Free Tote Bag Patterns

If you're into making your own bags, there are plenty of resources available that offer free tote bag patterns.

Because they are big enough to use for so many different activities, it's always nice to have a few extra tote bags around the house. They are perfect for the beach, the boat, picnics, groceries and even school.

Tote bags are widely available in most department stores, but if you can't seem to find one in a material or pattern you like, they are easy enough to make on your own. Before you get to looking at tote bag patterns, you should first decide on the material with which you want your bag to be made.

Just as there are many different patterns from which to choose, there are plenty of different materials. Here are some to consider:

• Canvas – Probably the most common tote bag material. Canvas is durable and easy to clean, making it perfect for just about any occasion.
• Recycled materials – These tote bag fabrics are made from post consumer waste like plastic soda bottles, fabric trimmings that would otherwise be thrown away and leftover or recovered cotton from a cotton gin or from the spinning process.
• Poly Canvas – A sturdy blend of polyester or nylon and cotton canvas.
• Nylon – Super durable and water resistant.

A lot of websites offering free patterns for tote bags that use either leftover materials from previous projects or old sheets, table cloths and pillow cases. So go ahead, dig through your linen closet and see what you come up with. Reusing old sheets, table cloths and pillowcases is a perfect way to recycle. If they have a few stains on them, don't worry about it, simply cut around them. Plus, you also free up space in your linen closet and everyone could use a bit more closet space.

Once you've decided on the material you want, you can begin looking at different tote bag patterns. Here are some places to search for the perfect tote bag pattern for you:

• Henrietta's Handbags – Easy to follow step-by-step instructions. Check out their "Easiest Tote Bag Ever" pattern if this is your first hand made tote bag experience.
• Tip Nut – This website offers a couple of different types of free tote bag patterns, you're sure to find one that matches your personality.
• Craft and Fabric Links – Another great website for first-timers. Craft and Fabric Links includes a list of supplies that you will need, including any special supplies like interfacing.
• Make it Easy – This site has very detailed instructions for its "Open Tote" pattern.
• Lazy Girl Designs – If you're looking for a quick tote bag project, give the "One Yard One Hour" tote bag pattern from Lazy Girl Designs a try.
• Mors Bags – Download a few free patterns for your next tote bag project at Mors Bags.

If you happen upon a tote bag pattern that you love, but find it a little plain, there are plenty of things you can add to personalize the pattern and make it your own. Consider the following:

• Piping – Adding piping along the edges of your tote bag will gives it a finished look.
• Embellishments – There are so many different types of embellishments you can add to your tote bag such as:
  • Beading
  • Monograms
  • Sequins
  • Rhinestones
• Ribbon – Adding ribbon to the edges of your tote bag gives it a more delicate look, perfect for a little girl's sleepover or dance bag.

Making your own tote bag is a quick and easy project. If you reuse items like old curtains, tablecloths, sheets and pillowcases, you're not only cleaning your closets, but you are also being very eco-friendly by keeping these items out of your local landfills.

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