Free Quilted Tote Bags and Purse Patterns

When I joined a quilt guild many years ago, it had been ages since I had made a quilt. I joined the group with a friend’s prompting and went on a quilt retreat.

I remember asking if it would be okay if I made a quilted purse instead of a quilt just to get my feet wet.

Many years later and many quilts later, I still love love love to make bags and quilted purses. I’m not sure what it is, but I know I am not the only quilter who enjoys making quilted tote bags and purses.

This page is chock full of all types of free quilted purse patterns and bags for a quilter or sewer of every level of experience.

Quilted Tote Bags

A nice, homemade quilted tote bag is a useful item to have. Tote bags are spacious, usually made of durable materials and hold many things at once.

Quilted tote bags are growing in popularity and now come in various sizes, shapes and designs. Tote bags can be personalized as well.

Photo Credit: Wendy Heim - Improv Tote Bag

What are the advantages of quilted tote bags?

• They are trendy and fashionable, as well as multifunctional.
• Various uses: These large bags have room to be carried on a picnic, to the gym, beach, school and the next sewing or quilt class. They are also the perfect bags to keep in the car!
• Choices in function and style: Those who use tote bags have very different needs, styles and choices. The sewer can choose to make any size tote bag from the many different style patterns available. Pick your own materials for the type of tote being made.
  
  Some of these quilted tote bag patterns are made with a scrappy look.  For other scrappy ideas, look at our page on scrappy quilts and projects.
• Totes are roomy: This makes it easy to carry all of the things that are necessary on an everyday basis.  These bags make it possible to take many items on the go. And every crafter needs one to carry project materials! 
• Durability: Tote bags are undeniably durable.  They last for years if the construction and chosen materials are strong and able to carry heavy weight.
• Reusable: The tote bag can be reused many times, making it environmentally friendly. Use again and again for the grocery store, trick or treating, crafting projects and more.
• Great gifts: A handmade tote bag is sure to be appreciated and used by the person who is lucky enough to receive one as a gift.
• Fun and easy to make: There are many different tote bag patterns below which the sewer will enjoy working on.

quilted Pouches

Pouches are just as useful as tote bags, though much smaller in size. Make a roomy zippered pouch to hold all of the little things that may end up in the bottom of a bag.

Scroll down below to find various pouch patterns that can hold make-up, coins, and anything else that needs to be kept in one place.

Quilted Purses

Quilted purses look darling hanging on the arm. There are no two alike when handmade. There are so many free quilted purse patterns for both traditional and unique purses to make below.

Quilted purses make lovely gifts as well.

Other quilted projects

Check out the tutorials for making quilted handles for tote bags and purses!  These are strong and comfortable when using.

The tea bag wallet is perfect for taking along your favorite teas. The handy holder folds up nicely to fit inside a purse.

Key fobs make great gifts and are easy to create using the free patterns below.

Scroll down to see more ideas like a mini suitcase (so cute!), how to recycle old and tired quilts and random quilt blocks into bags, and so much more.

I see a beautiful quilted bag in your future!