- Home
-
PATTERNS
- BUNDLES
-
LEARN BAGMAKING
-
FREEBIES
-
BLOG
- IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS
-
COLLABORATE
- NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
-
CONTACT ME
- CONTACT ME
-
MEET AMANDA
-
If you've ever looked at a handmade bag and thought, I'd love to make one of those someday, you're not alone.
One of the most common questions I get from new bagmakers is:
"What bag should I make first?"
With thousands of bag patterns available, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Some patterns require specialty hardware, advanced techniques, or experience managing thick seams. Others assume you already know your way around interfacing, zippers, and bag construction.
That's why choosing the right first project matters.
The pattern you start with can either build confidence or leave you wondering if bag making is really for you.
After teaching beginner bagmakers for years, there's one pattern I find myself recommending again and again:
Whether you're looking for a standalone pattern, a beginner bundle, or additional help improving your bagmaking skills, you can explore all of the Kathy Tote options here.
When you're new to bag making, your first project should do more than give you a finished bag.
It should teach you skills you'll use again and again.
A great beginner bag pattern should:
The goal isn't perfection.
The goal is finishing your first bag and thinking:
"I can totally do this again."
One thing I've noticed over the years is that many new bagmakers don't start with a beginner pattern. They find a beautiful bag, fall in love with it, and decide that's the one they're going to make.
The excitement is understandable, but those types of projects often require several new skills at once. Suddenly you're trying to figure out interfacing, hardware, thick seams, bag construction, and unfamiliar techniques all in the same project. That's a lot to learn at one time, especially when you're still getting comfortable with the basics.
When the project becomes frustrating, it's easy to assume you're doing something wrong or that bag making is harder than you expected. In reality, most beginners aren't struggling because they lack ability. They're struggling because they started with a project that required too many new skills all at once.
That's one of the reasons I recommend starting with the Kathy Tote. It teaches foundational bagmaking skills in a way that feels approachable and manageable. You'll learn techniques that carry over into future projects while building the confidence that comes from successfully finishing a bag.
Once you've completed a project like Kathy, you'll have a much better understanding of how bags go together, making future patterns feel far less intimidating.
The Kathy Tote was designed to help beginner bagmakers build confidence while learning practical skills.
It's structured enough to feel like a real bag, but simple enough that new makers don't feel buried in complicated techniques.
As you sew the Kathy Tote, you'll learn how to:
These are foundational skills that transfer directly into future bag projects, giving you a solid understanding of how bags are constructed and why certain techniques matter.
And when you're finished, you'll have more than just new skills. You'll have a tote you'll be proud to carry and use every day.
One of my favorite features of the Kathy Tote is the interior organization.
The pattern includes six interior slip pockets, giving you plenty of space to keep everyday essentials organized and easy to find. It's a practical feature that adds a lot of function to the finished bag without making the construction feel overwhelming.
Pockets are one of those details that can make a handmade bag feel more polished and professional. They're also a great skill for beginner bagmakers to learn because you'll find them in all kinds of future projects.
Once you've made them a time or two, you'll wonder why they ever seemed intimidating in the first place.
Another thing beginners often ask is:
"What supplies do I need to make my first bag?"
The good news is that you don't need an industrial machine or a room full of specialty tools.
For most beginner bag projects, you'll want:
If you're unsure about tools, supplies, or some of the bagmaking terminology you'll encounter along the way, my free Beginner Bagmaker Starter Kit is a great place to start.
One area that causes a lot of confusion for beginners is interfacing.
The right interfacing can completely change how a finished bag looks and feels.
If that's something you've struggled with, Sew Better Bags walks through interfacing, needles, thread choices, machine settings, and the techniques that help bags look more professional.
There is something special about finishing your first bag.
Before that moment, you're constantly second-guessing yourself. You're wondering if you bought the right supplies, if you're using the right interfacing, or if your sewing machine is even capable of making a bag. Every step feels a little uncertain because everything is new.
But once you finish that first bag, something shifts.
You start to understand how the layers work together. You see firsthand how interfacing affects structure and shape. You begin to recognize why patterns are assembled in a specific order and how small adjustments can improve your results. Most importantly, you realize that mistakes aren't the end of the world. They're simply part of the learning process.
That's why I believe your first bag should be one that helps you build momentum. A good beginner project doesn't just teach techniques. It gives you proof that you can do this. And once you've finished one bag, the second one feels a little less intimidating, the third comes together a little faster, and before long you're sewing projects you never would have attempted when you first started.
This is exactly why I recommend starting with a pattern like the Kathy Tote. It teaches foundational skills while helping you build the confidence that keeps you coming back to your sewing machine.
If you're brand new to bag making and want a few projects that build skills progressively, take a look at the Beginner Bagmaker Bundle.
It includes:
Each project introduces new techniques while helping you gain confidence behind your sewing machine.
Take a look at the BEGINNER BAGMAKER BUNDLE
Most people finish their first tote and immediately start planning the next thing they want to make.
If that's you, the Build Your Own Tote & Pouch Bundle lets you pair the Kathy Tote with a coordinating pouch pattern and save compared to purchasing them separately.
Making a tote and pouch set is a great way to continue practicing your skills while creating something useful.
If you've been looking for an easy bag pattern for beginners, the Kathy Tote is where I'd start.
It teaches foundational bagmaking skills, helps build confidence, and leaves you with a finished project you'll be proud to carry.
Whether you're brand new to bag making or returning to sewing after a long break, Kathy is one of the best first projects to help you get started.
