the group can decorate without sharing a hot iron.

Choose materials suitable for everyone’s age. Supervise children with scissors, needles and small parts. Keep craft supplies separate from food.

Supplies for six

Estimated supplies subtotal

$99.82$16.64 est. per person

5 of 11 selected supplies included.

6 supplies not included

Clean scrap cardboard, Sew-on fabric patches, Hand-sewing needles, All-purpose sewing thread, Rulers to share, Pencils. Check price and pack coverage before buying.

Prices recorded Oct 17, 2026. Estimates use whole packs, in USD before tax and shipping. Check Amazon for current prices, availability and details. We may earn a commission from paid links, at no extra cost to you.

Shopping list for 6 people

  • Plain cotton tote bags: 6 bags
  • Fabric markers suitable for cotton: 2 sets
  • Clean scrap cardboard: 6 inserts
  • Sew-on fabric patches: 6 patches
  • Hand-sewing needles: 6 needles
  • All-purpose sewing thread: 2 spools
  • Scissors to share: 3 pairs
  • Rulers to share: 3 rulers
  • Pencils: 3 pencils
  • Wipeable table cover: 1 cover
  • Kitchen towels or cleanup cloths: 3 towels

Use supplies you already have. Enable JavaScript to adjust guests and mark what you need.

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