Now with it being September, school’s back in session! It’s always so exciting to reunite with your friends, and you can start the off the school year with a fresh new look. Today, I thought it would be fun to share free patterns for bags and totes to freshen up your personal style.
Whether you’re in high school, university, or are simply a student of life, I think you’ll find a bag that suits your personal style here. I love clean lines and interesting shapes, so these bags fall within a cute minimalist aesthetic.
Everything is curated to be useful as well. From free duffle bag patterns to hold your gym clothes to a pencil case pattern with a built-in tray. With so much to choose form, why not make yourself a new bag as part of your beginning of the year activities?
Without further ado, here are 10 free bag sewing patterns for back to school season.
Bags
1. Shopping Bag by Burda Style
Kicking off the list is this easy tote bag pattern. It’s a simple statement piece that really expresses your individuality. You can use it to carry groceries, books, or anything really. I’m sure you’ve seen tons of tote bags in the past week. When I’m out and about, I notice that no two are alike. And that’s what makes them special. Making your own is great for developing your own style.
2. Quilted Tote Bag by MsRosieBea
I love a quilted bag. This free quilted purse pattern would be perfect to hold more delicate supplies like makeup or digital equipment and wires. This pattern is by one of my favorite vloggers. Her sewing style is very clean and polished, and I think it reflects in her bags as well.
Mini Duffel
3. Quilted Kit Bag by MsRosieBea
This is a mini duffle bag tutorial that I will be adding to my own capsule wardrobe. It’s another free pattern by MsRosieBea, and I just love that it’s a smaller version of the duffel bags we all know and love. It’s so unique for being quilted, too.
4. Weekend Duffel Bag by SewingTimes
Speaking of duffels, this free weekender bag pattern is a useful one. We all need a weekender bag, especially for those Autumn getaways. This is practically also a gym bag.
So the really fun thing about DIYing your own bags is that you can add as many pockets as you want. For a bag like this, I would make plenty of compartments for all of my things.
Covers and cases
5. Japanese Style Adjustable Book Cover by Petit Bout de Chou
Usually, Fall classes start with a long reading list. You can liven up the reading vibes by making a book cover (or two) for yourself or a friend. This might even encourage you to complete your reading assignments!
6. Greyling Tablet Case by Love to Stitch and Sew
Sometimes, the pen you’re using is a statement piece. Other times, it’s your gorgeous tablet sleeve. Level up your personal fashion (while also protecting your tech) with a very personalized tablet case. I love the built in two-tone design of this case. I think making this with two different shades of your favorite color would be a sleek winning combination.
Cross Body Bags
7. Stylish Circle Bag by SewingTimes
My favorite kind of bag is the cross body. It’s the perfect bag that balances style and practicality. It will never get too heavy (which is a problem I tend to have with larger shoulder bags), and accents an outfit without overpowering it. This free crossbody bag pattern also has a cargo pocket in the front. We all love pockets, and I love that this pocket gently elevates the plainness of the bag.
8. Fanny Pack by SewingTimes
Your hands will likely be full as you find your way through campus or a new town. If you’re tired of the same old backpack, consider this cross body bag pattern instead. It’s got that familiar shape of a classic backpack, but compactly sized and off to the side of your body. The redefined size and straps keep it interesting. I can imagine this looking very sleek with a solid colored waterproof polyester of some kind.
Pouches
9. Pencil Case Zip Up Tray by SewingTimes
I love the idea of having my supplies laid out to see instead of pulling a bunch of pens out and looking for what I need. This is actually one of my favorite pencil case patterns because of the built in tray. I was once the queen of study setups at the library, and I tell you, I would not have hesitated to buy a pouch like this if I saw one. This pouch is a great addition to anyone who likes to stay organized.
10. Pyramid Pouch by Loganberry Handmade
Finally, the smallest bag of the bunch is this free pyramid purse pattern. I couldn’t NOT add this to the list for its unique pyramid shape. It makes a great coin purse or pouch for holding smaller tech like stylus nibs or even erasers. It’s also such a cute little pouch to nest within your other bags! Not to mention a great stashbuster.
Conclusion
Adding a little DIY to your bags will always be a conversation starter. Kick off the Fall semester with a little fun by making your own bag (or two!). I also think these patterns are just as good for the Fall, Spring, Summer semesters, too – pretty much all year round!
I hope you enjoyed this curated selection. It can be a challenge to find good free sewing patterns, but I’m glad that I took the time out to find these. I was so inspired during my search, that I actually found a couple of paid minimalist style bag patterns that I just couldn’t leave out.
Bonus Patterns (Not Free)
11. Bag-Backpack by Alevtina
I LOVE this backpack! This was definitely made with the minimalist in mind. Though I don’t think this can hold heavier textbooks, this can definitely carry notebooks and tablets. You can also use this to carry extra clothes on a last minute beach trip.
12. Minimalist Wallet by NoodleHead
Finally, I couldn’t close out this collection without a wallet, which is something everyone needs. I appreciate the number of pockets packed into the size of your palm to stay organized. This is also a great stashbuster and a fun way to play with fabric. You can even make some for your friends.
Till next time, xo.
Note that am not affiliated with any of the brands, authors, or organizations mentioned in this post.