Lots of us purchase cute things for our dogs because those things would be impossible or difficult for the normal person to make – like a rubber bone. For many people, it’s more fun to whip up costumes, hats, bow ties and other things for their dogs because they enjoy the projects, they can make something exactly the way they want it, and they save money over purchasing expensive outfits and such at a pet specialty store. That’s definitely what you’ll want to do after you check the prices on a doggie tote bag. You’ll find a nice assortment of totes for small dogs, and they’re all certainly adorable, but drop that expensive version and make your own. You’ll save quite a lot of money and still be able to give the tote any theme or look you want.
Canvas bags are a dime a dozen nowadays. People use them to carry groceries home so they don’t have to use plastic bags. Others use canvas totes to cart things back and forth to the beach. Purchase a canvas bag for a couple of bucks then refashion it just a bit to accommodate your precious cargo.
The only difference between a regular tote bag and a doggie tote is that there’s a scooped-out area so the dog can easily look out. It’s not hard at all to cut an area off of a regular tote and make it a doggie carrier. First and foremost, place your dog in the tote to get an idea of where to cut out the shape. If you cut it too low the dog could fall out; don’t cut it low enough and your pooch can’t see what’s happening in the world around him.
To refashion the bag simply cut a “U” shape from one of the sides of the canvas bag. Fold the cut edge down and hem it. If you want, you can add colorful binding around the cut edge instead of hemming it. Or, if it’s a female dog, sew on some ruffled lace.
With some canvas bags you’ll need to reinforce the bottom so it won’t sag when your dog is in it. Cut a piece of thick cardboard to be the size and shape of the bottom of the bag. Cover it with fabric then position it in the bottom of the tote.
There are many different ways to decorate a plain tote bag to make it look like a designer bag that cost plenty. Draw or write on it with paint markers – using a stencil or doing the work freehand – use rub-on appliques, or even sew on fabric shapes. Cut bone shapes, a doghouse shape or others. You can even purchase dog-theme fabric, cut images from it, then use fabric glue or stitching to attach it to the canvas tote. The finished bag is as cute as a button but watch out; it could get more attention than your pooch!
See a doggie tote bag here.
