Sew Functional, Stylish, Anti-Theft Purses and Totes with Free Printable Patterns

DIY Purses & Totes With Optional Anti-Theft Features

What’s So Meaningful About a Purse?

A purse is more than a bag—it’s a reflection of you. It tells the world who you are. Whether you’re a college student, a professional, a homemaker, or somewhere in between, your bag gives off a signal of style, personality, and lifestyle.

When you sew your own purse or tote, you aren’t just creating something functional—you’re creating something deeply personal. Your purse becomes part of your wardrobe, an accessory that adds polish and character to your look.

We love purses because they express who we are. And while luxury handbags come with hefty price tags, a handmade purse made with creativity, purpose, and quality fabric can be just as stylish—and even more meaningful. What's more, with anti-theft features our purses have more value at an economical cost.

Functionality First

One of the greatest things about sewing your own bag is that you get to choose the function. Big or small, structured or slouchy—you decide how many compartments, pockets, closures, and finishes it will have.

A large tote can handle everything from groceries to books, while a small crossbody keeps your essentials close without weighing you down. And because you're the designer, every purse you sew is essentially custom-made for your needs.

Lining your purse adds structure and durability. Whether you’re using medium-weight cotton or leather-like material, lining helps the exterior hold its shape while protecting the inside.

Purses Are Wardrobe Essentials

Just like shoes or jewelry, purses are accessories that complete your outfit. If you’re looking to sew pieces that blend well with your wardrobe, stick to solid neutral colors like black, brown, navy, taupe, or gray. These shades match just about anything and make it easy to sew multiple bags that will never go out of style.

Of course, trends come and go—and when you sew your own bags, you can follow or ignore them as you please. Either way, a good neutral purse is always in fashion

Embellish With Confidence

One of the most exciting parts of sewing your own purse is adding embellishments. You can dress up your bag with:

Contrasting trim or fabric

Decorative buttons or snaps

Beadwork, appliqué, or embroidery

Jewelry from thrift stores

A slim scarf tied around the handle (My favorite)

A gold or silver chain across the front for flair

Get creative—your purse is a canvas for your style.

Fabric and Supplies

You can sew purses and totes from a wide variety of materials: canvas, home decor fabric, denim, suede, faux leather, faux suede, cotton blends, or quilted fabric. Thrift stores are goldmines for affordable fabric, zippers, purse hardware, suede, and more. Don’t overlook a worn purse with good hardware—it’s easy to reuse O-rings, D-rings, clasps, and magnets.

Can’t find what you need locally? Check places like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, leather shops, or online stores. You’ll find endless options in color, weight, and texture to design the perfect purse or tote

Improvise Like a Pro

You don’t always need specialty hardware. Sew your handles directly onto the purse, use Velcro or decorative snaps instead of magnetic closures, and replace store-bought zippers with upcycled ones. Think smart, think creatively

Sew Anti-Theft Features Into Your Bag

Unfortunately, theft happens. But when you sew your bag, you can take control and make it safer. Here’s how:

Use slash-proof material like Kozane or search Etsy Or Amazon for anti-theft fabrics

Line your purse with RFID-blocking fabric to protect credit cards and phones

Add security clips to your zippers

Insert flexible wire inside your purse strap to prevent slashing

Anti-theft sewing is practical and empowering. Your bag becomes not only beautiful, but protective.

Free Printable Purse and Bag Pattern Links

(Explore hundreds of free options from trusted sources.)

Applegreen Cottage – 34 free bag patterns

AllFreeSewing – 50+ purse & bag patterns

DIYCraftsy – coin purses and small bags

Sew Modern Bags – free wallet patterns

SewCanShe – free purses, wallets, accessories

The Spruce Crafts – totes, backpacks, organizer

Why Crossbody Bags Are a Smart Choice

Crossbody bags are one of the most practical anti-theft designs. They:

Stay in your line of sight at all times

Keep your hands free

Often include zippered pockets and RFID protection

Can be sewn with flexible wire in the strap to prevent slashing

For travel, thrift shopping, or everyday errands, the crossbody bag is the perfect blend of security and style.

Free Crossbody Bag Patterns:

SewCanShe – 14 crossbody patterns

HelloSewing – 20+ PDF crossbody patterns

AllFreeSewing – 11+ body bag patterns

Tote Bags: The Everyday Workhorse

Totes are reusable, roomy, and sustainable. They’re perfect for:

Grocery shopping

Thrift store hauls

Craft storage (yarn, fabric, knitting supplies)

Gift-giving

Daily errands

They’re easy to sew, endlessly customizable, and help reduce plastic waste. Use bold prints, florals, or classic solids. Add inside pockets, reinforced straps, or even zippers to keep your belongings secure.

Free Tote Bag Patterns:

Sew Modern Bags – 60 tote variations

CraftWorld – totes, purses, and crossbody bags

Craft Passion – sew totes from 1 yard

SewCanShe – 14 tote patterns you can sew in a day

LoveSewing – downloadable tote patterns

You can customize any pattern—or draft your own—to sew exactly what you want in a purse, tote, or crossbody bag. These patterns give you the foundation, but your creativity takes it to the next level.

Happy Sewing!

Browse my sewing shop for purse and tote sewing patterns you’ll love to make and use!

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© Rhonda Harris – For personal use only – www.theneedlemarket.com