15 Eye-Catching DIY Handbag Ideas For You To Recreate

What’s the one accessory that almost every woman carries with them whenever they go out, regardless of age, social status, or activity? The handbag. You can use a handbag to carry all your belongings for any outing while expressing your style. 
In today’s entry for my bag pattern series, I want to show you 15 gorgeous DIY handbag ideas to show you what is possible with a bit of fabric, thread, and imagination.

Different Types of Handbags

Handbags or purses come in all different shapes, sizes, and styles. Before we go over how to make handmade purses, I want to list the different types of handbags you might see in stores or styles you may see in patterns and tutorials. 

• Satchel
• Crossbody
• Shoulder
• Clutch
• Envelope
• Tote
• Bucket
• Hobo
• Messenger
• Saddle
• Wristlet
• Backpack

I know what you might think: “Miriam, some of these bags are too complex to make at home!” I know it may seem like that, but just wait. Some fantastic pattern designers have created easy-to-follow patterns for how to make handbags, even for beginner sewists.

How Do You Make a Simple Purse at Home?

Before we look at some patterns, let’s talk about the steps you will need to take to make a DIY handbag at home. These steps are meant to give you a basic idea of what is involved when you want to make a handbag from scratch.

• Step 1: Choose the pattern.

You must keep a few things in mind when searching for your pattern. How many compartments do you need/want? What style strap do you want? Will this bag be for everyday use or special occasions?

Also, when looking into patterns, find one in your skill level.

• Step 2: Choose the materials.

Once you have the pattern, you must pick the fabric and other materials for the bag. Most patterns will give you a materials list that you can use to shop around for your project. Don’t be afraid to play around with different fabrics and textures. 

• Step 3: Use the pattern to create your handbag.

Now we get into the fun part: piecing the bag together! The pattern will have instructions for each step with corresponding images and diagrams. Some pattern designs also include video tutorials for some of the steps. 

• Step 4: It’s complete: Enjoy!

All you have to do now is model your beautiful new bag. Handmade fabric handbags also make lovely gifts, so if your gal pals need a new purse, consider making them unique and one-of-a-kind handbags this year.

What Do You Need To Make a Handbag?

Every material list will be a little different, but I want to give you an idea of the other materials you may need to create DIY purses. This collection of accessories and notions are things I have seen on the many handbag patterns I’ve purchased and used over the years.

• Fabric (of course, haha)
• Interfacing
• Velcro
• Zippers
• Magnetic snaps
• D-rings
• Clasps
• Strap material leather, nylon strapping, etc.
• Elastic
• Sewing machine
• Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
• Thread

15 DIY Handbag Ideas To Inspire Your Style and Creativity

I’m super excited to go over these patterns with you guys. I found a wide variety of handbag patterns, so hopefully, there is something for everyone. 

1. Lynn Bag

Here is a beautiful, versatile DIY bag pattern that takes you step by step to make this lovely bag. The instructions include making the leather straps and adding the curved zipper top to the bag. The finished size of the bag is 12”x13”5 ½”. I found this pattern on Etsy in the shop “IThinkSewBags.”

2. “Jade” Shoulder Bag

If you are a beginner, this handbag pattern might be your choice. It has a simple design, and you can make it using one fabric for the bag’s exterior or two different materials like the example bag. You can make this bag using all sorts of fabrics like leather, suede, twill, quilting cotton, and other woven fabrics. The finished bag will measure 12”x10 ½”x4 ½”.

3. March Bag

The designer labeled this pattern as perfect for “advanced beginners.” That simply means you should know the basics of sewing and be ready to challenge your sewing skills to create DIY leather or fabric straps and those adorable pleats for the outside of the bag. The final measurements are approximately 12”x16”.

4. Chevelle Handbag

How cute is this handbag? Can you believe it’s handmade? With the Chevelle handbag pattern, you can create a bag just like this for you or your friends. This bag features several zipper and slip pockets to keep your things organized. The finished bag measures 9”x11”x5”.

5. Sandra Saddle Bag

If you’re like me, you prefer a smaller crossbody-style bag, especially for shopping excursions. The Sandra saddle bag pattern offers style and functionality with its simple design. You have a slip pocket on the bag’s exterior and a zipper pocket inside the bag. This vintage-inspired bag measures 9”x9 ½”x 3 ¾” when it is complete. 

6. Off To Market Bag

Here is a fabulous FREE handbag pattern designed by Cheryl Bush for Pellon. This is an intermediate-level project, and the pattern comes with the required templates, instructions, and photos for you to be able to make this bag. The wooden handles give this bag an elegant feel.

7. Quilted Front Flap Purse

Here is another free pattern for you to try out. I actually used this pattern several times a few years ago to make handbags for my Grandma, her friend, and my aunt, so I can speak from experience and tell you this is a great pattern and tutorial from Sew4Home. The finished bag measures approximately 10”x7 ½”x2 ½”.

8. Coalition Bag

If you are looking for some bang for your buck, this pattern includes two sizes for you to use. It is technically a duffle bag pattern, but the smaller version is the perfect size for a large handbag.  The larger version is ideal for a weekend trip or carry-on bag. 

9. Francene Shoulder Bag

You can find this beautiful, professional shoulder bag on Etsy in the shop “IThinkSewBags.” The finished size of the bag is 13”x12 ¼”x5 ½”. This bag would be perfect for everyday use and features a zipper top and multiple compartments inside. The above image shows how beautiful this bag looks in either leather or canvas fabrics. Remember that the thicker the material, the more structure the bag will have. 

10. Ollie Bag

Here is another excellent shoulder bag option from the Etsy shop IThinkSewBags. This bag features gusset sides and grommets for the strap attachment. The instructions include step-by-step directions for making this bag, either with cotton or leather. By changing the fabric type, you can change the entire look of this 8”x8 ½”x4 ¾” bag. 

11. Versatile Project Bag

If you are an absolute beginner and want to dip your toes into the bag-making waters, this free tutorial from VickyMyersCreations is perfect for you. This tutorial shows you how to make a simple handbag and gives you three variations to choose from to finish it. I couldn’t find the exact dimensions of this bag, but from the images, it looks like it is a small to medium tote bag. 

12. Classic Round Canteen Bag

Have you noticed that canteen bags are everywhere right now? They’re cute, large enough to hold all the necessities, and great for when you are on the go. This free tutorial from Sew4Home would be a super fun weekend project. The finished bag has a 9 ¼” diameter and is 3” deep. As you can see in the image above, the designer used pre-made patches to embellish the bag.

13. Soho Slouch Tote

Here is a chic, modern slouch tote that will dress up any outfit effortlessly. The best part? This is a free tutorial! The tutorial assumes you are using suede to create this simple bag, and the finished size will measure 11”x9 ½”. This may look a little complex, but trust me, this would be a perfect beginner sewing project. 

14. Big Fat Gorgeous Handbag

Melissa designed this beautiful handbag from handmadiya.com, and she has offered a free tutorial to make this bag for yourself. The tutorial is highly detailed and has lots of pictures for those who are visual learners. 

15. Brooklyn TotePack Convertible Bag

This pattern is best for intermediate skill levels and will help create this versatile convertible bag. With a simple switch of the straps, you can convert a roomy tote bag into a sleek, modern backpack. The bag measures 13”x10”x5” and can be made from leather, cotton, denim, or other woven fabrics. 

I hope you enjoyed these DIY handbag ideas as much as I did! I encourage you to try making your handbag at least once and see how fun it can be. Don’t let the multiple steps intimidate you because once you have the bag completed, it’s totally worth it!

Happy Stitching!