Last Updated: by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 2 Comments
Today I’ve rounded up more than 30 of my favorite tote bag sewing patterns. Most of them are free patterns. I have also included a section of bag patterns that you can buy. They range in difficulty and skill level from easy to advanced.
If you’ve been a long-time reader, then you know that I love to make bags! I still remember the first bag I ever made. My twins were babies (so it was years ago). I remember struggling through those first steps to put the bag together. That overwhelming feeling that someone who is learning to sew sometimes gets.
Table of Contents
- How do you sew a simple fabric tote bag?
- What materials do you need to make a tote bag?
- How much fabric do you need to make a tote bag?
- What Fabric is Best for a Tote Bag?
- Do You Have to Sew a Zipper to Make a Bag?
- My Favorite Bag Patterns
- 30+ Free Bag Sewing Patterns
- Learn How to Make a Bag; A Simple Tote Bag Pattern
- Beach Bound Straw Tote Tutorial
- Oversized Beach Bag Sewing Pattern
- The Jacksonville Free Beach Bag Pattern
- Quilt Block Tote Bag Tutorial
- How to Make a Drawstring Bag or Backpack
- How to Make a Drawstring Laundry Bag; a Fat Quarter Project
- How to add Leather Straps to a Handbag
- Laminated Drawstring Bag Tutorial
- How to sew a Simple Tote Bag
- Bunny Purse Sewing Pattern for the Cricut Maker
- Free Bag Patterns from Sewing Blogs
- DIY Fabric Basket Tote {free sewing pattern}
- Kid's Mini Messenger Bag Pattern
- Flying Geese Patchwork Bag
- Sew Your Own Reusable Grocery Bag With This Free Pattern
- Reversible Box Tote
- Teacher Lunch Bags
- Heart Backpack Free Pattern
- DIY Drawstring Shoulder Bag Tutorial
- Camera embroidery tote bag
- Sew It - A Fall Plaid Crossbody Bag
- Bag Sewing Patterns you can Buy
- The Saturday Bag, Duffle Bag Sewing Pattern
- The All Ears Pouch Sewing Pattern
- Alice Bag Round Handbag Sewing Pattern
- The March Bag Sewing Pattern
- Retro Travel Bag Video Tutorial series for Bag Making
- The June Bag, Cross Body Bag Sewing Pattern
- The Ruby Lou Bag Pattern
- Beginner Tote Bag Sewing Pattern; The Derby Tote
- Range Backpack PDF Pattern
- Maker's Tote PDF Pattern
Then, all of a sudden, a light bulb went on, and I understood how to put the bag together. After that, it was all downhill from there.
If you’ve never made a bag before, I encourage you to try it! They are fun to make and are perfect as handmade gifts.
How do you sew a simple fabric tote bag?
If you’re looking for a way to make a simple tote bag, I recommend starting with my Kids Library Bag pattern. It’s just about as simple as it gets.
I also have a video tutorial on my YouTube channel for a Trick or Treat bag. All you have to do to change the fabric for the exterior of the bag, and it’s no longer a Halloween bag but a simple tote!
What materials do you need to make a tote bag?
You will need fabric, interfacing, and material for the handles. You can make bag handles out of fabric, cotton webbing strap material, or leather. Each free sewing pattern in this list features a different handle material. Look to each specific project for more detailed instructions.
How much fabric do you need to make a tote bag?
In general, you will need one half to one yard of fabric for the outside of the bag and one half to yard of fabric for the bag lining. Each bag pattern differs; if you’re buying fabric and don’t have a specific pattern in mind, I’d buy ½ yard of fabric each for the bag outside and lining.
What Fabric is Best for a Tote Bag?
I recommend 100% cotton fabric for tote bags. Most of my bags are sewn with quilting-weight cotton, but you can also use lightweight home decor fabric. Some bags are made from a heavier-weight fabric. Just make sure that your sewing machine can handle bulky fabric if you choose a heavy-weight fabric.
Do You Have to Sew a Zipper to Make a Bag?
No! There are a lot of tote bags sewing patterns out there that don’t require zippers. However, you don’t need to be afraid of zippers! They aren’t so bad, I promise! I love to use them in my bag patterns, especially on the pockets. If you’re nervous, start with a bag sewing pattern that has a video tutorial.
My Favorite Bag Patterns
If I had to pick just three bag patterns, I’d have to say that my Retro Travel Bag, Saturday Duffle Bag, and Canvas Bottom tote are my favorites. I’ve sewn each of these bag patterns multiple times in many different fabrics. I never tire of them!
30+ Free Bag Sewing Patterns
We have well over 1200 projects and tutorials on our site. Here are a few of our most popular free bag patterns and tutorials.
1
Learn How to Make a Bag; A Simple Tote Bag Pattern
If you're looking for somehwere to start, this free tutorial is a great place. This simple tote bag features a strudy canvas bottom making it perfect for church or school.
2
Beach Bound Straw Tote Tutorial
This fun tote is made using stitchable straw. A bit of bling is added to the front with some hand beading. It's a bit more work but the result is totally worth it!
3
Oversized Beach Bag Sewing Pattern
If you need a GIANT bag to tote with you to the beach or pool, then you may love this oversized beach bag pattern. It's large enough to hold 2-3 beach towels PLUS all your other necessities.
4
The Jacksonville Free Beach Bag Pattern
I designed the Jacksonville bag to be perfect for a. day at the beach. It features both interior and exterior pockets and rope handles.
5
Quilt Block Tote Bag Tutorial
Do you have some quilt blocks laying around that you don't know what to do with? Why not stitch them up into a fun tote bag. This version is made using some left over Halloween quilt blocks but you could easily swap it out for any season or quilt block.
