Little Makers: Grow Tote Bag Tutorial 🌼

Finished Grow tote bag kit on a desk with scissors and pensLooking for a fun craft that's both creative and practical? This month's Little Makers kit lets children design their own nature-inspired tote bag using permanent markers, iron-on flowers, butterflies and colourful pom-pom trim.

Whether you follow our "Grow" design or create something completely unique, every tote will be one of a kind!

What's in your kit?

  • Black canvas tote bag
  • White permanent marker
  • Iron-on daisy flowers
  • Iron-on butterflies
  • Pom-pom tassel trim
  • Iron-on adhesive tape

You'll also need

  • Scissors
  • An iron
  • An ironing board or heat-safe surface
  • A damp cloth
  • An adult to help with the ironing

🎥Watch the Video Tutorial


Step 1: Design your tote

Give your white permanent marker a good shake before you begin.

Leave a little space at the top and bottom of the tote where the pom-pom trim will go later.

Now write your chosen word in the centre of the bag. We used Grow, but you could choose:

  • Your name
  • A favourite word
  • An inspiring message
  • Anything you like!

Bubble letters work really well because they're easy to colour in and create a bold design.

Once you're happy with your outline, colour in each letter using even strokes. If you'd like a brighter finish, you can add another coat once the first layer has dried.


Step 2: Draw your vine

Using your marker, draw a winding vine climbing up one side of the bag.

This forms the base of your garden design, but feel free to make it your own. You could add extra swirls, branches or create a completely different pattern.


Step 3: Plan your flowers

Before ironing anything on, arrange your daisies on the vine until you're happy with the layout.

Once you've chosen their positions, remove each flower one at a time and draw a small stem leading to where it will sit.

Now add simple leaves along the vine to complete your garden illustration.

Top tip: If you'd like to practise drawing leaves first, try them on a piece of scrap paper before adding them to your tote.


Step 4: Cut your pom-pom trim

Hold the pom-pom trim along the top edge of the tote and cut it to length.

Repeat for the bottom edge.

If your trim is multicoloured, you can choose which section you'd like to feature on your bag before cutting.


Step 5: Prepare the adhesive

Cut two long strips of the iron-on adhesive to match the length of your pom-pom trim.

Then cut several small pieces of adhesive—one for each daisy.

The adhesive isn't sticky until it's heated, so don't worry if it slides around a little.


Step 6: Position everything

Lay the adhesive strips where your pom-pom trim will go.

Place the trim carefully on top.

Next, position the small adhesive pieces beneath each flower before placing the daisies on top.

Make sure the flowers are facing the right way—the yellow centres should look bright and vibrant.


Step 7: Iron on the trim and flowers (Adult help needed)

This step should always be completed with an adult.

Place a damp cloth over the design without moving any of the pieces.

Press the iron firmly onto each section for around 10–15 seconds.

The pom-pom trim is a little thicker than the flowers, so it may need a little extra attention. Use the edge or tip of the iron to carefully press along the trim, taking care not to flatten the pom-poms.

Check that everything has stuck securely before moving on.


Step 8: Add the butterflies

Arrange your butterflies wherever you'd like them.

Unlike the flowers, these can be ironed on directly without using the damp cloth.

Carefully press the iron onto each butterfly until the clear backing begins to peel away easily.

Allow them to cool before touching.


Step 9: Make your lettering pop

If you'd like your word to stand out even more, wait for the marker to dry and go over it again.

Each extra layer makes the white appear brighter against the black fabric.


Girl in a garden with a hand-decorated Grow tote bag

Your tote is finished!

Your garden-inspired tote bag is now ready to use.

Perfect for:

  • Trips to the library
  • Collecting treasures on nature walks
  • Carrying craft supplies
  • Giving as a handmade gift

Every Little Maker's design will be completely unique, so don't be afraid to add your own creative touches.

We'd love to see your finished tote! Ask a grown-up to take a photo and share it with the Craftiosity community or send it to us by email. Happy crafting!


🧶 Kids Craft Kit Subscription – Where Little Hands Make Big Things 🎨

Loved the Grow Tote Bag kit? Keep the creativity flowing with a Craftiosity Kids subscription.

Every month, a brand-new project arrives through the door — designed for ages 7+ — with everything needed to create something they’ll be proud to keep, use, or display.


 What’s Included

🎨 A unique, limited-edition craft kit every month
🖌️ All the materials included — no extra shopping needed
📸 Step-by-step digital instructions and video tutorials
🌟 Occasional surprise extras to keep things exciting


💌 How It Works

📦 Ships around the 22nd of each month
📅 Renews on the 21st
📬 Free UK delivery
✔ Cancel anytime


At just £11.95/month, it’s a simple way to give a child something to look forward to — and something real to show for it.

💛 Let’s Make Something Wonderful Together

Whether you try a single kit or join the monthly subscription, Craftiosity Kids is here to spark creativity, build confidence, and create those proud little moments.

They made that. 

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