If you’ve ever wondered whether a handmade tote bag can handle everyday life — from carrying a laptop to keeping your essentials organised — you’re not alone. These are the kinds of questions customers ask all the time when choosing a practical, stylish, and well-made bag.
If you’re curious, explore our handmade zip-top tote bags — roomy enough for most laptops, fully lined, and made with care.
This guide answers the most common ones, based on real concerns from real people.
Can You Put a Laptop in a Tote Bag?
Yes — but it depends on the bag. Not all tote bags are designed with laptops in mind. A good laptop tote bag will have enough width and height to hold a standard device, plus some structure to stop it collapsing around your tech.
At Watership Down Crafts, all our handmade tote bags are sized to fit most laptops comfortably. They're soft-structured, with interfaced fabrics that give support without stiffness. If you use a laptop sleeve, you’ll have no problem slipping it into one of our bags.
Do Tote Bags Need a Zip Closure?
For everyday use, we think so. A zip-top keeps everything contained — especially important if you’re commuting, travelling, or just chucking your bag on the car seat. It also adds a layer of security, making it harder for anyone to reach in or for things to accidentally fall out.
Many high street totes are open-top, which might look nice but isn’t always practical. All of our current Watership Down Crafts tote bags come with zip closures as standard. It’s one of the features we’ve found our customers appreciate most.
What’s the Point of a Lining?
A proper lining isn’t just for looks — though it does help a bag feel finished. It adds an extra layer of durability, helps your bag hold its shape, and makes it easier to see what’s inside.
Our linings are cotton or cotton blend fabrics, usually repurposed or rescued from off-cuts. They're always interfaced for strength and selected to complement the outer fabric beautifully.
Are Structured or Unstructured Tote Bags Better?
This comes down to how you use your bag. Structured bags sit upright and keep their shape when empty, but they can feel bulky. Unstructured bags are softer and lighter — ideal for people who carry their bag on the shoulder all day or want something easier to store.
Our bags are soft-structured: they have enough support to stand when full but won’t dig into your side or weigh you down. They’re not stiff — just sensible.
Do I Need Pockets Inside?
If you’ve ever lost your phone in a tote bag, you already know the answer. Internal pockets stop everything falling into a single heap at the bottom. They're ideal for small essentials like keys, pens, tissues, or earbuds.
Most of our Watership Down Crafts totes include at least one internal slip pocket — and in some designs, there are two. Some bags also feature external pockets for quick access to things like travel cards or tissues. No more rummaging.
Are Handmade Tote Bags Good for Work?
Yes — especially if they’re designed with work in mind. A good work tote should carry your laptop, planner, lunch, and other essentials without looking bulky or casual.
Our handmade zip-top tote bags are built to do exactly that. They're practical, roomy, and made from high-quality materials — including upcycled fabrics that make each one unique. If you’re after something different from the usual mass-produced options, they’re worth a look.
Ready to upgrade your everyday bag? If you’re curious, explore our handmade zip-top tote bags — roomy enough for most laptops, fully lined, and made with care.
Can Tote Bags Be Formal?
Yes — a well-designed tote bag can absolutely look smart enough for formal settings. Go for clean lines, neutral colours, and quality materials like cotton canvas or leather. The simplicity of a structured handmade tote can often look more polished than a slouchy high-street bag.
How Long Should Tote Bag Straps Be?
The ideal strap drop is around 22–23 cm (9–11 inches) from shoulder to bag top. This gives enough clearance to wear comfortably over the shoulder — even with a coat — without the bag sitting too low or too tight.
Are Tote Bags Allowed on Planes?
Yes — most airlines accept tote bags as personal items if they fit under the seat in front of you. For travel, a zip closure is useful to keep your belongings secure while moving through terminals or lifting bags into overhead lockers.
Final Thoughts
Tote bags can be much more than a basic shopper — especially when they’re well-made, thoughtfully designed, and built for everyday life. If you’ve been wondering whether a handmade tote bag can keep up with your day, the answer is yes — as long as it’s the right one. Browse our latest handmade tote bags to find the one that fits your life.
