Just make sure you use a needle for heavyweight fabric, either a 90/14, or a denim needle.

The only drawback I can think of is using a seam allowance larger than 1/4". The duck ravels more than regular quilting fabric. I would wash it first as it will shrink more than quilting fabric shrinks.

You could try ironing a lightweight fusible interfacing to the duck to help it not ravel so much!

When I use upholstry fabric (pretty much the same weight and thickness as the duck fabric) for totes, I do not use batting or attempt to do french seams.

Same advice as everyone else. Make sure your machine can handle the bulk. I also make lots of totes and finish the seams using twill tape. Cutthe basic rectangle, apply the tape to the raw edges, then assemble. If you had a serger available, you could also serge the edges. I also finish the seams (with tape or felled seam) even if I'm gonna line it. I think it wears better.

I made a tote bag for Christmas with a cotton Dresden Plate front & home deco fabric for bottom & back. I used the felted pellon between for stability. It worked nice! I lined it, so didn't have to worry about the seams. Just another thought...