The Best Bag Sewing Patterns For Bags To Sew For Gifts
If you like sewing bags like I do, you are never going to be short of a gift. The question is. what exactly are the best bag sewing patterns for bags as gifts.
Well, hopefully, I've solved that problem for you. I asked the question to our customers and on various bag-making groups. I've taken all the recommendations and created a list of the best patterns, by popular choice, to sew to make bags as gifts.
Most of these patterns are easy to sew in batches, so if you have a few bags to make you can save quite a bit of time.
To make it easier for you to choose I have done the following:
- Arranged the bags into groups of different types of bags from simple pouches, to “something special”.
- Included some Free Patterns and a few that don’t require much in the way of bag hardware or stabilizer.
- Listed the skill level required for each bag.
- Described what’s great about each pattern.
- Outlined the bag hardware and other supplies needed, such as rectangular rings, zippers, D rings, swivel snap hooks, Decovil, ByAnnie Soft and stable etc. (This is a guide only to help you choose a pattern that matches either your budget or supplies that you already have. You will need to refer to the pattern for the details).
- Noted whether a video tutorial is available. (Generally you can find something on YouTube anyway)
- Included a few pictures for most bags to help you see the possibilities.
- Provided links or instructions on where to find the patterns.
As most patterns require medium weight fusible woven interfacing, such as Shape to Create or Pellon SF101, I have not listed that below. If in doubt, assume you need it.
The categories are:
- Secret Santa gifts, or complementary items to add to your bags
- Pouches and Clutches
- Phone Bags and small slings
- Crossbody Bags, Shoulder bags and handbags
- Totes
- Toiletry Bags/Totes
- Backpacks and Back Slings
- Man Friendly
- For that special gift
Add a professional touch and a bit of bling to your gifts with these items:
Fancy zipper pulls hearts and clover
Metal Handmade badge
Metal handmade zipper pull
Replace magnetic snaps with locks and clasps
Add a Hanging Tassel Cap
Secret Santa gifts, or complementary items to add to your bags
Purse Pal
By Linds Handmade
Purse Pals
Sewn by Amanda Davies at BritBags
Skill Level: Confident beginner – you will need to be able to cut accurately.
A really nice mini purse / slim wallet with card slots, a zipper pocket and a long slip pocket. Highly customisable and a great add on to a bag.
Hardware required:
- #3 zipper
- Snap button
Video tutorials available
Bender Wallet
By KMDesigns
Image is designer's own
Skill Level: Confident beginner – you will need to be able to cut accurately.
Minimalist card wallet. Ideal for Phone bags etc. The perfect gender-neutral gift, so definitely a great Secret Santa pressie.
Use vinyl, leather or cork. Easily customised so great to make to match a bag that you are gifting.
I haven’t made this but it looks very quick and easy
YouTube tutorial available online
Bag supplies required:
None. But you will need some fabric glue.
Key Chains
You can get really creative with these .
You can use key chain hardware, or for a quick and easy add-on or mini-gift, simply grab a 1” swivel hook and pair with a fabric strap to match a bag you are gifting.
Just as good as a quick gift in it's own right.
Supplies:
- Swivel Snap Hook (Lobster Claw)
Pouches and Clutches
Harlequin Pouch
By Crafted by Leanne
Skill Level: Beginner who can cut accurately
Simple to sew and you can add as much wow factor as you like. Add a wristlet or crossbody strap and you can easily increase the size slightly.
Required bag making supplies:
Suggestion:
Add a tassel cap for a touch of bling
Pattern and instructions available from the Crafted by Leanne Facebook Group. (You will need to apply to join if not a member)
Video tutorial available.
Poppie Pouch
By SewFlo Sewing (Formerly Sew Pretty Designs)
Skill Level: Careful Beginner
Suitable to sew with waterproof canvas or thin PU leather/vinyl on a strong domestic machine. An industrial machine is recommended for heavier vinyls or fabrics.
A relatively inexpensive pattern which has three sizes to choose from, or sew all three and gift them as a set.
It is very easy to make this pattern look stunning with the contrasting applique
Supplies required:
- #3 or #5 zipper to suit pouch size and your own aesthetics
Video tutorial available
The Gemini Wallet
By Crafted By Leanne
- # 3 zip
- Magnetic Snap
- Decovil, heavy, Decovil light or fleece or combination depending on fabric choice
Thank You Pouch
By It's Sew Kelley
Image is designer's own
Skill Level: Beginner
Very simple pouch to sew. The pattern has a two-way zipper to add a little more interest. Quick and easy, use contrasting fabrics to dress it up.
