If the outings on your calendar include trips to the market or beach, a fun afternoon or mall dash, you'll be wanting a canvas handbag. Most often it's washable and has over-stitched or enclosed seams. The top band, with or without a closure should have strong reinforced stitching to withstand the ""stuffing"" that can occur. Of course width, height and depth vary, and any decorative touches affect the ""voice"" of the bag.

Canvas can be 100% cotton, or have a blend content and its weave can change the softness. Some types are so stiff that these can only be constructed with commercial machines. The stability of the content will usually change the way the tote will stand up, empty or full. An individual can choose basic colors or discover tie dyed and multi-printed designs. Other choices may have quantities of bling, or original zipper pulls. An unobtrusive contrast touch can be added with tone-on-tone stitching, or trim.

Handles that are soft and long are less likely to tip the bag to the side on the table than a molded bamboo or wooden handle. The totes with huge carrying capacity can quickly be overloaded. (People so loaded walk slightly tipped to one side.) This describes the ""too much stuff"" syndrome. Handle attachments should be professionally completed.

If the bag has grommets usually for rope handles check the durability of these applications. Inside the top the metal should be firmly flush with the bag's fabric. Irregular crimping may indicate that there could be shredding. Any handle, short or long should have visibly well attached handles.

The inside may have a few pockets for personal items and the not to be lost items like car keys. Examine your needs. Some intended cell phone pockets are not well designed, they may be too loose or too close to the top of the bag.

Dark colors don't appear to be dirty as soon as beige or white, be cautious about carrying a new tote on a hot day next to light colored clothing. Dyes can leach from some canvas even after washing. If washing is required add vinegar to the washing liquid, it's meant to stabilize the dyes. Hand washing is better.

If the bottom is black and you are frustrated with struggling to find your valuables down there in the abyss, try this tip. Even non-sewers can be successful. Trek on down to the fabric store with your bag. Staff can explain to you how to attach an iron-on piece of fabric in a lighter color. Don't choose a really a cheap fabric, and stretchy makes for more problems than you need.

At home, follow the directions. The fabric should not overlap the seams at the bottom of the bag. When everything is turned inside out there can be a struggle to line up the bottom to correctly iron on the piece. So rearrange to flatten only one side of the bottom.Center it first. Pin. Stabilize with a book or wood piece underneath. With sticky side down, press with an iron set on medium, slowly, outward to the edge. When it's cool, rearrange so that the other side is flat, and repeat. Let it cool. Turn the canvas handbag right side out and take that friend shopping.