Reusable, engineered, and brand-ready. We manufacture custom canvas shopping bags at scale—8–16 oz fabrics, Box-X & bar-tack reinforcements, and water-based prints—built for daily reuse, clean retail presentation, and global fulfillment. GOTS/GRS options, AQL-verified QC, and FOB/CIF/DDP delivery.
What is a canvas shopping bag today?
Reusable cotton totes engineered for real-world duty: specified by W×H×D, handle drop (hand 12–18 cm; shoulder 25–32 cm), and reinforced at stress points. Core patterns—flat, side-gusset, box-bottom—set capacity and stance. Typical validated loads: 10–20 kg, depending on fabric weight, seam spec, and handle geometry.
- Fabrics: natural/bleached/dyed 8/10/12/16 oz (≈270/340/400/540 gsm)
- Reinforcements: Box-X at handle bases; 2–4 bar-tacks/handle end
- Packing: retail-ready folds; poly-free inner pack options; FNSKU/GTIN label zones
How to choose fabrics & certifications
Pick by weight → finish → credential.
- Weight: 8 oz (events/light) · 10–12 oz (retail mainline) · 16 oz (heavy-duty/wine).
- Finish: natural/bleached/piece-dyed; pre-wash/enzyme to hold shrinkage ≤3–5%.
- Credential: GOTS (organic), GRS (recycled), OEKO-TEX contact safety; implemented to your RSL (REACH/Prop 65).
| Weight | Typical use | Print compatibility | Finish notes | Sustainability path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 oz | Events, promo kits | Water-based, DTF/DTG | Natural/bleached; optional pre-wash | OEKO-TEX / GRS optional |
| 10 oz | Fashion retail, museum | Screen/discharge, embroidery | Piece-dyed → Pantone TCX | GOTS or GRS |
| 12 oz | Grocery, box-bottom | Screen/discharge + woven label | Enzyme wash for softer hand | GOTS/GRS + poly-free pack |
| 16 oz | Heavy-duty, wine | Screen + embroidery | Stiffer; add bottom board | GRS blends common |
How we engineer structure & load
Start with the carry scenario, then lock pattern, handle system, stitch spec, and reinforcements.
- Pattern & volume: flat (low cost), side-gusset (more capacity), box-bottom (max volume/stance). Add bottom board where stability matters.
- Handle system: same-fabric or cotton webbing 25–40 mm; handle drop hand 12–18 cm / shoulder 25–32 cm.
- Stitch spec: lockstitch structural seams 8–10 SPI; seam allowance 10–12 mm (12–16 mm for 16 oz).
- Reinforcements: Box-X 40–60 mm at handle bases; bar-tacks 2–4 per end; mouth binding 20–25 mm double-stitch.
| Pattern | Capacity/stance | Typical load | Unit cost | Lead time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Low / slim | Light | Low | Fast | Best for events & promo |
| Side-gusset | Medium / better stand | Medium | Low–Medium | Fast | Retail balance |
| Box-bottom | High / upright | High (10–20 kg) | Medium | Medium | Add bottom board |
Color, dyeing & shrinkage control
We match Pantone TCX (D65 booth), dye with reactive systems for wash durability, and pre-condition fabric via pre-wash/enzyme wash. Production lots ship with colorfastness and dimensional change reports.
Targets
- ΔE vs approved TCX on strike-off: ≤2.5–3.0
- Colorfastness: Wash ≥4, Dry rub ≥4, Wet rub ≥3–4
- Shrinkage after decoration: ≤3–5% (warp/weft)
- DTG/DTF heat: keep art 3–5 mm clear of seams/edges
Printing & decoration
Choose the method by artwork, run size, and hand-feel.
- Water-based screen (primary): mesh 90–120T EU / 230–305 US; cure 150–165 °C 60–120 s; soft hand, low VOC.
- Discharge (on reactive-dyed grounds): deep shades + softest hand; verify dye compatibility.
- DTG/DTF: variable art/small batches; DTF sharper on micro text (slightly stiffer patch).
- Heat transfer: for tiny text/serials/metallic looks; avoid large panels.
