8 Gorgeous Free Macrame Bag Patterns by Soulful Notions | Macrame for Beginners
There is something deeply satisfying about carrying a bag you made with your own hands. The weight of it, the texture of the knots beneath your fingers, the way people stop you on the street to ask where you got it — and the quiet pride you feel when you tell them you made it yourself. That is the magic of macrame, and it is exactly why so many people are falling in love with this craft all over again.
If you have been searching for free macrame bag patterns that are beautiful, beginner-friendly, and genuinely worth your time, you have come to the right place. Soulful Notions has become one of the most beloved names in the macrame community, and for good reason. Their patterns are thoughtfully designed, clearly explained, and absolutely stunning when finished. Whether you are picking up macrame cord for the very first time or you have been knotting for a few years, these eight free macrame bag patterns will give you something exciting to work on.
Let’s dive in.
Why Macrame Bags Are the Perfect Project for Beginners
Before we get into the patterns themselves, let’s talk about why bags are such a great starting point — or a satisfying next step — for anyone learning macrame.
First, bags are functional. Unlike wall hangings, which are beautiful but serve a decorative purpose only, a macrame bag goes with you into the world. You can take it to the farmer’s market, the beach, a coffee shop, or a dinner out. Every outing becomes an opportunity to show off your work.
Second, bags are forgiving. The knots used in most macrame bag patterns are relatively straightforward — square knots, spiral knots, and lark’s head knots form the foundation of nearly every design you will encounter. If a section doesn’t come out perfectly even, the organic, handcrafted nature of macrame means it still looks intentional. That is one of the most comforting things about this craft.
Third, the supplies are accessible and affordable. You do not need a lot of equipment to get started. A sturdy dowel or metal ring, some quality macrame cord, a pair of scissors, and a tape measure are enough to get you through most of the patterns on this list. Many crafters already have some of these items at home.
Finally, completing a macrame bag gives you a real sense of accomplishment. It is a finished, wearable object that reflects hours of focused, meditative work. There is a reason so many people describe macrame as a form of mindfulness.
A Quick Word About Soulful Notions
Soulful Notions has earned its reputation in the macrame world by offering patterns that balance creativity with accessibility. Their tutorials tend to be well-photographed, easy to follow, and packed with the kind of detail that takes the guesswork out of a project. What sets them apart is their aesthetic — there is a boho-chic warmth to their designs that feels current without being trendy. These are pieces you will still love years from now.
The fact that they offer so many of their patterns for free is genuinely generous. It reflects a commitment to building a community around the craft rather than simply selling a product. If you fall in love with one of their free patterns, it is absolutely worth exploring their full catalog and showing your support.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff.
1. The Classic Market Tote
Every macrame journey should include a classic market tote at some point, and Soulful Notions does this staple better than almost anyone. This pattern produces a generous, open-weave bag with beautiful drape and plenty of room for groceries, books, or beach essentials.
The structure relies on alternating square knots to create that iconic macrame net look, and the pattern walks you through every step clearly, from mounting your cords to finishing the handles. If you are brand new to macrame, this is an excellent place to start because the core knot — the square knot — is one of the first techniques you will want to master, and you will use it over and over again in everything you make.
The finished bag has a relaxed, natural look that pairs beautifully with cotton macrame cord in natural, cream, or bleached white. If you want to add some personality, try it in a dusty sage or terracotta color.
2. The Boho Drawstring Bag
This little bag might be small in size, but it is big on charm. The boho drawstring pattern from Soulful Notions is one of their most popular designs, and it is easy to see why. The finished product has that effortlessly cool, festival-ready look — a compact pouch with a cinched top and a mix of spiral knots and square knots that give it beautiful texture.
This pattern is a great confidence builder. Because the bag is relatively small, you can finish it in an afternoon or evening. That quick turnaround is incredibly motivating when you are still learning. You get the full satisfaction of a completed project without committing to a week-long undertaking.
The drawstring closure is both practical and visually appealing, and you can adjust the length of the cords to wear it as a crossbody, a belt bag, or a simple pouch you tuck into a larger tote. Versatility is a huge plus.
3. The Fringe Bucket Bag
If you have been admiring those gorgeous bucket bags with long, flowing fringe at the bottom, this pattern is about to become your new obsession. Soulful Notions’ fringe bucket bag is one of their more intermediate designs, but do not let that intimidate you if you are a beginner. The pattern is broken down into manageable sections and the technique is explained clearly enough that a patient newcomer can absolutely pull it off.
The body of the bag uses a combination of square knots and gathering knots to build up a solid structure, and then the fringe at the bottom adds that dramatic, bohemian flair. The result is a bag that looks like something you would find in a high-end boutique for far more money than the cord cost you.
This one looks particularly stunning in a chunky, single-strand cotton cord where the texture of the material really comes through.
4. The Mini Macrame Crossbody
Crossbody bags are endlessly practical, and this mini version from Soulful Notions is as cute as they come. The pattern creates a small, structured bag with an adjustable shoulder strap and a simple button or wooden toggle closure at the top.