→ Want a beginner-friendly project bundle?
→ Want to improve your bagmaking skills?
Happy Sewing,
Amanda
Celebrate summer, patriotic holidays, and America's 250th anniversary with the Sparkler Pillow Pattern. Featuring a dimensional pinwheel star, classic Americana styling, and endless fabric possibilities, this beginner-friendly pillow cover can be made with coordinated red, white, and blue fabrics or your favorite patriotic scraps.
The Shining Heart pattern is built around a single heart quilt block designed to be used in simple, low-commitment ways. Learn how the block can become a cozy pillow or table runner, and explore how it repeats beautifully in a full-size quilt if you decide to take it further.
The Marg Tote is more than just a bag—it’s a maker’s sidekick. Roomy, structured, and packed with thoughtful details, it’s designed for crafters, quilters, and busy creatives who need a carryall that works as hard as they do.
From teacher gifts to lunch bags to calming corners, these beginner-friendly sewing patterns are just what you need to start the school year strong—with handmade bags and accessories that look store-bought.
Tired of leaky, floppy lunch bags? I designed the Let’s Eat Lunchbox for real containers, real lunches, and real life. See why makers sew it every back-to-school season.
Bring the fireworks to your next BBQ with three fun and functional bag sewing patterns! From wine to condiments to quilted totes, these patriotic projects are perfect for picnics, summer gifts, or making your Fourth of July table extra festive.
Looking for a fun and useful summer sew? The Starry Tote Bag combines a bold star quilt block with practical bagmaking techniques—including slip pockets, leather handles, and my favorite pocket-binding method. In this July 4th version, I used red, white, and blue Breezeway fabrics by Maywood Studio to create a festive tote that's perfect for picnics, beach days, or backyard BBQs. Whether you're a confident quilter or a beginner bagmaker, this pattern teaches you techniques you'll use again and again.
Summer sewing season is here, and if you’ve been thinking, “I wish I could make bags like that…”—I’ve got great news. You can.
I’m sharing 5 beginner bag patterns that check all the boxes:
✔️ Confident beginner-friendly
✔️ Fast afternoon projects
✔️ Roomy enough for your summer life
✔️ "Wait, you MADE that?" kind of cute
I’ve designed these patterns because they make the perfect first step into bagmaking—or your new go-to for summer gifts and gear. Here's what I'm sewing this season (and what you should too):
Click here to get the Easy Charm Tote Pattern »
Why you'll love it:
This is the pattern that gets quilters hooked on bags. If you’ve got charm packs lying around (or scraps that can be cut to 5" squares), the Easy Charm Tote was made for you. The construction is simple, the finish is polished, and you don’t need to worry about zippers or hardware.
You’ll learn how to:
Perfect for: park days, pool outings, summer reading trips to the library
Fits: towel, sunscreen, snacks, water bottle, a paperback or two
Click here to get the Joanna Tote Pattern »
Why you'll love it:
This tote has that structured, clean look that feels store-bought—but it’s made with beginner-friendly steps that build your confidence. It features a wide base, boxed corners, and no-fuss handles, making it perfect for everyday errands.
You’ll learn how to:
Perfect for: Target runs, the farmers market, carrying kid supplies
Fits: water bottle, wallet, produce, sunglasses, even a small knitting project
Interior View, featuring 3 Slip Pockets with Binding Technique
Click here to get the Gifted Stitches Basket Pattern »
Why you'll love it:
This is the kind of gift that feels fancy but takes surprisingly little time to make. The square shape, soft structure, and handle design make it a stylish reusable gift basket that your friends and family will use long after the party’s over.
You’ll learn how to:
Perfect for: summer BBQs, birthday gifts, hostess baskets
Fill it with: chips and dip, wine + cups, s’mores fixings, or a spa night kit
Click here to get the Grapeful Tote Pattern »
Why you'll love it:
This clever bottle bag is made to safely hold a wine or sparkling lemonade bottle, but it’s also a blank canvas for your personality. Use summery fabrics, personalize with embroidery, or keep it minimalist for a chic gift option. It sews up fast but looks like something from a boutique.
You’ll learn how to:
Perfect for: beach parties, dinner invites, Fourth of July get-togethers
Fits: one standard wine bottle, sparkling cider, or glass water bottles
Click here to get the Starry Tote Pattern »
Why you'll love it:
This is a celebration of quilting meets bagmaking. The star block panel lets you show off your piecing skills while the body of the tote gives you all the functionality of a sturdy, roomy bag. My version is patriotic, but this bag works year-round with your favorite color palette.
You’ll learn how to:
Perfect for: picnics, parade-watching, quilt guild events
Fits: folded blanket, snacks, a sweatshirt, or even a beach towel
If you've ever felt intimidated by bagmaking, I see you. These patterns are your shortcut to feeling capable, creative, and proud of what you’ve made. You don’t need special tools, and you don’t need to spend days making them.
You just need a pattern that teaches you the right things in the right order—and that’s exactly what these do.
➡️ Click here to shop all bag patterns »
When you join the Be Mandy Things newsletter, you’ll get:
It’s perfect for busy moms, quilters, and beginner sewists who want their bags to look just as good as store-bought (without the stress).
👉 Click here to join and grab your freebies now »
PS: Don’t forget to tag me @BeMandyThings when you sew your version—I seriously love cheering you on.
A beginner-friendly wine tote pattern that’s quick to sew, and gift-ready. Meet the Grapeful Tote—perfect for more than just wine!
