24 Best DIY Tote Bag Patterns Anyone Can Sew
If there’s one thing you’ll find me carrying around all the time, it’s none other than tote bags! They’re so convenient when it comes to carrying large items (a book lovers dream) and they fit many items perfectly. Whether you’re planning to head out for shopping, planning a picnic in the park, chilling on the beach, or looking to smuggle a few snacks into the movie theatre, you can ensure these tote bag patterns are all you need.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner at sewing or a pro, this collection of tote bag patterns will guide you every step of the way. Here you’ll find a wide range of different tote bag patterns to sew but don’t just stop at the first bag you come across!
Go all out and make as many as you’d like. I’m sure there’ll be a ton of outfits you’ll need to match them with.
If you haven’t been obsessed with tote bags before, you will after seeing these free tote bag patterns!
Table of Contents
The Easiest Tote Bag Patterns To Follow
1. Easy Patterned Tote
This pretty tote bag is really quick to make and super easy to sew which is ideal for beginners. I’ve always been hesitant to start sewing projects because sometimes I tend to get into it and then suddenly I get stuck at a certain point which eventually ends up abandoned.
This tote pattern is the perfect start and the two different patterns are something you should aim for. Even if you can’t find a similar fabric to these two, a close color match will give you just about the same effect.
Also, if you’re on the short side like me and hate how low tote bag patterns can be, especially when they touch the ground, you can easily adjust the strap length to your desired length.
2. Fabric Basket Tote
via sewcanshe
These kinds of tote bag patterns are more for the advanced sewers and require a bit of effort and time but no doubt the result will convince you to get started.
You’ll need to create the piping for the strap handles and side pieces, join the other fabric pieces together, and attach the straps.
Don’t worry too much though because this free pattern will guide you through the entire steps with detailed instructions and pictures. It’s guaranteed you’ll love every minute of sewing this tote bag.
3. Ombre Tassel Tote Bag Patterns
via theblondielocks
I love anything to do will tassels. It’s a great way to make use of leftover yarn or embroidery thread and recently I’ve been obsessed with tassel crafts. Especially, the ombre ones! It’s super chic, making just about anything look from bland to stunning.
This tote bag attaches different shades of pink tassels onto a knitted bag and it gives off a fun beachy vibe, am I right? Perfect for the summer and if you’re not a lover of pink, choose any color you’d like and follow the instructions.
For this effect, make sure you have embroidery thread on hand since it will give you a better, softer effect for the tassel than yarn.
4. No-Sew Upcycled Shirt Tote Bag
via averageinspired
Looking to reuse an old t-shirt instead of tossing it in the dumpster? Then try this amazing tote bag pattern that is as easy as pie! For this patterned tote, you’ll need to have a plain canvas tote bag and your chosen shirt for the heart.
If you don’t want to use a heart shape, you could try drawing and cutting a cloud, triangle, square, circle, or anything!
What’s great about this DIY tote bag, it’s no-sew! You’ll need to iron on the shape and then glue down a decorative tape to edge it. So simple and easy!
5. Tote Bag With Pocket
Tote bag patterns with pockets are the cutest thing ever. You can drop a few supplies like a pen or notebooks and instead of digging through the bag itself when in a hurry, you could just grab these supplies quickly from the outside pocket.
If you’ve never attempted a pocket tote pattern before, I highly recommend you give this tutorial a shot. You’ll find it easy to follow along and learn how to attach and sew this tote from scratch.
Also, don’t forget to grab canvas fabric for a better finish.
6. Rhinestone Jeweled Tote
via damasklove
As a kid, I used to go gaga over anything shiny and pretty so I’m sure you can guess how excited I was to stumble across this gorgeous tote! And yes, armed with glue and rhinestones, I so made one for myself!
Just ensure you have a plain tote to get started but if you’re in the mood and don’t already have one on hand, grab some fabric and make your own!
Once you’ve got that part sorted, you can head over to the fun part! You’ll need to paint a large square (I prefer pink) and glue the rhinestones to the bag.
7. Library Tote Bag
via sugarbeecrafts
Here’s a super duper cute tote your kids and you (hey, no judging here) will love. It makes use of three different kinds of fabric, a cat-patterned fabric, a glasses pattern, green fabric for the piping, and a plain grey fabric for the straps.
It’s pretty heavy-duty by using fusible fleece to add some weight to the tote so ideal for carrying things like books from the library and it has large pockets that are quite useful.
Once you’re finished with the first tote bag, you’ll be itching to get started on the next one. Do be warned!
8. Beach Tote Bag
via trinketsinbloom
Planning a relaxed day to spend by the beach or perhaps planning to take a walk by the lake? Then this beached-themed tote is exactly what you need.
The color of the tote blends in well with the brown leather handles, and to top it off, real sea shells give this tote bag the uniqueness it deserves.
You could even add a few glitter beads but do make sure it’s not bigger than the size of the seashells. Small rhinestones will be just right for this tote.
9. Knitted Tote Bag
via yarnplaza
Up for a fun knitting project? I’m only a beginner at knitting, as well as crochet, and the most that I’ve been able to do is granny squares. I’m a little too scared to venture past that because I’m known for quitting projects once I get bored.
