23 Bag Sewing Projects
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Get inspired to sew with these fun bag sewing projects. These purses, totes, and pouches are great beginner sewing projects.
I love sewing bags. Bags and pouches get so much use at my house. I use them, my kids use them, and my husband uses them. We’ve even used some until they wore into holes and threads. It feels great make something that is so useful and versatile.
I love pouches for organizing, and bags for library books, piano books, church stuff, sewing stuff, etc. I could never have too many bags! If you also love making bags, this great list is for you!
What fabric is best for a bag?
Almost all of these sewing projects are made with either quilting cotton or canvas. These are great natural fabrics that are durable and easy to sew. You can get them in a variety of prints and colors.
Some of these sewing projects are made with specific fabric, so follow the guidelines of the instructions.
How do I make my bag sturdy and hold it’s shape?
The most important part of a bag is the interfacing! Almost every bag needs interfacing to strengthen the fabric, keep it from wrinkling, and help it hold it’s shape. You can use light, medium, or heavy interfacing depending on the project.
I also often add fusible fleece most bags to give cushion and shape. It doesn’t hold it’s shape in the same way that interfacing does, but it can still add a lot to the overall look and durability of a bag.
What is a PDF sewing pattern?
A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.
I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!
How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?
Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.
Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.
Love to sew? Check out these fun sewing projects:
- Free tote bag sewing projects
- Zipper pouch sewing projects
- Easy gifts to sew
- Beginner sewing projects
- Accessory sewing projects
Bag Sewing Projects
Ruffled Tote Bag Sewing Pattern
Make a ruffled tote bag with a beginner sewing pattern. This bag sewing project has ruffles or piping, and is great for combining fabrics. Do you have beautiful fabrics that you love, and you don’t know what to do with them? Do you want to create a gorgeous tote bag that combines mutliple prints? Do
Easy DIY Pencil Pouch
Learn how to sew an easy DIY pencil pouch with scraps of fabric, a zipper, and a free sewing pattern. This is a great beginner sewing project! I’m always losing pens and pencils in my purse, and my kids fight over markers unless it’s clearly separated for each kid. I made an easy DIY pencil
Free Tote Bag Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a tote bag with a free sewing pattern. This beginner sewing pattern is a great way to carry all your essentials. I’ve had a cute handmade tote bag that I’ve been using for years. I love it, but it’s starting to get holes in the bottom and the straps are wearing
How to Sew a Zipper Pouch
Learn how to sew a zipper pouch with a free sewing pattern. This easy sewing project is great for beginners and makes a great handmade gift! I love have little bags to organize my purse and tote bags. I also love having zipper pouches to grab when I’m on the go or even when I
Free Cell Phone Bag Pattern
Learn how to make a cell phone bag with a free sewing pattern. This tiny crossbody bag is great for essentials and it’s a fun sewing project. School is out for the summer where I take my kids on lots of different adventures. We love going hiking, visiting museums, swimming, etc. Now that my kids
Sew a Clear Vinyl Zipper Pouch
Learn how to sew a clear vinyl zipper pouch with a free sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is great for organizing! Get organized in an easy way with this fun clear vinyl zipper pouch. Keep things separate in each pouch but still have the ability to still see what’s inside. I can’t wait to
How to Upcycle Jeans Into a Tote Bag
Learn how to upcycle jeans into a tote bag. This beginner sewing project is a quick and easy bag to sew, and it already has pockets!
Free Circle Drawstring Bag Pattern
Learn how to make a circle drawstring bag with a free sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is great for organizing toys or makeup! I love to make drawstring bags and pouches to organize all the little things, but sometimes I find it hard to reach in and get things out. Sometimes I want it
Free Beach Bag Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a beach bag with a free sewing pattern. This bag sewing project is great to hold everything for the pool or the beach! It’s almost summertime when we’ll be spending hours at the beach, the pool, or the lake. Our family loves to swim so I needed a bag that could
Free Box Zipper Pouch Sewing Pattern
Learn to make a box zipper pouch with a free sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is a great toiletry bag for travel or organizing!
Free Curved Top Zipper Pouch Pattern
Learn how to make a curved top zipper pouch with a free sewing pattern. This beginning sewing project is cute and great for organizing. I used to hate sewing zippers, but I’ve come to love making zipper pouches. They are quick and easy, and they use a small amount of fabric. You can keep them
DIY Tote Bag with Fold Up Pocket
Learn how to make a DIY tote bag with a fold up pocket. With the reusable bag folded up in a pocket it's easy to store in a purse or car until needed.
Heart Zipper Pouch Tutorial
Learn how to make a heart zipper pouch with this easy sewing tutorial. This beginner sewing project is a great handmade gift idea. Make a cute heart zipper pouch with a free sewing pattern. It’s a great size for pens, hair stuff, or treats. This is a great project for Valentine’s day or for back
How to Make a Tote With Leather Handles
Learn how to make a tote bag with leather handles. This beginner sewing project looks great and is perfect for carrying your essentials! These tote bags with leather handles are perfect for any fun outings you’ll be going on. I love putting a couple of essentials in my tote bag when I take my kids
Small Circle Zipper Pouch Tutorial
Learn how to sew a small circle zipper pouch with a free sewing pattern. This easy sewing project can clip onto a bag or keys! I love having tiny pouches to keep me organized. Sometimes I bring small essentials with me, and I worry about them falling out of my pocket. This small zipper pouch
Upcycled Shirt Cuff Pouch
Learn how to make an upcycled shirt cuff pouch by turning a men’s shirt cuff into a tiny pouch. This fun beginner sewing project is so easy!
Mermaid Tote Bag Pattern
Use this free mermaid tote bag pattern to make a trick-or-treat bag! It’s the perfect addition to a ocean-inspired costume or pretend play! I love adding a little bit of animal whimsy to everyday things. I’ve always been an animal lover, and I love using it in my sewing projects. I had the idea for
Free Cat Zipper Pouch Pattern
Make a cute cat shaped, mini zipper pouch with this free cat zipper pouch pattern. It’s perfect for Halloween or as a handmade gift for anyone who loves cats! I have fallen in love with making small little pouches for organizing and keeping things safe. My kids need specific things tools at school and need
Free Diaper Bag Pattern and Tutorial
Learn how to make a bag with lots of pockets for storage with this free diaper bag pattern and sewing tutorial. Use canvas for a durable bag! When I started looking for baby stuff, I didn’t like the choices of diaper bags. I didn’t really like anything the stores offered; and, knowing myself, I knew
DIY Trick or Treat Bag
Learn how to make a DIY trick or treat bag with Halloween cotton! It can be done on a sewing machine, and it's a great beginner sewing project!
DIY Travel Toothbrush Roll Bag
Learn how to make a DIY toothbrush roll bag for traveling with a hand towel and a ribbon. Organize your hygiene items with this simple sewing project! Summer is for camping and traveling, and I needed a way for my kids to keep their hygiene stuff organized and easy for them to get to. I’ve
How to Make a Lined Drawstring Bag
Learn how to make a lined drawstring bag that makes the perfect reusable drawstring gift bag! It’s a great way to decorate for the holidays! I like to make the holidays easier for myself by making things that are reusable and last a long time. One thing that takes a long time every year is
DIY Convertible Towel Bag
Stop dropping your towel when you have so much to carry and make a DIY convertible towel bag instead! The towel converts to a backpack and then back to a towel! I love summertime and being in and around the water. I’m usually carrying so much stuff that I make my kids carry their own
If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!
I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather