25 Free Purse and Bag Patterns to Sew

Mollie Johanson is a professional needlecrafter with over 10 years of hands-on embroidery, sewing, and knitting experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small." Mollie also designs and sells stitching projects, co-hosts a crafting podcast, and has taught online embroidery courses.

You'll never run out of space to carry things when you start sewing your way through these purse and bag patterns! Choose from all kinds of sizes, styles, purposes, and skill levels. Best of all, they're completely free.

Easy Felt Tote Bag

Kids can sew this felt tote bag, then decorate it with more felt, buttons, or embroidery. Because it's fast to make, it's also an excellent project for handmade party favors or charity crafting. Easy Felt Tote Bag Tutorial from The Spruce

Flying Geese Patchwork Cinch Sack

This fantastic drawstring bag designed by Giuseppe Ribaudo features the classic flying geese quilt motif, and you can wear it as a backpack. And if you want to make one of these for your child, check out Ginger Peach Studio's smaller version so you and your little one can match! Flying Geese Patchwork Bag from We All Sew

Jumbo Tote With Striped Pockets

With a retro flair, this easy-sew large tote bag has six pockets around the outside. There's plenty of room to carry all your gear and keep it organized. Use the striped pockets as a way to show off your style with your favorite colors or prints. DIY Tote Bag With Pockets from The Spruce

DIY Diaper Bag

Finding a diaper bag that suits your style can be difficult, but not when you make it yourself! Sarah from ​Blue Susan Makes created this tutorial for Fabric.com so you can make a smaller bag that still holds the essentials. You could even make this as a crafting tote! DIY Diaper Bag from Fabric.com

Little Girl's Patchwork Purse

Although this little purse is meant to be for little girls, it would be adorable as a small bag for grown-ups too. Let your child choose their favorite fabrics and encourage them to help with the patchwork piecing! Patchwork Purse for Little Girls from Clover and Violet

Reusable Grocery Bag

Make a few of these large, durable bags to keep in your car so you'll always be ready to load them up with groceries. They're both eco-friendly and stylish! Durable DIY Grocery Bag from The Spruce

Beach Bag With Rope Handles

Head to the pool or shore with everything you need in this oversized beach bag. The eyelets and rope handles look great while remaining functional, and the pom pom trim adds a fun element. Oversized Beach Bag Sewing Pattern from ​​Polka Dot Chair

Mini Quilted Suitcase

Have you ever considered sewing a suitcase? It may not be practical for travel, but this mini suitcase is perfect for kids to carry their favorite belongings. But it's so cute, you may want to make one and use it as a purse! Quilted Suitcase Tutorial from ​​Mommy by Day, Crafter by Night

Fabric Basket-Style Purse

These wonderful bags are like a cross between a purse and a tote. To keep everything in its place in these bags, Caroline from Sew Can She also has a tutorial for making a purse organizer that you could even use on its own. Fabric Basket Tote Purse Pattern from Sew Can She

Laminated Ruffle Duffle Bag

For the family that's always on the go to dance classes, karate, and more, a durable bag is a must. Using laminated fabric or oilcloth helps this duffle hold up and the ruffle detail gives it a feminine touch. Ruffle Duffle Bag Pattern from Family Ever After

Pleated Zipper Clutch Purse

If you want to carry only the bare minimum, this pleated clutch purse is perfect. The pattern is scrap-friendly and has some great details which you can easily customize to make your purse uniquely yours. Add a small strap to make it a wristlet! Pleated Zipper Clutch Bag from Like Flowers and Butterflies

Easy Oversized Bow Tote

For when you want to refresh a simple tote, add sewn embellishments to customize! Bev from Flamingo Toes shows you how to make a giant bow that nearly covers the entire side of a canvas bag. Add some ribbon to the handles for a finish with minimal effort. Easy DIY Bow Tote from ​​Flamingo Toes

DIY Messenger Bag

There's lots of room in this messenger bag to carry papers, books, or even a laptop if you add some padding. It has one large section, plus two extra inside pockets and a wide, comfortable strap. Messenger Bag Tutorial from Mama Says Sew

Fabric Selvage Tote Bag

Instead of tossing out the selvages from your fabric, save them to make this easy tote bag. It's colorful to be sure, but it's also a great way to carry a few of your favorite fabrics with you all the time! Simple Tote With Selvedge Edges from Little Mushroom Cap

DIY School Backpack

Ready to take on a bigger sewing project? Choose a few great fabrics for this DIY backpack that both kids and adults will love. It has all the typical backpack features, but since it's handmade, it's extra special! Backpack to School Pattern from ​​Pellon Projects

All in a Row Quilt-Style Tote

Although it's not quilted, the patchwork on this tote bag from Riley Blake Designs would make it a perfect gift for a quilter! This fabric company also has a fun pattern to make a purse with scrappy stripes. Find these and more in their free pattern section. All in a Row Tote Bag from Riley Blake Designs

Baker Street Purse

Sara from Sew Sweetness is known for her amazing bag designs, and this purse isn't just cute, but it's also free! Not only that, but she also created a video tutorial to help you through the process. Baker Street Bag Pattern from Sew Sweetness

Insulated Mason Jar Bag

Mason jars are a great way to carry fruit or a salad to work, and you can keep yours insulated in this sweet drawstring bag. Of course, you could use a little bag like this in lots of ways! Insulated Mason Jar Bag Tutorial from Sew Mama Sew

Envelope-Style Clutch Purse

Depending on your fabric choices, this clutch can work as a casual purse or an evening bag. Or, have some fun with it! Sew a stamp and embroider an address on the back to highlight the envelope style. Envelope Clutch Purse from See Kate Sew

Zip-Top Insulated Lunch Bag

Pack your lunch in this insulated zipper bag to save some money and make healthy eating choices. Read through the steps and watch the video tutorial to sew your bag with oilcloth that wipes clean! Insulated Lunch Bag from Sewing Rabbit

Ramona Mini Hipster Bag

Swoon Patterns offers many patterns at reasonable prices, and they're also generous enough to offer some great tutorials and free patterns, like this small cross-body bag. The recessed zipper keeps your items secure and the flat bottom allows it to stand on its own. Ramona Mini Hipster Pattern from Swoon Patterns

Springtime Patchwork Purse

It may be called the Springtime Patchwork Purse, but this adorable pattern, designed by Charise Rendell, is suitable for any time of year. But then, maybe you want to make one for each season? Springtime Patchwork Purse Pattern from Sew Mama Sew

Quilted Drawstring Pouch

Constructed with linen and a bunch of small fabric pieces, this quilted shoulder bag lets you use up scraps of precious fabrics in a way that shows them off. And if patchwork isn't your thing, simply swap out that panel with a solid piece, or eliminate it altogether. Drawstring Shoulder Bag Tutorial from Diary of a Quilter

Flip Flop Messenger Bag

This bag acts like a purse, but with some messenger bag styling. The zipper top folds down to create a flap, with straps attached near the fold. It's a downloadable PDF pattern, with options to make it from solid fabric or patchwork. Flip Flop Messenger Bag Pattern from ​100 Billion Stars

Retro Drawstring Bag

Not all bags are for carrying with you. These sweet little bags are the kind that you might fill with a little gift. But they also work to stow a few small items inside your purse or other large bags. Retro Drawstring Bags from A Spoonful of Sugar

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