Required supplies:
The Jupiter Clutch
By Crafted by Leanne
Image is designer's own
Skill Level: Advanced/confident Beginner
Versatile little bag. Add a wristlet or crossbody strap.
An easy-to-follow pattern with detailed instructions and lots of pictures. Measurements are in both inches and cm. Comes together very quickly.
Bag hardware required.
- #3 zipper
- 18mm magnetic snap OR Half Moon magnetic clasp
- Optional D rings and swivel snap hook for wristlet or cross body version
- Side strap clips to add bling instead of D ring
Detailed instructions and sew-along video
Phone Bags/slings
The Mighty Mini
By Spencer Ogg Patterns
Skill Level: Confident beginner
Great video and instructions by Diane as always, and don’t forget your choccy biccie.
This bag is perfect for when all you need is your phone, a credit card and your keys. Can be made slightly larger if required and is easy to sew in batches.
Hardware and supplies required:
- 18mm magnetic snap or small turn lock
- Rectangular ring and adjustable slider for fixed strap
- OR for a detachable strap
- 2 x D rings and 2 x swivel snap hooks (lobster claws), plus adjustable slider
- Decovil I (Heavy)
Video tutorial included
Zip 'N Go Clutch, Crossbody, Wristlet
By ENDesigns
Image Designer's Own
Skill Level: Beginner friendly
Slightly bigger than the Mighty Mini with a lot more pockets, including card slots and 2 exterior zippered pockets, so it takes longer to sew. Very well thought out design.
Bag making supplies required
- #3 zipper
- Magnetic snap
- D ring
- Swivel snap hook
- Decovil light or heavier stabilizer
Video tutorial available
Toby Essentials Sling
By Bumbleroot Designs
Katey
Skill Level: Confident beginner to intermediate
For a domestic machine use lighter weight fabrics only. (There are up to 8 layers to sew through)
This is a really interesting bag to sew and very quick with a quite unique construction.
Cutting accurately is absolutely essential as is ensuring that everything Is correctly lined up at every step. If you don’t do this you will get a wonky bag.
Just take your time and you will be fine. I made this blue one for my sample bag collection and it is coveted by everyone who sees it. Hands Off! It’s not going anywhere 😊
Bag hardware etc. required:
- ½” D rings for bags
- ½” swivel snap hooks (optional, replace the strap with a purse chain)
- ½” adjustable slider
- Sew in snap or 18mm magnetic snap. (I used a half moon magnetic closure.)
- Decovil Light
Step-by-step video tutorial included
This pattern has bee replaced by the slightly larger Twoby version
H20 2GO Sling
By Linds Handmade
Sewists: Top left Susan @Arriettysbags, Bottom left Naomi at Buttons and Bobbins NZ Right Max of JustMax Designs
Skill Level: Intermediate – “It requires accurate cutting/sewing and installing a curved zipper which can be challenging for new sewers.”
Perfect match day sling or for a walk in the park on a sunny day. Space for all the essentials including your water bottle.
A great thank you gift for the teacher.
Crossbody Bags, Shoulder Bags and Handbags
Teloujay 2.0
Country Cow Designs
Image from Designers Pattern Page
Intermediate – Ambitious Beginner with some experience
“This little crossbody features a statement front zipper pocket and a slip pocket to the rear. The bag closes with a top zip and inside it features another zip pocket for keeping your items secure. This little bag is ideal for carrying your essentials such as wallet, phone, keys and mask.”
