Top 30 Bag Designs to Stitch Yourself
In the world of DIY crafting, handmade bags have become a popular choice for both beginners and experienced sewers alike. This article presents a selection of the best bag patterns for those just starting out, offering a practical balance of style and ease.
For those seeking simple and straightforward designs, some bag patterns are perfect for reusable items like fabric gift bags or lunch bags made from old jeans. One such pattern is the Easy Tote Bag, which uses basic straight seams with two fabric pieces (exterior and lining) and can be made from just 1 yard of fabric, making it ideal for books, crafts, or shopping.
Another beginner-friendly option is the Teacher Tote Bag, a canvas tote with a zippered top, designed for functionality but still accessible for beginners, requiring half a yard of fabric and fat quarters.
For those who prefer a crossbody or messenger bag, the Mini Messenger Crossbody Bag is quick and easy to sew, fitting a smartphone or small essentials, and featuring adjustable straps suitable for all ages, even kids.
While slightly more advanced, the basic backpack pattern from Noodlehead offers clear instructions and includes simple pockets, making it accessible for confident beginners willing to try a step up.
Beyond these patterns, many beginner sewing tutorials on YouTube offer step-by-step guidance for basic handbags with internal pockets or simple totes that can be sewn in under 20 minutes.
These patterns emphasize simple shapes like rectangles and squares, minimal pieces and no complex closures (some have zippers or snaps but can often be omitted), use of readily available fabrics such as cotton canvas or upholstery-weight linen, and clear, often free downloadable or video tutorials available.
Starting with an easy tote bag is highly recommended, as it builds fundamental skills like sewing straight seams, attaching handles, and adding lining. Once comfortable, beginner sewists can experiment with small messenger bags or simple zippered totes for variety.
Additionally, some bag patterns can be upcycled using old fabrics or curtains, such as the Reversible Japanese knot bag. A handmade bag can be both pretty and practical, with options like the Grocery bag from Sew Over It or the Highbrow Hobo handbag pattern from Lisa Lam.
Whether you're looking for a backpack, messenger bag, beach bag, tote bag, duffle bag, bento bag, kit bag, bunny bag, drawstring bag, yoga mat bag, fanny pack, bow clutch bag, fabric gift bag, or lunch bag, there's a pattern out there to suit your needs. Some patterns are free, while others need to be bought, and some even come as part of e-books like the Wharncliffe Collection.
So, grab your sewing machine and get creative with these beginner-friendly bag patterns. Happy sewing!
[1] Source: https://www.burdastyle.com/projects/easy-tote-bag [2] Source: https://noodleheadpatterns.com/collections/backpacks [3] Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0mRf30MwRQ [4] Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLGk_Wq3Tq4 [5] Source: https://www.burdastyle.com/projects/mini-messenger-crossbody-bag
- The Easy Tote Bag, as found on BurdaStyle, is a beginner-friendly pattern that uses simple straight seams and requires just 1 yard of fabric, making it perfect for books, crafts, or shopping. [Source: https://www.burdastyle.com/projects/easy-tote-bag]
- For those who desire functionality with ease of sewing, the Teacher Tote Bag, a canvas tote with a zippered top, is an ideal choice, requiring only half a yard of fabric and fat quarters. [Not directly from a source, but information provided in the text]
- Those looking for a quick and easy crossbody or messenger bag might find the Mini Messenger Crossbody Bag to be an attractive option. It fits a smartphone or small essentials, features adjustable straps, and can be found on BurdaStyle. [Source: https://www.burdastyle.com/projects/mini-messenger-crossbody-bag]
- For a slightly more advanced backpack pattern, the basic backpack pattern from Noodlehead offers clear instructions and includes simple pockets, making it accessible for confident beginners. [Source: https://noodleheadpatterns.com/collections/backpacks]
- Beginner sewing tutorials on YouTube provide step-by-step guidance for basic handbags, including internal pockets or simple totes that can be sewn in under 20 minutes. [Not directly from a source, but information provided in the text]
