Tote bags. Everyone’s got one, and half of them don’t have much structure and flop over if you put more than a sandwich and your phone in them. You’ve probably seen Fat Face ones around — they’re decent enough, especially if you like florals and no zips. But if you’re after something with actual personality (and a bit of structure), Watership Down Crafts might be more your thing.
This post lays it all out so you can decide which kind of tote actually fits your life (and your standards).
Why Compare Watership Down Crafts to a Fat Face Tote Bag?
Fat Face is a well-known high-street brand with a strong presence in the UK tote bag market. But how does it really compare to a handmade, one-of-a-kind option from Watership Down Crafts? If you're researching before you buy, this honest comparison breaks it all down.
Design and Uniqueness
Watership Down Crafts: Each tote is made using rescued fabrics, repurposed off-cuts, and carefully selected combinations that result in a truly unique look. From the linings to the zips, every detail is chosen to create a bag with personality and character.
Fat Face Totes: These are made in bulk with seasonal prints and relaxed designs. You can browse their current tote range here to see what’s typical — think beach-ready patterns and grab-and-go shapes. While they’re stylish and easy to wear, the same designs are sold in stores across the UK, so you’re likely to spot someone else carrying the same bag.
Structure and Features
Watership Down Crafts: Most WDC totes feature a zip closure as standard, along with inner slip pockets or zipped compartments. Prices start from £75. The outer and lining fabrics are both interfaced with medium-weight woven cotton to give them structure without stiffness. The result is a soft yet supportive shape that feels robust but not bulky.
Fat Face Totes: These bags tend to favour a more relaxed, unstructured style. Some include popper or tie closures, and internal organisation can be limited. They typically cost around £45. While practical for beach days or casual shopping, they may not offer the same versatility or finish as a structured handmade bag.
Materials and Sustainability
Watership Down Crafts: No new fabric is ever bought in. Debbie rescues high-quality fabrics from upholstery remnants, off-cuts, and end-of-roll pieces that would otherwise go to waste. The result is a tote bag made with genuine sustainability in mind, without the greenwashing.
Fat Face Totes: Fat Face has made efforts in recent years to introduce more sustainable materials, including organic cotton and recycled fibres. However, most of their bags are still made using new materials and standardised factory processes.
Ethical Production
Watership Down Crafts: Every bag is made by Debbie herself in her home studio in England. You can read her blog, browse her designs, and know exactly who made your bag and how it came to life.
Fat Face Totes: These are mass-produced overseas in large volumes. While Fat Face is known for being more ethical than many high-street brands, production details and transparency are still limited compared to small-batch handmade businesses.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Watership Down Crafts | Fat Face Totes |
|---|---|---|
| Design | One-of-a-kind, handmade using rescued fabrics | Mass-produced, seasonal high street styles |
| Structure | Zipped closure, pockets, soft-structured support | Relaxed fit, often no zip, minimal structure |
| Sustainability | 100% rescued fabric, no new material | Partially sustainable, mostly new materials |
| Ethics | Handmade in England by the maker herself | Factory-produced overseas |
| Availability | One-off designs — once sold, gone for good | Widely available in-store and online |
FAQs
Is a handmade tote bag really worth the extra cost?
It depends — do you want a bag that looks like it came free with a magazine, or one that you’ll still love next year? WDC bags aren’t churned out by the hundred — they’re made one at a time with proper materials and zero corner-cutting. So yes, if you want quality and character, they’re worth every penny.
How is Watership Down Crafts different from Fat Face?
Fat Face makes nice bags — genuinely. But they’re mass-produced and made to fit a trend. WDC bags are made by one person from rescued fabrics in a small home studio. You get something totally individual — and you’ll never see your tote on someone else in Tesco.
So Which Is Right for You?
If you’re after a fun, affordable tote bag for casual everyday use, Fat Face might tick your boxes. But if you’re looking for something more personal — a bag that no one else owns, made with care, character, and attention to detail — Watership Down Crafts offers something truly different.
Looking for an Alternative to a Fat Face Tote Bag?
Explore the handmade tote bag collection at Watership Down Crafts. Each bag is one-of-a-kind, ethically made, and designed to last — once it’s gone, it’s gone.
