25+ DIY Tote Bag Tutorials with Free Sewing Patterns
Tutorial: Turtle Drawstring Backpack (with Fabric Scraps)
This Turtle drawstring tote bag is the perfect way to use up leftover scraps of fabric. You can cut out a bunch of hexagons from your fabric scraps and follow along making a cute turtle shell bag. You can download the free pattern below to get started. Supplies Needed: (all…
Tutorial: Owl Crossbody Purse
This tutorial will walk you through how to create a super cute owl purse. The flap is the forhead and beak, and it uses a magnet closure. This is great for using up some larger remnants and scraps of fabric that you have left over from other projects. Supplies Needed:…
Tutorial: Ladybug Drawstring Backpack
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a simple ladybug drawstring backpack. All you need are some remnants or large scraps of black and red fabric, a bit of interfacing, and something to use for the drawstring. You can download the free pattern for this using the link…
Tutorial: Dinosaur Drawstring Backpack with Spikes
Did you ever want a dinosaur backpack with spikes that stand up on their own? Follow along with this super cool dinosaur (or dragon) drawstring tote to make your own custom backpack. This is easier than you think, and only requires some fabric remnants, some heavy interfacing, and something to…
Tutorial: Upcycled Denim Drawstring Tote
Learn how to make a quick drawstring backpack using the legs of an old pair of jeans. This is a great way to upcycle your old pants to make something new and useful! Simply follow along with the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a new bag in an hour or…
Tutorial: Large Denim Totebag With Old Jeans
Learn how to upcycle old pairs of jeans into a large tote bag. You can use the pockets of your jeans as pockets in the bag and any rips in your jeans can add a little extra character to the bag too. Just be ready to cut up a couple…
Tutorial: How to Make a 3-Color Handkerchief Bag
This cute little handkerchief tote bag is made with three contrast colors and has a handle that ties together. If you have any half yard remnants of fabric, those will be perfect for creating the unique handles of this bag. I’ve also included a free sewing pattern that you can…
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Shopping Bag Tote with 1/2 yard of fabric
This tutorial will teach you how to make a simple grocery shopping bag with just 1/2 yard remnant. I’ve digitized the pattern I made for this tutorial so you can print it out and follow along with the step-by-step. This bag was made so that the pattern will fit pretty…
Tutorial: How to Make a Large Tote Bag With Pockets (using Fabric Remnants)
This tutorial will teach you how to make a large tote bag with pockets and just 1/2 yard of fabric and some scraps. I’ve digitized the pattern I made for this tutorial so you can print it out and follow along with the step-by-step. This bag was made so that…
Tutorial: Slouchy Hobo Bag Using Denim Jeans
This tutorial will show you how to make a super cute slouchy tote bag by upcycling a couple of old pairs of jeans. I made the sewing pattern to work with a standard pair of jeans, but skinny jeans will be too narrow to use for this project. Download the…
Tutorial: Reusable Shopping Bag Using Old Jeans
This is a quick tutorial to show you how to turn an old pair of jeans into a reusable shopping bag. You can download the free pattern below that was made to work with an average pair of jeans (jeans with narrow legs will be too small though). Just cut…
Tutorial: Drawstring Penguin Tote Bag
This is a super cute drawstring penguin tote bag and backpack. You can download the free pattern below and I’ll walk you through how to sew the bag together and add the drawstring so you have the cutest bag to show off as your sewing skills improve. Supplies Needed: (all…
Tutorial: Spiderweb Drawstring Tote Bag
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a spooky spiderweb tote bag using black fabric and white piping. It’s the perfect chance to practice your sewing skills with piping while also making a cool Halloween-themed tote bag to show off. You can download the free pattern below and…
Tutorial: Large Cat Head Purse With Crossbody Strap
Learn how to make a cute crossbody cat purse that is shaped like a cat’s head. This tutorial will teach you how to make a large tote bag with a clip on strap and a simple lining. It’s big enough to keep all of your daily essentials. This tutorial is…
Tutorial: Cute Bunny Drawstring Tote With Fabric Remnants
Learn how to make a bunny drawstring bag with ears and a pom pom tail. This is made to utilize some bigger remnants of fabric scraps you may have leftover from other projects. I also added a lace overlay to the inside of the ears to create a cute bunny…
Tutorial: How to Make a Tote Backpack with Side Pockets
This is a tutorial for a cute little tote backpack with side pockets for a water bottle or glasses (or whatever you want). There is also an inner pocket and adjustable straps. The bag can be made with half a yard of fabric and a remnant piece for the flap….
