Easy DIY Cricut Canvas Tote Bag with Coloring Changing HTV

 

I love tote bags! Whenever I travel somewhere my first go-to souvenir is to get a tote bag from a local gift shop. I use them whenever I go to the beach, and when I travel. They just have so many uses. You can use them for your child’s weekly extracurricular activities too. They make great gifts as well.

When I was trying to figure out what to get my mom for her birthday, I decided to make her a personalized Cricut beach tote bag. But I decided to make it using color-changing HTV. If you would like to know how to make your own DIY Cricut canvas tote bag with color-changing HTV keep reading!

 

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DIY Cricut Canvas Tote Bag

 

Materials and Tools for your Diy Cricut Canvas Tote Bag

Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Explore Air 2, or any Cutting Machine

Cricut Cutting Mat

Weeding Tools

Teflon Sheet or Parchment Paper

Cricut Easy Press 2, Cricut Easy Press 3, Heat Press or Iron

Canvas Tote Bag Blank

Color Changing HTV (what I used), Craftables brand color changing vinyl, or regular HTV

Beach Stuff SVG File

 

 

Step One: Prepare Your SVG File

 

First, you’re going to download the file, unzip it, and upload it into Cricut Design Space. The size of the design can only be as big as your HTV. Check the dimensions of the HTV first before sizing and cutting.

If you’re using the same SVG file I did, this SVG is grouped together. I ungrouped it because I wanted to use different color HTV for different parts. I grouped the palm trees and waves together. Then I grouped the beach stuff phrase together. Then I grouped the parts of the sun together.

This way they would cut according to the colors I wanted. Of course, you don’t have to do it this way. You can leave it grouped as it is if you want to use just one color HTV.

Once you’re happy with the size and have it grouped how you want click make it.

 

Related: Cricut DIY Trick or Treat Bags

 

Step Two: Cut Your SVG File 

 

Next turn on your Cricut machine. If you have a Cricut Explore Air 2 set your dial to iron on. If not, you can set your material setting in Cricut design space.

This is the most important part. Do not forget to mirror your design. I still forget to do this. But Cricut design space reminds you to do so. Which I really like.

I used my Cricut standard grip mat. But you can use the light grip mat as well. If you’re using the same color changing HTV I am then put it color side down on the mat.

Then press the arrow and Cricut button on your machine when prompted.

 

 

Step 3: Weed Your HTV

 

Once your HTV is done cutting, pull it off the mat. Now it’s time to weed your design. I think weeding HTV is easier because I don’t have to use transfer tape. If you don’t know what weeding means I’ll explain. It means to pull off the excess HTV from your design.

What I do is I start from a corner of the vinyl and pull away. You can use any weeding tool you want. It’s just a matter of preference. When your design is big sometimes it’s helpful to cut off the excess vinyl as it’s being pulled.

 

 

Step 4: Iron on Your Design

 

Now it’s time to press your HTV to the tote bag. I used my Cricut Easy Press 2 the 12×10. But you can use a heat press, iron, or the new Easy Press.

I used to use an iron before I got my easy press. It works just fine. I’ve also used a heat press. They all work to press HTV or iron on. It’s just a matter of personal preference.

First, press your tote bag for a few seconds before adding the HTV. The reason is that you get out wrinkles and excess water. Then add your HTV design.

Next, add a Teflon sheet or parchment paper on top of your HTV design. I used parchment paper for this. The HTV I used didn’t come with instructions.

So, I set my easy press to 340 degrees and set the time to 30 seconds. I used the Cricut heart guide to get these settings. I selected cotton canvas as my material. I selected everyday iron-on as my material even though I used a different brand. I also pressed the back of it too. I waited for it to cool before peeling off the top.

Peel it off carefully. If you see any part of it coming off with the plastic sheet (change to correct name) press it again for like 15 seconds.

 

 

Step 5: Enjoy Your DIY Cricut Canvas Tote Bag

 

Now you have a personalized beach tote bag. The colors won’t change when you are indoors. I tested it. It only changes when the tote bag is in the sun. This is what it looks like in the sun.

I love it! I’m going to use this color-changing HTV a lot this summer.

 

 

 

Must Read Related Posts!

10 Best Craft Subscription Boxes for Crafty Moms

How to Make Waterproof Stickers with your Cricut

Free Christmas SVG File for Your Cricut 

Diy Trick or Treat Tote Bags with Your Cricut

How to make a Round Wood Sign with your Cricut

 

Conclusion

Now you know how to make your own DIY Cricut canvas tote bag with color-changing HTV. You can make custom Cricut Canvas Beach Tote Bags for all of your family and friends. They don’t have to be beach tote bags. You can make whatever kind you want.

I hope you enjoyed this Cricut Beach Tote Bag Tutorial!