Measuring a Tote

There are two ways to measure totes and both methods are used equally. Method 1, "Full" measurement, measures the bag as if it was full. Method 2, "Flat" measurement, lays the bag flat to be measured. Flat measurement is used quite often to make the bag sound larger than it really is...13 inches x 13 inches with a 4 inch bottom gusset certainly seems bigger than 9" x 13" x 4" doesn't it? And yes, I'm afraid we're guilty of doing this too.
Method 1, "Full" measurement: Fill or shape the bag to give a full appearance if the gusset (bottom & sides) are not sewn in or top stitched. Measurement A is the width of the bag, B is the height of the bag and C is the gusset or thickness of the bag.	Method 2, "Flat" measurement: Lay the bag flat and shape the bottom gusset into an inverted "V" shape. Fold the top layer of the gusset up and back so it is flat. Measurement A is side seam to side seam, B is full length top to bottom and C is the width of the gusset.
Handles: Measure the length of the handle that is showing. Flat Totes without gussets: Measure width x height. Other helpful information: How wide is hem at top of tote? Is hem turned, serged or raw inside the bag? Is hem finished at side seams or just joined? Are side seams finished or raw inside the tote? Are handles turned, serged or raw at bottom of hem? Weight of the canvas if you know it. Don't forget color! And are handles matching or contrasting to the bag? Handle width. Most are 1" but some are 1½" on larger bags or ½" on mini totes.	If screenprinted: Size and placement of imprint. How many colors? Is customer, or you, supplying camera ready art? Special inks? Puff, metallic, etc.
Need a Quote? Call us with all the necessary information and we'll get your pricing back to you within a few working days! Call 800-365-7423 in the US and Canada and ++817-446-8080 from other countries.