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Learn how to crochet a modern, and simple crochet bag with this free pattern and step-by-step tutorial. You can view the pattern completely free on this page, or you can buy the ad-free, printable PDF from our shop.
UPDATED: AUGUST 4, 2023 BY BRITTANY
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Skill Level | Easy
Finished Size | 14″ x 14″ lying flat
If you avoid crocheting bags due to their tendency to end up floppy or delicate, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by this one. The use of macramé cord elevates it to one of the sturdiest and most functional crochet bags you’ll ever create.
If you’re a fan of totes, this project will undoubtedly capture your heart!
About This Pattern
With this crochet pattern, you’ll have the opportunity to refine your single crochet skills, experiment with color changes, and explore the world of new material. Boasting only three rounds of increases, this purse serves as an excellent companion for your cozy couch sessions, and even beginners will find it remarkably easy to tackle. This is one of the easy crochet bag patterns you’ll find!
Keep reading for more frequently asked questions, and pattern details, or jump down to the free pattern.
Pattern Overview:
- Supplies
- Buy the ad-free, printable pattern
- Abbreviations
- Pattern Notes
- Simple Crochet Bag Pattern
- Adding the Handles
- Adding an Optional Liner
- Can I Use A Different Yarn?
- Can I Use Acrylic or Animal Fiber Yarn?
- How Can I Make It Bigger?
- How Can I Make It Smaller?
You can access the complete pattern for free directly on this page. However, if you prefer having a digital copy that you can save or print, we’ve got you covered with that option as well.
If you’d like to show your support for our work here at B.Hooked, purchasing the digital pattern is a wonderful way to do so!
Recommended Supplies
- Approx 320 yds total; 3 mm Macramé cord
- 22″ Purse Handles
- 6.5 mm Crochet Hook
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
This pattern is written using standard US crochet terminology.
- Ch Chain
- Cont Continue
- Hk Hook
- Rem Remaining
- Rep Repeat
- Sc Single Crochet
- Sk Skip
- Slst Slip Stitch
- St(s) Stitch(es)
Pattern Notes
This medium-sized crochet bag is crocheted from the bottom of the bag starting with an oval base and worked upward in a spiral fashion.
Our example and pattern include instructions for three stripes, however, you can get creative with the coloring! Make it solid, have two stripes or many stripes. Whichever you prefer! Add longer handles for a cross-body bag, and another possible upgrade is to add a fabric liner to the inside.
Gauge: 10.5 stitches x 12 rounds = 4″ worked in single crochet
Finished Size: 14″ wide; 14″ tall (lying flat)
These straps I found on Amazon absolutely make this bag. I love them so much, I use them for pretty much every crochet purse I make. See them used in my Easy Granny Square Bag too! The clips make them easy to attach, and they’re sturdy enough to hold a lot of weight.
If you’re not able to get these straps, any 22″ purse straps will likely work.
Simple Crochet Bag Pattern Instructions
Round 1: With color A, ch 23. Sc in 2nd ch from hk and in each ch to the last. 4 sc in last ch, rotating work around so you can see the underside of the ch. Sc in the bottom of each ch to the last. 3 sc in last ch. (48 sts)
Round 2: 2 sc in first st. Sc in each of the next 20 sts. 2 sc in next 4 sts. Sc in next 20 sts. 2 sc in last 3 sts. (56 sts)
A digital pattern is available in our shop so you can print out the pattern
Round 3: 2 sc in first 2 sts. Sc in next 20 sts. 2 sc in next 8 sts. Sc in next 20 sts. 2 sc in next 6 sts. (72 sts)
Round 4: Sc in every st. (72 sts)
Repeat: Rep the last round until work measures 5” from the bottom.
Break color A and join color B.
Cont to rep round 4 until work measures 10” from the bottom.
Break color B and join color C.
Cont to rep round 4 until work measures 14” from the bottom.
Make 4 slst to gradually correct the jog from crocheting in a spiral. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Adding the Handles
Step 1: Measure 4” inward and place a marker in the color C stripe, four rows up from color B.
Step 2: Cut four 14” strands of color C.
Step 3: Thread one strand on the yarn needle. Working from inside-out, run strand through at the place of your marker. Run the needle straight up three rows from the marker and into the bag. Repeat three more times.
Step 4: Tie a knot with the two ends on the inside.
Step 5: Clip the strap to the loops you just created.
Repeat steps 2 through 5 for the other handle.
Optional Liner
A fabric liner is a great finishing touch to this granny square bag if you’re handy with a sewing machine. I’m far from a sewing expert, but managed to put one together for my granny square bag in a short afternoon’s work. Here’s what I did to make it:
- Lay a yard of fabric on a flat surface, with the fold on the bottom.
- Lay the bag flat on top of the fabric, and trace the shape with a fabric pen.
- Cut along the line you traced, leaving the bottom fold as it is.
- Sew around the sides, leaving the top open.
- Finish the top edges (the points) by folding down, and adding a seam.
You can get creative with your liner and add pockets to make it even more functional. Once I was happy with the liner, I hand-sewed it to the bag so there wouldn’t be any sewing machine seams on the outside of the bag. Experiment with this process and have fun!
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This pattern is for personal use only. You agree not to modify, publish, transmit, sell, create derivative works or in any way exploit any of the content within this page, in whole or in part. If you wish to share this pattern, share a link to this webpage only. You may sell finished items made from this pattern.
Copyright, B.Hooked Crochet, LLC
Simple Crochet Bag Tutorial
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Pattern
Can I use a different yarn for my crochet bag?
Technically you could use a bulky weight yarn for this project as well. However, the macramé cord is what makes this purse sturdy and functional so we recommend you give that a try.
Learn more about substituting a different yarn for a pattern like this in our comprehensive yarn substitution guide here.
Can I use acrylic or animal fiber yarn for my crochet bag?
I haven’t tried using acrylic or animal fiber yarn for this crochet bag. These fibers are inherently stretchy, which could lead to a less durable bag. If you do substitute for something other than macrame cord, it’s best if you use yarn with little to no stretch so the bag is still functional.
How can I make my crochet bag bigger?
There are two ways you can make this bag bigger. The first option is to use two strands of macrame cord and a bigger hook while following the same pattern. This method will increase the gauge of the stitches, resulting in bigger stitches and therefore a bigger bag. You can learn more about gauge in our Ultimate Gauge Guide for Crocheters and Knitters here.
If you choose this method, you should be aware that working with two strands of macrame cord will be quite a workout for your hands.
How can I make my crochet bag smaller?
The easiest way to make your crochet bag smaller is to omit round 3 of the pattern. Omitting this last increasing round will mean you have fewer stitches, and the bag as a result will be smaller.
Another option to make your crochet bag smaller is to use a 2mm macrame cord and a smaller hook size.
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