Materials + Care

Bag Care

To ensure the longevity of your bag, please note that it is not machine washable or dry cleanable. For this reason, we recommend spot treating any stains. Our favorite trick is to use a little dish soap and a clean toothbrush— the tiny bristles really get in between all the fabric fibers to lift out stains. If you want to be proactive, Scotch Guard your bag for added stain resistance.

Though we strive to make our bags indestructible, sometimes they have a hard life. We offer free lifetime repairs for repairable items.

Weather-Resistant + Waxed Canvas

Most of our bags feature a weather-resistant cotton canvas. This fabric is infused with a non-toxic, proprietary treatment that protects your bag and its contents from moisture. While you can’t go for a swim, you’re safe in a hearty rainstorm!

Our solid color collection of bags is made with waxed canvas. Waxed canvas is cotton canvas treated with wax for superior durability and water resistance. It was originally created for outdoor and military use, so you know it's made to last. You can rewax your canvas over time, but we prefer to let ours wear in naturally. 

Hand-Printed Canvas

In addition to sewing each Rachel Elise bag, Rachel also designs and screenprints many of our fabrics. All our hand-printed canvases start with a basic drawing. Rachel then paints that drawing onto a mesh screen. When we push ink over that screen, ta da! A print! It's magic!

Hand-Woven Textiles

In January of 2024, Rachel attended the John C. Campbell Folk School to become reacquainted with the art of weaving, which she originally learned while earning a degree in Fiber Art at the University of North Texas. In the summer of 2024, Rachel introduced a small line of bags featuring her handwoven textiles. These fabrics are woven on a Schacht Baby Wolf floor loom.

Hand-Stitched Kantha Cotton

Our Kantha fabric is two layers of vintage sari cotton, hand-stitched by the artisans of the Basha community. Basha works with financially at-risk women in Bangladesh to give them and their families financial stability through their craft.