Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

10 Cross Body Bags to Sew with Free Patterns

by

Whether your summer adventures take you sightseeing on vacation, or just taking advantage of activities and events around town, a lightweight handsfree way to carry your essentials is a must.  Cross body bags are perfect for when you’re out and around town for any amount of time.  The long strap that you wear cross body distributes the weight of the bag and also allows you to carry your bag hands free.  No having to make sure a strap doesn’t like off your shoulder.   We’ve rounded up 10 awesome cross body bags that you can sew for yourself.

We’ve included tutorials for making small bags, just big enough for phone and wallet, as well as larger tote style bags for days when you need to carry more with you.  All of the bags in our roundup can be made with standard sewing notions that you may already have sitting in your stash. 

 

How to Sew a Cross Body Zipper Tote – Free Sewing Pattern by Sew Can She

[photo credit: Sew Can She]

 

Cross Body Bag Sewing Free Sewing Pattern by Life Sew Savory

[photo credit: Life Sew Savory]

 

Sew It – A Fall Plaid Cross Body Bag by A Kailo Chic Life

[photo credit: A Kailo Chic Life]

 

DIY Cross Body Bag Sewing Tutorial by Orange Bettie for Bombshell Bling

[photo credit: Bombshell Bling]

 

Learn to Sew a Mini Cross Body Bag by Sew Very Crafty

[photo credit: Sew Very Crafty]

 

Cross Body DIY Tote From a Placemat by Hello Glow

[photo credit: Hello Glow]

 

The Easiest Pattern for a DIY Cross Body Bag by Sew Crafty Me

[photo credit: Sew Crafty Me]

 

The Perfect Cross Body Bag Pattern – Free! by Sew Can She

[photo credit: Sew Can She]

 

ModeS Fabric Review – Reversible Tote/Cross Body Tutorial by Tea Rose Home

[photo credit: Tea Rose Home]

 

How to Make a Cross Body Mini Bag by What The Craft

[photo credit: What The Craft]

 

Next Pattern:

Have you read?

AITA for Copying a Sewing Trend I Saw on Pinterest (But Making It Myself)?

Dear Crafty Readers,

“I saw a sewing trend on Pinterest that I loved — a style that’s everywhere right now.

I didn’t buy it. I didn’t resell someone else’s pattern. I just used my own skills and made a version for myself.

When I shared it online, someone accused me of copying and being unethical.

I wasn’t trying to steal anyone’s work. I was just inspired.

Now I’m second-guessing myself and wondering where the line actually is.

Am I the asshole for making my own version of a sewing trend I saw online?

— Anonymous

This question sits firmly in grey territory — and that’s why it sparks such strong reactions.

Inspiration vs Copying: Where Is the Line?

Sewing has always involved inspiration.

Fashion cycles repeat. Trends resurface. Techniques are shared. But social media has blurred boundaries and amplified accusations.

The problem is that not everyone agrees on where inspiration ends and copying begins.

Sewing Culture Has Changed

Decades ago, sewists learned by:

  • Studying garments

  • Adapting styles

  • Experimenting

Now, online visibility brings:

  • Public judgement

  • Call-outs

  • Ethical debates

What used to be normal learning behaviour is suddenly scrutinised.

Is Making for Yourself Different From Selling?

This is where opinions really split.

Some say:

  • “If it’s for personal use, it’s fine.”

Others argue:

  • “Credit should always be given.”

And some believe:

  • “Trends belong to everyone.”

So… Are They the Asshole?

This one rarely lands in a clear yes or no.

And that’s exactly why it’s worth discussing.

What do you think?
 Have trends changed how we view sewing ethics — or are we overthinking it?