Tote & Purse Patterns

If you are a sewist, artist, parent, caregiver, teacher, student, tutor, 4-H leader, youth director, camp counselor, or simply a busy person, you likely have to carry a lot of things around. And chances are, some of those things end up in a tote bag!

Sewing your own bag instead of buying one has the advantage of allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. You can have a personalized bag that is tailored to the size and shape you need, with pockets precisely where you want them, and using the fabric of your choice.

Missouri Star offers a wide assortment of tote bag patterns, wallet patterns, and purse patterns for sale. Need more storage space? We have several tote bag patterns with pockets, too! A great example is the the Everything & More Bag by Missouri Star - watch the free tutorial below to watch it come together in a snap!

If you need a medium-sized tote, check out the Easy Quilted Zipper Tote bag pattern by Missouri Star and watch Misty’s tutorial for this bag.

Many schools and public venues are requiring guests to use clear totes when they attend events. Missouri Star has created a pattern for a Clear Vinyl Tote Bag that Misty demonstrates in the tutorial video below, but we have many other tote patterns that would work beautifully with clear vinyl, too.

Perhaps you would like to make your own purse. Well, lucky you! We have many fabulous purse patterns for sale! Do you want a handbag? A shoulder bag? A crossbody bag? What style do you like–bucket, hobo, satchel, wristlet? We have handbag patterns for beginners and pros. We even offer purse patterns designed for the popular new cork fabric! You can purchase hardware for some of our purse patterns as kits, while others will have a list of bag hardware that can be purchased a la carte. You may want to try a wallet pattern; we offer several options for those, too.

No matter what, we think it’s important for you to choose a purse pattern that is as close as possible to your ideal bag and then change it to suit your needs. Does the pattern call for one pocket, but you want two? Don’t be afraid to add another! Are there no pockets? Add some! Do you want the bag an inch larger, smaller or taller? Adjust the pattern! Of course, changes you make will involve some planning and math; just make sure you have enough fabric if you start adding size and pockets to your bag.

The bag you carry should fulfill a useful function. But there is no reason why it can’t also be a statement of fashion or personal expression. Make your bag your own, and OWN your bag! Missouri Star can help with quilted bag patterns and fabrics that suit your style.