33 Fabulous and Free Bag Patterns Using Cotton Fabric!
Can you ever have enough bags? I don’t. Give me more bags and then some more! I love using quilt shop fabric to sew my bag patterns. My favorite prints make gorgeous accessories, and sometimes my bag matches my quilt since I’m able to use the leftovers! I don’t take my quilts out shopping or anything, but when it’s your favorite print…it’s your favorite print!
Most of the bags in this list use a yard or less of fabric, and many of the smaller bags can be sewn with fat quarters. That’s nice because it keeps material cost low, and give you more reasons not to waste any usable fabric.
Let’s get sewing our beautiful and useful bags!
Japanese Style Boxy Tote Bag Pattern
This free Japanese-inspired tote bag pattern is an excellent place to start because it’s a simple design; perfect for a beginner project. This sewing pattern includes instructions for making two different sizes so you’ll be sure to have the perfect size.
Clamshell Bag Pattern
You can customize this clamshell bag pattern by choosing to add pockets and handles! Without anything fancy, this zipper bag is just right for holding supplies, cosmetics, or small things when you travel. But if you add exterior pockets and handles, it makes a darling handbag.
Triple Zipper Bag Pattern
The Triple Zipper Bag has more steps than some of the other patterns – but it is so worth it! It’s got great space for the essentials, and makes organization easy.
Tote with Many Pockets Pattern
Love pockets? This tote has six! Go nuts, burn through scraps, mix n’ match, and keep everything handy at the same time. Sounds like the perfect free bag pattern to me.
The Perfect Cross Body Bag Pattern
I designed the Perfect Cross Body Bag Pattern because you asked me to! You will love the two generous exterior pockets, roomy interior, secure inside coin pocket, and adjustable strap. Don’t miss this unbelievable free bag pattern!
DIY Big Beautiful Bag Pattern
The DIY Big Beautiful Bag Pattern is soooo fast and easy to sew; you won’t believe it! This is another one that would be a nice beginner project.
Mod Log Cabin Tote Bag Pattern
Just like quilting, quilt as you go (QAYG) can be used to sew bags too! Try it with my Mod Log Cabin Tote. I think you’ll love it! This one uses foam stabilizer to give it a professional, finished look.
Boxy Zipper Bag or Purse Pattern
My Boxy Zipper Bag Pattern can also be customized with or without bag hardware. Add handles to make a purse or D-rings and a strap to make a cross-body bag. It would make a great cosmetic bag, and check out my other boxy bags below to make a whole set! Remember to tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe so I can admire your work.
See-Through Vinyl Tote Pattern
Cotton and vinyl together make a beautiful see through bag. I’ve even included tips for sewing with the vinyl. And remember, you can use vinyl from store packaging instead of purchasing your own. Here’s to zero waste!
Yarn Project Bag Pattern
Make your favorite yarn crafter happy with this Yarn Project Bag. It has a grommet on top so they can use the string/yarn while the bag is closed, keeping project supplies clean and in one spot.
Drawstring Backpack Pattern
Everyone loves a drawstring backpack; they are so practical. This one is even more so with a pocket! This is the perfect size for dance shoes and a skirt.
Double Compartment Cross Body Bag Pattern
The Double Compartment Cross Body Bag has a unique construction method that you will love. Let me share it with you!
Easy Scrapyard Tote Pattern
Do you have lots of scraps to play with, or a charm pack waiting to be used? Make the Scrapyard Tote using my free bag pattern.
Strappy Bag with Pockets Pattern
This fabulous bag with big exterior pockets has easy leather straps, but if you want to use all cotton – I have a tutorial for cotton bag straps too.
DIY Clutch Bag Pattern
This cute DIY Clutch Bag has a spot for your phone, and a zipper coin pocket too. Mix some cute prints and tag me @sewcanshe so I can see what you come up with!
Tiny Tote Bag Pattern
Sew this Tiny Bag with a classic shape that’s just right for your essentials. It would be great for travel, or you could give it to a toddler to use for imaginative play!