What makes this design special is the detail work on the front panel. Rather than relying solely on square knots for texture, the pattern incorporates some diagonal knotting that creates a lovely geometric pattern. It is a beautiful introduction to directional knotting for anyone who has only worked with horizontal rows before.
The finished bag is roughly the size of a smartphone wallet — big enough for your essentials, small enough to feel sleek and modern. It is the kind of piece that elevates a simple outfit without trying too hard.
5. The Woven Circle Bag
Round bags have had a major moment in fashion over the past several years, and this macrame version by Soulful Notions gives you a way to participate in that trend entirely on your own terms. The woven circle bag is built on a metal or wooden hoop and uses a combination of mounted cords and woven sections to create a flat, circular base that expands into a rounded bag shape.
This pattern introduces a slightly different construction method than most bag patterns, which typically start from a horizontal dowel or ring. Working in the round feels different and can be a little disorienting at first, but the pattern guides you through it step by step, and the result is well worth the slight learning curve.
The circle bag has a clean, almost sculptural quality when finished. It sits flat against your body and pairs well with flowy, boho-style outfits. This is one of those pieces that photographs incredibly well, which is a bonus if you like to share your makes on Instagram or Pinterest.
6. The Macrame Backpack
Yes — a fully functional macrame backpack. If you have been wanting to level up your macrame skills, this is the pattern to try. Soulful Notions’ macrame backpack pattern is one of their most ambitious free designs, and it is genuinely impressive.
The backpack is constructed in sections — front panel, back panel, base, and straps — which are then assembled into the final piece. This modular approach makes the project feel less overwhelming than it might otherwise be, because you are essentially completing several smaller tasks rather than one giant one.
The front panel features beautiful decorative knotwork, and the top closure uses a gathered-cord technique that looks both intentional and polished. The straps are sturdy and adjustable, and the finished bag is actually strong enough to carry a reasonable load.
This project will take more time and cord than the others on this list, but it is also the one that will leave you the most proud when you are done. If you finish this pattern, you will know that you have genuinely mastered macrame bag construction.
7. The Macrame Tote Bag with Leather Handles
Mixing macrame with leather handles is a combination that feels elevated and modern, and this pattern from Soulful Notions takes full advantage of that aesthetic. The macrame body is worked in a dense square knot pattern that creates a solid, structured bag — this is not the open-weave style but a tighter construction that holds its shape beautifully.
The leather handles are typically pre-cut leather strips or handles that you can purchase from craft suppliers, and attaching them to the finished macrame body is a simple but transformative finishing touch. The contrast between the soft, textured macrame and the smooth, clean leather is really striking.
This bag feels less casual than some of the other designs on the list — it has a sophistication to it that makes it appropriate for more polished settings. If you are the kind of person who wants a handmade bag that could also be carried to work or to dinner, this is your pattern.
8. The Festival Shoulder Bag
The festival shoulder bag is pure joy from start to finish. This design has a relaxed, freeform energy that makes it one of the most fun patterns to work through. It features a mix of knotting styles, including half hitch spirals and decorative patterns, and incorporates small wooden beads throughout the design for extra visual interest.
The finished bag is medium-sized with a long shoulder strap and open top, making it easy to access your belongings quickly. The beads catch the light beautifully and add a little movement when you walk. It is the kind of bag that is impossible to make and not feel happy about.
This pattern is a great choice if you have done a couple of simpler projects and want to try something with a bit more variety. The mix of techniques keeps the process engaging, and the beading adds a creative element that lets you personalize the finished piece.
Tips for Getting Started with These Macrame Bag Patterns
If you are brand new to macrame or just getting back into it, here are a few tips that will make working through any of these patterns a smoother experience.
Choose the right cord thickness. Most bag patterns work best with a cord between 3mm and 5mm in diameter. Thinner cord produces finer, more delicate work, while thicker cord creates chunkier, more structured pieces. When in doubt, the pattern will specify what it recommends.
Measure twice. Macrame cord is usually cut to around four times the length of the finished piece (sometimes more for complex knotwork), and running short partway through is frustrating. Always cut a little extra, especially on your first attempt.
Work at a comfortable height. Mount your project on a hook, hanger, or clothing rail at roughly eye level so you can knot comfortably without straining. Many experienced macrame artists work on a macrame board or foam board set on a table when making bags.
Keep your knots even. Consistent tension is what separates a polished finished piece from one that looks rushed. Take your time, especially on the first few rows of a pattern, to establish a good rhythm.
Practice your foundational knots before starting. If square knots or lark’s head knots are new to you, spend fifteen minutes practicing on scrap cord before you begin any of the patterns listed above. That small investment of time will make everything go much more smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Macrame is one of those crafts that gives back exactly as much as you put into it. The more you practice, the more your knots even out, your tension improves, and your confidence grows — and before long, you are finishing projects that genuinely look professional.
These eight free macrame bag patterns from Soulful Notions represent some of the best free resources available to the macrame community right now. Whether you are drawn to the simplicity of the classic market tote, the boho charm of the drawstring pouch, the drama of the fringe bucket bag, or the ambition of the full macrame backpack, there is something here for every skill level and every style.
So gather your cord, find a good hook, and start knotting. Your next favorite bag is just a few square knots away.