- Embroidery / Woven labels / Appliqué: premium texture; stabilize with underlay; bar-tack label ends.
Prepress rules
- Files: vector AI/PDF preferred; raster ≥300 dpi @100%
- Minimums: line/negative ≥0.4–0.5 mm; type ≥8 pt (reverse ≥9 pt)
- Registration: ±1–1.5 mm; avoid seams/Box-X/mouth binding by 6–10 mm
- Inks: PVC/phthalate-free; cured to spec
| Method | MOQ | Hand feel | Detail | Durability | Speed/Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based screen | Med–High | Soft | Medium | High | Fast/Low | Best for solid logos |
| Discharge | Med | Softest | High (darks) | High | Medium | Needs reactive-dyed ground |
| DTG | Low | Soft–Med | Very high | Medium | Medium | Small batches |
| DTF | Low | Medium | Very high | High | Medium/Fast | Micro text/gradients |
| Embroidery | Med | Textile | Logo shapes | Very high | Medium | Premium look |
Production flow & QC
IQC → Inline QC → FQC/OQC, with AQL G-II: Major 2.5 / Minor 4.0 (tunable).
- Fabric IQC: 4-point inspection; verify oz/gsm & shade; check GOTS/GRS/OEKO-TEX docs when used.
- Marker & cutting: digital marker; CNC/straight-knife; bundle ID; shrinkage offsets.
- Decoration: per approved strike-offs; registration ±1–1.5 mm; line ≥0.4–0.5 mm.
- Sewing: 8–10 SPI; seam allowance 10–12 mm; Box-X 40–60 mm; 2–4 bar-tacks/end.
- Pressing & finishing: trims, labels, optional bottom board; poly-free inner pack options.
- Final QC: AQL sampling; major/minor defect grading; optional needle detection.
- Pack report: measurements, ΔE/fastness/shrinkage, AQL summary, photos.
Packing, labeling & FBA readiness
Retail-ready folds, poly-free inner packs, and matte label panels for clean scans. Master cartons sized to weight/DIM caps; pallet maps for receiving.
| Channel | Inner pack | Barcode surface | Carton grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail wholesale | Belly band / sleeve | Matte tag/label | B/E flute | Presentation first |
| DTC / marketplace | Paper sleeve / seal | Matte panel on bag | E/B flute (32–44 ECT) | Scan speed & DIM |
| Export to DC | Tissue + sleeve | Carton label only | B/C flute | Pallet stability |
Palletization & moisture control: interlocking pattern, corner posts, stretch wrap, top sheet; desiccant + humidity card for sea routes; kraft liners to reduce rub-off on dark goods.
Compliance & certifications
We implement your RSL and labeling by market; we do not provide legal advice.
- Chemical compliance: execute to your RSL/MSDS referencing REACH (SVHC) and California Prop 65; typical tests—azo, formaldehyde, phthalates, heavy metals, APEO/NPEO, pH, nickel release (hardware).
- Material credentials: GOTS/GRS chain-of-custody; OEKO-TEX Standard 100 contact safety.
- Children’s use (if applicable): CPSIA tracking labels, small-parts/sharp-points, lead limits.
- Textile labeling: EU 1007/2011 (fiber % & language), ISO 3758 care icons; US TFPIA (fiber %, RN/COO) & Care Rule.
- Social audits: BSCI/SEDEX/SMETA readiness on request.
Compliance pack includes: BOM, supplier declarations, lab reports (by lot), certificate copies, labeling grid/art, carton/pack photos. Any material/finish change → re-test and updated docs.
Quoting, sampling & scheduling
- MOQ: typically 500–1,000 units (by fabric/decoration).
- Sampling: 5–10 days (lab dips/strike-offs → sewn sample).
- Production: 15–30 days post approvals (decoration-dependent).
- Quote ladder: 1k / 3k / 5k+ with step-downs on setups and yield.
