Back to School Sewing: 50 Free Sewing Patterns
I’ve gathered everything you could need, including patterns for bags, handy pouches, comfy clothes, smart organizers, and more. Grab some fabric and get ready to create awesome projects that will make going back to school the most fun adventure yet.
Back to school time is the best time to sew up personalized presents for our favorite kids and teachers (or maybe even for ourselves!). Forget the last-minute scramble… this year let’s kick off the academic season with creativity and fun. Here are the best free sewing patterns to prepare everyone for school, homeschool, university, or even teaching!
The patterns in this list are organized into the following categories:
- Pouches
- Lunch Boxes
- Book Covers
- Bags & Totes
- Organizers
- Clothes & Accessories
I can’t wait to see what you make for your back to school experience using all these fabulous free sewing patterns. Tag me @SewCanShe and #SewCanShe.
PERFECT POUCHES:
Get started with a variety of pouches for pencils, supplies, make up, first aid, and more. Most of the free patterns have zippers, but each pattern is clear and easy to follow.
Note: I have a whole roundup of dedicated to pencil pouches. All the patterns are free over there too.
Classic Pencil Pouch

My 3-Ring Pencil Pouch is designed to snap inside of a binder. You can use mesh or vinyl for the see-through effect.
School Clippie Zippies

The Clippie Zippie is another pencil pouch with a handy feature. Instead of clipping into a binder, this can be attached to the inside of your bag making it easy to access at all times.
Level Up Your Quilting!
If you love the patterns on this blog, you'll love the SewCanShe Sewing Bee. This isn't just a group—it's your dedicated space for live workshops, exclusive patterns, premium video content, and the inspiration you need to finally tackle that project. Join the Bee and start making something beautiful!
No Zipper Pencil Pouch

We’ve seen a lot of zippers, but that’s not your thing make this easy case by Pam from Threading My Way. Use your little one’s favorite print for this special handmade school accessory.
Handy Dumpling Pouch

Tuck things away or sort them with this dumpling pouch sewing pattern. You know what you need; sew this for any number of uses.
See-Through Zipper Pouch

Lunch money, keys, erasers, and more can all be organized in this Vinyl and Ribbon Pouch. The ribbon adds a unique touch.
Handy Scissor Keeper

Not only will you be able to identify your scissors, they will be safe in this cute scissor holder.
Stand Up Pencil Pouch

I think this Stand Up Pencil and Tool Pouch is a fabulous design. I love that you can extend the top for storage, and then slide it down for easy access.
Zola Pencil Case

The Zola Pencil Case has a little more sophisticated design. It would be great for a grown-up work space, but it’s still easy to carry from one place to another.
School Lunch Money Cuff

I know most schools around here prefer pre-paid lunches, but sometimes you still need good old fashioned cash. This Lunch Money Cuff is cute to wear, and means you can keep your money with you without needing pockets. Additionally, the zipper means the change won’t fall out and get lost!
First Aid Pouch for School

Pack it up, and keep it in your purse or backpack. It’s the perfect size for clippers, bandages, chap stick, and other emergency items. Keep it all together in this vinyl first aid pouch by Jennie at Clover & Violet.
LUNCH BOX BAGS:
You will never lose (well…anything is possible) your lunchbox when it’s one-of-a-kind! It will certainly be more easily identifiable in the lost and found. Wink!
Note: Check out my list of lunch boxes and bags in my article: Top 10 Lunch Box Bags to Make for Back to School: Free Sewing Patterns
Chubby School Lunch Tote

The Chubby Lunch Tote is a perfect size for a healthy lunch. Head back-to-school prepared for any size lunch!
Easy Peasy Lunch Bag

This Easy Peasy Lunch Bag is insulated, and has a secure hook and loop closure. It’s a great back-to-school sewing project that comes together quickly.
Toaster Lunch Sack

This DIY Toaster Lunchbox is great if you need to pack up taller items for back-to-school this year.
Reusable Snack Bags

Don’t go through plastic bags during the school year. Sew some reusable bags for snacks and sandwiches!
BOOK COVERS:
Organize everything and add to your unique style by adding pockets and designs to your books and binders.
Fabric Binder Cover

A cute Binder Cover can help those popular three-ring beauties last just a little bit longer. The added bonuses are the customization and storage factors!
School Book Pencil Bookmark

The Journaling Pencil Holder is another super practical back-to-school item, or class gift. They are easy to sew, and easy to use.
Quilted School Sketchbook Cover

Sara has a tutorial for this beautiful sketchbook cover. It’s a creative way to cover your creative ideas! You can also adjust the size to fit any book, providing customization and protection for all the books you will need for heading back-to-school.
Ribbon Bookmark

This easy bookmark tutorial is a fun way to add cute and personal touches to your educational experience.
BAGS & TOTES:
I love bags so much, that I have loads of posts about all different kinds of bags. Here are plenty of practical and pretty free patterns for you to choose from for this school year.
Note: Here is my most recent bag round-up, 35 FREE Bag Patterns for Cotton Lovers!
Japanese Style Reversible Tote

This cool Japanese-Inspired Tote Bag is easy to make and super practical. With a drawstring and pockets (you pick inside or out) you can carry anything you need easily and securely.
Stylish School Tote

Even if you don’t feel ready, you’ll look pulled together with this fabulous free Tote pattern. Perfect for a laptop, lesson plans, or everything else. Use your favorite fabrics to make a statement.
Drawstring Bag with a Pocket

Dance and soccer are calling for this easy drawstring bag. The zipper pocket helps keep the important things separate from the dirty shoes.
Trendy Cross Body Bag

This cross body fanny pack is in style and still practical; I’m impressed with the staying power of this popular bag pattern.
Lovely Laptop Bag

