Fun, Stylish & Functional: Free Diaper Bag Patterns

Freshly updated [2019]: It’s been a long time since I’ve searched online to learn how to sew a diaper bag…wow, there are a lot designs to choose from!

I had a lot of fun checking out dozens of different projects but for this collection I selected those that offered complete tutorials and were totally free (not even an email signup required).

A few tips before getting started:

Select fabrics that will hold up to wear and tear. You want something that’s going to last for months and months and can handle being tossed in the vehicle, dropped on the floor and lug around some hefty weight. This applies to zippers and embellishments too, you want good quality pieces that aren’t going to crumble when the going gets tough.
Choose prints that will camoflauge spills and stains (because believe me, they’re going to happen!) and consider how you’ll wash it: will it be laundry friendly or will it take a good scrubbing with a soapy sponge.
Make something functional and ticks all the feature boxes you are looking for, but don’t forget to make it pretty. This is going to be slung over your shoulder nearly every time you head out the door, let it at least put a smile on your face.

Now on to the goodies! As you’ll notice with this bunch, you can get as simple or as fancy as you like. You may also find something suitable in this list of projects for totes found here. To keep things tidy and organized, you might want to make a matching Purse Organizer to tuck inside and keep the contents sorted. Enjoy!

Quick Trip: This one is perfect to grab and go for short jaunts out and about. It’s still big enough, with pockets inside and outside, to hold the essentials.

With Side Pockets: Can easily hold water bottles and more, but I like to throw my keys and phone in them so they are easy to grab. The finished dimensions of this bag are 12″ high x 16″ wide x 5″ deep

Quilted: Sew pretty fabric on pre-quilted fabric for that quilted look. Lots of big pockets, via free pdf pattern download.

With Divider: Lots of inner pockets and a divider, measures about 19″ long x 12″ tall and 6″ wide (nice ‘n big!).

Hip Mama: Has a water-resistant vinyl lining to help make cleaning easy.

Kate Spade Inspired: The end result of this modified Teacher Tote? A pocket-laden, purse-ish Kate Spade knock off that also works as a diaper bag.

Birds of a Feather: Supplies Needed include straps, bias binding (nearly 5 yds), fabric, lining, 16″ and 9″ zippers. The tutorial is nicely detailed.

Lined Tote: Features include being fully lined and spacious interior pockets that you can customize.

Detour: Big and roomy with lots of style.

Baby Bee Chenille (pdf): This is a direct link to the free pdf pattern tutorial. Turn a worn chenille spread into this lovely bag.

With Changing Mat: Clutch-style that opens up into a changing mat. Made with fleece, fabric print, elastic and button (for closure).

Big & Beautiful: Plenty of room, lots of pockets, PUL lining, adjustable strap… this diaper bag has it all. Plus, most importantly for something that’s your constant companion for months: it’s GREAT looking!