Ready to ditch the boring rectangles and sew something with a little more personality? If you’re looking to level up your accessory game, animal shaped bag sewing patterns are the way to go. Whether you want a fish-shaped crossbody for a festival or a cute cat tote for your next library trip, there is a novelty bag sewing pattern for every vibe. These projects are fantastic for using up fabric scraps and making one-of-a-kind gifts that people actually remember.
Top Tips for Sewing 3D Animal Bags
Before you dive into the patterns, here are a few tricks to help you get professional results on your first try.
1. Choose the Right Stabilizer
Animal bags often have odd shapes – ears, fins, or long necks. To keep them from looking “wilting” or floppy, use a firm interfacing like Pellon SF101 or even a layer of fusible fleece. If you’re making a structured bag like a bowler or backpack, a stabilizer like Annie’s Soft and Stable provides that “store-bought” foam feel.
2. Take It Slow on the Curves
Most of these designs involve tight turns. Reduce your stitch length when sewing around ears or beaks. This makes the curve smoother and prevents the fabric from “pinching” when you turn it right side out.
3. Clip Your Curves
Once you’ve sewn your animal shape, make small snips (notches) into the seam allowance along the curved edges. This releases the tension so the fabric can lay flat. If you don’t do this, your bird might end up with a very lumpy chest!
4. Baste Before You Zip
If your pattern includes a zipper, baste it in place by hand or with a long machine stitch first. Zippers are slippery, and animal bags often have them in tricky spots. Basting ensures everything stays aligned before the final permanent stitch.
Best Scrap-Busting Bird Pattern: Fly Away Crossbody by MadMadeSewing
This PDF sewing pattern is a total gem for confident beginners. It features three distinct views: a Duck, Chicken, and Songbird, all designed as quilted sling bags. The bird fronts are fully customizable, making it the perfect everyday bag or a thoughtful handmade gift for bird lovers.
Most Versatile Feline Tote: Cat Tote Bag by Cutnsewsimply
If you’re looking for a simple DIY project, this adorable cat-shaped tote is a winner. It features a lined interior, handy pockets, and sturdy shoulder straps. It’s a great beginner-level sewing project that results in a practical, fun bag for groceries or daily essentials.
Best Unique Animal Purse: Giraffe Tote by CattieCrafts
This giraffe pattern stands out with its unique shape and functional details. It comes in two sizes (purse or tote) and includes a 4-inch gusset for extra space. With an interior pocket, key clip, and side ties, it’s a practical choice for both kids and adults.
Best Kids Nature Project: Garden Birds Mini Crossbody by HumblebeeAtelier
Perfect for little treasure hunters, this pattern includes templates for a robin, blue tit, and sparrow. The finished bag is lightweight and comfortable for children to wear. It’s a very beginner-friendly project with clear step-by-step instructions for sewing your own small garden bird.
Top Felt Craft for Kids: Adorable Cat Felt Tote by MiniMiFeltThings
This pattern is a fantastic introduction to working with felt and even includes SVG files for Cricut users. The 8.3-inch square bag is perfect for young kids and makes a wonderful gift. Since felt doesn’t fray, it’s a low-stress project for confident beginners.
Best Quilted Aquatic Sling: Swim Along Fish Crossbody by MadMadeSewing
This fish-shaped sling bag is a scrap buster dream with a full section on quilting and piecing the front. It offers three different views and can be worn as a shoulder bag, sling, or fanny pack. It’s ideal for advanced beginners looking to practice quilting.
Most Realistic Ocean Life Pattern: Whale Shark Backpack by Contedefeesstudio
For those with a bit more experience, this whale shark can be made as a backpack or crossbody. It handles thick fabrics like denim beautifully. The pattern includes options for a zippered opening or a simpler non-zip version for the baby shark size.
Best Oversized Pattern: Rainbow Trout Crossbody by SummitSelvageShop
Ever wanted to carry a 22-inch fish? This intermediate pattern allows you to create a technicolor trout using fabric scraps. It works as a fanny pack or crossbody and has a generous lining, making it a functional conversation piece for any fishing enthusiast.
Best Professional Leather Look: The Hugo Handbag by CarbonChic
The Hugo is a bowler-style bag designed for vinyl or leather. It’s super versatile, coming with two faces – a cat and a dog. This intermediate-level pattern includes SVG files and video tutorials, featuring bound seams and three pockets for a high-quality, professional finish.
Best Round Character Bag: Zipped Round Cat Bag by SewStitcheryshop
This cute round cat bag is perfect for using up recycled clothing or small scrap pieces. It features appliqué details, cat ears, and a secure zipped opening. It’s a great project for beginners and intermediate sewists looking to make a personalized gift.
Cutest Toddler Accessory: Fox Kids Messenger Bag by IrunToys
This fox-themed bag is designed specifically for toddlers and young children. It features an adjustable strap and a funny face that kids love. The 9-inch height is perfect for carrying small toys, and the PDF instructions make the construction straightforward and fun.
Best Retro Tinned Fish Design: Fish Hand Bag by ArlettePatterns
Inspired by trendy sardine and tinned fish illustrations, this pattern uses canvas or denim to create a stylish handheld bag. It includes a detachable strap and is a great way to use upholstery fabric or tweed for a modern, textured look.
Best Minimalist Leather Project: Pig Bag Leather Pattern by ToGiHandmade
This round, 7-inch pig bag is a minimalist’s dream. Designed for leather, it features simple but effective details like a zipper closure and skinny shoulder straps. It’s a quick sew for those comfortable working with leather or heavy non-fraying materials.
Best Multi-Size Ocean Bag: Whale Cross Bag by VonLangeHand
This whale bag nestles around the hips and comes in both kid and adult sizes. It’s a functional cross bag with enough space for a phone, keys, and wallet. It even includes an optional interior zipper pocket for extra security.
Best Plushie Style Accessory: Penguin Accessory Bag by WafflePatterns
This penguin-shaped bag doubles as a novelty plushie! It’s an intermediate project that uses a back opening for storage. It’s ideal for mid-weight fabrics like canvas or denim and results in an adorable 10.6-inch tall companion for carrying small items.
Supplies Checklist Block
- Fabric: Canvas, denim, felt, or quilting cotton
- Lining: Lightweight cotton or poplin
- Interfacing: Fusible fleece or firm stabilizer
- Closures: Zippers (typically 7-12 inches) or snaps
- Hardware: Adjustable strap sliders and D-rings
- Notions: Matching thread, pins, and fabric markers
- Tools: Sharp fabric shears and a point turner
FAQ Section
What is the best fabric for animal bags? Canvas and denim are great for durability. If you want something easier to handle that doesn’t fray, felt is a perfect choice for beginners.
Can I make these on a domestic sewing machine? Yes! Most of these patterns are designed for home machines. If you use thick fabrics like leather or heavy denim, just remember to use a heavy-duty needle (size 100/16 or 110/18).
How long does it take to sew a novelty bag? Most beginner patterns take about 2 to 4 hours. More complex designs like the quilted fish or the penguin bag might take a full afternoon.
Are these patterns suitable for kids to sew? Easy patterns like the cat tote are excellent for older kids with some adult supervision. They involve simple shapes and easy-to-handle fabrics.
I hope this list of animal shaped bag sewing patterns gives you plenty of inspiration for your next sewing project. From fish bag patterns to cat purses, there’s no shortage of creativity in the sewing community.
These DIY animal bags are the perfect way to show off your style while practicing new skills like quilting and zipper installation. Grab your fabric scraps and start sewing your new favorite accessory today!
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