You might not believe me, but you can one million percent make this — even if you have never touched embroidery thread in your life. No fancy stitches. No embroidery hoop. No experience required. If you can use a glue gun and thread a needle (arguably the hardest part), you can do this.
Supplies Used
- Plain canvas tote bag (or any sturdy fabric item)
- Embroidery thread (I used DMC Embroidery Floss, but any thread works)
- Hand-sewing needle (small and sharp works best for thick canvas)
- Small scissors
- Disappearing ink fabric marker
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- iPad, tablet, or printed letters (for transferring your design)
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Let’s Get Started!
I recently made one of these name totes for one of my daughters, and the second I finished it, I knew I had to make another. It’s colorful, slightly puffy, and looks way more impressive than the effort required. Let me show you exactly how to make one.
Step 1: Choose Your Word and Colors
You can do a name, a single word, a short phrase – whatever you want! For my first tote, I used a different color for every letter. For the second, I did the same — but you could absolutely repeat colors or keep everything monochrome. You only need as many thread colors as letters in your word (unless you want to repeat).
Step 2: Transfer Your Letters
Option 1: Use a Tablet: I opened Procreate, typed the name in a bold, blocky font, made it nice and large, and slid my iPad inside the tote. Because the screen is bright, you can see the letters through the fabric well enough to trace. Then I used a disappearing ink fabric marker to trace the outline.
Option 2: Print & Trace: If you don’t have a tablet, you can print your letters, slip the paper inside the tote, hold it up to a bright window (nature’s light box LOL), and trace!
Option 3: Freehand: Feeling brave? Lightly sketch guidelines and draw the letters directly on the tote. Block letters work best — you’re essentially making bubble letters.
Step 3: Outline With Hot Glue
This is the magic step. Using your glue gun, carefully trace over the letter outlines with glue. Try to keep the glue line fairly even. You also want to be sure to fill in the letter shape completely – like bubble letters. Smooth it out while it’s still warm. Don’t panic if it’s not perfect. Slight imperfections won’t matter once it’s wrapped in thread. Let the glue dry completely before moving on.
Step 4: Thread Your Needle + Wrap the Glue With Stitches
Cut a length of embroidery thread (about 24–36 inches is comfortable to work with). Thread your needle. Tie a knot at the end. Flip the tote inside out and poke your needle up through the fabric right next to the edge of the glue. Pull it through.
This is the entire “technique”: Bring the needle up right beside the glue, go down on the opposite side of the glue, pull tight, and repeat.
You’re simply wrapping the thread over the glue line again and again. It’s not traditional embroidery — it’s more like stitching over a raised guide. The glue creates that puffy, dimensional effect. Keep your stitches close together, tight, and as near to the glue edge as possible. And just keep going. Put on a show. Light a candle. Grab tea (or wine). This is the relaxing kind of repetitive.
What About Tricky Spots?
When your letter changes direction – like the middle of a “K” or crossing sections – you might need adjust. This can include running stitches straight across instead of continuing the narrow wrap, adjusting your angle slightly to follow the shape, or filling small gaps by adding extra stitches.
You’re allowed to overlap stitches. You’re allowed to improvise. This is a “figure it out as you go” craft – and that’s part of the fun. If something looks off? Add another stitch. If you don’t love it? You can redo that section. No embroidery police are coming.
Finishing a Letter
When you reach the end, flip the tote inside out. Then, run your needle through a few stitches on the back. Be sure to pull tight to create a natural knot, and then snip the thread. Switch colors and repeat for the next letter. That’s it.
Removing the Marker Lines
If you can still see your disappearing ink lines, lightly spray the area with water and dab gently. The ink vanishes, and you’re left with a clean, colorful stitched design.
That’s a Wrap – The Finished Product!
You’ll end up with puffy + dimensional letters, slightly imperfect stitches (which add charm), and a completely custom tote bag. And the best part? It looks like you know how to embroider. Even if you absolutely do not.
This craft is perfect because it has zero embroidery skill required, it is totally customizable, it makes a great handmade gift, it’s surprisingly relaxing, and it looks way more advanced than it is. If you’ve been intimidated by embroidery, this is your entry point. No fancy stitches. No pressure. Just glue, thread, and a little patience. And honestly? That’s my favorite kind of craft. ✨
I’d LOVE to see your creations. Tag me on Instagram: @thehappyevercrafter And if you’re looking for more embroidery crafts? Check out this embroidery gift idea!
And finally, your dad joke…
Why do melons have weddings?
Because they cantelope.
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