Sac Passe-Partout – Free PDF Sewing Pattern (Tote Bag)

The Sac Passe-Partout is a soft, roomy tote bag that is quick to sew and easy to wear — designed to follow you through everyday life.

What makes it different: its shape changes with the position of the handles. Pull the straps up and the sides gather, giving the bag volume. Let them down and the bag flattens to take up less space.

With no pocket and no lining, the Sac Passe-Partout is made from just 2 simple fabric pieces, with a rounded opening finished with bias binding. An accessible sewing project — perfect for showing off a beautiful fabric and making a bag that is unique, useful and versatile.

Why you'll love it

• Free PDF pattern to download
• Step-by-step video tutorial
• Soft, versatile tote bag
• Shape-shifting design thanks to the handles
• Roomy when carried, flat when the straps are released
• No lining, no inner pocket
• Rounded opening finished with bias binding
• Learn the French seam technique
• Beginner-friendly project

What you need

To sew the Sac Passe-Partout, you will need:

• canvas, denim or coated canvas for the main fabric;
• 25 mm (1 in) wide webbing for the handles;
• bias binding to finish the bag opening;
• matching thread;
• a sewing machine;
• your usual sewing kit.

Fabric and material quantities are given in the video tutorial.

The French seam technique

This tutorial is also a chance to learn — or refresh — the French seam.

This technique encloses the raw edges of the fabric inside the seam, giving clean, strong, neat finishes, even on an unlined project.

Skill level

This project is suitable for beginner sewists. The detailed video tutorial explains every step of the assembly, so you can make your bag easily, even if you are still new to sewing.

What's in the free PDF pattern

The download includes:

• the Sac Passe-Partout pattern, in A4 and US Letter;
• a 5 cm and a 1 inch test square to check your print scale;
• the page layout and assembly instructions printed on page 1;
• access to the step-by-step video.

Print at 100% — do not use "fit to page" or any scaling option. Both paper formats are included in the same download, so simply print the one that matches your printer.

Important

This pattern is offered free of charge. It is for personal use only and may not be resold, redistributed or sold commercially in its digital form.

Free Sac Passe-Partout PDF sewing pattern: an easy-to-sew tote bag in canvas, denim or coated canvas, with a step-by-step video that also teaches the French seam technique.