Chic & Easy Crochet Bag Pattern Perfect for Beginners
Stitch up a cool accessory with this Free Crochet Bag Pattern that’s perfect for anyone looking for a simple, fun, and rewarding project.
Minimalist Crochet Bag Pattern Tutorial—Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own accessory with a simple pattern brings many benefits. A crochet bag is sturdy, reusable, and eco-friendly, so it helps reduce plastic use. You can use the bag for shopping, work, school, travel, or as a daily purse. It is unique because you pick the colors, size, and shape you like most. Decorations such as tassels, buttons, or bright handles can be added for extra beauty and flair.
Making the bag is relaxing and fun, giving you a sense of pride as you watch it take shape. It is not only attractive but also strong enough for heavy items. A crochet bag makes a thoughtful, personal gift for friends or family. The special charm lies in its uniqueness; no two are ever the same. It is both beautiful and practical for everyday life, letting you show your style in a useful way.
Special Features
- Beginner-friendly: Suitable even for new crocheters
- Sturdy square base: Easy granny-square-inspired foundation
- Customizable handle: Adjustable length, easily altered for crossbody or shoulder
- Simple closure: Practical button loop
- Versatile materials: Works with twine, cotton, or most sturdy medium-weight yarns
- Roomy yet compact: Base opens wide for easy access, bag measures about 28cm wide by 26cm high with 63cm handles
Level of Difficulty
Absolute Beginner:
If you can crochet a granny square or basic blocks, you can make this bag.
Materials Needed
- ~362g size 6 twine (or similar sturdy medium-weight yarn)
- 3.5mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Button for closure
- Fabric/craft glue (optional, for securing ends)
- Marker or pins (optional, for handle placement)
Step-by-Step Pattern
1. Square Base
- Start with a magic ring.
- Alternatively, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
- Round 1:
- Chain 2 (counts as first dc), work 2 double crochet into the ring.
- Chain 2 (corner), 3 dc into the ring, ch 2 — repeat 3 more times (4 groups of 3 dc, separated by corners of 2 ch).
- Join with a slip stitch to top of beginning ch 2. Pull magic ring tight.
- Round 2:
- Slip stitch into next stitches and into first ch-2 corner.
- Chain 2, 2 dc in same space, ch 2, 3 dc in same space (corner made).
- Into the next ch-2 space: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc — repeat for each corner.
- Join with a slip stitch at the end.
- Rounds 3–7:
- Continue as above:
- In each corner: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
- In each side space between corners: 3 dc (no ch between).
- Always join with slip stitch at end.
- Total: 7 rounds.
- Tip: After each round, gently pull the corners for a neat, even square.
- Continue as above:
2. Body of the Bag
- Begin First Body Round:
- Finish last square round as above.
- Slip stitch into corner, chain 2, 2 dc in same space (begin first block).
- From here onwards, do NOT make traditional corner fans anymore. Instead, in every space (including former corners), work just 3 dc.
- Continue Going Up:
- Work in spiral or join each round with slip stitch, as preferred.
- Build up the walls by simply making 3 dc in each space around.
- Continue 22 rows for a medium-sized bag, adjusting height as desired.
- Feel free to change colors between rows for stripes or color blocking.
3. Button Loop & Finishing the Top Edge
- Mark placement for button and loop:
- Lay your bag flat and find the exact center of the front panel’s top edge.
- Place markers 3 side spaces to the left and right of center (total 7 spaces).
- You now know where your button and loop will be.
- Work Final Round:
- Crochet as usual, but when you reach the marked space, stop to make the button loop:
- Chain enough to fit comfortably around your button (test as you go).
- Return to the same stitch/space, make a slip stitch to anchor the loop.
- Continue with 3 dc in each space to finish the round.
- Fasten off, weave in ends, and secure with a little glue if desired.
- Crochet as usual, but when you reach the marked space, stop to make the button loop:
4. Attaching the Button
- Sew the button to the center of the back panel’s top edge, aligned with your button loop.
5. Handles/Straps
- Placement:
- Use the first “block space” to each side of the bag’s top.
- Handles are made in two separate pieces.
- Making a Strap:
- Row 1: Attach yarn, chain 2 (or 3), work 3 more dc into the same space (4 dc total).
- Row 2–39: Turn, chain 3, work 1 dc into each dc across (4 dc in every row).
- Make it shorter by 5–10 cm than desired final length as straps will stretch (target ~63 cm).
- Attach other end:
- Use single crochet or sew the last row of strap to the opposite marked block space.
- Repeat for second handle.
6. Final Touches
- Weave in and glue all ends (on inside of bag).
- Adjust blocking and shape as needed.
- Attach a label or any desired embellishments for a personal touch.
Tutor’s Suggestions
- Don’t make the handles too long—they will stretch with use.
- Use a button that’s easy to pull a loop over, but not so small the bag pops open.
- Gently tug your square as you go for a flat, even base.
- Personalize with colors and accessories.
Uses
- Everyday tote or purse
- Gift for friends and family
- Practical shopping or market bag
- Beginner crochet practice
Pro Tip
Always make your straps a little shorter than you need! Test the bag full of weight to see how it stretches and adjust if needed.
Conclusion
You’ve now created a durable, practical, and stylish square-bottom crochet bag! The easy construction, robust material, and wide customization options make this bag a must for any crocheter, especially beginners.
