Trader Joe’s tote bags are tried and true classics. From the Trader Joe’s mini tote bags to the classic canvas tote to the rainbow of insulated coolers, each bag is reliable, cost-effective, and trendy. Since the mini Trader Joe’s bags have become a fan-favorite, bag owners have begun to DIY their totes for an even trendier spin on the newest bag drop. Whether it be personalized embroidery on a classic Trader Joe’s mini tote or upcycling the pickle-themed bag into a pair of shorts, the options are endless for what can be done to customize the coveted reusable Trader Joe’s bags.
Embroider your Trader Joe’s mini tote bag
Since the standard Trader Joe’s totes are made of canvas, embroidering the totes is a simple way to add cute designs that fit your personal aesthetic. For example, TikTok user Melanie Locke added some red cherries to her Trader Joe’s mini tote bag to match the red straps, and it could not have turned out better. All you need is some thread, a needle, and scissors, and you can easily add whatever embellishment you want to your bag.
Decorate your Trader Joe’s mini tote bag with iron-on patches
If embroidery isn’t your thing, there are still tons of fun ways to decorate a Trader Joe’s bag that don’t require sewing. For example, iron-on patches are a super cute and easy way to add some personality to your bag without a needle and thread. TikTok user @traderjoescostcoobsessed ironed various patches onto Trader Joe’s classic tote bags to add some fun flair to a plain canvas tote— and also added a longer shoulder strap!
Add charms to your Trader Joe’s mini tote bag
To add a little personality to your Trader Joe’s back without permanently altering it, you can put any keychain or charm of your choice on it. Content creator @lifewithkierraa added tons of keychains and charms to her Trader Joe’s bags to show off her personality, like a fuzzy frog and pearl bow.
Upcycle your Trader Joe’s tote into a crossbody bag
Maybe holding your Trader Joe’s mini bag by the straps bothers you, or you just want in on the fanny pack trend. While this may take some sewing skills, content creator Sophia Porter demonstrated how to DIY a Trader Joe’s bag to make a crossbody bag without any additional materials. You can also spice it up by adding a zipper or adjustable strap.
Upgrade your closet with DIY Trader Joe’s bag shorts
I bet you never would have thought that a Trader Joe’s bag could become a pair of shorts, but we are. TikTok creator DIY With Wy used a pair of his own shorts as a template, and made a pair of roomy shorts out of his Trader Joe’s tote. Using the Trader Joe’s logo for the pockets, the shorts look like they came right out of the store itself.
Refresh your wardrobe with a Trader Joe’s bag shirt
Two coveted classics, the now-iconic reusable pickle bag and sardines bag are unique and distinctive designs that any Trader Joe’s stan can recognize anywhere. If you love the product-themed Trader Joe’s bags so much that you can’t help but wear them, you can sew them into blouses a la @TheKitchsyDame on TikTok.
Keep lunch cold and DIY a Trader Joe’s Mini Tote Insulated Bag
Missed out on the February Trader Joe’s mini cooler drop? Luckily, TikTok user @chloebreckenridge has a tutorial on how to insulate the mini canvas totes. With a sewing machine, if you flip your tote inside out and pin insulated fabric to the sides, by sewing it together you will have a mini cooler.
Make your own Trader Joe’s mini tote bag
And if you aren’t able to wait for the spring canvas tote drop (or you missed out on the fall mini restock), check out this Reddit thread for how to make your own Trader Joe’s bag. The dimensions are simple, so long as you have canvas and know how to sew French seams. As for embroidering the Trader Joe’s logo, you may be on your own.