If you have ever considered sewing your own handbags or totes, give it a try! Go ahead - drag out some scrap fabric you have laying around. Following are some free handbag patterns to get you started...
Tote Patterns
With Love Tote Bag Pattern - All that's needed for this sweet, simple tote is one yard of fabric, a little bit of Velcro, and approximately one hour of time. With clear step by step instructions and pictures, this bag is a great beginner's project. Of course, a sewing machine would make this project go quicker, but if you don't have one, don't let that stop you! This pattern is courtesy of "Lazy Girl" Joan Hawley. Her blog is packed with tips on fabric crafting. Personally, I could spend hours there, but moving on...
Free Handbag Pattern from Sew News (oops, they have moved this page...I will post a new link as soon as I find it) - If you have a some experience sewing, then this classy bag should be on your to-do list. The top of the tote-inspired bag features a V-shape, giving it a unique looks. You can also make it even more original with your own embellishments!
Make a Cloth Grocery Bag - This simple tote pattern, featured on the Discount Fabric Handbags Blog, is a great project to take on if you're feeling a little "green".
Create Your Own Clutch
Free Clutch Purse Pattern (oops, they have moved this page...I will post a new link as soon as I find it) - Looking for a simple clutch you can make to go with your prom dress or other formal attire. Download this pdf from Kwiksew for the answer.
Coin Purses
Flexi Fabric Stash Coin Purse - Detailed pictures and instructions show how to make this versatile coin purse. Send your little one's milk money to school in style, or use it to keep your loose change from disappearing in the deep, dark recesses of your wallet!
Unique Purses
Placemat Purse Pattern - That's right, a purse from a placemat! These bags are incredibly cute, and can be put together lickety-split! If you are looking for a quick, easy gift to make, this is it. You can personalize it any way you want. The featured bags were probably embellished with an embroidery machine, but you can probably achieve the same look with iron-on patches. Fusible web is also a great way to attach ribbons and other little accessories that will make this bag a favorite!
Four Free Purse Patterns - Studio Kat Designs offers several free patterns! The Roly-Nester is a set of three bags (small, medium and large) that nest inside each other - great for cosmetics, sunglasses, you name it! The Cash Keeper is a set of two do-it-yourself wallets. Both the Aeropac and Aeropac are must for anyone traveling. It's hard to believe these patterns are free, but they are!
Well, hopefully this list has given you some ideas. I will add to it as I come across other free do-it-yourself patterns.
And Finally, Almost Free...
Before I wrap this up completely, there is also one other place that I would like to recommend for finding handbag sewing patterns. They are not "free", but many are fairly close to it! The place that I am referring to is eBay. You can find a wonderful selection of patterns there, including ones from well-known companies such as McCall's, Butterick, and Simplicity. However, it's also a great place to pick up patterns from specialty designers, including Amy Butler and Lazy Girl Designs. Check 'em out...
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 Vogue HANDBAGS Purse 4 Dsgn Snap Closure SEWING PATTERN US $9.99 0 Bid Time Left: 10h 42m |
 PURSE SEWING PATTERN VOGUE V7889 HANDBAGS PURSES NEW US $.99 1 Bid Time Left: 11h 32m |
 SIMPLICITY craft pattern tote purse handbag sewing NIP US $.99 1 Bid Time Left: 12h 47m |
 LOT OF 3 Ladies Purse Handbag Sewing Patterns NEW US $9.99  Time Left: 12h 48m |
 Butterick B4410 Girls HandBags Sewing Pattern US $.99 0 Bid Time Left: 20h 34m |
 Sewing PATTERN 4936 Lined HANDBAGS 6 Styles BAGS Purses US $1.45 2 Bids Time Left: 22h 9m |