Make a useful gift with these free bag making tutorials.
Bags are a great project for a beginner sewer. The patterns are usually easier than, say, clothing and you don’t have to worry so much about getting the fit right. They are also super useful and make a great gift!
Are you a beginner sewer or even an intermediate sewer looking to take your sewing to the next level? Check out this article on learning new skills for a great resource that will fast-track your learning.
Please note: Some authors ask that you don’t use their patterns and tutorials to make bags for commercial purposes, so check out their site for copyright details.
Below are patterns for a wide variety of shoulder bags in all sorts of shapes and patters.
Totes are great for carrying a variety of things in and the patterns below are super cute and make great gifts as well!
I made the sophisticated tote bag as a gift and it was well loved – a great pattern.
For when you want a smaller bag to put your keys, wallet and phone in.
The last pattern is up-cycled from old shorts, keeping costs down and clothes out of landfill!
Looking for a cute little purse pattern?
Check out the different styles below. Everything from little wallets to makeup bags.
Every new mum needs a nappy bag. The patterns below make wonderful gifts.
I made a nappy bag using the Hip Mamma pattern. It was was great bag that I used with both kids.
Two back pack patterns for hands-free walking and a stylish laptop bag pattern.
The problem with reusable grocery bags is they are made from plastic and they don’t last very long.
Make your own grocery bags from recycled fabrics using the patterns below – there’s even a no-sew patter for a quick and easy bag.
I made a lined grocery bag from an old sheet using the pattern below nine years ago…while in labour. True story! And with a french seam at the bottom, it’s still going strong.
Looking for an extra large bag for the beach or picnic?
Here are two extra large totes for carrying around all the essential beach gear.
Also, a nifty little art bag – a great gift!
Looking for more free bag making tutorials? Check out the companion article here. This will give you nearly 100 to choose from!
I was checking something on google and found out that my bag tutorial (The Eternal Beauty bag) is mentioned here. I just wanted to say thanks for including it. It’s my first tutorial so I’m glad it got included!
I love your bag design and tutorial – it’s great.
Hey, thanks for the mention of my makeup bag tutorial! If you love bag tutorials you can also check out my “charm pack rag quilt bag. I think it is pretty popular and one of my better tutorials. Nice blog!
Thank you for mentioning my scrappy bag tutorial!
I would pay if they were under $5.00, but not $10.00.
Great List i am always looking for great tutorials check out my page of tutorials..
Hi Mel, awesome site! I am so-o-o glad i have subscribed to your posts.
Thanks for posting this wonderful list of bag tutorials. I am new to sewing and am having a great time trying out these fun tutorials!
Ta. I’m a learner sewer and have made a few of these myself.
New to sewing and hoping to try something these out.
Hi Claire, thanks for leaving a comment. Yeah, there’s lots of good ones, I’ve made a few now.
What does it mean where the name of the bag is crossed out?
I really love finding round up posts for things I haven’t started doing yet but want to. I have LOTS of old tshirts that I want to turn into bags so this will almost certainly be a jumping off point for me, when I get into sewing!
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately as this post is over a year old now, the crossed out name means the link is broken because the website no longer exists or it has been changed. I will update the post sometime in the future, time permitting.
Really great to see these bags, I’ll give it a try! Thanks!
these bags are so nice! going to try them! however for many of the links, not just the crossed out ones, says that it was removed.
Thanks Lauren, I will have to look into that. It’s an old article, many of these websites will have been shut down, so maybe time for a new one with new links!
Thanks Tamara, hope your sewing goes well, I’m a novice sewer also, and love sewing bags because they’re pretty easy.
Good luck with the make up bag Damie!
The author of the Margaret bag pattern has retired the post. I have no control over that, I’m sorry.
All the bags are just beatuiful and thank U so much for sharing this with us who needs a lot of help trying to learn to sew on the internet! I have also Pinterest this.
I hope your sewing adventures go well. As a beginner myself, I find bags are a great project to sew. Very satisfying.
I am always looking for new ideas for my next projects. I found the bag projects posted here very interesting and I am going to use one right away!Very cute and practical! Thank you very much for sharing.
Greetings from South Africa, I am a 54 year old male who enjoys to sew. I have created my own version of the “shopping bag” simply because I HATE plastic bags.
I am certainly going to try and create some of your bags the instructions are clear and simple.
I have found your blog most helpful indeed.
Whoa, perfect! I was looking for project bag ideas and ways to use up (okay, I lie — for excuses to buy) fat quarters. Thanks so much for doing all the legwork. This must have been a pain to compile, but what an awesome resource.
i would like the pattern to the AVA bag. I clicked on it and i got a blank page.
wrong…i meant the JENNY bag! I have been looking at tooo many sites.
I’ve had a look and from what I can see the tutorial has been moved. I’m afraid I have no control over other sites – I recommend that you contact the owner of the blog Lola…again.
Hi there..just want to say thanks! I’m enjoying this.
I’m so glad you were able to update the link to my Origami Bag Tutorial – now there’s just a couple of typos in my name but it links to the right place. Thanks!
Sorry about that, it’s a big job. All fixed now I think.