by E.D. Cameron

Created on: June 28, 2010

Beginners and experts can make a variety of bags without patterns.  Just some interesting fabric and a lot of inspiration, and you can design and make functional and fabulous bags for a variety of purposes and activities.

The anticipated function of your bag will help you quickly determine some key design factors: does it need to be heavy duty or lightweight?  Do you need depth for storing multiple items (like a purse), or length for longer items (like a yoga mat bag, for instance)?  Will you want to carry on your shoulder, in your hand, on your wrist, or around your neck?  Finally, what sort of items will need to be secured (if any?)  Groceries can obviously be stored in a open tote, whereas precious money or jewelry will want to be zippered away. 

Take notes and make a list, and this will help you create a physical picture of what type of bag you want to make.

For simple clutches, you can take two equal size fabrics placing them right side out, sew up the sides and then sew in your zipper or attach another kind of closing mechanism like snap or button and loop.  For a seamless look, simply sew up the sides separately and then insert your lining fabric.  This method also works great for little coin purses or larger flat bags.

To make totes, simply determine the width you want and then cut a long strip allowing at least a 1/4 inch seam.  Then cut two equal size bag bodies.  Attach the strip around the bottom and sides.  You can then attach handles using a box stitch (making x's in boxes) at the two top points.  You can use this method to create a variety of shapes and sizes of bags. 

Gym bags or cosmetic bags with circular style are simple to make.  Simply cut two circles to the desired width allowing at least a 1/4 inch seam.  Then cut a long piece that will wrap the entire circle.  You can then sew this piece wrong side to wrong side on each circle.  Complete with a long zipper.

If you get stuck, look in magazines or your own closet for inspiration on designs.  Making bags without patterns is easy, fun, and really allows you to make one of a kind designs that are custom.

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