- Trade terms: FOB/CIF/DDP; mixed-SKU loading supported.
| Lever | Impact |
|---|---|
| Fabric weight & bag size | High |
| Print color count / sides | High |
| Embroidery stitch count | High |
| Labels/closures/hardware | Medium |
| Inner pack & carton grade | Medium |
| Quantity tier | High |
Global shipping & INCOTERMS
Pick sea/air/rail/courier by deadline and budget; we palletize to spec and issue a complete docs pack.
| Route | Transit | Cost | Risk & controls | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea (FCL/LCL) | 3–6 weeks | Low | Desiccant, kraft liners, pallet map | Large volumes / stable deadlines |
| Air freight | 3–7 days | High | Reinforced cartons, DIM checks | Launches / urgent replenishment |
| Rail/Intermodal | 2–3 weeks | Mid | Wrap + top sheets | EU–Asia lanes |
| Courier/Express | 3–6 days | High | Dense pack, label tests | Samples / small urgent lots |
Docs: commercial invoice, packing list, carton list, pallet map, certificate copies (GOTS/GRS/OEKO-TEX if used); HS code per your broker.
Industry solutions (snapshots)
| Vertical | Preferred pattern | Key features | Decoration cues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery / Supermarket | Box-bottom | Bottom board; webbing 25–40 mm; 12–20 kg | Large water-based logos |
| Fashion Retail | Flat / Box-bottom | Dyed canvas; neat hems; nickel-free trims | Embroidery + woven labels |
| Events / Conferences | Flat / Gusseted | Fast lead; poly-free pack | Multi-color screen / DTF |
| Hospitality / Resort | Gusseted sets | Care labels; wash durability | Subtle embroidery |
| Museum / Cultural | Flat / Gusseted | Fine-line prints; licensing control | Water-based + DTG |
| Corporate Gifting | Box-bottom, shoulder | Zippers/magnets; premium labels | Embroidery/Appliqué |
| Wine & Beverage | Box-bottom + dividers | 2–6 bottle partitions; reinforced seams | Minimalist branding |
Technical specs (typical; tunable)
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| Fabric weights | 8/10/12/16 oz (≈270/340/400/540 gsm) |
| Tolerances | Size ±5–10 mm; registration ±1–1.5 mm |
| Stitch density | Structural seams 8–10 SPI |
| Reinforcement | Box-X 40–60 mm + 2–4 bar-tacks/handle end |
| Handle drop | Hand 12–18 cm; Shoulder 25–32 cm |
| Decoration | Water-based screen/discharge; DTG/DTF; embroidery |
| Care labels | Fiber %, care icons (ISO 3758), COO/RN (per brief) |
| Inner pack | Poly-free: kraft belly band / paper sleeve / paper seal |
| Master carton | E/B/C flute, typical 32–44 ECT; matte label zones |
| Palletization | Interlocking; corner posts; stretch wrap; top sheet |
| Compliance | RSL-driven (REACH/Prop 65); GOTS/GRS/OEKO-TEX (if specified) |
FAQ
1) MOQ & sampling time? MOQ 500–1,000; sampling 5–10 days; production 15–30 days after approvals.
2) Pantone matching? Yes—TCX lab dips/strike-offs; ΔE targets set at approval.
3) Washable? Yes—colorfastness verified to brief; care labels included.
4) Poly-free packing? Yes—kraft bands/sleeves/seals with matte label zones.
5) Load capacity proof? We validate against your kg target via static/cycle tests; stitch checks recorded.
6) Certifications? GOTS/GRS/OEKO-TEX available with chain-of-custody docs.
7) FBA/3PL ready? Pack spec, barcode placement guide, and carton/pallet maps supplied.
8) Social audits? BSCI/SEDEX/SMETA readiness; sharing under NDA.
Buyer’s checklist (send these to start)
- W×H×D & handle drop · Fabric weight/color · Artwork (AI/PDF + Pantone TCX)
- Decoration method (screen/discharge/DTG/DTF/embroidery) · Target load (kg)
- Sustainability/claims (GOTS/GRS/OEKO-TEX) · RSL/MSDS & nominated labs
- Inner pack (poly-free?) · Channel (retail/DTC/FBA) · Quantity tiers
- Incoterms & port/airport · Deadline / in-hands date
Request Dielines & Quote in 24h
Email the checklist and we’ll return dielines, a quote ladder, and a dated sampling/production plan within 24 hours.
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