Video tutorial included
Bag supplies:
- 20″ No.5 zipper tape & 2 zipper pulls
- 9″ No.3 zip
- 2 x 1″ D-rings
- 2 x 1″ Swivel clasps
- 1 x 1″ Slider
- 1 x Slim magnetic snap (14mm or 18mm)
- 1 x Zip end (optional)
ANIKA Crossbody bag
By Axlandia Design
Image is from the designers pattern page
Skill Leve: Intermediate
Inexpensive Pattern
A Fun BAG to make and a cool funky design with the unusual zipper front
Bag supplies required are not listed on pattern page
Sunshine Crossbody Pouch
By Bagstock Designs
Image Designer's Own
Skill Level: Beginner and domestic machine friendly
Free Pattern
Versatile and perfect for beginners. Can be used as a cosmetic pouch or add straps for a crossbody bag
- Foam interfacing – ByAnnie Soft and Stable
- #5 zipper tape
- #3 zipper tape
- D-rings
- Swivel snap hooks - lobster claws
- Slider
Beany Baguette Crossbody bag and pouches
By Spencer Ogg Sewing Patterns
Image Designer's Own
Skill Level:
Confident/Advanced Beginner
Domestic machine friendly
Full video tutorial included
A very popular pattern in two sizes and can be made as a shoulder bag or a pouch.
Very versatile as it can be made from virtually any type of fabric and so can be made to suit any occasion.
Bag making supplies Required:
Optional:
- Foam if using light weight fabric –ByAnnie Soft and Stable
- Decovil heavy for the bag base.
The Mountain Saddle Bag
By Emmaline Bags
Katey Malanie at SoulSlips
Skill Level: Confident /advanced beginner
Excellent video tutorial
Very domestic machine friendly with lighter fabrics, but I would recommend an Industrial or Heavy Duty machine if using heavier vinyl etc. as the stabilizer can make the topstitching at the end trickier.
The pattern comes in two sizes and the “tall” size is a really nice sized bag to carry. It is deceptively quick to make and can be dressed up or down depending on the fabric and contrasting strapping.
Bag making supplies required:
Bag Hardware:
- #3 zipper or zipper tape
- Adjustable strap slider
- Rectangular rings
- Baby press lock
- ½ m By Annie soft and stable foam
- 1/2m Decovil I light (this is the wider width sold on this site)
The Decovil gives the bag a lovely rigid shape, but if you want a softer bag, omit the decovil
Tote Bags
The Tuesday Tote
By Knotted Thread Co.
Sewn by Katey on left and by Sharon Hoare of Eclectic Creations on the right
Skill Level: Beginner with reasonable knowledge of sewing
A great pattern and quick and easy to sew. Some great tips are included to guide you along and there are variations to the pattern with two main styles. It is also easy to adapt to add your own flair.
Supplies:
- Fusible Fleece (Pellon H640)
- Decovil light or ByAnnie soft and Stable if you are using lighter weight fabrics
Easy Two Piece Bag
By Spencer Ogg Sewing Patterns
Image by Spencer Ogg Sewing Patterns
Skill Level: Beginner
Free Pattern
This is a very quick and easy lined tote bag to make, even quick to cut out for once. The pattern calls for leather handles, but you could use webbing or make some straps to match.
This is perfect if you need to make a few bags. Dress it up with Kiwiana or give it use festive fabric for Christmas gifts.
Bag supplies:
Hardware will depend on what you decide to do, or you could sew the straps into the seams and not use any.
Full YouTube tutorial with instructions on how to fit rivets.
Toiletry Bags
The Retreat Bag.
By Emmaline Bags
Image from designer's website
Skill Level: Intermediate
Free Pattern
Comes in 2 sizes small and large
The wire frames in this pattern are optional but really make the look of the bag and make it more practical to use.
Bag Making Supplies required:
- Pellon H640 fleece,
- Internal wire frames size A for the small size or size B for the large size,
- #5 zipper by the metre.
The Tumbleweed Toiletry Tote
By Blue Calla Patterns (See the “Special Gift:” section below)
Backpacks and Back Slings
The Sandhill Sling
By Noodlehead
Skill Level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.
A great sized bag to carry all your essentials. Perfect for a walk in the woods, a day out biking or just daily use. The inside elasticated pocket makes it easy to fit a water bottle inside as well. Two front pocket options
I sewed these two simultaneously as a batch and that worked well, you could easily do several at once. Take your time with the lining which is the only tricky bit.
Easy to follow instructions and online tutorials for the parts that need explaining.
Bag making hardware required:
Karvi Mini Backpack
By Bagstock Designs
Katey
A really great little backpack which can be made to suit both children and adults depending on your choice of fabric etc. Comes together fairly quickly, but there are a lot of pieces to cut out which takes a bit of time.
The bag has loads pf pockets so it's really easy to organise and find your things.
