Paper bags
Printed twisted handle paper bags
Twisted handle bags are the everyday paper carrier: kraft paper with twisted paper cord handles glued inside the top. We print them with your logo in brown or white kraft, in small, medium or large sizes. Every order is quoted by hand, with no fixed minimum.
The shop bag most people picture
If you think of a paper carrier bag, you probably think of this one. Two twisted paper cords make round handles that are comfortable to hold, and a paper patch inside the top spreads the weight. The base is folded flat and glued, with a gusset so the bag stands up on the counter.
The handles are paper too, so the whole bag is paper. That makes it a good everyday choice for shops, cafés, delis, bookshops and markets.
Paper bags are priced by hand, not in the basket. Tell us what you need and we'll email you a written price.
Which size?
We don't work from a fixed list of stock sizes. Most orders fall into one of these, and we can match your own measurements.
| Size | What fits | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Jewellery boxes, cosmetics, a candle, greetings cards | Jewellers, beauty counters, gift shops |
| Medium | A paperback, a folded top, a couple of jars | Bookshops, delis, boutiques, farm shops |
| Large | Folded knitwear, a shoebox, several items at once | Clothing shops, homeware, garden centres |
| Your size | Whatever you sell most | Tell us the width, height and depth, or what goes inside |
Not sure? Tell us the biggest thing that goes in the bag and we'll suggest the size and paper weight.
Printing your logo
We print in solid spot colours, matched to your file or to Pantone references if you give them. One colour is the classic look: white on brown kraft, or black or a single brand colour on white kraft. Every extra colour adds its own set-up, so one or two colours keep the price down.
The print sits on the flat front and back of the bag. It stays clear of the folds, the gussets and the handle patch inside the top, so leave a margin around your design rather than running it to the edges. We can print one side or both.
Brown kraft shows through the ink, so colours look deeper and softer than they do on screen. If a colour must match exactly, white kraft is the safer choice. Our guide to Pantone and spot colours explains why.
We print spot colours, not photographs. If your design is a photo or has lots of fine shading, tell us and we'll say honestly whether it will work.
What to tell us for a quote
The more of this you can give us, the quicker and more exact your price will be.
- How many bags. If you're unsure, give us two or three quantities and we'll price each one.
- Brown or white kraft.
- The size, or what goes in the bag.
- Your logo, and how many colours it uses. Vector files (PDF, AI or EPS) are best. What is a vector file?
- One side printed, or both.
- The date you need them by, and the delivery postcode.
Questions people ask
What is a twisted handle paper bag?
It's a paper carrier bag with handles made from twisted paper cord. The handles are glued inside the top of the bag behind a paper patch, which spreads the load. It's the most common style of paper carrier bag in UK shops.
Is there a minimum order?
There's no fixed minimum. Every paper order is quoted by hand, so tell us the quantity you need. The price per bag falls as the run gets bigger, because the set-up cost is shared across more bags.
How much weight can a twisted handle bag carry?
It depends on the size of the bag and the weight of the paper. Tell us what will go in it, such as books, bottles or clothes, and we'll quote a paper that is strong enough.
Are twisted handle bags recyclable?
The bag and handles are both paper, so a clean, unlaminated twisted handle bag can usually go in paper recycling. Your customers should check what their local council accepts.
Should I choose twisted or flat handles?
Twisted handles are rounder and more comfortable for carrying further. Flat handles fold down neatly, so the bags stack flat and suit takeaway food and busy counters. See flat handle paper bags to compare.
How long will my bags take?
It depends on the size, paper and quantity, so we give you the lead time with your quote. If you have a date, put it in the form and we'll tell you straight away whether we can make it.
Other paper bags
Paper bags
Flat handle bags
Practical paper bags that stack flat, for takeaway, bakeries and busy counters.
Paper bags
Luxury rope handle bags
Heavier paper, rope handles and a reinforced top, for boutiques, beauty and gifts.
Get a quote for twisted handle bags
Tell us the quantity, size and paper, and add your logo if you have it. We'll check it for free and email you a price. Want a longer-lasting bag instead? See our cotton tote bags.
- A written price by email, with no obligation
- A free check of your artwork
- A proof to approve before anything is printed