Sewing a hobo bag is fun and very easy. You can download the free pattern for this slouchy bag here in the post and get started right away!
The most important things at a glance
- In this tutorial, Simone shows you how to sew a hobo bag
- With this guide, you can sew the hobo bag as a practical reversible bag
- You can download the free hobo bag pattern in 2 sizes right here in this post
- Simone also shares important tips and tricks while sewing to ensure your slouchy bag turns out perfectly
- All you need is your favorite fabric and a bit of me-time for sewing
- Sewing level: easy
- Sewing time: 1 afternoon
What is a hobo bag?
... and where does the word come from?
The word itself is English and appeared in America at the end of the 19th century. Migrant workers, who were mostly homeless, would bundle their belongings into a pouch and tie it to a stick. That, or something similar, was the case. It is hard to believe that nowadays there are luxury hobo bags that cost well over 1,000 EUR. The bag has certainly made it into the world of fashion.
But you don't need to spend that much money on your new bag, I promise! That doesn't mean it’s any less classy or pretty to look at than those from well-known fashion labels. Incidentally, the hippies in the 60s and 70s loved these bags above all else. Some therefore also call them hippie pouches or hippie bags.
The hobo bag is characterized by its crescent shape and usually has long shoulder straps or handles; it can be worn over the shoulder and hangs in a super casual way, like a pouch. If you close the turning opening with a neat ladder stitch, you can also easily sew the Jolle hobo bag as a reversible bag.
But that's enough background information. Let's get started:
YouTube video: How to sew a hobo bag
Free hobo bag pattern
After downloading, the pattern is taped together according to the plan printed on the pattern sheet.
Important: This pattern is exclusive to newsletter subscribers. Here's how it works:
1. Sign up for the SewSimple newsletter
2. Create a customer account using the same email address
3. Log in
4. Click on download or go to the freebie section of your customer account to access the pattern.
Now you can print it out on your home printer. Use the print setting "100% without scaling". A 1 cm seam allowance is already included in the pattern.
Please understand that we cannot send the pattern by email or as a printed copy by post. We are therefore unable to process such requests. Thank you. :)
Is it hard to sew a hobo bag?
Well, if a bag is easy to sew, then it’s this hobo bag. There are no buckles, rings, or zippers. Of course, the hobo bag can be modified or changed. But this one is a dream when it comes to simplicity. We are also sewing a simple patch pocket on the inside so that you don't have to look for small items or dump out the entire contents of your hobo bag every time. You’re familiar with a bag with a "base" gusset, right? 😉
Can beginners sew a reversible bag?
Perhaps you’re worried about whether you can manage this bag project as a beginner. I’ll be blunt: JOLLE is perfect as a first self-sewn bag!
Why? Because we designed the darts to be super easy to sew. And because the photo tutorial shows all the sewing steps. Of course, there is also a detailed step-by-step guide where you can read everything through.
If you want to sew JOLLE as a reversible bag, you should close the turning opening in the bottom of the lining with a ladder stitch. This makes it invisible. If you have never sewn a ladder stitch (sometimes called a magic seam) before, take a look at my tutorial on it: Sewing a ladder stitch.
Are there things I need to know as a sewing beginner to make a hobo bag?
You only need simple and conventional basic knowledge. If you are unsure, my online sewing course is just the thing for you. The SewSimple sewing license is excellent and in 2.5 hours you will have the practical basic knowledge you need to get started with sewing.
The hobo bag is sewn from woven cotton fabric. You can learn more about this in the post Sewing with cotton fabric. There, you will get a good overview of working with woven fabrics.
What should my sewing machine be able to do to sew a hobo bag?
Your standard household sewing machine is absolutely sufficient. If you want to use thicker fabrics to sew this hobo bag, you should use a stronger sewing machine needle.
READING TIP: Everything about sewing machine needles
Which fabrics are well-suited for a hobo bag?
The hobo bag should be sewn from woven fabrics. These fabrics are firm and not stretchy. If the fabrics are too thin, you can reinforce them with interfacing. This gives the bag structure.
