35+ DIY Bag Tutorials with Free Patterns
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. Check out…
Tutorial: Scrap Denim Zipper Pouch
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a cute zipper pouch using small scraps of denim. It’s great for upcycling old pairs of jeans into something you can use! You can check out the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions. Note: When sewing through…
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 check out 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…
Tutorial: Simple Under-Seat Bike Bag
This is a tutorial to walk you through how to make a bag that fits under the seat of your bike. This is great for holding those bike tools that are handy in a pinch. The bike bag has pockets on the inside and I’ll show you how to make…
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: 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 Pouch
This is the cutest drawstring bag you will ever make (and it’s a pretty easy tutorial). You can use leftover remnants of fabric (you need less than 1/4 yard) to reduce fabric waste and use this pouch as an Easter party goody bag, a DnD dice bag, a simple coin…
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: 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 Pleated Drawstring Dice Bag
This tutorial will walk you through how to create a pleated drawstring bag that you can make using remnants from two contrasting fabrics. This is great to use as a small dice bag for your D&D sessions or just as a cute little drawstring bag for everyday items. I’ve also…
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Coin Purse with Fabric Scraps
I’m always looking for easy small projects that I can make with scraps of fabric. This simple coin purse is what I ended up making. I included the pattern I drew up, and the steps I took to create this cute and simple ducky zip purse. Supplies Needed: (all of…
Tutorial: How to Make a Clutch Purse WITHOUT a Zipper
In this tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make a large clutch purse with an inner pocket and magnet closure. I’ve also provided the pattern that I made for this bag (for free) so you can follow along with the steps. I also decided to make a decorative handle…
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 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: 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 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…
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: 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: Upcycled Denim Jeans Crossbody Purse
This tutorial will show you how to turn an old pair of jeans into a unique and creative crossbody bag. You’ll use the front and back of one leg of your jeans, using the pockets for the bag design. This is a whimsical way to upcycle an old pair of…
Tutorial: Drawstring Penguin Tote Bag
This is a super cute drawstring penguin tote bag and backpack. You can check out 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:…
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: How to Sew a Pencil Pouch With Only One Piece of Fabric
This tutorial is for an extremely simple pencil pouch that only requires one piece of fabric. A large leftover scrap or remnant of fabric will work, or use a fat-quarter sized piece of material. It’s best to use something like a light canvas or a quilting cotton for this, but…
Tutorial: Easy Carrot Drawstring Pouch
Learn how to make a carrot drawstring pouch that you can use as a goody bag for Easter events and spring decor. You can make this using leftover scraps and remnants of fabric (as long as you have some orange and green!). Check out the free pattern below and follow…
Tutorial: Strawberry Drawstring Pouch
Use this tutorial to make a strawberry drawstring pouch that you can use as a goody bag for a spring aesthetic at events or for spring decor. You can make this using leftover scraps and remnants of fabric (as long as you have some red and green!). Check out the…
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 what ever 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…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Clutch Purse
This tutorial will show you how to make a basic clutch purse with a metal frame. The pattern was made for an 8″ frame, but you can easily adjust the pattern to fit what ever size clutch you want. I made this bag so that you can make it with…
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 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 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: 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: Make a Folding Gift Bag with Fabric
I really wanted to learn how to make reusable folding fabric gift bags as a sustainable option that will (hopefully) be passed from person to person as people give gifts to each other. This particular bag was made to be used with 1/2 yard remnants so that you can use…
Tutorial: Pumpkin-Shaped Trick-or-Treat Bag
It’s time for trick-or-treating, and why not make a cute little pumpkin bag this year? This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through how to make a pumpkin shaped Halloween trick-or-treat basket for this year’s candy. All you really need are a remnant of orange fabric and some black piping to…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easter Basket With Fabric
This tutorial will teach you how to create a cute fabric Easter basket. I include step-by-step instructions for how to create the base of the basket with only a square of fabric. So choose your favorite pastel or Easter-themed fabric, check out the pattern and follow along to create your…
Tutorial: Easter Egg Goody Bag Pouch Using Fabric Scraps
Looking for the perfect goody bag idea for your Easter party this year? Try making this cute and simple Easter egg drawstring pouch. You can use up some leftover scraps of fabric to make a colorful Easter egg design. Check out the free bag pattern below and follow along with…
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 acess the free pattern below and…
Tutorial: Easy Halloween Goody Bags
If you want to make some quick and easy little goody bags to hand out at an event or to the other kids in your child’s class, try making these little Halloween goody bags. They are the perfect size for adding a little bit of candy or a cute little…
Tutorial: Drawstring Gift Sack with Fabric Scraps
This tutorial will show you how to upcycle your leftover fabric scraps to create a drawstring gift sack to wrap presents in. This specific tutorial was made with Christmas-themed fabric, but you can easily use your fabric scraps to make something similar for birthdays and other gift-giving occasions. Just collect…
Tutorial: Easy Christmas Goody Bags
These little fabric scrap goody bags are a great way to use up leftover pieces of material while also handing out more sustainable and reusable goody bags. They are a great size for adding little pieces of candy or small stocking stuffer type of gifts. You can check out the…
Tutorial: Jeans Pocket Coin Purse
Learn how to make a simple coin purse by using the pockets from an old pair of jeans. This is a simple tutorial that you can easily complete in less than an hour and is a great way to upcycle a pair of jeans that’s too worn out to wear…
