Handmade bags and baskets made in the UK by small, independent makers: hand-woven willow baskets from Susan Early in Gloucestershire, and tool totes and backpacks from Francli Craftwear in Falmouth, Cornwall. We’ve also included one lightweight linen tote from Linen Tales, which is made in Lithuania rather than the UK. Everything here is made to be used and carried every day, and to last. Gift cards are available to spend online or in our Falmouth shop.
A good bag is one of the things you reach for every day, so it’s worth choosing one that’s made well by someone who cares how it’s made. This collection brings together our favourite bags and baskets from independent makers, for shopping, foraging, travelling and days out, and as lasting gifts.
Susan Early willow baskets: Susan has been weaving willow for more than twenty years, starting with early study of the craft and time spent with master basket makers in France. She makes her baskets by hand in Gloucestershire, alongside sculpture and other wearable pieces. The willow cross-body basket has a bellied shape, an adjustable leather strap and brass hardware that will age as it’s worn. It’s about 31cm high, with a strap that adjusts up to 135cm, and it suits foraging, shopping and carrying a child’s things on a day out. Susan also makes willow baskets as a backpack and with straps.
Francli Craftwear: Francli’s makers work in Falmouth and describe their pieces as chic, practical and hard-working for everyday life. Their tool tote bags come in tan and field green, and the Ditty backpack in tan or field green with orange or blue rope.
Linen Tales Everything Bag: A lightweight, washed linen tote that folds away until you need it, for shopping, the beach or an overnight stay. It’s 100% linen, OEKO-TEX certified, 54 x 59cm, and made in a family-run factory in Lithuania. It comes in ochre, black and baked clay.
Choosing a bag: For a statement bag to wear and keep, choose a willow basket. For daily carry and work, choose a Francli tote or backpack. For something light to keep in a bag or drawer, choose the linen tote.
Gifts: Handmade bags and baskets make lasting presents for birthdays, weddings, Christmas and milestones, and they’re the kind of thing people use every day for years.
Francli Craftwear, Linen Tales, Susan Early, Studio Tal coming soon.
