Embroidery Machine Guide

Design size guide

Tote bag embroidery size

Most tote bag designs run 4 to 10 in (102 to 254 mm) wide. A 6 × 6 in (152 × 152 mm) motif is a common size and needs a 6 × 10 hoop. Keep it at least 1 in (25 mm) from the top and bottom of the panel and clear of the straps.

Typical size6 × 6 in (152 × 152 mm)
Width range4–10 in (102–254 mm)
Height range3–10 in (76–254 mm)
Smallest hoop6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)
Machines that fit it50 in our guide
6 × 10 hoopDesign
A typical tote bag design inside a 6 × 10 in hoop, drawn to scale.

Where to place it

Center the design left to right on the front panel and keep it at least 1 in (25 mm) away from the top and the bottom of the panel, as Embroidery Library does on its classic canvas tote. If straps are sewn onto the front, keep the design narrower than the gap between them. On that same project the straps limit the design to 8.5 in (216 mm) wide. Find the middle of the open body by measuring the free area between the top hem or straps and the bottom seam. On a tote with a pocket, one Embroidery Library bag centers the design about 4 in (102 mm) down from the top line of a 6 × 7.5 in (152 × 190 mm) pocket piece. Mark the center point and the horizontal and vertical lines with a printed template, then line them up with the marks on the hoop.

Tote bags have more room than shirts, so designs run larger. One hoop chart pairs tote bags with the 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) hoop and gives its stitch field as 6.2 × 10.2 in. A 6 × 6 in (152 × 152 mm) motif fits that hoop. A wide, short design such as a sign or banner suits it too: Embroidery Library's classic tote uses a panel set that is 7.81 × 4.03 in (198 × 102 mm). Small logos or names near a pocket fit a 4 × 4 or 5 × 7 in hoop. Check your machine's stitch field in millimeters, because some 6 × 10 hoops give a little less than the label says.

Plain cotton canvas is the usual tote fabric and it stitches well. Pre-shrink it first, because canvas can shrink a lot. Use medium-weight cutaway stabilizer attached to the back with temporary spray adhesive, smooth the canvas on top and hoop both layers as tightly and evenly as you can. A 75/11 sharp needle gives crisp stitches. Canvas holds heavy, dense designs without trouble, and light designs such as redwork also stand out well on its flat surface. Trim away the extra stabilizer when you finish.

If you are sewing the bag yourself, embroider the flat front panel before you assemble the bag. Embroidery Library's classic tote does this, and it keeps the straps, lining and side seams out of the hoop. A ready-made tote is harder to hoop. The rest of the bag can end up under the needle, so roll the extra fabric out of the way and clip it, the way Embroidery Library does for pillowcases, and check that nothing is caught before you start.

For bags with straps, find out where the straps will sit before you pick the design. Embroidery Library's classic tote and sweatshirt tote projects keep at least 1 in (25 mm) of space between the design and the fabric edges, and mark the center with lines you can match to the hoop marks.

Tips

  • If you are making the bag, embroider the flat front panel before you sew it together.
  • Pre-shrink canvas so the bag does not shrink and distort the stitching after the first wash.
  • Use medium-weight cutaway stabilizer, spray it with temporary adhesive and hoop it tightly with the canvas.
  • Measure the space between the straps and the top and bottom seams before you choose the design size.
  • Use a 75/11 sharp needle on canvas and trim the stabilizer once the design is done.

Check this size on your machine

Machines that can stitch a tote bag design

These machines hold the typical 6 × 6 in size in one hooping.

And 26 more. See all machines.

Frequently asked questions

What size embroidery design should I use on a tote bag?

About 6 × 6 in (152 × 152 mm) is a common size, and designs from 4 to 10 in (102 to 254 mm) wide are normal. Keep the design narrower than the space between the straps and at least 1 in (25 mm) from the top and bottom of the panel.

Which hoop do I need for a tote bag design?

A 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) hoop covers most tote designs. Smaller logos fit a 5 × 7 in or 4 × 4 in hoop. A design wider than the 6 × 10 field needs a larger hoop.

What stabilizer works on a canvas tote?

Medium-weight cutaway stabilizer, held to the back of the canvas with temporary spray adhesive. Hoop the canvas and stabilizer together and use a 75/11 sharp needle.

Can I embroider a ready-made tote bag?

Yes, but hooping is harder because the rest of the bag can slide under the needle. Roll the extra fabric away from the hoop, clip it and check the clearance before you start stitching.

Sources