35 Free Sewing Patterns for Big Bags: Tote-ally Gorgeous!
Get ready to sew your new favorite bag that’s big enough to carry everything you need! This list of free patterns has so many beautiful styles and sizes to choose from. Imagine the joy of using, gifting, or even selling tote bags made with your own amazing craftsmanship!
If I could have two favorite things, it would be quilting and bags. This list is up there with my favorites because bags are so practical! They are useful whether I’m traveling or just running to the store, and I especially love making my own because I can make them pretty! Check out the free patterns for big bags and sew your favorites.
Color Blocked Tote
The big color blocked tote bag has all the features of a high end bag: an inset zipper, interior pockets, riveted straps, and pretty lining. But it’s easy to sew! I would love to see your version on Instagram @sewcanshe.
Craft Project Bag
I love bags, and pockets, and bags with pockets. This bag has both and even closes easily to keep your project clean and together. It’s pretty enough to gift or just show off. Use the free sewing pattern and make a few today.
Strappy Big Bag With Pockets
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.
Tea Towel Origami Bag
Have you ever tried an origami bag? How about making one from tea towels which have a finished edge to start with? You will love how easily this bag finishes using the free pattern from Orange Bettie.
Cinch It Tote Bag
Pull-up straps make this bag pattern a cinch to piece. The roomy interior makes it perfectly irresistible. The finished size is: 17-1/2″x18-3/4″x4″.
- Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.
Japanese Style Square Bag
I just took this bag to a quilt retreat; it held my snacks! This big bag is so fast and easy to make, you won’t believe it. The soft shoulder bag has a unique shape and plenty of room inside for everything you want to tote. Learn how to make a Japanese-style square bag.
Sew Easy Big Beautiful Bag
The DIY Big Beautiful Bag pattern is a classic quilted tote bag. It is so fast and easy to sew, you won’t believe it. If you use a floral or butterfly print, people will think you splurged on the latest Vera Bradley Bag!
Fish Shaped Beach Bag
This Fish Shaped Beach Bag has optional mesh at the bottom to let the sand fall out. It’s a great bag for a mixture of big, oddly shaped beach toys and everything else you want to have handy. Here in Florida it make a great bag for fins and snorkels!
Flying Geese Tote
This is a big sturdy tote bag that’s perfect for taking to the beach, yoga class, or the grocery store. The Flying Geese Tote has pockets on the inside and lots of room too.
Shopping Bag with Easy Rope Handles
Check out this shopping tote pattern for a roomy, beautiful bag! Make a few extra for your friends. I know you will find many uses for it.
Laptop Bag
Sew a bag for your computer and enjoy ever moment. The free bag pattern from CrazyLittleProjects.com is sure to make your day!
Bonus: Here is a tutorial to sew a laptop pocket into any tote.
Sew Easy Big Bag with a Zipper!
I had so many requests from readers asking me to make a Sew Easy Big Tote Bag with a Zipper, that I had to comply. So many of you have made this already, and I’m so pleased that you have been able to sell them at market!
Easy Duffle Bag
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 you will love. The zipper opens nice and wide so you can easily pack and find everything you need. If you want a whole set, check out my other boxy bag patterns! There is a purse size and a smaller pouch size.
Big Bag from a Quilt
Do you have an extra patchwork quilt laying around? Maybe you found a great quilt at a thrift store. Here’s a super easy, super fun way to turn that extra quilt into a big beautiful quilted bag!
Speedy Patchwork Tote
Quick patchwork and a bag with classic styling are what this Speedy Patchwork Tote is about. You can make it in any different size. My free tutorial shares how to make 3 specific sizes: large, medium, and small.
Quilt-As-You-Go Log Cabin Tote
Did you know that the quilt-as-you-go technique can be sewn on bags too? Try it with this Mod Log Cabin Tote Pattern. You will find that foam stabilizer really helps make a nice structure.
Hold Anything Tote
Sew a stylish tote that can be used to hold project supplies, groceries, toys, and more. This bag finishes at: 16″×14″×4″ for a “Hold Anything” size.
- Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.
Frou Frou Bag with Ruffles
This sweet diaper bag holds everything you need for a stress-free trip to church or the store. Enjoy the free Frou Frou Bag sewing pattern.
Patchwork Strips Tote
It’s always a perfect time to get out those scraps and put them together for a surprisingly brilliant tote. That’s just what you’ll get using the free sewing pattern for the Patchwork Strips Tote Bag.
- Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.
Big Fabric and Vinyl Tote Bag
Cotton and vinyl together make a beautiful see-through bag that’s great for travel, stadiums, and holding craft supplies. The free pattern includes useful tips for sewing with vinyl.
Fabulous Flannel Tote
Sew this flannel bag for any occasion. The vinyl handles and sides are a soft touch that adds a unique interest. It is a perfect bag for everything, and also makes a beautiful, thoughtful gift.
Convertible Diaper Bag/Tote
You will love how big this bag is and how easy it is to strap it to a stroller. Fit all the things with the free big bag sewing pattern from MoreLikeHome.net.
One Yard Hobo Bag
This Japanese-inspired bag only uses one yard of fabric. I really think you’ll love how easily the shape comes together.
Basket Tote
Beautiful fabric never had a better match than my Basket Tote. A reader favorite, this free bag pattern makes a large purse or tote with pockets on the inside. It’s a comfortable shape, and perfect size.
Japanese-Style Drawstring Bag With Handles and Pockets
You don’t have to use Japanese fabrics on my Japanese Knock Off Bag – your favorite scraps will do. This gorgeous patchwork bag is reversible so the pockets can be on the inside or the outside. Use a drawstring to cinch it up, or not!
Tote With Many Pockets
Love pockets? This tote has the most! The Tote with Many Pockets is just the right size, plus you can carry items you want to keep organized and grab quickly in the 6 (can you believe it?) exterior pockets.
Perfect First Tote
Even though this bag looks professionally crafted, it’s designed for beginners! No matter your skill level you will be able to make this fabulous tote using the free pattern from The Folk Art Factory.
Quilt-As-You-Go Big Bag
Have you fallen in love with Quilt as You Go yet? It’s a fun technique for quilts, of course, but I’m having lots of fun using it for tote bags too. Learn how to make a beautiful big bag with QAYG and optional pom poms!
Easy Rope Handled Tote
This cute bag is easy to sew, and using rope for the handles helps save time. This really is a useful tote bag. My friend uses hers to carry piano music and toys to church.
Sashiko Scrap Bag
Sashiko is a Japanese sewing technique that is both resourceful, and beautifully artistic. Sew a totally unique tote each time you make it! Use the free sewing pattern from SewingWithScraps.com to get a taste for the art of Sashiko while using up any kind of scraps you have on hand.
Summer Flip Flop Tote
This handy tote pattern includes a free flip flop applique file. I hope you love carrying all your things in this bag. Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe and show me what applique or embroidery you used.
One Yard Magic Messenger Bag
Learn how to sew an easy messenger bag with just one yard of fabric. This easy messenger bag sewing pattern is perfect for a beginner learning how to sew, or someone who just wants to make a a fast and easy bag!
Tote to Go Bag
This tote pattern is another great one for carrying all those things you need for a day out of the house. Give it a try!
Teacher Tote Bags
Use this free tote pattern to sew a fast and easy canvas tote bag complete with a zipper top and pretty quilting cotton straps. No lining is required if you use medium weight fabric, and this bag makes the perfect machine embroidery project because the front and back of the bag are ready for a beautiful embroidery design!
Catnap Cargo Duffle
This fantastic quilted duffle has a fabric accent on the bottom and sides. The cargo pockets are convenient and so pretty, and you’ll appreciate the tips and tricks included in the tutorial from Noodle-Head.com.
More from SewCanShe:
30 Free Bag Patterns – Pick Your New Favorite Purse!
30 Free & Fabulous Patterns: Fabric Storage Basket and Bin Sewing Ideas
Prague’s Best for Crafters: 10 Unforgettable Highlights
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. 🙂