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10 Free Tote Bag Patterns and Tutorials

Posted by  ·  November 9, 2010  ·  Last Updated: April 30, 2016

Totes make great handmade gifts.  Here is a Tuesday Ten that shows a round-up of lovely totes.


If you love to sew you might also like these free sewing tutorials right here on Skip to my Lou! Every tote needs a matching pouch.

Pleated Zippered Pouch

Lined Zippered Pouch



Tote Patterns and Tutorials

1. Dish Towel Tote Tutorial

2. Tank Top Totes Tutorials (two styles)

3. Ruffled Tote Pattern

4. The Twenty Minute Tote Tutorial

5. Beach Bag Tote Pattern

6. Simple Lined Tote Bag Tutorial

7. Hobo Tote Bag Pattern

8. Pleated Tote Pattern

9. Pillowcase Tote Pattern

10. Oil Cloth Tote Tutorial


62 COMMENTS
Filed Under: Free Sewing Patterns, Sew

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Comments

  1. Cecil
    Wednesday, April 10th, 2019
    Where can I download a Alexandra Tote Bag free pattern.
    Do you have a web site.
    Can you help me Please.
    Reply
  2. Linda M Wagar
    Thursday, August 3rd, 2017
    I want to download instructions for your crafts but it say that it will change my setting on my computer!! I won't allow some unknown program to mess up my computer. Can you share them some other way~~
    Reply
  3. Lee
    Sunday, December 4th, 2016
    links don't work for BEACH BAG TOTE PATTERN
    Reply
  4. Karen Wall
    Sunday, November 6th, 2016
    I used #6 Simply lined Tote for my daughters wedding. One for each of the bridesmaids, maid of honor and the ladies that helped put it all together. I also had them monogrammed and they were a huge hit. Very easy to make but very impressive.
    Reply
  5. SJ Valdez
    Monday, July 7th, 2014
    I'm so glad to stop by your blog! My sister-in-law is learning to sew and she's into tote bags. I'll send her the URL of this article. She'll love this! :)
    Reply
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  14. Hannah morse
    Thursday, May 23rd, 2013
    These are awesome hand bags and purses but are these hand made?
    Reply
  15. Suzanne
    Monday, April 22nd, 2013
    Susie, I have the pattern for what's called "Scrap Sack 2" by Oceanside Designs. Not sure if that's the one you need, but it does have the pin cushion and bag, etc. attached. It uses just 2 fat quarters of fabric for the lined bag and pincushion. Available here: http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/scrap+sack+2+pattern.do

    I also found this PDF (free) pattern - pictures, instructions and all! - for one very similar: http://www.sewmamasew.com/store/media/blog/SMSPincushionOrganizer.pdf