After seeing this knitted tote bag, I’m slightly tempted to give this one a try. I love the different shades it uses with the green at the bottom and the darker shades going up with a white yarn finishing up at the top.
Plus, the braided handles in green and grey are such a smart idea. If you’re a lover of knitting and can do it with your eyes closed, this DIY tote bag should be at the top of your list!
10. DIY Road Trip Activity Totes
via prettylifegirls
Oh, how amazing are these cute tote bags with the pattern and quote in the middle? It’s a simple pattern but the small details make it stand out.
Solid colors are used for the tote bag itself, with a white triangle in the middle, and at the very top, a colorful patterned fabric is used.
This tote bag pattern is really easy to follow and if you’re on the go all the time, this bag is perfect for storing snacks and other important things.
11. Tote Bag With Leather Handle
via WeaverLeatherSupply
Are you tired of ordinary fabric straps for your tote bags? Then how about these classy leather straps?
This amazing tutorial will show you exactly how to attach leather straps to any tote and you’ll also find a detailed tote bag pattern to make.
Just in case you’re wondering how to secure the leather straps, you’ll need rivet caps to do the job for you. Rivet caps are usually found in a craft store but you could also probably find Amazon.
12. Book Quote Tote Bag Pattern
via abeautifulmess
This simple white tote with brown leather straps and a printed quote is perfect for those book lovers (why, hello there!) who know one does not simply leave a bookstore with just one book.
How many times have you entered a bookstore, picked up one book, and then another caught your eye, and you start falling down the rabbit hole?
Before you know it, you’re chasing out a few books your arms might not have the energy to carry all the way home.
Say hello to this gorgeous tote bag pattern that will save the day!
13. Reversible Cube Bag
Ever wanted to make a reversible bag before? Well, now you can with this detailed tote bag pattern. The shape of this bag provides enough space to pack as many things as you want.
Also, if you’re the type of person who’d rather way a tutorial that reads, then there’s also an awesome video tutorial of this tote bag.
14. DIY Unicorn Tote Bag
via damasklove
Hands up if you’re in love with unicorn crafts. You’re not alone! Anything unicorn-related is sure to turn out looking adorable in every way and this DIY tote bag does not disappoint.
The scalloped pink detail at the bottom of this tote bag is such a fantastic detail that I’m going to try that on a simple plain tote as well.
15. Granny Square Crochet Tote
via bhookedcrochet
I’m much better with crocheting than knitting since I get a better feel of the process and my hands work better with a hook than needles. These granny squares can be made fast so you’re sure to have this tote bag within no time.
If you’re feeling a little wild, mix the granny squares with different colors or try an ombre effect with lighter shades of blue yarn.
16. Yarn Tassel Tote
via damasklove
Here’s another amazing tassel tote you can make fast. This tassel though is a little different. Instead of joining them to the bag itself, she adds them at the bottom to hang, sort of like a fringe.
Simple, pretty, and chic. What’s not to love?
17. Iron-On Tote
via idlehandsawake
If you’re not in the mood to make your tote from scratch but looking for a way to make your plain tote more stylish, then you’ll love this idea. Here this funny quote is ironed onto the tote.
Hardly much effort is involved that is perfect for a lazy day.
18. White And Grey Crochet Tote
via makeanddocrew
Wow, these crochet tote bags are something, right? And the best part of all of these – they’re free! It’s hard to come across pretty patterns like these that aren’t sold for a couple of bucks.
I love this two-tone look with the grey on the bottom and a white yarn at the top. Plus the thick white rope is something you don’t come across often.
19. Rounded Top Tote Bag
via allfreesewing
This tote bag is rounded on the top and narrows down at the end. I love how well this color scheme is matched with the white and blue stripes as well as the yellow color block that matches the handles.
A tote bag that gives off beach vibes.
20. DIY Vegetable Tote
via curbly
Normally, on a Tuesday I’d do some light grocery shopping to buy a few fresh herbs and whatnot and this DIY tote bag is perfect for that. Mostly, the print is what got me the most.
21. Pretty Reversible Shopping Bag
via sewcanshe
If there is one sewing tutorial or a site with tote bag patterns that I would say is seriously amazing, I’d say it’s hands down sewcanshe. There are amazing things she makes over there and I highly suggest you check her out.
Of course, just by looking at this gorgeous reversible shopping tote above, you’d be able to tell how skilled and fantastic she is at what she does.
22. DIY Picnic Tote
via sewcanshe
As I said, she’s amazing at these tote bag patterns. Here’s another tutorial from sewcanshe that is perfect for a relaxed picnic in the park. Her color and pattern scheme are flawlessly perfect.
However, for this one, I preferred a white inside lining since it’s so busy on the outside.
23. How To Sew A Stiff Bottom
via bumblebeebags
I know there are a ton of tote bag patterns out there but I just wanted to include this really easy tutorial that will show you how to sew a stiff base for your tote bag.
24. Leather Tote Bag Patterns
via boxwoodavenue
I’m normally not a huge fan of leather but there’s something simple yet stylish about this one that matches perfectly with jeans.
If this is your first ever leather tote bag, then this free pattern is a must-see!
