What do you need to sew bags?
Maybe you think sewing bags is a huge amount of work, right? But it really doesn't have to be. Even with just a few materials, you can sew gorgeous bags for every occasion yourself. Here I'll give you an overview of the basic supplies for sewing bags
Shopping list for sewing bags
- Scissors: a high-quality, long-lasting pair of scissors cuts fabric and trims seam allowances neatly
- Rotary cutter: it has a round blade and cuts precisely along the pattern line
- Ruler: for measuring distances and cutting fabric pieces; together with the rotary cutter, the perfect duo for accurate work
- Marking pen: use it to transfer markings precisely onto the fabric
- Pins: for pinning pattern pieces together neatly
- Fabric clips: come in handy whenever pins are too fine, e.g. for holding pattern pieces made of faux leather or cork fabric
- Iron: well pressed is half sewn – use your iron to neatly shape the seams and corners of your handmade bags
Fabrics for sewing bags
Depending on how you want to use your bag, you can choose a suitable sewing pattern. But that's not all: choosing the right fabric also determines how well the bag suits the occasion. Here's an overview of the most common bag fabrics and what you can use them for.
Fabric typeSuitable forWoven cottonAll kinds of bags, cosmetic bags, pouches, e.g. poplin or canvas shoulder bags, zipper pouchesCoated fabricsPerfect for backpacks and belt bags, e.g. PUL fabrics or oilskinFaux leather & cork fabricGreat as a combination fabric together with woven fabric for water-repellent bag projectsFeltFor sturdy, single-layer bags with plenty of surface for decorating and embroidering
Bag sewing patterns
The choice of beautiful and practical bag sewing patterns is overwhelming. That's why you should think beforehand about how you want to use your new bag. Do you like to keep your hands free when you're out and about? Then a backpack sewing pattern is definitely worth considering. Should it come with you to the next market visit? Then a shopping bag is just right for you. Of course, the same goes for choosing the right fabric: should your new bag be water-repellent or even weatherproof? In that case, take a look at coated fabrics (and probably lose your heart straight away – there are so many great fabrics!). In any case, it's important that both the bag pattern and the bag fabric match your sewing experience. That way you'll enjoy plenty of moments of success. Pure bag-sewing happiness, promise.
Sew your own bags
Even without much prior knowledge, you can sew beautiful bags yourself. With the right instructions and an uncomplicated pattern, even beginners can make great handmade bags that really look the part. All you need is a suitable bag sewing pattern, easy-to-follow instructions and a fabric that is not only easy to work with but also makes your sewing heart beat faster. And off you go.
Bag sewing patterns for sewing bags
You don't necessarily need a sewing pattern to sew bags – even though it really does make things enormously easier. Many beginners find working with a tape measure and marking pen a little challenging. All the greater the joy when they can print out and use a sewing pattern for their bag. And, to be honest: I feel exactly the same way! I often stack all the fabrics I need for a project neatly on top of each other, pin the pattern on top with a few pins and then cut everything out accurately with the rotary cutter. Quick, easy and perfect.
How does a bag eBook work?
You've fallen in love with a bag sewing pattern and want to get started? Now you might be wondering how the eBook actually works, right? All you need is your normal home printer and your phone or a PC.
After buying the bag eBook, you'll receive an email or a download link. Use it to download the eBook. An eBook is basically nothing more than a file containing sewing instructions and a sewing pattern. You don't have to print out the instructions (although you can, of course); many sewing fans like to work in an eco-friendly way and therefore read the instructions on their smartphone.
- Print the bag sewing pattern at 100% without page scaling on your A4 printer.
- Tape the pattern pages together. Make sure the cutting lines match up exactly.
- Cut out the pattern along the cutting line with paper scissors (don't use your good fabric scissors for this, or they'll go blunt!).
- Now you can use the pattern to cut out the pattern pieces you need for your bag project.
How do I sew a bag?
There are an incredible number of bag sewing patterns in all shapes, colours, functions and sizes. To start with, a simple tote bag, for example, is a brilliant idea. Firstly, because you don't need much fabric for it. And secondly, because you can use it in everyday life straight away and enjoy your sewing superpowers every day.
