Create a cute and easy crochet tote bag in spring colors with this free pattern! The combination of different colored ...
Tote bag patterns
Level up your sewing skills while creating something practical and cute with this easy DIY tote bag tutorial. Soon your ...
Make your own spacious and sturdy tote bag with this easy free crochet pattern using super bulky yarn! This bag ...
Upgrade your crochet game with this free crochet market tote bag pattern – perfect for sunny days, farmers’ market runs, ...
Make your own reusable drawstring gift bag with handles using this free sewing pattern and tutorial! With this project, you’ll ...
Create your own square tote bag with this free sewing pattern and tutorial, perfect for beginners. This simple project results ...
Crochet a vibrant rainbow tote bag with this free pattern, perfect for markets and day trips! Measuring approximately 14″ x ...
Learn how to crochet a versatile market tote bag with this free pattern and step-by-step tutorial. The finished size, excluding ...
Turn your old jeans into a trendy and durable denim crossbody bag with this fun and practical upcycling project! This ...
Get ready to sew your new favorite bag with this free everyday tote pattern, available in two super useful sizes! ...
Ready to sew a tote that’s stylish and functional? This DIY tote bag from Helen’s Closet Patterns is a fantastic ...
Get ready for a sewing adventure with this free drawstring tote bag pattern and tutorial! This isn’t your average drawstring ...
Learn how to turn those unused fabric scraps into a stylish tote bag with this easy sewing tutorial. By pairing ...
This Sherbet Stripes tote bag is the kind of crochet project you’ll want to make again and again. It’s beginner-friendly, ...
Sew your own roomy and practical tote bag with this beginner-friendly tutorial! This DIY tote has a wide 8″ gusset ...
Create your very own spooky and stylish trick-or-treat bag with this free sewing pattern! This DIY tote is perfect for ...
Fancy whipping up a super cute and useful bag? This crochet shells tote market bag is absolutely perfect, especially if ...
This free Pepper tote bag pattern is a fantastic, quick project that results in a stylish and functional tote. It ...
Learn how to make a cute crochet trick or treat bag with this free pattern and tutorial. This is an ...
Effortlessly chic: crochet the Billow Tote with free pattern. Upgrade your accessory game with the stylish and practical Billow Tote! ...
Got an extra tea towel lying around? Turn it into a charming and practical grocery tote with this easy DIY ...
Make your own fabulous beach bag with this super easy tutorial, perfect for beginners! It’s a great addition to your ...
Learn how to sew a stunning and sturdy denim tote bag with a zipper in this step-by-step tutorial. This bag ...
Create your own crochet market bag with a raffia look using ribbon yarn. This free pattern lets you whip up ...
Free tote bag patterns
If you love a good bag (who doesn’t?), you’re in the right place. This page is packed with free tote bag patterns and tutorials for every taste, occasion, and skill level. Whether you’re into sewing, crochet, knitting, patchwork, or upcycling, we’ve rounded up a bunch of fun and functional tote bag projects you can make and actually use.
Why tote bags?
Tote bags are the MVPs of handmade projects. They’re easy to make, endlessly useful, and totally customizable. Here’s why we’re obsessed:
- Perfect for beginners – simple shapes, straight lines, no stress
- Endlessly versatile – use them for groceries, books, beach trips, crafts, or everyday errands
- Eco-friendly – ditch plastic and go handmade instead
- Gift-worthy – make one for every friend, teacher, or family member
- Customizable – play with fabric, yarn, pockets, linings, straps, and size
What kinds of tote bag patterns will you find here?
This page is a goldmine of creative tote bag ideas, including:
- Free sewing patterns for basic, lined, boxed-bottom, and reversible totes
- Crochet tote bags – classic, granny square, mesh, and summer-ready styles
- Knitted tote bags – soft and stretchy or sturdy with structure
- Patchwork and quilted tote bags – a beautiful way to use up fabric scraps
- Upcycled totes made from old jeans, T-shirts, canvas bags, or leftover fabric
Whether you want to make a roomy shopper, a stylish market bag, or a mini book tote, you’ll find a project (or five) you’ll want to try.
First time making a tote bag?
Don’t worry – it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying projects to sew or crochet! Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
For sewing:
- Cotton or canvas fabric (sturdier is better!)
- Thread, scissors, pins, and a basic sewing machine
- Optional: fusible interfacing for structure, lining fabric, magnetic snaps
For crochet or knitting:
- Cotton yarn or a yarn blend with some strength
- Hooks or needles in the recommended size
- Optional: fabric lining for extra durability
Start with a basic flat tote with straps or a simple mesh crochet tote – you’ll be amazed how quickly it comes together.
Want to make it your own?
Tote bags are the perfect blank canvas. Add:
- A zipper pocket, key clip, or magnetic snap
- A patchwork exterior with favorite fabric scraps
- Fun lining fabric, contrast straps, or piping
- Appliqué, embroidery, or fabric paint for a personal touch
- Extra pockets inside and out for organizing on the go
There’s no wrong way to make a tote. Just go with your style and have fun with it!
Tote bag ideas by occasion
Looking for a specific kind of tote? Try these ideas:
- Market bag for groceries or farmers market hauls
- Library tote for books and notebooks
- Beach bag with room for a towel, snacks, and sunscreen
- Craft tote to hold your yarn, hooks, or current WIP
- Gift bag – better than wrapping paper and reusable, too!
Make a bunch to stash in your car, gift closet, or hallway hook. Once you get started, you won’t want to stop.
Have a free tote bag pattern to share?
If you’ve designed a tote bag tutorial – sewn, crocheted, knitted, or upcycled – we’d love to feature it!
Here’s how to submit:
- Your project must be free to access online (blog, site, etc.)
- Include clear photos and step-by-step instructions
- Fill out this form
We’ll review it, and if it fits our audience, we’ll link to your post right here on Crafts on Display.
Scroll through and get inspired
We’re always adding more awesome patterns to this tag page, so keep checking back! Whether you’re sewing up fabric scraps, crocheting with cotton yarn, or turning old jeans into something fabulous, you’ll find your next favorite project right here. Happy tote-making!