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Making things that reflect your personality is one of the most rewarding parts of the MYOG (Make Your Own Gear) journey. A kit gets you started with the right materials and a proven pattern, but the real fun begins when you start customizing.
If you’re building one of the Tote bag kits, there are plenty of ways to modify the design without making the project overly complex. These upgrades are perfect for makers who want to build confidence while learning new sewing techniques.
We just added new colors of X-Pac® VX21 to the Tote Bag Kit, making it a little closer to what you want.
Below are five simple ways to customize your tote bag that add functionality, improve durability, and help you develop new soft goods skills along the way.
Internal pockets dramatically improve the usability of a tote bag. Instead of digging through the main compartment for small items, you’ll have a dedicated spot for things like your keys, wallet, headphones, and/or chapstick.
It’s one of the simplest bag modifications you can make and an excellent first step into DIY bag design and customization.
This is the easiest customization to make because you can use a Zipper Pouch Kit as the pocket and sew it into the top hem of the tote bag.
A bottom cap adds structure, durability, and color to your tote bag.
If you plan to carry heavier items like groceries, climbing gear, books, or tools—reinforcing the base helps the bag hold its shape and prevents premature wear.
It also opens the door for color blocking, which is one of the easiest ways to create a unique-looking DIY bag.
Like the first tip, this a beginner level skill because all you need to do is take rectangle fabric blank and baste it onto the existing tote bag kit.
A zipper closure transforms a simple tote into a more secure everyday carry bag.
If you're commuting, traveling, or carrying valuables, a zipper keeps items from falling out and prevents unwanted access.
It’s also a great opportunity to practice zipper installation, a skill used in countless MYOG projects like backpacks, packing cubes, and pouches.
Although it's not an expert skill, this one is definitely a level up from the first two tips. Here's a video that helped us with learning this skill.
This creates a clean, functional closure that integrates seamlessly with the bag.
What we'd recommend for the zipper collar:
If your tote will carry heavier loads, padded handles make a big difference in comfort.
This modification distributes weight across your hand and prevents the straps from digging in during long carries.
For makers interested in improving bag ergonomics, this is a simple but meaningful upgrade.
What we'd use for the handle:
Adding a liner fabric gives your tote bag a clean, professional finish while hiding internal seams. It also allows you to introduce color contrast, fun print, structure, durability, or additional organization inside the bag.
This modification is commonly used in professional bag construction, making it a great skill for DIY makers to practice.
What we'd recommend for a liner:
An exterior pocket adds quick-access storage for items you reach for frequently like snacks, business cards, headphones, and other with-in-reach items.
It’s one of the easiest ways to increase functionality while giving your tote bag a distinct visual style.
Exterior pockets are also common in many professional soft goods designs, making this a valuable MYOG skill to practice.
Watch this video on how to sew a zippered pocket.
The Tote Bag Kits are designed to make DIY gear accessible and enjoyable. The materials are dialed, the instructions guide you through the build, and the project gives you a strong foundation in bag sewing and MYOG techniques.
But the real magic happens when you make your own. Whether you're making your first or your 20th, there's always something new to do on a build.
With a few thoughtful upgrades like pockets, liners, bottom caps, padded handles, or exterior pockets, you can turn a simple tote into something that reflects your style, your needs, and your growing skills as a maker.
And with the new color options now available in our tote bag kits, you have even more ways to build something unique.
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