For a simple bag with handles like this, you cut the pattern twice, sew the pieces right sides together and then finish the edges of the seam allowances. Then the top hem is pressed over and topstitched before the handles are sewn on. By the way, you can easily cut these from webbing too. And you're ready for your next shopping adventure.
Why sew your own bags?
Buying bags is boring? True! Because sewing your own bags is much more individual. You can get really creative and play with colours, shapes, fabrics and materials. Nothing underlines your very own personal look as much as a handmade bag that matches it perfectly. And on top of that, sewing a bag is an incredibly satisfying project in itself. Why? Because it's manageable and quick to make. And with the right bag sewing pattern, your handmade bag will turn out perfectly, want to bet?
Which bag sewing patterns suit which occasion?
So that you don't get lost in the jungle of bag sewing patterns, let's take a look at which bag suits which occasion
Bag typeOccasionSuitable fabricsCosmetic bag, toiletry bagStoring cosmetics & toiletriesWoven cotton, faux leather, cork fabricBackpack/sling bagHiking, shoppingcoated fabrics, woven cotton, faux leatherBelt bag/bum bagWalks, shopping, for small itemsWoven cotton, faux leather, softshellPouch bagShoppingWoven cotton, home decor fabrics, canvasShoulder bag, messenger baglarge for the office and a smaller version for going outWoven cotton, faux leather, cork fabric, coated fabricsStorage basket bagfor storing knitting supplies, as a craft basket or for the TonieboxWoven cotton, home decor fabrics, canvasPencil case/zipper pouchfor school or the officeWoven cotton, home decor fabrics, canvas, faux leatherClutch, wristletfor going out or for festive occasions, e.g. as a bridal bagWoven cotton, home decor fabrics, canvas, lace fabrics
Making bag sewing patterns smaller
Unlike clothing patterns, bag sewing patterns are usually not graded. This means you can often enlarge or reduce bag patterns without any problems.
How does it work? The best and easiest way is to change the printer settings. Normally you print a pattern like this at 100% without page scaling on A4. But if you want to make a bag sewing pattern smaller, you can also reduce it to 90% or even 60%, for example. It just depends on how big or small you want the finished bag to be. Good to know: the seam allowance will of course also be reduced by the same percentage. But you can adjust it to your sewing habits (and the default setting of your sewing machine) when cutting out the pattern. Simply add one centimetre along the cutting line and off you go.
Sewing pattern for a bike basket bag
Do you love getting around by bike too? Then there are surely a few things you always like to have with you. I'm thinking of a small repair kit, plasters, a water bottle or insect spray. 🙂 And, just as important, the bike basket bag needs to close quickly and easily and be easy to take with you when you park your bike. Our rice bag sewing pattern, for example, works fantastically as a bike basket bag. And if you sew it from a coated cotton fabric, the whole thing is even water-repellent.
Sewing pattern for a Toniebox bag
A great sewing idea for little ones is a bag in which the Toniebox can be safely stored and carried. An uncomplicated square storage basket pattern such as our rice bag Kyoto is ideal for this. To keep the Toniebox well protected, you can also reinforce the bag with soft fleece interfacing. Then nothing can happen even with small bumps and knocks.
Sewing pattern for a knitting needle bag
You love handicrafts, but it really drives you crazy when your knitting needles and crochet hooks are flying around everywhere? Then why not sew yourself a bag for your knitting needles! Often you don't even need a sewing pattern; it's enough to simply sew two suitably sized pieces of fabric right sides together, turn them right side out, fold the edges in and then topstitch narrow compartments. And your knitting needles have a tidy new home.
Sewing pattern for a kids' bag
Kids love having their own bag with them (even if the enthusiasm for carrying it often fades afterwards). That's why it's great to involve your child right from the start in choosing the bag sewing pattern for their kids' bag. And, of course, in choosing a favourite fabric that suits the pattern for the kids' bag. Small, lightweight backpacks are perfect, by the way, as they keep little hands free when your little treasure goes exploring.