I love this pattern for a laptop bag from Crazy Little Projects. It’s time for laptops in my family, and this is a perfect way to keep them all safe and clean.
The Arial Tote

This free tote pattern is the perfect size for your phone and a few essentials. The magnet closure at the top makes it secure. Take your important things and leave the rest at your desk.
Patchwork Drawstring Backpack

This easy drawstring backpack sewing pattern is perfect for after school activities or daycare. You won’t loose track of your bag now that it’s custom!
School Canvas Tote

A simple Canvas Book Bag has so many uses that I’m sure I can’t list them all. My favorite for this one is library books!
CAR, DESK, & ROOM ORGANIZATION:
I appreciate having my supplies in order. Here are some unique ideas to help you keep important things in their place no matter where you are.
Note: Here is my most recent organization article, 70 Free Sewing Patterns to Make Even You More Organized!
Custom Planner Organizer

This fits right into your planner so that you can keep all the accessories and stickers organized. It can also be used as a souped up pencil pouch. Alicia, from Sew What Alicia, shares this free pattern for back-to-school organization.
Useful Mug Caddy

You can make a stellar first impression and sew a darling mug caddy for your teacher. If not for the start of the year, put it in your save pile for Christmas gifts, or teacher appreciation day.
Out the Door Organizer from Crafty Staci

This out the door sewing pattern is perfect for grab and go style living. I appreciate having everything in one place so that I can just head out when its time. If I want to be a little more formal, I can easily tuck it in my bag.
Amazing A-Frame Organizer

This Incredible A-Frame Organizer is a really practical way to keep things organized at your home or school desk. It stands up easily, and comes back together quickly for ultimate organization. Make back-to-school as orderly as possible!
Woven Fabric Basket

Organize after school time with a cute woven fabric basket. It will look beautiful in your home! Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe so I can see what you’re using your woven baskets for.
Beautiful Fabric Basket

Use this beautiful fabric basket to help organize snack time. Fill it with fruit, or other snacks so your family knows what is on the menu today.
Sturdy Fabric Bin

This fabric bin pattern is another great way to keep your kitchen in order for this back-to-school season. It’s great for snacks, or homework, or whatever you can imagine.
- Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.
Mesh Car Organizer

Here’s another sewing project for keeping your mobile command center in order. This mesh hanging organizer is a perfect place for your purse to keep it off the ground!
Hanging Organizer

Hang this near your door for keeping essentials at hand. The DIY Hanging Organizer is a stylish way to use wall space as storage. You can use it in your classroom, office, or home.
Practical Chair Pocket

Room mom? Maybe your child’s class would benefit from an accessible place to keep their books. This Chair Pocket sews up quickly and is big enough for folders and notebooks. This year, back-to-school will be simply fabulous!
Hanging Organizer Pockets

These hanging storage baskets include labels for added organization. You can use them for homework supplies, or as a way to communicate. It’s also a great place for everyone to store their phones during meal time! Don’t let back-to-school keep your family separated.
Machine Embroidery Glasses Case

Keep your glasses clean and easy to find with this free in-the-hoop embroidery pattern for all kinds of glasses. Of course, if you don’t have an embroidery machine you can satin stitch the edge. It will turn out beautifully.
Easy Fabric Baskets

These fabric baskets are super practical, and reversible. They are the size of a generous pencil cup. You can organize your desk space or home office with this easy fabric basket sewing pattern.
Foldable Storage Baskets

There are two sizes for this reversible fold up fabric basket. They are very sturdy, and the applications are endless. Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe so I can see how you are using this free mini foldable basket pattern. The smaller basket is fat quarter sized. here is the free large size foldable basket pattern.
Perfect Square Basket

Here is another free basket pattern to help you sort out your back-to-school routine. I know you’ll love using this project for all kinds of things.
Car Seat Organizer

I spend a lot of time in the car when it’s back-to-school time. This car pocket organizer pattern can help you stay organized during this busy time. You can keep extra snacks, socks, a random shoe (that’s for my 3 year old), books, and more. I call it my mobile command center.
CUTE & SIMPLE CLOTHES:
Shorts and leggings are a simple foundation for a great outfit. Check out the following free sewing patterns to sew clothes for your favorite little back-to-schooler this year.
Board Shorts and Pants

Use this pattern to sew several cute pairs of shorts for back-to-school. It’s not cool enough for pants in Florida for a while yet.
Cute Ruffle Skirt

Hello new clothes! Back-to-school calls for some fun new outfits. Sew this ruffle skirt pattern for some fun this year.
The Eddie Cap

This is a darling pattern from Irene. This is a beautiful hat pattern that’s great for the cooler days of school.
Easy Basic Leggings

You can sew many different colors of basic leggings for modesty and warmth this school season.
Boutique T-Shirt Dress

What an adorable back-to-school outfit! Sew a t-shirt into a dress with this free sewing pattern as a fresh way to upcycle clothes, or a unique and frugal way to make a new style.
Easy Swim Jammers

Do you have boys ready for swim team this school year? You can save quite a bit of money by sewing their jammers, plus they get to pick their fabric! Send them off with this free sewing tutorial.
Knotted Headband

Aren’t these headbands so adorable? I love them. Here’s a link to the free tutorial; I’m sure you’ll love it!
Cute Scrunchies

The scrunchie will always be practical! Sew one of my favorites, with a cute knot, to match some of your new outfits!
Bonus: Napping Mat

Enjoy this sewing tutorial for a nap and play mat.
More from SewCanShe:

Attracting Table Traffic: 50 Free Sewing Patterns That Will Sell Out at the Craft Fair

Cooking Up Something New: 50 FREE Sewing Patterns for Your Kitchen!

30 Exquisite Japanese-Inspired Sewing Patterns: All Free

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. 🙂
