Sewzy
Bucket Bag Sewing Pattern
The Bucket Bag is a beginner sewing pattern in 3 sizes, Mini to Large. It takes about 2 hours in 12 written steps. It is in the Sewzy iPhone app with every size included. Print it as a letter-size PDF or an A0 copy-shop file.
Updated October 29, 2026
- Level
- Beginner
- Time
- About 2 h
- Sizes
- 3
- Steps
- 12
The Bucket Bag pattern comes in 3 sizes, Mini to Large. It is a beginner project that takes about 2 h, in 12 steps. Best fabrics: cotton canvas, duck or denim (mid to heavy weight, holds the round shape).
Premium Print the letter or A0 PDF from the app.
Photos are renders of the finished item, made from this pattern's shapes.
Sizes and fabric
| Size | Finished size and details | Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 6 in base, 7 in tall | Outer ½ yd · lining ⅜ yd |
| Medium | 7 in base, 9 in tall | Outer ½ yd · lining ⅜ yd |
| Large | 8½ in base, 11 in tall | Outer ½ yd · lining ½ yd |
Outer + strap: cotton canvas, duck or denim (mid to heavy weight, holds the round shape). Lining: quilting cotton or poplin. Optional slip pocket: lining or a contrast scrap.
You also need
- 2 D-rings (1 in) + 1 slider (1 in)
- Either 2 grommets (½ in) or 2 buttonholes / loop tabs: your choice
- 2 cords, 3/16 in round (see the size table) + 2 cord stops
- Fusible interfacing scraps behind each cord opening
- Optional: template plastic or heavy fusible stabiliser for a round base insert
Pattern pieces
Bag body (cut 1 outer + 1 lining), Base (cut 1 outer + 1 lining on fold), Slip pocket (cut 1)
Seam allowance: ⅜ in (1 cm) included on every printed edge.
The steps
The written guide in the app takes you through 12 steps, one at a time.
- Cut
- Mark
- Optional slip pocket
- D-ring tabs
- Sew the side seam
- Sew the base
- Place the strap tabs
- Join outer and lining
- Cord openings, Option A: grommets
- Cord openings, Option B: buttonhole or loop
- Topstitch the channel
- Thread the cords, add the strap
Watch how it's done
Short tutorials on YouTube for the techniques in this pattern, by other sewists. They are not made by Sewzy.
- Drawstring Bag with Circle Bottom | Sewing How to from Whitney Sews Whitney Sews · Sewing the round base
- How to Install a Grommet Phil Crockett · Setting grommets for the cord
- How to make a bucket bag | easy step-by-step tutorial! Morning DIY · Bucket bag step by step
More bags and accessories
Questions about the Bucket Bag
How much fabric does the Bucket Bag need?
Best fabrics: cotton canvas, duck or denim (mid to heavy weight, holds the round shape). Exact amounts for each size are in the guide inside the Sewzy app.
Which sizes does the Bucket Bag come in?
It comes in 3 sizes, Mini to Large. The size table on this page lists what each size fits.
How long does the Bucket Bag take to sew?
About 2 hours. It is rated beginner, and the written guide in the app has 12 steps.
Related guides
How to sew a tote bag with boxed corners (step by step)6 min readSew a lined tote bag with boxed corners in about 90 minutes. Cut sizes, seam allowance, strap length and the boxed corner trick, explained for beginners.
How much fabric do I need? A simple yardage guide4 min readHow much fabric do I need? Learn how to read fabric width, plan a cutting layout, add extra for shrinkage and matching, and work out yardage for any project.
What is a PDF sewing pattern and how does it work?7 min readA PDF sewing pattern is a pattern file you print yourself. See what one looks like, how it works and how to print, tape, cut and sew from it, step by step.
Sew the Bucket Bag in Sewzy
Every size is included. Premium opens all 100 patterns and starts with a 3-day free trial.
Free to download
Premium starts with a 3-day free trial. Cancel any time in iOS Settings. Prices in USD.