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Stylish, Budget-Friendly, and Fun Craft Ideas for All Skill Levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, making your own bags and purses is one of the most satisfying and useful DIY projects you can tackle. From eco-friendly totes to trendy clutches, handmade bags let you express your personal style while being functional and sustainable.
We have rounded up 40 creative DIY bag and purse tutorials—from no-sew options to advanced patterns—perfect for craft lovers of all kinds.
Make Bags and Purses with DIY Tutorials
Make Handbags
No-Sew DIY Bags
Don’t have a sewing machine? No problem! These clever bag ideas require just fabric glue or tape, knots, or folding techniques.
1. No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag – Reuse old shirts by cutting and tying the bottom.
2. Duct Tape Clutch Purse – A fun craft using only colorful duct tape.
Related: Duct girly accessories
3. Fabric Glue Envelope Clutch – Perfect for parties or weddings.
4. DIY Furoshiki Wrap Bag – A beautiful Japanese folding technique.
5. Scarf Shoulder Bag – Turn a scarf into a bag with just a few knots.
6. No-Sew Felt Tote Bag – Felt holds structure without fraying.
7. Hot Glue Mini Purse – Quick to make and great for kids.
8. Upcycled Jeans Pocket Purse – Turn back pockets into cool mini pouches.
9. Canvas Drawstring Backpack – Fold and glue for a casual look.
10. Belt Handle Market Bag – Use an old belt as a stylish handle.
Beginner Sewing Bag Projects
Great for sewing newbies or weekend crafters with a machine.
11. Simple Tote Bag – A boxy tote for groceries, books, or craft supplies.
12. Zippered Makeup Pouch – Learn how to sew a zipper.
13. Fold-Over Clutch – Chic and perfect zipper in coordinating fabrics for special occasions.
14. Drawstring Bag – Ideal for gym or shoes.
15. Mini Coin Purse – A sweet gift idea.
16. Half-Moon Bag – Curved seams for a more fashionable design.
17. Patchwork Handbag – Use fabric scraps creatively.
Verna + Medium weight fusible interfacing + fabric for bottom, handles and lining + batting.
18. Bucket Bag with Strap – A trendy beginner-friendly project.
19. Lined Messenger Bag – Great for school or work.
20. Fabric Gift Bag – Reusable and eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper.
Upcycled and Eco-Friendly DIY Bags
Repurpose what you have and keep waste out of landfills.
21. Plastic Bag Yarn Tote – Crochet a reusable bag from plarn.
22. Old Jeans Tote Bag – Use the legs or back pockets creatively.
Related: Floral Hand Embroidered Jeans Ideas
23. Sweater to Purse – Cozy textures for fall or winter. May also use table runner or placemats.
24. Shirt Sleeve Wine Bag – Unique and reusable gift wrapping.
25. CD Case Wristlet – Upcycle old media storage.
26. Felted Wool Sweater Bag – Warm, thick, and perfect for cooler months.
27. Coffee Sack Tote – Rustic and strong material.
28. Reusable Snack Bag – Washable and great for lunches with magnetic snap, vinyl coated fabric, and acrylic coated cotton.
29. Plastic Bottle Clutch – Unexpected and super creative.
30. Vintage Curtain Handbag – Romantic, lacy styles made useful again.
Stylish and Trendy DIY Purses
More advanced techniques and fashionable designs you’ll love to wear.
31. Leather Fringe Purse – Boho vibes with leather or faux leather.
32. Boxy Camera Bag – Structured and great for gear or gadgets.
Urban jungle print camera bag
33. Macramé Mini Purse – Knot your way to a stunning accessory.
34. Crochet Crossbody Bag – Great for festivals or everyday.
35. Beaded Evening Clutch – Glamorous and detailed.
Related: Bead Embroidery Kits and Ideas
36. Reversible Purse – Two styles in one!
37. Wristlet with Key Ring – Compact and functional.
38. Mini Backpack Purse – Stylish and hands-free.
39. Quilted Shoulder Bag – Cozy and padded design with embroidered patches.
40. Clear Vinyl Stadium Bag – Sports-approved with a custom twist.
Other Handbag Patterns and Designs to Inspire
Laptop bag pattern
Anthropologie handbag
Related: Ways to make bow
Bonus Tips for DIY Bag Makers
- Use interfacing for added structure and strength.
- Add inner pockets to organize items better.
- Experiment with closures like snaps, zippers, Velcro, or magnetic buttons.
- Line your bags for a professional finish.
- Decorate with embroidery, patches, fabric paint, or appliqué for extra personality.
Crafting your own bags and purses is not just rewarding—it’s empowering. Whether you’re making them to express yourself, to gift to others, or to start your own handmade business, these tutorials are the perfect place to start. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles, fabrics, and techniques.
Oi amiga seu blog tem dicas muito legais, já estou seguindo, quando puder venha conhecer meu cantinho ficarei feliz…
Nice collection. I am a purse fanatic too and I am collecting inspirations for making it. I like the grocery bag the most 🙂
That Dolly diaper bag is just the cutest!
Thank-you so much for taking the time to share at our Pin'Inspiration party this week. I really hope that you can take part in my “Beat the Winter Blues” party on Saturday. 🙂
Thanks for featuring my Laminated Messenger Bag – I've added your button to my Featured On page:)
Thank you for including my bag in your post!! These are all so pretty 🙂
Thanks for joining the link party. I am your newest follower 🙂
You have got quite a line up – thanks for putting them all in one place!
Thanks for all your great round ups!
I love purses/totes/handbags/clutches…did I leave any out LOL
Thanks for featuring my clutch!
thanks for sharing ……
i like it
Hey,
This DIY bag guide is actually good and easy to follow – thanks for the detailed steps. Would definitely try.
This is one of the finest written informative blogs, I truly appreciate your effort and wish you to show your continuous effort in providing the modern fashion & style statement. I believe choosing the right box of handmade bags like mini-baguette bags, sling bags, etc for the right occasion is necessary, classic shoulder bags, and box bags for the party are one of the best choices.
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