I’m kicking off a new type of article for Frugal and Thriving -  I’ve been around the web and back again to compile some of the best free online tutorials and resources for a given category – today: making bags. Both the title and the picture are links to the tutorial.

mybag

I’m not much of a sewer, but I’m trying. I made a bag recently and have gone a little bit bag crazy. Making a bag is a great way to learn how to sew. Below is a range of different bag tutorials to try. They vary from beginner level to the more complex, in no particular order.

There are quite a few sewing and construction techniques in these tutorials that could be easily combined to create your own custom bag design.

Some authors ask that you don’t use their patterns and tutorials to make bags for commercial purposes, so check out their site for details.

Scrapbook Australia

1. Margaret Sling Bag

This tutorial comes with a PDF pattern and instructions for offline sewing and comes with a variation for making it with a shorter handle.

ohfransson.com

2. Reversible Beach Bag

This is a gorgeous bag and I can’t wait to make it!

soozs.blogspot.com

3. Origami Purse

quiltcetera.com

4. Quilted Tote

psiquilt.com

5. Eternal Beauty Bag

This one is a little more complex. Also comes with a PDF version.

januarbags.blogspot.com

6. Box Bag

PDF instructions. Cute and differs from the other box bags by including a handle on the end.

stacysews.com

7. Tote Bag

This is a 2 part post – you will find part two here or in the blog archive. The inside is three sections including a zippered middle section.

kerrimade.blogspot.com

8. Recessed Zipper Shoulder Bag

The focus in this tutorial is how to sew the recessed zipper and assumes that you have an understanding of basic bag construction for the rest.

projectsbyjane.blogspot.com

10. Laptop Bag

I would probably add a bit of padding and quilting to help keep the laptop safer, but great bag tutorial.

projectsbyjane.blogspot.com

11. Easy Nappy / Diaper Bag

I included a few nappy bags, because, well my mind is on those things, but this could definitely be used as an anything else bag.

sewchristine.blogspot.com

12. Hip Mamma Diaper Bag

Can also be used as a regular bag. A functional bag that doesn’t necessarily look like a nappy bag.

amingledyarn.wordpress.com

13. Angela’s Diaper Bag

Ultimate nappy bag made using a quilter’s charm pack and layer pack. Also comes with instructions for making a change mat.

modabakeshop.com

14. Simple Drawstring Bag

Total beginners drawstring bag, but a functional bag for any skill level. Makes a great gift bag. Can also be lined.

happythings.typepad.com

15. Square Bag Tote

This bag has pockets inside for pens, mobile phone, organizer or whatever you like!

ahhh-design.com

16. Basic Messenger Bag

Construction only. Make your own appliqué flap design

mmmcrafts.blogspot.com

17.  Basic Grocery Bag

nthnbutmoonshine.blogspot.com

18. Poochie Bag

These bags are made using fat quarters. There is a free PDF pattern to download for offline sewing.

thehappyzpmbie.com

19. Envelope Makeup Bag

envelope makeup bag

20. Summer Beach Bag

This beach bag has been made with tea towels rather than fabric.

beach bag

21. Lined Grocery Bag With Store Away Pocket

This grocery style bag is lined and has a little pocket on the front so that you can fold it up and store it away easily in your handbag.

grocery bag with pocket

22. Scrappy Grocery Bag

This bag is the same as above but uses scraps of material rather than a single piece of material – a great way to use up scraps! Ok, so the instructions aren’t in English, but you get the idea and isn’t it gorgeous! I couldn’t resist.

scrap shopping bag

23. Lined Zippered Pouch Bag

Nice instructions for giving the zipper little end covers which really adds to the finish and a pleasure to read.

lined zippered pouch bag

24. Diana Hobo Bag

Free PDF pattern to download for offline work.

diana hobbo bag

25. Crochet Beach Bag

Don’t want to sew? Here is a great pattern for a crocheted beach bag.

crochet beach bag

26. Shoulder Bag

Not a great picture, but a great pattern and easy to make.

shoulder bag

27. Hobo Bag

hobo bag

28. Mama Backpack

happythings.typepad.com

29. Little Boxy Pouch

threebears.wordpress.com

30. Pyramid Purse

Something a little different and very cute.

livingcreatively.com.au

31. Backpack

scribd.com

32. Basket Bag

This is a PDF link.

tallpoppycraft.com

33. Lindie Bag

craftapples.wordpress.com

34. Jenny Bag

lolaagain.blogspot.com

35. D-Ring Bag

cutoutandkeep.net

36. Monk Bag

Easy pattern for beginners.

purlbee.com

37. Lined Box Pouch

modernquiltlove.worpress.com

38. Slouch Bag

Comes with PDF pattern and tutorial.

random-charm.com 39. Basic Purse

creativelittledaisy.typepad.com

40. Mini Purse

patsythompsondesigns.com

41. Easy Lined Tote Bag

Both shoulder and carry straps

craftywench.typepad.com

42. Ruffled Tote Bag

Something a little different and a little harder.

wkdesigner.wordpress.com

43. Sophisticated Tote Bag

jcarolinecreative.com 44. Doodle Purse

This is for kids to carry their crayons and paper around in. Folds up as the blue one shoes, to encase crayons and paper.

makcreations.blogspot.com

45. Purse with Licence Pocket

Not really a bag, but very funky anyway.

thimbleanna.com

Got an idea for a roundup post like this one? Why not drop me a line.

 

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