Here you can find the great fabrics that Simone used in her tutorial.*
| Fabric type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Notes & tips | Source |
| Canvas | Canvas is a fabric woven from strong yarns. Did you know that? Canvas refers to the term "sailcloth". | - makes the bag a bit firmer and heavier; it has more structure. - seam transitions and multiple layers of fabric are slightly harder to sew for sewing machines and beginners. |
- does not necessarily need to be reinforced with interfacing - a good and sharp pair of fabric shears is very useful - sew with a jeans needle or a size 90-100 universal needle |
Order canvas* |
| Cotton poplin | Poplin is very finely ribbed, which you can't even see with the naked eye. It is a firm weave made from fine yarns. The term poplin refers to the weaving technique, not the type of yarn. In any case, poplin is an "all-rounder" and great for bag projects. | - poplin should be reinforced for this sewing project (Vilene H200 or H250), otherwise the bag will be too thin | - work with a size 70-80 universal needle | Order poplin* |
| Cotton batiste | fine and firm fabric that doesn't wrinkle easily | - the back of the fabric should be reinforced, otherwise the bag will be too thin and won't keep the desired shape | - work with a size 70-90 universal needle | Order cotton batiste* |
| Coated cotton | water-repellent, wipeable, robust | - since this fabric has a coating, ironing is not possible. The sewing foot also has a harder time. There are special Teflon sewing feet for this. They glide well over coated fabrics and the stitch length is no longer affected. | - work with a size 70-90 universal needle - does not need to be reinforced |
Order coated cotton fabrics* |
| Linen/linen blend | linen is made from the natural fiber flax and looks very elegant. This fiber is considerably more robust and tear-resistant than cotton. The well-known wrinkled look is also popular | - fabric edges fray more quickly - fabric distorts more easily |
- reinforcing with interfacing reduces fraying at the edges and prevents distortion - work with a size 70-90 universal needle |
Order linen* |
| Denim | firm, strong and robust | - multiple layers of denim are harder to sew |
- work with heavy, sharp shears - sew with a jeans needle or a size 90-100 universal needle - jeans thread for topstitching is an advantage - does not necessarily need to be reinforced |
Order denim fabrics* |
| Fine corduroy | velvety ribs and surface, robust fabric | - grain direction (parallel to the selvage) should be observed when cutting: the nap must feel rough when stroked downwards | - work with a size 80-90 universal needle | Order corduroy* |
Fabric bundles for the JOLLE hobo bag
To make sewing even easier, Simone has put together some dreamily beautiful fabric bundles that are perfect for Jolle.
What’s included:
0.60 m, optionally 0.80 m Canvas Bramble Citrus Grove Cotton + Steel
0.60 m, optionally 0.80 m Westfalenstoffe / Tildastoffe
0.60 m, optionally 1.10 m Vilene Freudenberg H200 WHITE
Should the fabrics be treated before processing?
Before you cut your fabrics, you should wash them. All fabrics can shrink to varying degrees after the first wash. Pre-washed fabrics do not need to be washed; it is also not necessary for waxed or coated fabrics.
Some fabrics fray faster. This is often the case with linen, for example. You can finish the edges before washing. You can do this with a zigzag stitch or an overlocker. Then nothing can go wrong and the fabric edges are stabilized.
Fabric requirements for the hobo bag
| Material type | Quantity required |
| Outer fabric (from 110 cm fabric width) | Jolle large: 75 cm Jolle small: 55 cm |
| Lining fabric (from 110 cm fabric width) | Jolle large: 75 cm Jolle small: 55 cm |
| Fusible interfacing H200 (90 cm width) | Jolle large: 110 cm Jolle small: 50 cm |
How big is the finished Hobo Bag Jolle?
The Hobo Bag Jolle large has the following dimensions:
- Width: 50 cm
- Height with handle: 67 cm
The Hobo Bag Jolle small has the following dimensions:
- Width: 35 cm
- Height with handle: 50 cm
Sewing a Hobo Bag: Required accessories
- Marking pen*
- Sewing thread*
- Tape measure*
- Pins*
- Fabric shears*
- Thread snips*
- Iron* and ironing pad
- Fabric clips*
- if needed, corner & edge shaper* for shaping
- Trick marker*
- suitable sewing machine needle, possibly denim needle*
- Sewing machine
Conclusion: Sewing a Hobo Bag the easy way!
Wow, that was fun again! This bag is truly a real all-rounder, we think. Especially when it is sewn from such chic fabrics. We are really in love with these beautiful lemon fabrics (we will link them again in the fabric recommendations so you can order them too).
The small bag is the perfect size for your shopping trip with friends or for the office. The large version is great for your groceries or for the gym. A lot really fits in there!
Of course, you can also lengthen the handles of the bag if needed or sew in additional pieces of webbing. To do this, close the sides of the handles, but leave the upper end open. You can then fold the seam allowance at the handle opening inward and slide one end of the webbing inside. Naturally, you do the same thing again on the other side. This way, you can create straps that are long enough to carry the bag as a cross-body bag.
Feel free to write in the comments how you like the tutorial! We hope you have fun sewing. :)
Happy simple sewing
Simone & Sabine
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