I haven’t sewed for ages as my machine … inherited from my grandma … had finally given up the ghost.
But I am now in proud possession of my mum’s old machine, … she has a new whizzy one … and am rairing to get started again.
I used my mum’s machine plenty in the past but bust a needle in my first project knocking up a princess costume the night before my daughter’s birthday!!
So it’s back to basics as I get used to it again.
And you can’t get much more basic than bags.
But something basic can still be gorgeous as these fab free bag patterns show. And well a girl can never have enough bags now can she?
Just click on the carousel below to see the full collection of patterns. We’ve got everything from stylish totes and easy drawstrings that are perfect for the summer and the beach, through carry everything satchels, pretty purses and super cute bags for little girls.
Most of them are incredibly simple and quick to make and can be made from fabric off-cuts you’ve already got. And as the patterns are free you really can have a gorgeous new bag without spending a pound. You can’t get better than that now can you?
If you’re a new sewer … or like me rusty … and need some help you’ll love this free online class covering sewing machine basics … I found it really useful for troubleshooting basic problems.
If you’ve enjoyed this post, do check out other collections of lovely simple to sew free patterns … there’s darling baby clothes plus all sorts of practical baby accessories and lovely summer dresses for mums and daughters.
And do let us know your faves and which you end up making – we would love to see your creations.
34 thoughts on “Free Bag Patterns – Totes, Purses, Clutches & More”
Thank you for including my BYOB Market Bag in your list of 40 free bag patterns! You have found some super bags there. You may like to know there’s a series of tutorial blogposts that go along with this bag. Here’s the first one in the series: http://moiraravenscroft.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/pre-washing-yarns.html
Thanks again,
Moira
I completely love the bag and in all the colour ways – great series of posts. I have pinned x
Thanks, Alice! I love the range of bag patterns you have found. Glad you enjoyed the blogposts,
Moira
What a great listing of projects! I don’t sew but my stepmom does so I’ll be sending this to her with a strong hint of the one I like best.
I hopped over here from the Winthrop Chronicles link up.
~Cheryl
http://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/
They are gorgeous aren’t they Cheryl and super simple even for non-sewers x
Alice, these are wonderful. I feel the sewing bug biting now! I am like you and the knitted bag…..but with the crocheted one. I will waft it in front of my daughter who crochets beautifully! 😉
The knitted and the crocheted one are sooo pretty aren’t they Joy … perhaps I could put in an order with your daughter for the crocheted purse 😉
They are all great, not sure where to start 🙂
Oh I know Laura – but I think I’ve decided 🙂
We love bags and this is quite the round-up – great idea! We are co-hosting today on Moonlight & Mason Jars so just wanted to say hi!
Best to you,
Sharon and Denise
So glad you liked them Sharon and Denise x
Fab selection – and some lovely bags. LOVE the zipped pouches!
So glad you liked – the pouches are fab aren’t they x
So tempted to dust off my sewing machine, I’ve got material and supplies, just haven’t been motivated….until now!
#PoCoLo
Oh do! It’s so much fun x
Wow! Great collection. Thanks for linking to What’d You Do This Weekend.
Linda
So glad you liked Linda – thanks so much for the hosting, Alice
Those are fab!!!!… I love sewing and Bags are my favourite project (sometimes there is just hundreds of pieces to make 1 whole bag!) but they so worth the time 🙂 Ive spotted my next project! thank you #PoCoLo x
I am not at the 100 pieces stage yet more 4 or 5 at the moment 😉
Oh so beautiful! I love the sling bag, and the first one with the bird on it. I don’t sew, but I did once try to knit a messenger bag – I finished it, it looked beautiful, then I put it in the washing machine for the purposes of felting and left it there overnight… In the morning it had shrunk to the size of a handbag and was rock solid.
I love the sling bag too Judith – the bird is so pretty isn’t it.
Thanks for this great roundup! Excited to be a part of it!!
🙂
xx Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
So glad you liked it Crystelle x
Great collection of bags! I don’t care much for sewing. But every once in awhile I get a wild hair and sew something (-; These bags are really pretty and colorful. Pinning in case I get that wild hair ;-D Thanks for sharing this beautiful collection. Have a great weekend!
Linda @ Mixed Kreations
Oh I do hope you have a wild hair day 😉
Cute collection of ideas! Some of these could make great bags for shopping sprees where I’m looking for food photo props at shops…usually, I end up with quite a collection of odds and ends. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely some great shoppers in the list I thought Jodee x
These are all so great and it’s the perfect time of the year to start planning a new spring or summer tote! Thank you so much for sharing at Best of the Weekend – pinned and shared! Hope you have a fabulous week!
That was just my idea Cindy .. something bright for the summer, Alice x
Ooooh you got me here!!!! Bags, bags, bags!!!!! I’m gonna have some fun checking these out!!!
XOXO
Can never have too many 😉
It’s amazing how many variations there are for making bags! Thanks for sharing with PoCoLo x
This is such an amazing round up of different bags to make, thanks for sharing it! I can’t wait to check out all of the bags and decide which one to make 🙂
Another fab post!! I want to make a bag from some jeans so I’m going to check out these bags 🙂 thanks for sharing at the hop 🙂