35 Free Sewing Patterns for Professional Looking Structured Bags with Foam Stabilizer

My Go-To Step One

Most (but not all) of my bag or basket projects begin by basting the fabric and stabilizer together. You can use this fused piece as fabric as-is for your bag, or you can quilt it for even more texture and interest.

Because I do it so often, I made a video showing the basting technique. You can read more about it here. You can do so much with this technique; it’s not limited to making bags!

Crossbody Clutch

As a girl who loves her bags I can tell you that having options is essential! This clutch bag 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!

Streamlined Color Blocked Tote Bag

Big Color Blocked Tote is large and roomy. It features a recessed zipper and easy straps with rivet embellishments. Want pockets? They are easy to add.

Stand-Up, Slide Down Pencil and Tool Pouch

Are you ready to sew my Stand Up Slide Down Pencil and Tool Pouch? Even if you’ve never used flexible foam stabilizer before…this is going to be a fun project! Impress everyone you know with this ‘as-seen-in-stores’ magical bag.

Pretty Box Pouch

This Pretty Box Pouch is perfect for holding and organizing cosmetics, sewing supplies, jewelry, small toys, crayons, chocolate candies, and more! Making it with flexible foam stabilizer makes it so sturdy.

Lovely Quilted iPad Case

When I was designing The Pretty Quilted iPad Case I was inspired by all of the Vera Bradley style iPad cases on Amazon and I really wanted to sew my own. Now you can too! Even though this tutorial doesn’t ask for flexible foam stabilizer, it would work great in place of the fusible fleece or cotton batting that the tutorial suggests.

Custom ID Lanyard and Pouch for Shows and Conventions

The ‘Call Me’ pouch is a beautiful pouch that can be used at work, home, and everywhere in between! There is a pocket on the back to hold your phone or other items that you need to keep handy.

The Sew Easy Big Tote Bag

I’m so excited to share with you a super easy, super gorgeous bag that is so fast to sew, Check out my Sew Easy Big Tote Bag! Don’t worry—using flexible foam fabric stabilizer won’t slow you down a bit! It is what makes this bag look like you bought it from a designer boutique.

Adorable Tiny Tote with Fabric Stabilizer

This Super Adorable Tiny Bag pattern is so fun to make. And because it’s so small, it’s really fast to sew too. It may be tiny, but flexible foam fabric stabilizer gives it plenty of personality!

Boxy Zipper Bag

The bigger Boxy Zipper Bag Pattern can be made with or without bag hardware. Add handles to make a purse or D-rings and a strap to make a cross body bag. You will be really happy with this design.

Tote Bag For Your Walker

Easily carry everything you need with you on your walker with a DIY Walker Caddy! Make this pattern with flexible foam stabilizer so you can have beauty and functionality.

2 Zip Hip Bag or Cross-Body

Sew a beautiful 2 Zip Hip Bag (a.k.a. cross-body, fanny pack, sling bag, waist wallet) using your favorite fabric and my easy sewing techniques.

Useful Car Ditty Bag

Keep everything you need handy – and organized – in the car with this sweet little Car Ditty Bag! Flexible foam stabilizer will give it the durability that you need for storage.

Perfect DIY Wallet

Use your favorite fabrics to make The Perfect DIY Wallet. I love the quilted exterior. It reminds me of designer wallets I see in magazines! You’ll be sure to get the designer look in your projects when you use flexible foam stabilizer.

Twice As Nice Zippered Organizer

My Twice as Nice Organizer is a new free pattern I know you’ll love. From the outside, it looks like a quilted cosmetic or notions pouch, but when you open it there are two zippered compartments with vinyl so you can see what’s inside.

Fabric Gift Box

Sometimes I get a gift for someone, but I don’t have a great way to package or present it. This fabric gift box is a perfect solution, and after the gift is given it can serve as a gift itself! I would love to have this sweet box on a shelf or dresser

Handy Triple Zipper Bag

This Triple Zipper Bag has 3 zippers on the exterior, plus another zipper on a coin pocket inside. The added stability of flexible foam fabric stabilizer makes it outstanding!

Tote Bag with Fabric Stabilizer

Use quilt as you go techniques (or QAYG) while making this beautiful Mod Log Cabin Tote! Yes, you can QAYG (quilt as you go) with flexible foam fabric stabilizer!