Tutorial: How to Make a Purse with a Zipper
This tutorial will teach you how to make a simple zipper purse with a lining and pocket inside. I’ve also digitized the pattern I used for this bag design so you can easily print it out (for free) and follow along with the steps. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of…
Tutorial: Easy DIY Tote Purse With Fabric Remnants
This tutorial uses fabric remnants to create a tote purse with a pleated handle. It is made to use up some smaller remnants of fabric that you may have leftover from bigger projects. I say you need half a yard of fabric, but really, you can get away with a…
Tutorial: How to Make a Sling Bag with 1/2 yard of Fabric
In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a lined, crossbody sling bag using 1/2 yard remnants. I’ve also digitized the pattern that I made so that you can easily print it out and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial. Since I have the tendency to get an…
Tutorial: How to Make a Drawstring Bag With Scraps
Wondering what to do with all of those little scraps of fabric? Why not make a drawstring tote bag! It’s pretty simple and it’s great for using up small bits of fabric. I’m also including a pattern and instructions for adding a zipper pocket to the front of your tote…
Tutorial: How to Make a Ruffle ‘Flower’ Purse
This tutorial will teach you how to make a cute ruffle purse that resembles a flower. I chose my fabric to make the purse look like a sunflower, but you can be as creative as you want when deciding what kind of flower your purse should look like. I also…
Tutorial: Bumble Bee Drawstring Backpack
Learn how to make a simple bumble bee drawstring tote bag. I made this pattern to be able to use with leftover remnants of fabric that you have leftover from other projects. Just download the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions. Supplies Needed: (all of my…
Tutorial: Crossbody Sling Bag With Zipper Pockets
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a crossbody sling bag with zipper pockets, side pockets for a water bottle, and pockets on the inside. I made this for myself as a travel bag to take on my next vacation, but I also think it’s a really cute…
Tutorial: Easy Cat-Shaped Sling Bag
This tutorial will show you how to make a cat shaped sling bag using 1/2 a yard of fabric or less. It’s easier than you think to make, and this cat bag is a great way to practice your basic skills with a zipper. I made a free pattern that…
Tutorial: Cute Ghost Drawstring Bag
Learn how to make an adorable ghost drawstring bag with this step by step tutorial. I’ll walk you through how to add the ghost eyes and how to assemble your little ghost backpack using only fabric remnants. This is a great project for beginners or a fun project for anyone…
Tutorial: How to Make a No-SEW Handkerchief Purse
This quick tutorial will teach you how to tie a scarf or shawl into a cute, little handbag. No sewing supplies are necessary for this bag. All you need is something to use as a handle! Supplies Needed: Step 1 loop corner of fabric over the front and out the…
Tutorial: How to Make a Mini Backpack with Pockets
This is a tutorial for a mini backpack with a drawstring closure and pockets, one zipper pocket on the front and one little pocket inside. I’ve also included the pattern that I created so you can print it out and easily follow along with the steps. This design is based…
Tutorial: How to Make a Messenger Bag with Pockets and Scraps
This tutorial will teach you how to make a lined crossbody messenger bag using scraps of fabric for the flap and 1 yard of fabric. I’ve also included a free bag pattern for you to print and follow along with the tutorial. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of my patterns…
