Prada. Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Vera Bradley. These classic designers dominate the fashion world through their highly coveted bags and purses. While couture handbags look posh, they are not exactly the most functional (or frugal) accessories when you’re grocery shopping with cranky toddlers or cleaning the kitchen while making dinner.
Does needing a practical bag mean you have to sacrifice having a fashionable bag? FaveQuilts doesn’t think so! We believe that every quilter can put their skills to good use by making their own free quilted tote bag patterns or free purse patterns. To help each busy crafter find their ideal quilted bag pattern, we’ve compiled a list of our most stylish DIY bag patterns for simplifying errands and chores.
Quilted Bag Patterns for Home Organization
Lets face it — crafters are messy! If you need help keeping scrap quilt fabric and applique patterns organized, then the Crafty Caddy is the perfect tote bag quilt pattern to safely store a wide variety of crafting materials. For storing sharp sewing supplies, the Cutting Mat Caddy is ideal for creative moms in need of a place to stash their tools away from the little ones.
If you love keeping recipe and quilting magazines around your house, but don’t love how cluttered they can get, check out the Darling Dollhouse Case and the Bumblebee Project Pouch (shown). This vintage house quilt design and adorable applique bag allow you hold sewing kits, various magazines, and unfinished quilt projects in both of their tidy pockets.
Quilted Tote Bag Patterns for Errands
A bigger bag is usually necessary for trips to the grocery store or farmers market. Add style to your weekend errands when you sew a reusable tote bag like an Insulated Market Tote or this Easy to Sew Market Tote (shown). Not only are both of these DIY bags great for going green, they also provide enough room to fit a large amount of food within their sturdy interiors.
If you’re looking for an easy quilted bag pattern to hold many items, you’ll be impressed by the lightweight material and cute coffee pattern featured in Angie’s Big Quilted Tote Bag. When you’re carrying just a few items, like a stack of books, you’ll be glad you made the exquisite Expandable Library Tote for keeping all of your books organized and compact.
Homemade Quilted Handbags
Small quilted pouches and purses make the best presents! For example, the Really Simple Wristlet is one of the most popular quilted gift patterns for a trendy teenager. Similarly, the Quilted Make-up Travel Bag looks just like a Vera Bradley design and is great for holding valuable beauty products. For even smaller and chicer fun, check out this Classic English Flex Frame Pouch (shown) for small coins and keys.
Remember fellow quilters — any quilt project can be functional, frugal and fashionable if you use creativity.
If you’re interested in more quilted bag patterns, check out these 11 free quilted drawstring, messenger, and tote bag patterns.
What would you use a quilted bag for?
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I use small/medium quilted bags for: makeup in my larger purse; pill bottles when going to the doctor; keys,scissors,measuring tape,bandaids,lifesavers,toothpicks etc.etc. In fact, neither my husband nor I could manage without them!
I use my bags for grocery shopping, overnight stays, and sewing, and stowing magazines to read later….
Everything! Especially my knitting that goes along in the car.
I made large pillowcases and slipped them down over the back of my cane back chairs.
I also made cases for foam squares to go on seat of chair.
I use my bags to sort projects, and my several jobs. Always keeping sseparated helps (somewhat) to keep me organized.