25+ Best Free Crossbody Bag Patterns for Stylish DIY Gifts
Finding the perfect purse is often a challenge, but sewing your own allows you to customize every pocket, strap, and lining to fit your life perfectly. Free crossbody bag patterns are a favorite among sewists because they offer the ultimate hands-free convenience while letting you show off your favorite designer fabric prints. Whether you’re heading to a weekend craft fair or just running daily errands, a custom-made bag adds a personal touch to your outfit that you just can’t find in a store.
In this updated collection, we’ve rounded up our top picks for DIY handbags that range from minimalist slings to feature-packed organizers. Many of these tutorials are excellent beginner sewing projects that will help you gain confidence with zippers, adjustable straps, and bag hardware. Not only are they fun to make for yourself, but they also make incredible handmade gifts for friends and family who appreciate high-quality, artisanal accessories. Let’s grab your sewing supplies and find your next favorite bag!
Quilted Crossbody Purse Sewing Pattern
This remains one of my most popular designs because of its professional shape and intermediate look (even though it’s easy to sew!). You won’t believe how fast you can your own crossbody purse using a free sewing pattern! This easy bag pattern uses cotton fabric and flexible foam stabilizer for a beautiful cross body bag with a contrasting wide strap. It includes an exterior pocket on both sides of the bag, interior card pockets, and an extra slip pocket on the inside too.
Easy Crossbody Zipper Tote
Are you a beginner? Start off with my DIY Cross Body Zipper Tote. This is a simple and easy bag that can be very versatile without being too bulky. You can also make it more fancy by using chain pulls and upgrading the straps. I always love customizing my bag for my needs.
Sling Backpack
Hit the trails or the mall with a well designed sling crossbody bag. This free sewing pattern is perfect for men or women; including the most picky on your list this year. Keep with the trends and sew your style.
Handy Crossbody Travel Bag
Have you considered sewing a handy cross body travel bag to keep your passport and other travel essentials safe and in one place? Keep everything securely with you without adding any bulk.
The Oriole Crossbody Bag
You can make a few different crossbody versions from this free pattern. There are two sizes, and multiple fabric choices. Sew a unique bag for your needs or as a handmade gift for a friend.
Trendy Sling Bag
I called this a fanny pack years ago, but it’s a big deal these days. Sew your own using my free crossbody sewing pattern.
One Yard Magic Messenger Bag
I carried a messenger bag all the time when I was in college. The One Yard Magic Messenger Bag from Lecien Fabrics is so easy to sew. This pattern is easy enough for a complete beginner! In fact, I believe it’s the easiest cross-body bag pattern ever. It’s also quite suitable for men.
Boxy Zipper Bag
This is a boxy shaped bag that you can style your own way using my free sewing pattern. The optional D-Ring on the sides is how you can make this a crossbody bag. You can choose to leave the handles off too. It is fully customizable. This bag style reminds me of the 90’s when handles and straps were popular together! One of mine had a mirror in a bottom zipper.
Triple Zipper Bag
If you love a quilted bag AND you need the added security of a zipper on each pocket, you’ll love the Triple Zipper Bag. I think it’s the most popular crossbody bag pattern on my website. Don’t worry about the zippers either; I show you exactly how to make it perfect. You can do it!
Belt Bag – A Free Sewing Pattern
Have you ever heard of a moon bag or a sac banane? Well those are just a few new ways to name a sling bag. I’m sure you’ll learn even more when you check out this free pattern. You will love the comprehensive instructions and sew-along photos.
Crossbody Wallet with Card Pockets
My Cell Phone Wallet with Card Pockets is a great small crossbody bag. I love the security of having the bag slung across my body, and the practicality of only carrying the essentials. Of course, sometimes a nice big tote is essential too!
The Kennedy Bag
This structured messenger style bag is fun to sew, and with lots of pictures you’re sure to come out with a beautifully completed project. Sew one for yourself and a friend too with the fabulous free sewing pattern.
Crossbody Clutch
As a girl who loves her bags I can tell you that having options is essential! This clutch crossbody is no different. It’s just right for carrying what you need, and you can change the strap to a wristlet when you want. Check out my free sewing pattern and make yourself one too!
Mod Satchel
To make this a sling/crossbody bag you will need to make the lining strips longer than 22″, but I love this bag sew much and I think you will too! When you open the bag, the handle gets shorter which helps keep your things secure.
Perfect DIY Cross Body Wallet
Speaking of only essentials, this design is pure function with nothing superfluous. It’s my Perfect DIY Crossbody Wallet. Since it has a cross-body strap, this wallet also qualifies as a bag; perfect.
Convertible Cross Body Tote
I love having a bag for every every outfit and a bag in all my favorite fabrics! You wouldn’t be surprised then to see my closet full of handmade bags. Do you have a closet full of diy bags and purses as well?
This bag is called the Convertible Cross Body Tote because it can be a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag depending on how you wear the strap. The exterior zip pocket and interior slip pockets give you lots of organization.
Beginner-Friendly Cross Body Tote
Learn how to sew with denim, or stick to cotton fabric. This cute bag has pockets on the inside as well as the outside and is a practical addition to any fit. The finished square-bottom bag measures about 10″ x 9.5″ x 3″.
Double Compartment Crossbody Bag
If you need something with a slimmer profile check out the Double Compartment Cross Body Bag. You’ll be just as organized without being tempted to bring more than essentials.
Tower Crossbody Bag
Sew a Tower Crossbody Bag for a “Wow!” factor. You will appreciate the unique touches that make this pattern perfect for you.
Tote with Many Pockets
You can really get organized with this crossbody tote! The Tote with Many Pockets crossbody bag pattern will provide a place for everything. I made my pockets with different prints for added interest and a unique look. I wonder how you will style yours…
The Perfect Crossbody Tote
I call this bag pattern the Perfect Cross Body Tote. Every time I sew a bag like this, I feel like I have a new favorite. You will love the perfect pockets, shaped gusset, and professional touches on this cute tote.
Easy Sling Bag
My Easy Sling Bag is a different silhouette than the messenger bag pattern above, but similar in size and ease of sewing. It’s practical and pretty; two things I love most in a bag.
Quilt as You Go Tote Bag
Quilt lovers will appreciate the Quilt As You Go (QAYG) Tote with Pom Poms. I suppose the pom poms are optional, but they’re so darn cute. You can make the strap as long as you prefer for comfort.
Cross Body Laptop or Bookbag
Here is a free pattern for a customizable laptop bag. You will measure your computer to make the bag just the size you need. Enjoy!
Pretty Hobo Bag
Just as stylish, but maybe a little more Bohemian is my Pretty Hobo Bag. The embroidery is optional, but makes this bag a unique work of art. You can carry a small drawing pad or journal along with your other things in this excellent bag.
Yarn Project Bag
Knitting and crocheting friends need to see this Yarn Project Bag. It’s perfect for when you will be using yarn on the go. (Or if you have a fur baby who can’t resist a ball of yarn.)
I know what you’re thinking: So many cross body bags, so little time. Just remember to pace yourself. Seriously though, I hope you’ve found a pattern that suits your needs. Since they’re free, it’s easy to try more than one!
More from SewCanShe:
36 Free Sewing Patterns for Beautiful Structured Bags with Foam Stabilizer
Sew the Perfect Bag! 35 FREE & Easy Bag Sewing Patterns
Sew Your Own Style! 30 Free Wallet Patterns to Match Your Unique Personality
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