6
How to Make a Drawstring Bag or Backpack
My kids love these simple drawstring backpacks. We usually make a new one for them each summer and they use them up and wear them out.
7
When we were kids we always used to lose our library books. When mine were younger I they had a "library" bag that they used JUST for thier books. It helped them to keep track of they borrowed each week.
8
How to Make a Drawstring Laundry Bag; a Fat Quarter Project
Tired of dirty laundry getting lost in your suitcase? Stitch up a special travel laundry bag to keep it seperate from your other (clean) clothing.
9
How to add Leather Straps to a Handbag
Many tote bag patterns feature straps sewn from farbric. If you'd like to add leather handles instead this tutorial will walk you through it step by step.
10
Laminated Drawstring Bag Tutorial
Photo Credit:weallsew.com
This cute makeup bag features a vinyl wipe off lining! Perfect for quick cleanup.
11
How to sew a Simple Tote Bag
Photo Credit:www.polkadotchair.com
This tote bag was featured in a series of tutorials that I did for Fat Quarter Shops YouTube channel.
12
Bunny Purse Sewing Pattern for the Cricut Maker
This little bag is so fun to stitch up. Included are directions to make the bag with your Cricut Maker or without.
Free Bag Patterns from Sewing Blogs
There are so many fabulous sewing blogs out there right now. I can't type up this list without mentioning a few free bag patterns featured on some of my favorite sewing blogs.
13
DIY Fabric Basket Tote {free sewing pattern}
Photo Credit:www.sewcanshe.com
This tote bag pattern is sturdy and simple to make thanks to the use of stitchable foam. Grab the tutorial over at Sew Can She.
14
Kid's Mini Messenger Bag Pattern
Photo Credit:crazylittleprojects.com
Kids love it when they have their own bags! This one is just the right size for them to carry some of their favorite essentials.
15
Flying Geese Patchwork Bag
Photo Credit:weallsew.com
Graphic and simple this patchwork bag pattern is stunning!
16
Sew Your Own Reusable Grocery Bag With This Free Pattern
Photo Credit:www.thesprucecrafts.com
Easy enough to stich up that you can make a few, just in case you need to keep an extra in your car.
17
Reversible Box Tote
Photo Credit:www.veryshannon.com
This tote bag is clever and striking. Grab the pattern over at Very Shannon.
18
Teacher Lunch Bags
Photo Credit:amerooniedesigns.com
I'm always looking for fun ideas for teacher gifts!
19
Heart Backpack Free Pattern
Photo Credit:www.sewmuchado.com
This has got to be one of the cutest bag patterns I've ever seen!
20
DIY Drawstring Shoulder Bag Tutorial
Photo Credit:www.diaryofaquilter.com
This tote bag features a drawstring top and a unique scrap fabric band for contrast.
21
Camera embroidery tote bag
Photo Credit:www.minkikim.com
Minki walks you through the steps of creating your own "sketch" using your sewing machine and fabric. So clever!
22
Sew It - A Fall Plaid Crossbody Bag
Photo Credit:akailochiclife.com
Simple and cute! A great beginner sewing project.
Bag Sewing Patterns you can Buy
As much as I love a free tutorial, sometimes a project is more involved and the best format for it is a paid pattern. The benefit of buying a bag pattern is that there are usually more detailed instructions and more photos.
Since I'm a HUGE fan of the Maker movement, I'm always happy to spend a few dollars to support a fellow maker.
23
The Saturday Bag, Duffle Bag Sewing Pattern
The Saturday bag is one of our newest sewing patterns. Create a round duffle bag in 3 sizes. Great for weekends away!
24
The All Ears Pouch Sewing Pattern
A cute and whimsical take on a zip bag!
25
Alice Bag Round Handbag Sewing Pattern
The Alice bag is one of my very favorite bag patterns. I designed it a few years ago and I've been astounded at how many round bags you see for sale now! Stitch up your own. You can make the bag in 3 different sizes and with a variety of handles or straps.
26
The March Bag Sewing Pattern
I'm always losing my phone! This bag pattern features a large kangaroo style pocket to keep essential item close by.
27
Retro Travel Bag Video Tutorial series for Bag Making
This is my "go to" weekend bag. I've made several for myself and it was one of the first bag patterns that I ever wrote! It's roomy, sturdy and perfect for a weekend getaway.
28
The June Bag, Cross Body Bag Sewing Pattern
The June bag is a lightweight, crossbody bag that is great for traveling. It features a flap closure and exterior pocket.
29
The Ruby Lou Bag Pattern
This bag was designed for "little fingers" it does not have any zippers or buttons so young kids can use it easily. There is even a pocket in the front for them to stash their favorite toy!
30
Beginner Tote Bag Sewing Pattern; The Derby Tote
This is my "go to" simple tote bag pattern. I've made dozens of them over the years. It features 3 different front pocket styles and is beginner friendly.
31
Range Backpack PDF Pattern
Photo Credit:shop.noodle-head.com
I've been a big fan of Anna of Noodlehead for a long time. This versatile backpack is one of my favorites of her sewing patterns.
32
Maker's Tote PDF Pattern
Photo Credit:shop.noodle-head.com
I've had this on my "to make" list for a couple of years ago. It's a cute bag designed to hold all of you "Maker" supplies.
If you’re new to Bag Making, make sure you also check out
Tips for Sewing with Laminate Fabrics
How to Make and Sew Piping
More Projects You May Enjoy
- How to Sew a Charming Felt Applique Bookmark
- DIY Applique Disney Tote Bag
- How to Make a Coin Purse with a Metal Frame
- Fabric Valentine’s Day Treat Bag Tutorial
About Author
Melissa Mortenson
Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs. Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.