See-Through Stadium Tote

You can Sew a See-Through Bag with this easy and free sewing pattern. The secret is to use flexible foam fabric stabilizer on the bottom to give you a sure foundation.

Gorgeous Garment Bag

Be ready to travel handmade with a Beautiful Garment Bag made by you. Flexible fabric stabilizer will give your garment bag a polished and professional look, I promise!

Perfect Clamshell Bag or Purse

Sew a Cute Clamshell Bag just the way you like it! When traveling, it’s just right for holding supplies, cosmetics, or small things. The chic shape keeps it’s form with flexible foam stabilizer!

Stylish Basket Tote

The DIY Fabric Basket Tote is a beautiful bag that makes a great purse too. The extra support it has from using flexible foam stabilizer will make this your go-to favorite bag!

Boxy Duffle Bag Sewing Pattern

You (yes you!) can sew a beautiful duffle bag! This free sewing pattern uses cotton fabric and foam stabilizer to make a designer-style duffle bag that all your friends will swoon over. 

Hold Anything Tote Bag

Enjoy a simple tote bag with some character and flair. The diagrams in this free sewing pattern are comprehensive; you can’t go wrong!

• Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.

Strappy Bag with Pockets

I sewed up this Strappy Bag with Pockets in two different fabric styles to show you how different it can look, just by changing the fabric. You’ll always get a more professional look when you use a flexible foam stabilizer!

Patchwork Strips Tote Bag

Make an easy tote even easier by choosing a great focal print and using precut 2-1/2″-wide fabric strips for the remainder of the bag. The finished size is 18″ x 14″ x 4″.

• Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.

Handy Travel Case

Sew together a a Handy Travel Case with a cross body strap that’s perfect to take anywhere. Your important papers will have the additional protection that comes from using flexible foam stabilizer.

Designer Zipper Bags Video Tutorials

Come learn how to sew my Designer Zipper Bags  with my free video course consisting of 14 short videos. You’ll get step by step instructions…just like I’m in the room with you! Flexible foam fabric stabilizer is a cinch to use with a tutor like me.

Cute Pillbox Pouch

Is there anything cuter than a little handmade pouch? I have a hard time saying there is… I just love The Pillbox Pouch so much! Flexible foam stabilizer is the secret to it’s dainty shape.

Small Boxy Zipper Pouch

This Boxy Zipper Pouch Pattern is easy enough for beginners and just right for organizing supplies, cosmetics, or small things when you travel. It utilizes foam stabilizer to make it sturdy and has two small exterior pockets. Sew up a few different prints to give as gifts, or even to sell at a craft fair.

Cute Petit Four Baskets

Are you looking for a cute way to organize a messy space? Annie’s Fast and Easy Petit Four Baskets are the answer! Flexible foam stabilizer helps them keep their super useful shape.

Sturdy Zippered Storage Totes

Sew DIY Sturdy Storage Totes to keep your quilts, winter clothes, and best fabrics organized all year long. A flexible foam stabilizer is key to helping this tote stay big and shapely.

Divided Miracle Caddy

The Miracle Caddy free pattern is a multi purpose organizer that’s great as a diaper bag, craft caddy, first aid station, and more. My friend started using it to hold her painting supplies!

Useful Couch Caddy Organizer

Don’t miss the free Couch Caddy Remote Control Organizer Pattern. Foam stabilizer makes it beautiful and sturdy, plus it’s super easy to sew. There’s even a video to help.

Perfect Stand Mixer Cover

My DIY Mixer Cover has beautifully rounded sides, three pockets, and flexible foam stabilizer between two layers of material. Even with all these fabulous features, it is still easy to sew. Be careful, all your friends will ask you to make them a mixer cover too!

The Amazing A-Frame Organizer

The Amazing A-Frame Organizer with cut-out handles and pleated pockets is going to change your life! Flexible foam stabilizer makes it so sturdy. There is an interior compartment with pockets AND pockets on the outside too. Next to bags, I think pockets are my favorite. Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe to show me your favorite pockets!

Convenient Bedside Pockets Organizer

Sew a Bedside Pockets Organizer to keep extra things off your nightstand and organize your bedside! This organizer is easy to sew and lasts forever when it’s made with flexible foam stabilizer.