Which Bag Should I Start With?
Which Bag Should I Start With?
A question I get asked quite a lot on social media.
If you’re sewing for the very first time, this is the order I’d follow - a gentle way to build confidence, one bag at a time. Each project teaches you something new while staying simple and satisfying to sew.
1. Origami Bag
Simple, quick, and very satisfying - it doesn’t take much sewing for a high-impact finish.
This pattern also includes measurements if you prefer to draw it out by hand (so there’s no need to tape printed pages together!).
2. Oval Tote
A lovely next step that lets you practice sewing curves and turning a bag through a lining gap in a variety of sizes.
3. Chunky Handle Tote
A small step up with a gusset and slightly larger pieces - perfect for building confidence with more fabric.
4. Round Knot Bag
More practice with curves and a chance to learn how to sew a flat, circular handle.
5. Staple Sling Bag
A wonderful introduction to making a reversible bag with a gusset and curved shoulder seams. It’s versatile, practical, and can easily be adapted into a crossbody version if you’d like a hands-free option.
6. Origami Crossbody Bag
Based on the classic Origami Bag but with a clever twist — added handles that make it wearable crossbody.
You’ll also learn how to sew and turn a narrow strap, a great new skill for bag-making.
7. Everyway Tote
Here you’ll learn how to sew a cube shape - such a fun and surprisingly straightforward construction.
8. Loop Bag
A simple and stylish make, perfect for practising accuracy and finishing techniques.
9. Sadie Purse
Practice sewing with a smaller seam allowance (0.5cm) and learn how to create a drawstring closure. This is also a lovely scrap-busting project for smaller remnants.
10. Shopper Bag
A mix of techniques - combining gussets, circular handles and curved seams all in one make.
11. Utility Tote
A little more involved with more steps, but still very achievable and incredibly satisfying to finish.
12. Box Knot Bag
A fun, structural project that builds on your existing skills and introduces new construction details.
13. Dumpling Bag
The same cube shape as the Everyway Tote but with added loops to create a drawstring closure - a soft yet practical design that helps you refine your finishing.
14. Duffel Bag
The only pattern that uses hardware. A rewarding make once you’ve built your sewing confidence.