Updated date:

Mar 17, 2020

28 Free Bag, Tote, and Purse Craft Ideas

Author:: Loraine Brummer

Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.

When you get the urge to make a bag, purse, or tote, it's really nice if you can find a free pattern. Here, you'll find tutorials for many different types of bags, purses, and totes.

Wouldn't it be great to have a handbag that would coordinate perfectly with any outfit you were wearing? Buying a bag for each outfit would get awfully costly, and usually that money could be better spent on a new outfit or shoes.

I'm suggesting that you use one, or more, of the free handbag patterns shown in this article to sew the perfect bag to match a particular outfit. There are patterns for totes, wristlets, purses, and simple bag patterns to choose from.

If you aren't comfortable sewing for yourself, you would still save a lot of money by paying a friend who can sew to make the handbag for you. If you find a bag style that you particularly love, use the same pattern but change the fabric or embellishments for a new look.

You'll find the tutorial for making the beautiful ruffled tote shown above at V and CO.

1. Triple Zipper Pouch Bag

2. Anthropologie-Inspired Tote

Depending on the fabric used to make this Anthropologie-inspired purse, it can be used with very formal wear or casual wear. So many possibilities for this tote. Find the pattern at Snips & Spice.

3. Ruffled Purse

What young lady wouldn't be thrilled to carry a fashionable bag like this. Domestic Diva has the pattern and instructions for this beauty.

4. Cross Body Zipper Bag

5. Leather Fringe Purse

This site also has a list of tips for sewing leather. Find the tips, pattern and instructions at A Beautiful Mess.

6. Retro Messenger Bag

Find the sewing instructions for this messenger bag at The Stitching Scientist.

7. Lined Drawstring Bag

Find out how to make a simple lined drawstring bag by going to IN COLOR ORDER for the pattern and directions.

8. Push the Envelope

Imagine what this messenger bag will look like made it a fabric suitable for your wardrobe. Find the pattern and instructions by going to Weekend designer.

9. Braided Handle Tote

I can definitely see this purse done in a colorful faux leather. You'll find the pattern and instructions at Purl SOHO.

10. Boho Sling Bag

Make this bag in as many different colors, fabrics or prints as will fit your wardrobe. Go to The Destashification Project for the pattern.

11. Silk Pleated Bag

This is a beautiful silk bag, but I think it would be just as beautiful in other fabrics. Find the pattern and instructions at u handbag.

12. Rope Handbag

A super easy handbag to make. Go to The Long Thread to download the instructions and pattern.

13. Crocodile Clutch Purse

To crochet this cute and useful clutch, find the directions at my Merry Messy Life.

14. Hobo T-Shirt Bag: No Sew

15. Tank Top Totes

I love the idea of making tank top totes. Remember, tank tops and t shirts are always really inexpensive at garage sales.

16. Fabric Produce Bag

If hate to see the waste of using plastic bags for carrying grocery produce, then you will want to make and use this fabric produce bag. The pattern and instructions for this bag is found at DAISY JANIE.

17. Car Trash Bag

This would be a perfect gift for any time or season of the year, and for anyone that drives a vehicle. Everyone would appreciate an attractive place to stash wrappers and cans. The tutorial for making this car trash bag can be found at A Ditchin’ Time Quilts.

18. An Autumn Tote

This is a very elegant looking crocheted tote that will look great with any outfit. Go to favecrafts for the instructions.

19. One Hour Bow Tote

Another really cute, casual handbag from Elm Street Life. You'll find the pattern and instructions there.

20. Pleated Front Bag

You'll get a completely different look by sewing this bag in a solid color or in a faux leather fabric. Go to u handbag for the pattern and instructions.

21. Zipper Pouch Bag

Not only will you want to make a zippered pouch for your own use, you'll want to surprise your friend with one as a gift also. Find the tutorial at Lil' Luna.

22. Grab Bags

I've made a few bags, for myself and as gifts, using this pattern. A really nice casual bag. For the instructions and pattern, go to Martha Stewart.

23. Duct Tape Purse

24. Belted Sweater Purse

No one would ever guess that this purse was made using an old sweater. Find the instructions for making a sweater purse like this at Second Chances by Susan. Outstanding!!

25. Quilt Square Tote

You'll love this easy to make tote with directions brought to you by MISSOURI STAR QUILT CO. You'll find so many uses for this tote, and be able to use up some of the fabric scraps that are too nice or too large to toss.

26. Placemat Pouch Bag

27. Twenty Minute Tote

Nothing could be more simple than this tote. Find the easy to follow directions at Purl Soho.

28. Girl's Bag

Just the right size for a young girls needs and treasures. Find the tutorial for making this bag at Fyne's Designs.

Have You Ever Made a Bag or Tote? - or leave a comment

Ana Maria Orantes from Miami Florida on June 20, 2018:

Good morning miss Brummer. I like your bags. They are stylish and beautiful. You do a fantastic job. I like your hub. Thank you for sharing the talent of someone special. You have a wonderful day.