11 Crossbody Bag Patterns To Show Off Your Creativity and Personal Style

One of the most rewarding aspects of being able to sew is the wide eyes and shocked looks of your friends and family when they ask, “You made that?!” Sitting down to a sewing machine and creating an entire project from scratch is daunting for most people, but it’s an exhilarating challenge for creative sewists. 

This week’s post will focus on crossbody bag patterns and various options to inspire you to create one for yourself. 

How To Make a Crossbody Bag

Before we check out the different crossbody purse pattern ideas I found for you, let’s go over the steps you will need to take to make your crossbody bag. Keep in mind that these are just the general steps. You’ll still need to get a pattern or create one to make a DIY crossbody bag. 

• Step 1: Choose the pattern

When looking at different bag patterns, you must know what features you want to include. For example, if you want a pocket for your phone and keys, look for that when choosing your pattern. 

• Step 2: Choose the fabric

This is an enjoyable step since you get to literally pick whatever fabric you want to use to create your crossbody. Fabric types that work great for crossbody bags are quilting cotton, canvas, denim, and other woven fabrics. 

• Step 3: Choose the hardware

This is another way you can customize your bag. Hardware comes in different colors and finishes like silver, rose gold, brushed brass, etc. Hardware that you may need for a bag is:

• Zipper
• D-rings
• Clasps
• Snaps
• Magnetic closures

• Step 4: Follow the pattern to create the crossbody bag

Every pattern is different, but most will have easy-to-follow instructions with templates and images that will make the bag-making process much more manageable. 

• Step 5: Enjoy your beautiful bag!

11 Fabulous Crossbody Bag Patterns For You To Try

Now that you have a better idea of what it takes to create your crossbody bag from a pattern let’s look at some beautiful examples of crossbody patterns that I think would make great projects. I tried to find a good mix of free and paid patterns, beginner projects, and more advanced ones. 

1. Free Crossbody Bag Pattern

This free pattern might be a perfect choice if you are searching specifically for a beginner crossbody bag pattern. This bag has a simple construction: one large main compartment, two outside pouches, and one zipper pocket. The finished size of the bag is approximately 13”x 9 ¾”. 

2. The Spring Sling

This beautiful patchwork-style crossbody pattern was designed for Emmaline Bags by Janelle MacKay, and you can purchase it from the Etsy shop MontanaCraftDepot. The finished measurements of the bag will be 11”x7”x3”, making it the perfect size for going out shopping or running errands. The pattern includes cutting instructions and all the necessary steps to create this lovely bag.

3. The Blossom Crossbody

The Blossom Crossbody pattern is a well-thought-out pattern that includes 40 pages of instructions and diagrams to help you with every step. You can find this pattern in the Etsy shop Bagstock Designs and many other bag patterns they have designed. The finished size of this pattern will measure 8 ½”x6”x3”.

4. Teya iPad Crossbody Bag Pattern

Here is a simple, modern crossbody design perfect for any age. Using different fabrics and colors can completely change the look and feel of this bag. You could make it for all your friends and family for Christmas and birthdays; each would be unique and special for the person you make it for. The bag features four compartments on the inside and two pockets on the outside. 

5. Tallulah Mini Hipster Crossbody Pattern

This pattern is from the Etsy shop RLRCreationsSewing and is an excellent choice for someone who needs an everyday crossbody bag with plenty of storage and style. This beautiful, well-made bag has a great size main compartment with slots for credit cards and IDs. It also has two zipper pockets on the outside for keys and other small items you need to keep on hand. The finished size of this bag is 6 ½”x8 ½”.

6. Tremont Crossbody Pattern

Isn’t this bag adorable? Not only is it beautiful, but it is also functional. This bag has extremely useful gussets on the sides to ensure the bag doesn’t fall open and dump your belongings. It also has credit card slots and multiple pockets, so you don’t have to worry about not having enough room for your necessities. The finished size of the Tremont crossbody bag is 10”x10”x3 ½”.

7. Small Messenger Bag Tutorial

If you prefer the look of a simple messenger bag, this free tutorial is perfect for you. This video tutorial on YouTube by SewingTimes will show you how to sew this versatile bag from start to finish. The bag features a slanted pocket on the front, a zipper pocket on the back, different compartments on the inside, and an adjustable strap. This would make a great beginner bag-making project. 

8. Clarendon Crossbody

The same designer who designed #6 from this list created the Clarendon crossbody bag. This bag has customizable options like an extra ID slot and adjustable strap to ensure the bag fits you just right. This crossbody wallet bag would make an excellent gift for your friends and look gorgeous in any color or fabric pattern. The finished bag will measure 6”x9 ½”x1”.

9. Double Compartment Crossbody Bag

Here is a free tutorial from Sew Can She to create this adorable double-compartment crossbody bag. For this bag, you can use a lovely chain strap as the designer did for the example bag, or you can make traditional fabric straps for a softer look and feel. This tutorial gives thorough instructions for each step, including easy-to-follow photos to help you with each step.

10. Lexi Carryall PDF Pattern

This pattern is for you if you want a pattern that will show you step-by-step with lots (over 100) images and instructions. Joan from Lazy Girl Designs has written this informative pattern for the Lexi Carryall crossbody bag. You will learn many techniques necessary for bag-making, like making an adjustable strap and different zipper installation techniques. The final size of the Lexi bag is 9”x9”x2 ½”.

11. Christine Sling

This gorgeous bag is from the Etsy shop LoveYouSewBoutique and is meant for intermediate bag-makers. You will need to know how to install rivets and snaps for this bag. That said, this bag would be a fun project to assemble, don’t you think? The designer has included several ways to customize the bag with piping, adding or subtracting pockets, and different strap options. The finished size of the bag will be 7 ¼”x 5 ¼”x 2 ¼”.

I hope you loved this compilation of crossbody bag patterns as much as I did. Crossbody bags are incredibly versatile and work great for any age and style. 

If you are interested in travel bag patterns, you can check some out here.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy stitching!