Each tote bag is approximately 13" wide, 15.5-16" high, and 7"-7.5" deep(due to handmade nature, totes may vary a bit in size). The makes a sturdy bag that is not too big and not too small for your various grocery needs.
 |  |
For durability, aesthetics, and sturdiness, every tote is fully lined. In general, I use one "heavy" fabric and one lighter-weight fabric; either can be outer and vice versa. Lining the bags ensures that seams are hidden for longevity during washings, it gives the bag some substance so that it holds its form better or hugs your groceries as needed without being too floppy or too stiff...bag does not stand on its own very well, but again, holds its shape. Lining is either a complimentary solid color or a fun contrasting print.
 |  |
 |  |
I use dual-duty thread (to match weight of fabric) and pre-wash all fabrics in a eco-safe detergent to preempt shrinkage. Seams are top-stitched in such a way that they add to the durability, beauty, and form of the bags. The bottom seam is reinforced several times, and the straps are sewn in a box-seam and reinforced further where they attach to the bag.
 |  |
 |  |
Straps come in two sizes, "market"(approx. 7.5" drop) and "shoulder". Lightly padded for comfort and grip, these straps are 1" wide.
 |  |
 |  |
Bags retain shape well, but aren't too stiff. This means that your delicate peaches won't get as squished together as if they were in a plastic grocery bag, but you can also carry milk jugs in the bags without worrying about the seams prohibiting the item size as paper bags do.
Sturdy, beautiful, dependable, washable, reusable, durable, versatile market totes are a must-have for today's green world. I designed these bags and made them for myself, then as gifts for friends and family, and am now offering them to the rest of the world! I've been using bags for quite awhile, and they have been beach totes, diaper bags, overnight bags, and many other things. To test the weight, I put as many tin cans and packages of rice and beans as I could (somewhat) comfortably lift into one of the totes to demonstrate:
As you can see, it is a heavy load but the bag is sturdy enough to handle it, the straps are secure and not biting into my hands, and the bag is retaining its shape well.
Care And Feeding Of Your Market Tote
Machine was cool, tumble dry low. I do not recommend washing them often--they won't really need it often, and home dec fabrics that may be used can *sometimes* fade over repeated washings, as can repurposed or vintage fabrics. I also do not recommend bleach; to disinfect the bags, I recommend Bac-Out or using tea tree oil in the wash and vinegar in the rinse.
Please use common sense in the care and use of these bags. They may hold a lot, but have not been individually weight tested, and it's never smart to overload a bag of any kind or place a greater weight in the bag than you are comfortable carrying. I stand by my products as being high-quality and sturdy, but again, use them responsibly!