Tiny Quilted Tote Bag Pattern
If you love sewing with foam stabilizer (like I do!), you’ll love my designer version of the Tiny Bag. It’s even better than the first one!
Basket Tote Pattern
Beautiful fabric never had a better match than on the Basket Tote. You have to try it!
Sweet Quilted Tote Pattern
Practice all your quilting skills on fabric and then sew it into this Sweet Quilted Tote. I think you’ll be really happy with this bag pattern.
Chubby Lunch Tote Pattern
It’s called the chubby lunch tote, but it’s also perfect as a purse, a scripture bag, and a cosmetics pouch!
Quilt as You Go Bag Pattern with Pom Poms
Use fabric scraps and a quilt as you go (QAYG) technique to make this adorable tote pattern! The pom poms are optional, but I love the quirky touch!
Car Ditty Bag Pattern
Keep the important things in your car organized with the free Car Ditty Bag pattern.
Convertible Cross Body Tote Pattern
Go cross-body style all the way with my DIY Convertible Cross Body Tote. The strap can change from a long one (to accommodate cross-body) or a shorter one for shoulder carry. Either way, you get to sew your favorite quilting cotton into a super cute tote.
Japanese Knock-Off Tote Bag Pattern
You don’t have to use Japanese fabrics on my Japanese Knock Off Bag; your favorite scraps will do. But you will love the simplicity and beauty of this design. It’s reversible too, so you can have the pockets inside, or out!
Boxy Zipper Pouch
Here is the tiny size of the boxy zipper bag patterns. This one would be well suited to hold your travel size toiletries, or your collection of dice. I would love to see your set in action; tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe.
The Perfect DIY Wallet Handbag Pattern
Is it a wallet or a purse? It doesn’t matter – this little bag is perfect. There’s a vinyl window on the opposite side for a convenient pocket, but you can use fabric instead if you prefer. It’s the perfect size for your phone and other essentials.
Speedy Patchwork Tote Bag Pattern
The Speedy Patchwork Tote is about a spacious bag and quick piecing. Use scraps or charm packs, or coordinate your favorites. There are so many ways to do it that there won’t be another one like it in the world!
Easy Cross Body Zipper Bag Pattern
Are there leftover jelly roll strips in your scrap bin? How about fabrics that are just dying to be sewn together? Here’s the perfect cross body bag to use them on. It goes together quickly; you can make lots for a craft fair, or party favors!
Drawstring Ditty Bag Pattern
Contrasting fabric on the sides make the Drawstring Ditty Bag unique and special. They are a great beginner project. My friend uses them for sorting and storing her son’s cars, blocks, and plastic animal collection.
Snappy Tote Pattern
Sew up a fast and easy bag with a snap closure. There is a handle on top and a pocket on the back for holding things you don’t want to lose track of. It’s the perfect size for a few diapers and pack of wipes.
Bike Messenger Bag Pattern
This free messenger bag pattern fits on the front of a bike. Nothing will fall out of your pockets while you’re pedaling with this great bag along for the ride!
Halloween Treat (or not) Bag Pattern
Of course, you can sew these little totes for any occasion. I love the pumpkin fabric though!
Easy Rope-Handled Tote
Here is a free bag pattern for my Rope Handled Tote. The rope handles make it so you don’t have to take time turning fabric right-side-out, so it finishes more quickly than other bags. It’s a handy size that can fit a few three-ring binders.
Bag from a Quilt
This free bag pattern goes one step further and uses a finished quilt to make the bag! So you’re not only using quilting cotton, but a whole quilt. It’s so fast, and you can find quilts at secondhand stores that still have a lot of life in them.
More from SewCanShe:
Sew Precious! 27 Ideal Gifts to Sew for Kids
Wait! You Can Make That? 43 Brilliant Upcycle Ideas: Free Tutorials
37 Fall Patterns to Sew: Embrace the Season!
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. 🙂