Sewing pattern for a rollator bag
Looking for the perfect gift idea for rollator users? You've found it! Grab a suitable sewing pattern and sew a bag for a rollator. There are lots of variations and options here that not only look great but are also really practical. It's important to use fabrics that are nice and sturdy and ideally also coated. Then they can be quickly wiped down after shopping and are ready to use again straight away.
Sewing pattern for a folder bag
To fit a large A4 folder, you need a correspondingly large bag sewing pattern. Large messenger bags or roomy shoulder bags such as our XL shopper Bodega are perfect, for example. By the way, it's not just about the bags being big enough – because folders can get pretty thick over time, the sewn bag should also have a decent depth. My tip: use a wide, sturdy webbing for the strap that can hold the weight of the bag well.
Sewing pattern for a sewing supplies bag
So that you always have your sewing supplies to hand in future, you can easily sew yourself a practical bag for your sewing tools. Cute storage baskets are ideal for your fabric clips, for example, while little zipper pouches are perfect for pens, rotary cutters and the like. To protect your precious scissors, you can also sew yourself a matching scissor case. You'll find a pattern for it in my book “Näh doch einfach OVERLOCK!”.
Free sewing pattern for a bag with a base
For a bag or pouch to stand up well, a base should be sewn in. Then you can set the filled bag down securely. A base like this also increases the volume of the bag, of course. The result: much more simply fits inside. You can of course also find a free sewing pattern for a bag with a base at SewSimple. How about the pouch Towe, for example? You can download the free bag sewing pattern HERE.
You are currently viewing placeholder content from Standard. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
Sewing pattern for a bag with a base
A good foundation is important. That applies not only to your basic skills at the sewing machine (which you can strengthen and expand with an online course with me, for example), but also to sewing bags. Because without a sturdy base, bags tip over. And they often lack space and volume too. That's why many of our bag sewing patterns have built-in bases. And because I know how important a sense of achievement is when sewing, I deliberately design my sewing instructions and patterns to be clear and very easy to follow. That's why at SewSimple you'll find the perfect sewing pattern for your next bag project.
Sewing pattern for a bag with a zipper
Let's be honest, a zipper isn't just practical because it can be zipped open and closed in a flash – it's also super sexy as a visual highlight on a handmade bag. That's down to the many brilliant zipper and metal colours and the gorgeous zipper pulls available these days. Unfortunately, many beginners are hesitant to try sewing in zippers. Yet it's really child's play if you follow a few tips and tricks. That's why I explain every step in detail in my sewing instructions and sewing videos. So that your bag with a zipper becomes a real success.
Sewing pattern for a bag with a flap
Big or small: bags with a beautiful flap are an eye-catcher. Maybe because the flap leaves so much room for creative design? It gives your handmade bag a truly individual look and makes it a one-of-a-kind piece. But the bag flap can do even more: flaps often hide secret compartments for your purse, a pocket for your smartphone or a lanyard. That makes sewing patterns for bags with flaps, such as shoulder bags, companions that are as attractive as they are practical.
Sewing pattern for a bag with an interchangeable flap
You love adapting your style to your mood? Then a bag with an interchangeable flap that can change its look in a few simple steps is just right for you. Interchangeable flaps often have zippers or snaps that make swapping them child's play and really invite you to play with colours, fabrics and materials.
Sewing pattern for a bag with lots of compartments
Sometimes you just need a few practical compartments to keep chaos at bay, right? With its many compartments, my accordion bag, for example, effortlessly keeps the office, sewing room or kids' room tidy. The great thing is that bags with compartments like these can often be folded up and closed to save space.
Sewing pattern for a bag with a bamboo handle
A light, airy cotton fabric and a practical bamboo handle: it just doesn't get more summery! A bag with a bamboo handle like this is whipped up in no time and really looks the part. To keep the bag washable, you can also choose bamboo handles that open. Then you can simply unhook the handle from the bag before the big wash and put it back in after drying.
