Welcome to SewlyJo, your ultimate hub for sewing inspiration! Today, we're diving deep into a curated list of incredible websites offering free downloadable bag patterns, from tote bags and clutches to backpacks and makeup pouches.
Whether you're a newbie or an experienced bag-maker, this definitive guide provides everything you need, including images, tutorials, and direct links. Plus, don't forget to click the link below to download your PDF cheat sheet with all the sites listed for easy reference!
📌 Why Free Bag Patterns Are a Sewist's Best Friend
There's something magical about sewing a bag from scratch:
Creative freedom—choose your fabrics, colors, and hardware.
Skill growth—bags often involve zippers, linings, darts, and compartments.
Eco-friendly crafting—recycle fabric scraps into beautiful, useful creations.
Personalized gifts—handmade bags are meaningful and stylish presents.
But sourcing quality, reliable, and free PDF bag patterns in one place can be time-consuming. That's where this roundup shines!
Top 9 Websites Offering High-Quality Free Bag Patterns
1. SewCanShe
Offers 35+ free bag patterns, including quilted totes, fanny packs, and travel duffels (sewcanshe.com, sewcanshe.com).
Quick starter projects: one-yard bags perfect for stash-busting (sewcanshe.com).
Great tutorials for beginners: Japanese-style square bags, clamshell pouches, strap details, and more (sewcanshe.com).
Example: The charming Baguette Bag, small but functional (sewcanshe.com).
✂ Why it stands out: Large variety, frequent updates, and supportive tutorials make this perfect for any skill level.
2. Sew Sweetness
Features premium-looking patterns like the Kennedy Bag — a lined crossbody with interior accordion compartments (sewcanshe.com, sewsweetness.com).
Includes video walkthroughs plus PDF downloads (sewsweetness.com).
Offers free patterns for coin purses, hobo bags, and more (sewsweetness.com).
🌟 Why it stands out: Perfect for making designer-looking accessories with a polished finish.
3. Sew Modern Bags
Enjoy the Happy Handbag free pattern, a structured tote featuring optional interior pockets and magnetic snaps (pinterest.com, sewmodernbags.com).
Ideal for creating functional, stylish totes with refined details.
4. AppleGreen Cottage
A go-to for over 36 free bag patterns, including market totes, laptop sleeves, and bucket bags (applegreencottage.com).
Each pattern includes full tutorials and size customizations.
5. AllPeopleQuilt
Offers casual bag patterns like the “Tropical Traveller,” “3-Hour Totes,” and reversible Draw & Forth bags (sewcanshe.com, allpeoplequilt.com).
Clean PDF layouts and clear instructions are ideal for beginners.
6. HelloSewing.com
Hosts 25+ free bag patterns, covering everything from drawstring backpacks to saddle bags (sewcanshe.com).
Great mix of quick projects and stylish handbags.
7. Patterntrace Blog
A beautifully curated selection of free bag patterns, including structured purses, zip pouches, and bucket bags (hellosewing.com).
Includes downloadable cut-lists and video support.
8. Jacquelynne Steves
A treasure trove of 31 free tote patterns, with links to boxy totes, drawstring buckets, and more (jacquelynnesteves.com).
Styles range from simple charm to practical sophistication.
9. SewCanshe Daily & Pins
Their Pinterest board “Bags, Baskets, Purses & Pouches” features an array of linked free patterns (sling bags, coin pouches, organizers) (pinterest.com).
Excellent for visual inspiration and pattern-hopping.
🔍 Quick Comparison Table
How to Use These Free Patterns in Your Projects
Download & save the PDF (all sites include printable formats).
Read the full tutorial before cutting, especially for interfacing and hardware.
Gather materials: fabric, interfacing, snaps/zippers, foam stabilizer if needed.
Prep your workspace: clean surface, good lighting, and organized tools.
Follow steps carefully, paying attention to seam allowances.
Add personal flair: customize prints, lining fabric, rivets, or straps.
Document your journey to share on SewlyJo or social media.
🎁 Your Free SewlyJo PDF Cheat Sheet
Want to keep this list on hand? Just [click this link to download your PDF guide] that includes all nine websites and website links, perfect for quick access while planning your next sewing project!
Inspo & Visuals
Above, you'll find gorgeous shots of:
Quilted totes from AppleGreen Cottage (applegreencottage.com, sewsweetness.com, polkadotchair.com, sewcanshe.com)
Stylish handbags from HelloSewing (hellosewing.com)
The Sew Sweetness Kennedy Bag (sewsweetness.com)
SewCanShe’s adorable Baguette Bag (sewcanshe.com)
Want more bag style visuals? Head to SewCanShe’s Pinterest board—it’s a scrollable gallery of hundreds of free patterns (sewcanshe.com).
🔗 Quick Download Links (For Blog Post & Description)
SewCanShe – https://sewcanshe.com/free-bag-patterns
Kennedy Bag (Sew Sweetness) – https://sewsweetness.com/free-bag-pattern-kennedy-bag.html
Happy Handbag (Sew Modern) – https://sewmodernbags.com/happy-handbag-free-pattern/
36 Free Patterns (AppleGreen Cottage) – https://www.applegreencottage.com/bag-sewing-patterns-free/
Tropical Traveller (AllPeopleQuilt) – https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/bags-and-purses/free-bag-patterns
25+ Free Patterns (HelloSewing) – https://hellosewing.com/bag-sewing-patterns/
Patterntrace Blog – https://blog.patterntrace.com/free-bag-patterns/
31 Free Tote Patterns (Jacquelynne Steves) – https://jacquelynnesteves.com/31-free-tote-bag-patterns-to-sew/
SewCanShe Pinterest Board – search "SewCanShe bags baskets purses pouches" on Pinterest
🧵 Final Thoughts
Free bag patterns are gateways to creativity, relaxation, and personal accomplishment. With just a few clicks, you can gather fresh inspiration, sharpen your sewing skills, and fill your life and your wardrobe with handmade beauty.
Don’t forget to download your SewlyJo PDF cheat sheet for effortless future reference. Tag me when you sew something, you might get featured on the SewlyJo blog!
Happy stitching!
Jo