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Free Bag Patterns

Who doesn’t love a free bag pattern? There are hundreds of free bag patterns available on the internet for all shapes and sizes of bags. We’ve collected up some of our favourites below for you to sew.

Don’t forget we also sell bag making supplies and patterns in the new bag making category of our site. 

Shop Bag Making Patterns & Supplies

Trial Tote

Noodlehead (aka. Anna Graham) is one of the best known bag pattern designers. In fact we sell several of her patterns on our online shop. The Trial tote is a free pattern from Noodlehead available in 2 sizes. The smaller is perfect as a handbag and the larger one as a throw everything in kind of tote!

Download the free pattern here.  

 

Messenger bag pattern with zip closure

I don’t know about you but I’m a big fan of messenger bags. Large enough to use as a school or college bag, they can carry books, a laptop, other gadgets etc… I especially love having one with a zip closure to keep everything secure. This project from Heart of Mary gives you a professional looking bag which will securely hold your belongings.

 

Clydebank Tote

Another big name in the bag making world is Sew Sweetness. As well as many paid for patterns she made this lovely handbag style bag pattern available for free on her blog. It also comes with a video showing you how to make it as well!

Find the free Clydebank Tote pattern here.

Shop Bag Making Patterns & Supplies

 

Wave pocket market tote

This gorgeous bag design from Sew4Home is ideal for taking on shopping trips or to the beach. The bag is spacious and has an open top making it easy to put things in and out.

Get the free pattern on the Sew4Home website. 

 

Triangle travel tote

If you like a large travel bag which can fit a full week of clothes in then the triangle travel tote is the bag for you. You can either make a patchwork version or use a single fabric.

Find the free project on The Sewing Directory.

 

Craft organiser bag

This handy bag has multiple pockets for holding your sewing tools as well as a larger back pocket for storing projects in progress. Find the free tutorial on the Torie Jayne website.

Sweet Pea Saddle Bag

This free cross body bag pattern from Blue Calla is ideal if you like a small handbag to carry your essentials, or to make for a child or teen. Get the free pattern here.

 

Heidi foldover clutch and wristlet

If you are looking for a small clutch bag to take on a night out this free pattern from Swoon is just what you need. Download the free pdf pattern here.

 

Faux leather handbag

For a timeless classic follow this faux leather handbag tutorial from Debbie Shore.

If you need hardware or strapping for your bag making endeavours do visit our bag making supplies category. 

Free Bag Patterns

That’s where tracing your sewing pattern comes in!

When you use Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper, your original sewing pattern stays protected and reusable. It’s perfect for both PDF sewing patterns and printed versions, giving you a ready-to-sew template whenever creativity calls.

Your traced sewing pattern pieces can be easily adjusted to fit your shape. With a bit of washi tape and a good pattern adjustment tutorial, you’ll have a personalised pattern ready to sew.

Sewist’s Checklist

To get started, you’ll need a few simple tools. Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper is lightweight, durable, and semi-transparent for easy tracing. Use highlighter pencils to mark your size lines, and a sharp pencil or fine pen for clear, crisp edges. Pattern weights keep everything in place, while washi tape helps with joining or adjustments. Finish with a ruler or French curve to perfect your seam lines.

1. Take Your Time

Slow and steady wins the stitch!

Using Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper helps you trace smoothly and accurately over any flat surface. Its super-transparent, durable quality lets you see every line and marking clearly, without tearing or distorting your original pattern.

2. Label and Highlight Clearly

Keep your work neat by marking your size lines with Patterntrace Eco Highlighter Pencils, they’re eco-friendly, easy to sharpen, and bold enough to stand out through the tracing paper. Use Patterntrace Washi Measuring Tape to join or adjust traced pieces.

Use the

3. Store Your Patterns Properly

Once your pattern pieces are traced, labelled, and adjusted, store them safely in Patterntrace Pattern Storage Envelopes. They’re perfect for keeping your pieces flat, organised, and ready to use again whenever inspiration strikes.

Tracing your sewing patterns isn’t just practical, it’s empowering. It keeps your originals safe and helps you sew confidently, knowing every detail is just as it should be. With Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper, Eco Highlighter Pencils, and Pattern Storage Envelopes, you’ll be set for perfectly organised sewing sessions every time.