5 Free Tote Bag Patterns Every New Bag Maker Should Try (+ 2 Honorable Mentions)
- Schelli Jones
- Oct 20
- 5 min read
If you’re just getting started with bag making, one of the best things you can do for your skills and your wallet is explore FREE patterns.
When I tell you I learned this the hard way… trust me! I’ve wasted more money than I care to admit on patterns I thought I’d use but never even printed. Can we say just throwing money away?
Free patterns are low-key the best way to figure out what styles, construction methods, and finishes you actually enjoy before you start building your paid pattern library. Not to mention — you can practice without spending a penny. Because if you decide bag making isn’t your jam, it’s not a huge loss!
Going into October, I planned to focus on tote bags. I was even thinking of calling it OcTOTEber (catchy, right?). But then I decided to host a few events and had to switch gears to get everything prepped.
That said — if God’s willing, OcTOTEber 2026 is definitely happening!
I was inspired by the whole OcTOTEber idea to find five really cool, FREE tote bag patterns that I actually want to make because they look good, not simply due to the price or the first ones that popped up in a search.
I tried to narrow it down to five, but I absolutely could not. So there are two honorable mentions. I also made sure that each pattern feels unique — no duplicates or lookalikes here.
I haven’t made any of them yet, but I plan to sew a few before the year is up. So let me know if you’d be into a sew-along, review, or a deeper dive into any of these!
The free tote bag patterns below are perfect for beginners and intermediates alike. They are in order of ease, simplicity and "fanciness" for the lack of a better term. So 1 is the most easy... But honestly none of them are hard. But as you progress the list, additional supplies like hardware may be required.
The free tote bag patterns below are perfect for both beginners, intermediate or even advanced sewists. I want to make a few of these, most certainly #5.
I’ve listed them in order of ease, simplicity, and “fanciness” (for lack of a better word 😄).
So pattern #1 is the easiest — but honestly, none of them are difficult. As you move down the list, you’ll just start to see projects that might include extra details or supplies like hardware and stabilizers.
This is the quintessential tote bag. Very simple and doesn't take a significant amount of fabrics. If you’ve got a few fat quarters hanging around, this project is for you. Hobbycraft’s simple tote tutorial is beginner-friendly and a great way to use smaller fabric cuts.
Why it made the list:
Perfect for practicing cutting, lining, and boxing corners.
Minimal hardware and interfacing needed.
Great for testing color combos or mixing prints.
This is an excellent first tote for anyone learning the basics of bag construction.
This pattern gives a clean, elevated look with simple lines — think farmer’s market chic. It's more of an elevated look with the fold-over seam showcasing the lining fabrics on the exterior.
Why it made the list:
A classic shape with a professional finish.
Works beautifully in quilting cotton or linen blends.
The step-by-step photos make it very approachable for beginners.
It’s a great transition project if you’re ready to move from “beginner tote” to “I made this bag and I’d actually carry it out in public.”
Adding pockets. This tote is perfect for organization, crafters, teachers or sewist. It includes six exterior pockets — making it easy to keep necessary item at arm's reach. So, there's additional techniques and sewing that goes into making this one.
Why it made the list:
Introduces pocket construction in an easy-to-follow way.
Great chance to practice topstitching and finishing techniques.
Makes an awesome gift!
This tote feels a little more complex but still manageable for newer bag makers ready for a challenge.
Bagstock is known for clean designs and well-written patterns, and the Pelican Tote is no exception. I have had this pattern for many years, but have yet to make it. I've made three of their patterns and love how quick they come together, and how gorgeous they are.
Why it made the list:
Comes with printable pattern pieces (a big plus for accuracy).
Has a more structured silhouette compared to softer totes.
Introduces techniques like boxed corners and interfacing placement.
This one bridges the gap between simple sewing and more structured bag-making — a must-try if you want to move toward intermediate-level projects.
Okay, so the designer doesn't technically classify this one as a tote. Even though that's how I was introduced to this gorgeous bag. It has lots of tote characteristics. And I absolutely could not believe this pattern was FREE. It has a lovely relaxed, yet elevated look.
Why it made the list:
Comes as a downloadable PDF pattern.
Clear, photo-heavy tutorial that’s great for visual learners.
Simple construction but with a polished finish.
This is the kind of bag you’ll want to make over and over in different fabrics.
⭐ Honorable Mentions
This one has detailed written instructions and an actual downloadable pattern file, which is rare for a freebie. It’s roomy and beach-ready — great if you want to test your accuracy cutting large panels and sewing through heavier fabrics.
Why it made the list:
The rope for the straps were a great addition and unique technique.
This one's a cute but simple and practical sew. It almost didn't make the list because it has a lot of elements of some of the other bags. But, overall, there's some differences which is why I decided to keep it.
In Summary
If you’re new to bag making, free patterns are gold. They let you practice new techniques without financial pressure, discover what features you actually like and build your confidence before investing in pricier designs and patterns. You get to test techniques before committing.
Like different types of hardware, zippers, closures, or pocket styles — figure out what you like before you buy a pattern that uses it.
And if you’re like me — you’ll realize that the best part isn’t just saving money, but learning what kind of bag maker you are.
So before you fill your cart with paid PDFs (been there, done that), take some time to play with a few free ones. You might surprise yourself with how much you learn — and how many new favorite bag styles you discover along the way.
And if you decide to sew along with any of these totes, tag me! I’d love to see your makes and cheer you on.
Until next time — Schelli
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