Trending Bags With More Style Than A Fashion Mogul—& More Useful Than A Swiss Army Knife
Here are the top 7 most useful sewing patterns for bringing together all the stunning style you’d see on a runway—but with practical everyday function. And they’re all 100% FREE! Whether you need a handy pouch for your snacks or a stylish case for your cosmetics, these patterns offer fantastic solutions. Here’s a curated list of some of the most useful and easy-to-follow sewing patterns for making various types of bags:
- Most useful for road trips: Car Trash Can
- Most useful for keeping snacks fresh: Merenda Snack Pouch
- Most useful for keeping organized: Salty Sailor Mini Ditty Bag
- Most useful for accessing make-up: Petals Cosmetics Bag
- Most useful for carrying your phone: Sleeve Phone Pouch
- Most useful for sanitizer: Ava Sanitizer Pouch
- Most useful for credit cards: Card.It Card Pouch
1. Car Trash Can—Keeps Your Vehicle Tidy & Organized While On The Go
This handy little bag is perfect for use in the car, especially those who spend a lot of time on the road. Whether you use it as a car trash can or a car organizer, you’ll wonder how you managed without it. It’s great for the kids to keep their bits and pieces and have them within reach in the back of the car. Or you can put it on the front of the passenger seat while you drive so all your stuff is easily within reach when you need it (did somebody say snacks??)
Features:
- FREE
- Quick & fun to sew
- Have a completed bag in just 30-60 minutes!
- Perfect for beginners
- Simply follow the video to make the bag—no pattern required
2. Merenda Snack Pouch—Keeps Your Snacks Fresh & Accessible All Day Long
Ideal for kids and adults alike, the Merenda Snack Pouch is great for carrying snacks on the go. This free pattern is not only practical but also customizable, allowing you to add a personal touch to each pouch you create.
Saving the planet has never been easier! This is your (very) stylish & eco-friendly alternative to those plastic bags that always end up in the trash bin. It’s wipe-clean inside & out with a padded layer of insulated fleece to keep food at an even temperature—great for school, work, road trips & more!
Features:
- FREE
- Wipe-clean inside & out
- Can be flattened when empty
- Insulated to keep food fresh
- Fits in most handbags, totes, & backpacks
3. Salty Sailor Mini Ditty Bag—Keeps Everything Organized & Stored Neatly For Easy Access
Okay, this is one of those simple bags—that you’re going to make a TON of times for how useful it is. Use this super lovely & functional bag to corral your electronic cords, sewing notions, first aid items, craft supplies, cosmetics… basically anything that needs somewhere to belong! (Some people have made 10+ versions of this bag just for their own organizational needs!)
Features:
- FREE
- Designed for intermediate sewist
- Unique top flap opening
- Magnetic snaps
- Stands up on it’s own
4. Petals Cosmetics Bag—Keeps Your Make-Up Handy
Carry your make-up in style with this quick & easy cosmetic bag. With a handy top-zipper opening that lets you see all your make-up easily, this bag comes with a ton of design possibilities. It’s an excellent project for those looking to make a functional yet fashionable cosmetic bag.
Features:
- FREE
- Top zipper
- Quick & easy
- Can be used to store any items
5. Sleeve Phone Pouch—The Stylish Way To Make Sure You Never Lose Your Phone
You’ll love how easy this is to make—and how easy it is to use! It’s made with a snug fit so when you pull the tab it will cause your phone to slowly pop out & when you push the phone in, the tab goes down—just like magic!
Features:
- FREE
- Uses very little fabric
- Comes with instructions to adapt to any phone size
- Unique pull tab for accessing your phone
6. Ava Sanitizer Pouch—Keeps Sanitizer Easily Accessible Wherever You Want It
This is the most convenient way to make sure you always have sanitizer… on hand (pun intended). The Ava Sanitizer Pouch is a practical addition to your bag collection that turns a bland-looking necessity item into something fashionable!
Features:
- FREE
- Attaches to any purse, backpack, gym bag, keys, or even a belt loop
- 2 sizes (large version holds 2oz size sanitizer bottles; small holds 1 oz bottles)
- Portable & travel-sized
- Makes a great gift
- An easy scrap-buster sewing project
7. Card.it Card Pouch—Keeps Your Wallet Light & Let’s You Enjoy Less Bulk
For those who prefer not to carry a bulky wallet, the Card.it Card Pouch is an excellent alternative. This free pattern is simple, stylish, and a great way to keep your cards organized and accessible. This card pouch has raw edges, so it should be made with non-fraying materials like cork fabric, kraft-tex, felt, vinyl, leather, etc..
Features:
- FREE
- 1 pocket / divider on the inside
- Closes with a zipper
- Split ring to put your keys or lanyard
- Beginner-friendly
Whether you need something to keep you organized, store your make-up, hold your snacks or keep your car tidy—you can do it all in style! Grab any (or all!) of these awesome sewing patterns 100% for free! You’ll get the patterns & instructions to quickly whip up bags with more style than a fashion model & more practical function than a pair of cargo pants!
