How To Make A Bucket Bag

You guys know I love bags and today I have a fun and new project for you. I’m going to show you How To Make A Bucket Bag! This is a unique bag that has a ton of uses. Carry a little or a lot in this little bag. It is perfect for carrying your gym gear, sewing tools, or you could just use it for an everyday bag. I use mine for a purse sometimes and I get lots of compliments on it. You can sew this project in a little less than an hour. The included free pattern makes it simple to cut out your fabric shapes. The top of this bag features a drawstring closing so it is easy to get what you need in and out of this bag. I used some fun print fabric for my bag and I love it. You could use a print you love or just a solid color to match more of your outfits. I plan on making one of these to give to a friend this holiday season. 

This bag has a nice lining, making it easy to clean and use. I used webbing for the handles, but you could make your own straps out of fabric. Gather up the rest of your supplies and get started making this fun bag!

Printable PDF Version of how to sew a Bucket Bag - This PDF version has been optimized for printing and you won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. If you would like to purchase an ad free printable version of this sewing pattern & tutorial, please visit our Etsy Shop listing for Bucket Bag - PDF Download & you can purchase a PDF downloadable version of this bucket bag pattern & tutorial or you can keep reading for the free version of this tutorial.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Yard of 44″ Wide Fabric for main bag
• 1 Yard of 44″ Wide Fabric for lining
• 1/4 Yard of 44″ Wide Fabric for closure
• 1/2 Yard of Interfacing
• 1 Yard of Webbing (optional)
• Cording for drawstrings
• Matching Thread
• Free Bucket Bag Pattern
• Iron
• Pins
• Scissors 
• Optional Rotary Cutter & Mat
• Measuring tape 
• Thread nippers
• Sewing machine
• Fabric marker
• Bodkin or Safety Pin

Printing Instructions

This bucket bag pattern has layers so that you can choose to print only the size you need. To achieve this Adobe Reader must be installed on your machine or device. Adobe Reader allows you to click on the layers icon which will show you each size with an eyeball beside it. Click on the eyeball beside the size you do not want to print.

Before printing check that your printer is set to No scaling or Actual size. Set the Page orientation to Auto or Portrait. And then print page 1. Measure the 2” test square to see if it measures exactly 2”. If it does, print the remaining pages.

Trimming Pages

Cut off the right and top margins of each printed page before assembling the pattern. You can use tape or school glue to adhere your paper pattern together. 

Pattern Assembly

After the pages have been printed and trimmed as instructed above, use the quarter circles located at the corner of each page for perfect alignment.  When done your pattern should look like this: 

Pattern Pieces Checklist

Once you have printed and assembled your pattern you will cut:

• Cut 1 Main, 1 Lining : Main Body, Base
• Straps – Cut 2
• Closure – Cut 2

Seam Allowance

Use a 3/8” seam allowance unless otherwise instructed.

How To Make A Bucket Bag

The first step in this how to make a bucket bag sewing tutorial is to use the included free pattern to cut out your fabric. Optionally you can wash, dry, and iron your fabric as this will help preshrink your fabric so that your stitches won’t get messed up the first time you wash the bag. Use the cut list above to cut out all your fabric pieces.

Iron interfacing to the bottom panel.

Fold the main panel in half and sew.

Mark in quarters. Mark bottom in quarters as well.

Next on this how to make a bucket bag sewing tutorial, pin bottom to the main panel, right sides together and sew. Our bag is beginning to take shape.

To sew the lining, we will repeat the same steps above. Fold the lining panel in half and pin. Sew leaving a 3” opening in the seam.

Mark in quarters. Mark bottom in quarters as well.

Pin bottom to the main panel, right sides together, and sew. 

Next on this how to make a bucket bag sewing tutorial, measure 2 1/2” from center marks and pin the straps or webbing in place. Baste in place.

Now on this how to make a bucket bag sewing tutorial, we will sew the closure for our bag. To sew closure, place two layers right sides together and pin.

Mark the center point of the short ends. From that center point, measure 1“ on each side.  Sew the short ends skipping over the 1” sections marked earlier. 

Open the seam allowance and topstitch on either side.

Fold the closure in half. Draw a line below the 1” opening around the entire piece. Sew along the line you just drew. 

Next on this how to make a bucket bag sewing tutorial, we will work on putting it all together. With raw edges aligned and the opening in the closure placed at the side of the bag, pin the closure and the bag together.

Slide the lining over the main fabric, aligning the seam. Pin the lining to the raw edge of the bag.  Sew through all layers.

Turn bag right sides out through the opening left in the lining. Sew the opening closed. 

With the closure inside the bag topstitch around the opening of the bag. 

The last step in this how to make a bucket bag sewing tutorial is to work on the drawstrings. To insert the drawstrings, attach a safety pin to your ribbon or cord,  insert one drawstring inside one of the openings in the side of the closure, continuing until you get back to where you started.   Insert the other drawstring in the opposite direction. Tie the ends of the cords to ensure they stay secure in the channel. 

And that’s it! Now you know how to make a bucket bag sewing tutorial! This is a fun and cute project you can use for all kinds of things. Toys, groceries, clothing, the options are only limited by your imagination.

If you liked learning how to make a bucket bag, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make this simple project on your own, make certain that you take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices that people use!

More Fun Sewing Projects:

• How To Make A Purse Organizer Insert
• How To Make A Shoulder Bag In Under An Hour
• DIY Duffle Bag Tutorial
• How To Make A Microwave Potato Bag The Easy Way

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