Want to learn how to sew a hobo bag that’s stylish, functional, and beginner-friendly?

In this detailed step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to make your own soft, slouchy hobo bag — perfect for everyday use. Whether you’re carrying books, groceries, or just essentials, this handmade bag is both practical and beautiful.

The best part? The pattern is now available as a FREE PDF download, so everyone can access it, regardless of budget.

Download the Hobo Bag Pattern PDF here
Watch the full step-by-step video below
Follow the photo steps throughout this tutorial

Full Sewing Tutorial Video

Supplies You’ll Need

Main fabric: 60 cm (0.6 m / 24 in / ⅔ yard)
Lining fabric: 40 cm (0.4 m / 16 in / ½ yard)
Matching thread
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Sewing machine (with zigzag or serger optional)
Pins or clips
Iron and pressing surface
Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk

Fabric suggestions:

Main fabric: Linen, cotton canvas, denim
Lining fabric: Cotton poplin, cotton lawn, or lightweight linen

Avoid stretchy or slippery fabrics for cleaner results.

Cutting Instructions

Cut all the pattern pieces as follows:

From Main Fabric:

2× Front/Back Panel
2× Top Front/Back Panel
4× Strap Pieces

From Lining:

2× Bottom Front/Back Panel
2× Inside Pocket

How to Sew A Hobo Bag – Step-by-Step

All seam allowances are included in the pattern: 0.6 cm (¼ in).

Step 1: Prepare the Inside Pocket

Piece: Inside Pocket (cut 2 from lining fabric)

Place pocket pieces right sides together.
Sew around the edges, leaving a 5–6 cm (2 in) opening at the bottom.
Clip corners, turn right side out, press.
Topstitch the top edge (0.2 cm / ¹⁄₁₆ in from the fold).
Place the pocket centered on the lining panel (FRONT/BACK 3).
Topstitch left, bottom (closing the opening), and right edges.
Stitch down the center vertically to create 2 compartments.

Step 2: Assemble Lining Panels

Pieces: FRONT/BACK PANEL 2 + PANEL 3

Match center notches and sew top and bottom panels together.
Press the seam downward and topstitch.

Step 3: Sew Full Lining

Place the two lining pieces right sides together.
Sew the sides and bottom edges, leaving a 12 cm (5 in) opening at the bottom.
Flatten each bottom corner into a triangle.
Measure 5 cm (2 in) across (2.5 cm from each side), draw a line, sew, and trim.
Finish the raw edge with zigzag or serger.

Step 4: Construct the Outer Bag

Pieces: FRONT/BACK PANEL + PANEL 2

Sew top and bottom panels together, matching center.
Press seam and topstitch.
Place outer front and back panels right sides together.
Stitch sides and bottom.
Box the corners the same way as lining.
Finish raw edges with zigzag or overlock.

Optional: Add your label to the front panel.

Step 5: Prepare the Straps

Piece: Strap (cut 4)

Press one long edge of each strap piece inward by 0.6 cm (¼ in).

Step 6: Attach the Straps

Pin the end of each strap to the outer part of the bag.
Repeat the same with the inner (lining) part of the bag.
Make sure the folded edges of the straps are facing each other so they align properly after turning.
Sew the straps to the prepared outer and inner parts of the bag.
Press the seams inward at the points where the straps are attached.
Topstitch the strap connection points for extra strength and a clean finish.

Step 7: Assemble Outer Bag & Lining

Insert the outer bag into the lining (right sides together).
Align seams and strap ends.
Sew all around the top edge (0.6 cm / ¼ in seam allowance),
but skip the pressed strap ends — leave those open.
Trim seam allowances at strap.
Cut out the pressed center section of each strap end for a clean topstitch.

Step 8: Final Finish

Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining.
Pull out the straps.
Press the entire top edge neatly.
Topstitch around the full top edge and both sides of the straps, including pressed areas.
Close the opening in the lining with ladder stitch or narrow topstitch.

Congratulations – your hobo bag is complete!

Enjoy your handmade creation that’s both practical and stylish.

Here’s what the finished bag looks like:

Care Instructions

Spot clean or hand wash
Iron on low heat (especially if interfacing was used)
Air dry flat to maintain shape

Download the Pattern

This pattern is designed to be accessible to all — and is now offered as a FREE download for everyone.

Download the Hobo Bag PDF Pattern

How to Sew a Hobo Bag – Step-by-Step Illustrated Tutorial