35 DIY Tote Bags and Free Patterns
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Make your own bag with this list of DIY tote bags and free patterns. Each one is a tutorial with either the given measurements or a free printable pattern!
I love having tote bags around for all the different uses. I love having a tote bag for the beach, a tote bag for the library, and a reusable bag for the grocery store.
I love having lightweight tote bags that aren’t lined, I love having lined tote bags for a little extra strength, and I love having heavy duty large tote bags for heavy use.
I can always find a use for a DIY tote bag! What do you like to carry in your tote bags?
Do you like easy sewing projects? Try one of these!
- easy beginner sewing projects
- fat quarter clothing projects
- scrap fabric projects
- free PDF sewing patterns
- Ways to sew a scarf
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.
DIY Tote Bags and Free Patterns
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.
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.
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!
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!
How to Make a Tote With Leather Handles
Learn how to make a tote bag with leather handles. It’s a quick and easy sewing project that is perfect for carrying your essentials!
Mermaid Tote Bag Pattern
Use this free mermaid tote bag pattern to make a fun and whimsical bag! It’s the perfect addition to a ocean-inspired costume or pretend play!
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 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!
DIY Bunny Tote Bag
Learn to make a DIY bunny tote bag that is perfect for spring and gathering nature treasures! This beginner sewing project is easy and fun!
DIY Tote Bag with Flat Bottom
Tote bags are a handy essential in everyday life. Tote bags can be used as shopping bags, book bags, craft travel or storage bags, and this one has so much room!
Free, easy tote bag pattern to sew
This bag is easy to sew but it has a nice finish on the inside. It's so fun for daughters to match their moms!
How to Sew a Faux Leather Bag Sewing Tutorial
Sewing with faux leather is easier than you think. Faux leather or vinyl can be so much cheaper than real leather and look almost like leather. This easy sewing tutorial will show you how to Sew a Faux leather bag. Making an over sized leather bag is easy to do with this tutorial.
Free Pattern and Tutorial: Library Bag
Learn how to make a lined tote bag perfect for carrying books around! Kids love having a special book bag to take to the library!
An Easy and Stylish Tote Bag Sewing Pattern
This bag is great with a stury size and all the pockets! I love the look of the trim too!
Harry Potter Library Bag: Sewing Tutorial
I love this Harry Potter inspired bag! My kids love magical stories, so using their favorites will always get them excited about a bag and a story!
The One Square Tote: an easy tote bag sewing tutorial
With one square of fabric you can make your own tote bag! The instructions teach you to do either a wide and short or tall and thin bag.
Tutorial for a DIY a reusable grocery bag
This bag is lined with vinyl so that it's easy to clean, and it even has a special pocket!
Reversible Book Bag Pattern
This simple tote bag is cute and easy, and you can put any picture or quote on it!
Polka Dot Embroidered Tote Bag
Add some simple embroidery on bright polka dot fabric turned into a sweet little tote bag. Get the tutorial to make your own!
Easy Trick or Treat Bags (Free Sewing Pattern)
Make your own tote bags that can be used for Halloween or any other time of the year! Just choose a fabric print for each holiday!
Free Large Mesh Tote Bag
Sew up this free mesh beach bag for fun all summer long. Large mesh tote bag are perfect for all your swim things at the beach or pool all summer long.
Tetris Tote Bag
Make a fun tote bag inspired by the Tetris game! I love the pieces on the side that look like they are falling down just like in the game!
How to Make a Tote Bag with Wax Canvas
Wax canvas is a great fabric and makes a lovely bag. Learn how to make a tote bag with wax canvas to make a gorgeous bag you can use for any occasion!
Fold Over Tote Tutorial
This tote bag upgrade is my favorite so far! I love the look of fold over totes. With this tote bag upgrade tutorial, you can make a simple fold over tote with a shoulder strap.
DIY Céline inspired Tote
Make a lovely oversized tote to carry everything! It’s a rather cool bag with a clean silhouette simplistic in design but chic with the minimal inspired detail.
A Free pattern for an Easy tote bag for kids to sew
Kids love bags and totes to carry all their special possessions and when you get to sew your own tote, well, that’s even better. Make a simple tote bag for kids to sew for themselves.
Beach Tote Tutorial
Learn how to make a lined beach tote bag that's big enough to carry all your stuff!
Kate Spade Inspired Heart Tote Tutorial
The heart tote really makes the whole look seem so chic, check out the original tote.The pattern I have to share with you is a fairly simple pattern, two hearts, two straps, and the wall/base section of the bag. The heart tote is fun as a carryall for what ever your summer agenda requires!
A Super Simple to Sew Leaf Bag
I love this simple leaf bag. It would be fun to fill up with lots of nature treasures, and it would work well for some DIY costumes!
Big Zip Pocket Tote Bag - Sewing Tutorial
See how to sew a handy tote with a big zipper pocket across the front! The Big Zip Pocket Tote Bag is easy to sew and perfect for errand running, trips to the library, or days at the pool! Read on for the tutorial.
How to make a tote bag with lining, complete with tablet pocket
Let me show you just how to make a tote bag with lining. This DIY tote bag is designed for anyone who carries a tablet with her. The tote bag is fully lined and features two slip pockets plus a padded pocket designed for a tablet.
Tote Bag Pattern - Free Tote Pattern In 2 Sizes
Make a professionally looking lined tote bag using this easy tote bag tutorial and the free tote bag pattern – in two sizes! There are tons of handy sewing tips, so even beginners can sew it.
Paws And All Cat Tote - free sewing pattern
This cat tote bag has it all – a cute kitty face on the front, a kitty tail on the bag, and four kitty paws hanging from the bottom! Get the free sewing pattern.
How to Make a Tote Bag
How to make a tote bag. This easy tote bag pattern is fast to make and uses upcycled or scrap fabric.
How to sew a quilted tote bag
Tote bags are super handy for carrying things, and carrying them gently. Quilted tote bags are much better at withstanding constant use because of the extra layers!
If you make one of these DIY tote bags, 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