Sew a hobo bag: a five-step guide

You can sew a hobo bag from two outer and two lining pieces in five steps: cut, close the sides, shape the base corners, attach the lining and turn. The instructions in this article are free. The accurately sized PDF pattern is a separate product in our shop.

What is a hobo bag?

A hobo bag is a soft shoulder bag with a curved, often crescent-shaped silhouette. Its relaxed drape comes from the pattern and an outer fabric that is not too rigid. Unlike a structured handbag, it is meant to settle naturally against the body.

The term "hobo bag" is derived from the word "hobo," which originally referred to vagrants or migrant workers in the United States. These men and women often traveled with few belongings, which they wrapped in cloth bags or old shawls, which they then carried over their shoulders on the end of a stick.

Materials for your hobo bag

• outer material, such as soft faux leather or stable woven fabric
• cotton fabric for the lining
• suitable sewing thread and a needle matched to the material
• fabric marker or tailor's chalk, clips and scissors
• PDF pattern or your own symmetrical pattern

Clips are often better than pins for faux leather. Test the marker, needle, stitch length and presser foot on a scrap. A slightly longer stitch helps avoid unnecessary perforation, although the correct setting still depends on the material and machine.

Materials you need to sew a hobo bag

Step 1: print the pattern and cut the pieces

Print the PDF at its specified original scale without fit-to-page and check the test square. Assemble the pages. Transfer the pattern and specified seam allowance to the outer and lining fabrics, then cut two mirrored pieces from each.

First, the cutting is done to sew the shoulder bag.

Step 2: sew the outer bag and lining

Place the outer pieces right sides together and sew the sides and bottom. Repeat for the lining, leaving a generous turning gap along its bottom edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end, and avoid stretching the edges.

When sewing a shoulder bag, the sides are sewn together first.

Step 3: shape the base corners

At each lower corner, align the side seam exactly with the bottom seam. Sew across the marked corner. Repeat on the outer bag and lining so both have the same depth. Check the fit before trimming any seam allowance.

Step 4: join the lining and outer bag

Place the outer bag inside the lining with right sides facing. Match the side seams and upper edge, then sew evenly around the curve. Trim or clip seam allowances only where the material and curve require it.

Step 5: turn and finish the bag

Carefully turn the bag through the gap in the lining. Shape the edges without sharp tools, close the gap by machine or hand, and join the straps as described in the pattern. Finally, inspect every load-bearing seam.

Pattern and suitable materials

You can use the complete five-step tutorial here at no cost. The separately available hobo bag PDF pattern gives you ready-made pattern pieces and a more detailed illustrated guide. You can use leftover fabric for a small pouch or a visible clothing repair.