Skill Level: Confident beginner
Easy step by step instructions and a great Youtube tutorial to watch by Siah Swag
- Fusible fleece (Pellon H640)
- Sew-in foam stabilizer – ByAnnie soft and stable
- A piece of stiff fusible stabilizer (Pellon Peltex or Decovil Heavy)
- A piece of Decovil Light
- #5 zipper tape
- One twist-lock or 14mm magnetic snap (flap)
- Rectangle rings
- Strap sliders. Use widemouth sliders for thicker fabrics
- One zipper end (only if making with a zipper closure)
Optional:
- Rivets
- Bag feet
The Begonia Drawstring Backpack
By Blue Calla
By Jenni at Little Makes Handmade
Quick easy and inexpensive. Great for kids or big kids alike.
This drawstring bag in the old rucksack style has a pleasantly relaxed feel to it. Make this out of lighter weight fabric and it would be great to take on your travels and fold flat packed in your suitcase to pull out on those sightseeing days. Make it out of cotton vinyl or cork - your choice.
Skill Level: Perfect pattern for the beginner
Bag supplies required:
Man Friendly
Car Trash Can
By More Me Know
Image designer's own
Free Pattern
Skill Level: Beginner
Extremely quick to sew with no hardware required.
This bag is perfect for the messier car owner or for those with OCD who absolutely need to know that their automobile is going to remain spotless. Impossible to offend with this one – I hope 😊
Video tutorial available
The Craggan Men’s Messenger Bag
By Spencer Ogg Patterns
Image Designer's Own
A tough crossbody Man Bag or M’urse. Designed to carry all those work essentials, with room for an ipad/tablet and a front pocket for the phone.
Large enough for him to carry your wallet for once :)
Skill Level: Beginner
Bag making supplies required:
- Fusible fleece (Pellon H8150)
- 18mm Magnetic Snap
- Rectangular rings
- Adjustable slider
- Swivel snap hook / lobster clasp
Quick & Easy Lined Dopp Kit
By Mr Domestic
Free Pattern
Skill Level: Beginner
Made from vinyl and fully lined this is a quick and easy sew. Plus you get to watch Mr Domestic in action which is always fun. Everything is on YouTube.
Supplies:
- #3 or #5 zipper (Don’t use metal as you will be sewing through it.)
For that special gift
These patterns are a little more advanced but are totally awesome and perfect for that special person.
The Tumbleweed Toiletry Tote
By Blue Calla Patterns
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
An awesome pattern that you will get a huge sense of satisfaction out of finishing.
The tote is a generous size and has a train case bottom and a wide-opening top.
You can fit smaller matching pouches into both compartments.
There is also a hack available to turn it into a craft bag.
Bag hardware needed:
- Internal wire frames Style B
- #5 zipper
- Zipper Ends
- ByAnnie Mesh fabric for interior pocket
- Decovil I heavy
The Mayfield Backpack
By Knotted Threads Co.
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
A beautiful bucket backpack with drawstring enclosure and flap. Multiple interior pockets.
This bag has some lovely design features that makes it stand out from the backpacking crowd.
Bag hardware and supplies needed:
- 10 -12 mm eyelets
- Magnetic Snap
- Zipper Ends
- Rectangle Rings For Bags
- Adjustable Strap Adjusters
- #5 Zipper Tape
- Purse Feet
- Double Cap Rivets - 8mm Cap width, minimum 8mm post length - up to 10-12mm
- Foam
- Decovil Light
- Decovil Heavy
The Hiraeth Handbag
By Lavender and Twine
Skill Level: Intermediate
This bag is absolutely stunning to look at and has proved a really popular pattern.
“The Hiraeth Handbag has beautiful structure, curves and lines that surround all sides of the bag. The look is elevated and classy, and the bag comes together quickly. The Hiraeth Handbag features two exterior Slip Pockets, an Interior Zip Pocket and Slip Pocket”
Step by step instructions with lots of photos and video links incorporated at each stage
Bagmaking hardware and supplies needed:
- Decovil Light OR Fleece Pellon H640
- D-Rings - x2
- Strap Slider - x1
- Swivel snap Clasps - x2
- Rectangle Rings - x4
- Rivets - 20 (8mm post length)
- #5 Continuous Zipper Tape
- Strap Ends - x4 or x6 (optional)
- Metal Zipper End (optional)
- Purse Feet - x4 (optional)
