Sew Your Own Bags & Totes: Stylish, Functional & Oh-So-Fun!
Are you tote-ally obsessed with bags? (I know, I couldn’t resist!) Whether you need a spacious tote for the farmer’s market, a crossbody for everyday essentials, or a chic clutch for a night out, sewing your own bags is the way to go! Not only do you get to choose the perfect fabric and customize every detail, but you also get the satisfaction of saying, “Thanks, I made it!” when someone inevitably compliments your creation.
Why Sew Your Own Bags & Totes?
Customization: Pick your favorite fabrics, add fun details, and make it truly you.
Eco-Friendly: Reusable bags cut down on plastic waste. Mother Earth approves! 🌎
Skill Building: Sewing a bag is a great way to practice zippers, pockets, and straps.
Gift-Worthy: Handmade bags make thoughtful, stylish gifts for friends and family.
Must-Have Supplies for Bag Making
Here’s what you’ll need to bring your bag dreams to life! (Affiliate links included to grab these handy tools.)
🧵 Fabric – Choosing the right fabric is key to a sturdy and stylish bag. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:
Cotton Canvas – Durable, easy to sew, and available in many prints. Pros: Holds structure well, machine washable. Cons: May need interfacing for extra stiffness. Shop on Amazon
Faux Leather/Vinyl – A great alternative to real leather for a professional look. Pros: Water-resistant, strong, and stylish. Cons: Can be tricky to sew without a Teflon foot, not as breathable. Shop on Amazon
Quilting Cotton – Ideal for lightweight bags and linings. Pros: Wide variety of prints, easy to work with. Cons: Lacks structure, may require interfacing or multiple layers. Shop on Amazon
Denim – A fantastic choice for rugged bags. Pros: Super durable, stylish. Cons: Thick seams can be challenging to sew. Shop on Amazon
Waxed Canvas – Water-resistant and ages beautifully. Pros: Great for outdoor and rugged-style bags. Cons: Can be stiff and difficult to manipulate when sewing. Shop on Amazon
Linen – A chic and lightweight option. Pros: Soft and natural-looking. Cons: Wrinkles easily, not as durable for heavy-duty bags. Shop on Amazon
Home Decor Fabric – Often heavier-weight with bold prints. Pros: Sturdy and stylish. Cons: Some may fray easily, requiring extra finishing.
🔧 Zippers & Hardware –
Magnetic snaps - Shop on Amazon
D-rings - Shop on Amazon
Buckles - Shop plastic buckles on Amazon Shop metal buckles on Amazon
🪡 Straps & Handles – Use webbing, fabric or leather for a polished look. Shop on Amazon
🧵Sewing Supplies
Strong thread – Polyester or nylon thread works best for heavy-duty stitching. Shop on Amazon.
Sewing machine needles – Heavy-duty or denim needles help tackle thicker fabrics. Shop on Amazon.
Types of Bags You Can Sew
Here are some fun and functional bag styles to try:
👜 Tote Bags – Simple, stylish, and endlessly useful. Perfect for everyday errands!
🎒 Backpacks – Great for hands-free carrying and travel adventures.
💼 Crossbody Bags – Comfortable and secure for when you’re on the go.
👛 Clutches & Wristlets – Perfect for dressy occasions or minimalist outings.
🛍 Market Bags – Reusable, eco-friendly bags for groceries or farmer’s markets.
Top Sewing Books for Bags & Totes
Get step by step help from these best seller sewing books!
📖 "Sew4Home Bags and Totes" by Liz Johnson and Anne Adams Shop on Amazon
📖 "The Complete Bag Making Masterclass by Samantha Hussey Shop on Amazon
📖 "That Handmade Touch" by Svetlana Sotak Shop on Amazon
📖 "Sewing Perfect Little Bags and Totes” by Carolina Moore Shop on Amazon
📖 "Big-City Bags: Sew Handbags with Style" by Sara Lawson Shop on Amazon
📖 "The Bag Making Bible” by Lisa Lam and Amy Butler Shop on Amazon
📖 "On the Go Bags” by Lindsay Conner Shop on Amazon
Try a Bag Sewing Class at Creativebug!
Step by step video instruction to help you create your new bag!
Bonus Tips for Bag Sewing Success
Use the right needle: A denim or heavy-duty needle works best for thicker fabrics.
Reinforce stress points: Double-stitching at strap attachments keeps your bag sturdy.
Play with linings: A fun patterned lining adds a delightful surprise inside!
Practice zipper installation: It’s a game-changer for making professional-looking bags.
Let’s Get Sewing!
Ready to stitch up some stylish bags? Grab your supplies, pick a pattern, and let your creativity run wild! Whether you make a tote, backpack, or clutch, your handmade bag will be as unique as you are.
Happy sewing! ✨👜
