When we design and print canvas banners at Katie J Design & Events, they’re made to be durable, waterproof, and long-lasting. While banners are often created for a specific celebration or event, the material itself still has plenty of life left once the party is over.
As a printing business, we’re conscious that production creates offcuts and materials that don’t always fit neatly into existing recycling systems. While the print industry continues to evolve with new inks, substrates, and recycling pathways, there are still practical limitations.
This simple tote bag tutorial is one optional way to extend the life of a canvas banner you already have. It’s not about perfection or pressure, just a practical reuse idea that turns a finished product into something useful again.
If you’re looking for a banner for your next celebration, you can browse our range of personalised party banners designed and printed in Australia.
A Simple, Optional Reuse Idea
This tutorial shows you how to turn a canvas banner into a waterproof tote bag using the grommets already built into the banner.
There’s no sewing required (unless you want to), and no special tools needed. It’s designed to be flexible, beginner-friendly, and adaptable to whatever you already have at home.
If this idea isn’t useful for you, that’s completely okay. Reuse is optional, and this doesn’t replace responsible waste management or recycling where available.
What You’ll Need
- Your canvas banner
- A strap, ribbon, twine, cord, or similar
- Something to make holes if needed (hole punch, needle, knife, or pen)
- A way to secure the sides (ribbon, thread, fishing line, or strong glue)
There’s no single “right” way to do this. Use what you already have.
Step-by-Step: Make Your Canvas Tote Bag
Step 1: Fold the Banner
Lay your banner flat and fold it in half so the grommets line up evenly on each side. This forms the base shape of your tote bag.
Perfection isn’t required. As long as the sides roughly align, you’re good to go.
Step 2: Add the Strap
Thread your strap (or ribbon, cord, or twine) through the grommet holes on each side of the banner. This will become the handles of your tote bag.
Step 3: Secure the Sides
Close the sides of the banner by tying, sewing, or gluing along the edges. Do whatever feels easiest and most practical for you.
Step 4: You’re Done
That’s it. Your waterproof canvas tote bag is ready to use.
Ways to Use Your Canvas Tote
- Toy or book storage
- Market or shopping bag
- Beach or pool bag
- Art and craft supplies
- Garage, shed, or car storage
You can also turn it inside out, decorate it with permanent markers, or personalise it with tags or labels. Every tote will look a little different, and that’s part of the charm.
A Note on Sustainability and Responsibility
As a printing business, we understand our role includes being mindful of waste and environmental impact. While recycling technology and materials are improving all the time, not all printed materials can currently be recycled at scale.
Reuse doesn’t solve every challenge, and it doesn’t replace responsible production or recycling efforts. However, extending the life of a product that’s already been created can be one small, practical step toward reducing waste.
We believe sustainability is shared. We supply products that are wanted and used, and we’re always looking for thoughtful ways those products can continue to be useful long after the event is over.
Completely Optional
This reuse idea is completely optional.
If it’s not useful for you, please feel free to discard or recycle the material where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sew to make a banner tote bag?
No. Sewing is optional. You can tie, hand sew, or use a strong adhesive method to secure the sides, depending on what you have at home.
What type of banners work best for this tote bag tutorial?
Waterproof canvas banners with grommets are ideal because they are durable and the grommets make it easy to add a strap and secure the sides.
What can I use as the handle or strap?
You can use the included strap (if provided), ribbon, cord, webbing, twine, or another sturdy material that threads through the grommets comfortably.
Will the tote bag be waterproof?
The canvas banner material is waterproof. The final tote bag will be water resistant and durable, but the level of waterproofing at the seams depends on how you secure the sides.
Is this a recycling program?
This is a reuse idea. Recycling options for printed materials vary by location and material type. This tutorial is one optional way to extend the useful life of your banner.
An initiative by Katie J Design & Events. One small way we’re reducing waste.
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