    Good luck and happy sewing!
    Reply
  16. susie
    Friday, March 15th, 2013
    does anyone have the sewing instructions for the abbey bag - pincushion with the thread catcher hanging down from the table. I saw it in a pattern catalogue but it is no longer in the pattern books. Thank you.
    Reply
  17. Tace
    Sunday, February 17th, 2013
    I found a bag like the black and white one many people are looking for!! I searched for days, because I LOVE the look of it! It's at http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/bags-pillows/reversible-purse_1.html. I haven't sewn it yet, but I think if you make the straps wider it will be just like the other one! Good luck! I'll share again after I make it!
    Reply
  18. dawn w.
    Tuesday, February 12th, 2013
    Yes i'm also looking for the cute black and white tote that led me to this website.........????????
    Reply
  19. Diane
    Monday, February 11th, 2013
    I have also searched for the cute black and white tote.....anyone have the link yet?
    Reply
  20. AJ
    Saturday, January 12th, 2013
    I am also looking for the black and white tote tutorial. Thanks so much!
    Reply
  21. Gail N
    Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
    Thank you. This is just what I needed.
    Reply
  22. Melissa
    Monday, January 7th, 2013
    Ashley Johnson of www.makeit-loveit.com has a pretty fantastic blog with lots of tutorials. She also has a tutorial for a ruffled tote bag that she made for her daughter. HTH :-)
    Reply
  23. Cathie
    Monday, December 3rd, 2012
    Hi. Love the site with all of the great ideas and projects. I, too, was hoping to find the tutorial/pattern for the black and white tote. Is there a link for that pattern? Thanks so much. You're so inspiring!!
    Reply
  24. Julie
    Tuesday, November 6th, 2012
    I am looking for the black and white tote pattern as well. Wanted to make the little one to match
    Reply
  25. Cathy
    Sunday, September 9th, 2012
    I too was looking for the black and white tote. Is there a pattern for this?
    Reply
  26. Sheila
    Sunday, August 26th, 2012
    Lots of great patterns, but the link that brought me here was a black and white tote with a red lining. Do you know where I could find that one?
    Reply
  27. Annanas
    Monday, August 20th, 2012
    Great collection of of Bag patterns I must say
    Reply
  28. Kelsey
    Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
    Parasolco.com seems not to be working any more. Is there somewhere else that I can get the ruffled tote pattern?
    Reply
  29. Teesha Morgan
    Saturday, June 30th, 2012
    I love the pillowcase bag tutorial! I made mine in 1/2 hour and it look great. I added some ricrac and pompom trims on the front crossover as it was for a child and I am so happy with it!
    Reply
  30. Jan
    Monday, June 18th, 2012
    Erica, I went digging and found the link for you. The www was throwing it off.
    http://sayyestohoboken.com/2010/05/diy-making-a-beach-tote-bag.html
    Reply
  31. Erica
    Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
    I love these patterns but did anyone else find the beach bag link not to work? I really really want to make that one too! please help :)
    Reply
  32. Julie Espudo
    Monday, April 23rd, 2012
    Love all you totes ideas. I'm going to make some for my friends as gifts. Where do you find your darling fabrics. Thank you so much for your ideas and amazing instructions.
    Reply
  33. Pvc fabric
    Sunday, April 15th, 2012
    So cute and so many of bags to try. I want to sew the ruffled one first.
    Reply
  34. Sharon Batten
    Monday, March 5th, 2012
    Love it!! sew cute!!
    Reply
  35. Jamie.S
    Sunday, February 12th, 2012
    I do have quite an addiction to handbags.lol. I can't seem to stop making them. So i will be trying nearly all of your tutorials. Thank you.
    Reply
  36. christie birkenbach cook
    Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
    love your site thank you for sharing!
    Reply
  37. Val Wilson
    Thursday, January 5th, 2012
    My sister and I found your Web site while we were looking for tote bag patterns. We followed your directions. We made our bags out of home furnishings fabrics. We added pockets before we sewed the outer and inner pieces together. And we put fringe on the outside. We made our bags a bit smaller--just the right size for a Bible and a study book or a Kindle and personal items. We are both eager to explore other ideas on your site! (I have a picture of our finished bags--but I can't seem to find a way to attach it.)
    Reply
  38. Dorria @ embroidery designs to download
    Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
    Lovely Patterns, I so excited to do these ideas.
    Thank you Cindy :)
    Reply
  39. Dorria @ embroidery designs to download
    Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
    Lovely Patterns, I so excited for doing these ideas.
    Thank you for sharing Cindy :)
    Reply
  40. Bernadette
    Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
    I've been looking for an apron design for my daughter's baking party. I'm so glad I found your site because now I have so many options to choose from! Thanks so much! More power to you!
    Reply
  41. chantel
    Saturday, June 25th, 2011
    i was just wondering is there the pattern for the black purse with white squares on it with inside is red??? thats the only one i cant find.
    Reply
  42. Quality fabrics
    Thursday, June 16th, 2011
    Lovely vivid colorful designs - brightened up my day, thank you.
    Reply
  43. Robbie-Jayne
    Friday, May 20th, 2011
    I love the pillow case tote!...I have just started sewing and this is an easy enough project to give myself a little confidence in my abilities...Thanks!
    Reply
  44. ElizabethMD
    Saturday, March 19th, 2011
    I love these bags. It's been so long since I have had time to sew!
    Reply
  45. dana h
    Saturday, March 5th, 2011
    Great tutorials and instructions. So clear I can picture the steps and can't wait to get started. I've sewn for years but needed some inspiration to get going again so thanks very much:)
    Reply
  46. Patty
    Sunday, January 16th, 2011
    love these
    Reply
  47. Patty
    Sunday, January 16th, 2011
    I love these, I am going to share them with a friend, who I know does sew A lot and loves it , I am how ever learning thank you
    Reply
  48. Lou
    Friday, November 19th, 2010
    This is fantastic, thanks. Found you through a google search. (And yea, my name is lou) ;)
    Reply
  49. onepinkfish
    Sunday, November 14th, 2010
    Thanks for the free tutorial. I am new to sewing and this is such a variety I should be able to find one at the right skill level.
    Reply
  50. Heather
    Friday, November 12th, 2010
    I love it! Now I have a million and TEN projects to start for the holidays! I hope I get them all finished!
    Reply
  51. Elizabeth
    Thursday, November 11th, 2010
    Thanks for sharing my pattern with your readers!
    Reply
  52. Mary Beth
    Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
    I'm addicted to easy bag tutorials! I'm currently looking to make a tote bag for my laptop. It needs to be pretty sturdy though. Could I just add same extra interfacing or stabilizer to the simple lined tote or oil cloth tote?
    Reply
  53. Paige Hill
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    Thanks for sharing these Cindy:) Hope you are doing well!
    Reply
  54. Laurence
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    Thanks for sharing. I love all of these bags!
    Reply
  55. eva vercauteren
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    Oh, this is fun! I'm sure I'll try a few out. Thanks for sharing. :)
    Reply
  56. megan
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    what a great round up of patterns, thanks you! going to share this on my blog's facebook page :)
    Reply
  57. herronali
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    I LOVE this - how cute! I will bookmark this for gifts. Thanks!
    Reply
  58. Mandy
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    Love your blog!! I love all of these, and can't wait to try one!! Thanks for being such a great blogger!!
    Reply
  59. Lisa
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    Love the hobo tote. Can't wait to make one. Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  60. Irene
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    Just found your site, what great inspiration to use!
    Reply
  61. teela
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    This is great! I always look forward to reading your blog and see what groovy things you've posted.
    Reply
  62. Sue
    Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
    Thanks for gathering these. Your blog is my absolute favorite!
    Reply