This boho bag free crochet pattern is fun to put together and loaded with bohemian charm. You'll love the playful fringe, leather strap, and unique bag construction.
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This free crochet boho bag pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.
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Crossbody Crochet Boho Bag Inspiration
During homecoming week in high school, we always had a "70's day" where everyone would dress up in bell bottoms and bandanas.
As child of a woman who is both a certifiable hippy AND prolific crocheter, I always had the best "70's day" costumes. Authentic granny squares. Legit embroidery. Fringe for days. My mom's closet is like a time capsule.
Perhaps I've been trying to ensure the same future wardrobe options for my own daughters because I've really been on a bohemian kick lately. First it was my crochet moccasins, then "The Huggle" knit hooded cowl, next the Cocoon Cardigan pattern, and my Coachella Boots with flip flop soles.
And now this crochet purse pattern that fits squarely in the "boho" category.
I came across a boho bag for sale a little while ago and loved how it came to a point at the bottom. I set out to design something similar with a series of simple shapes.
Then later I saw this gorgeous medallion, and while there's no pattern associated with it, it inspired me to work out my own that would suit the bag I was dreaming up.
Two unique granny squares and two basic triangles later, the Urban Nomad Boho Bag was born.
An update since initially releasing this pattern - When I originally named this pattern the Urban Gypsy Boho Bag, I had no idea that the word "gypsy" was derogatory. It's been brought to my attention now, so I've changed the name slightly. The boho bag pattern is still the same!
Three Strap Options for Your Tote Bag
For this free boho bag crochet pattern, I've included three purse strap options. The first and most straightforward is a basic crochet strap that is sturdy, functional and customizable. This strap works up in three rows, so it's quick too.
Always a sucker for the ecru yarn + leather + gold accent combo though, I HAD to pursue another strap option with a leather belt I got at Goodwill for $2.00. Isn't it just a perfect bag strap?! (If you love the ecru/leather/gold look too, you have to check out my free clothesline trivet pattern and my basket made from dollar store twine!)
To attach my leather strap to my boho bag, I used pliers to separate D-rings wide enough that the belt could slip onto them and then just sewed the D-rings directly onto the purse. This worked because by the grace of the thrifting gods, my belt happened to already be looped at either end.
Most belts though won't be like this and you'll want to use rivets to create your own loops. Persia Lou has an awesome tutorial on how to do this in her own gorgeous boho bag pattern.
I also found a leather purse strap that comes with clips, which is a great option if you don't want to deal with creating your own leather handle. My favorite part about this strap is that I can move it from one crocheted bag to another easily. Peep it in the Moonrise Fringed Bag pattern as well!
In the free bag pattern below, you'll also find instructions on how to create a six stand braid to use as a purse strap. I love all three options!
Related: How to add leather handles to a crochet bag
Optional Fabric Bag Liner
The fabric liner and toggle button on this boho bag free crochet pattern are totally optional, but they'll help protect your lip gloss from slipping out while you're frolicking in the mud at your next music festival. (That's what urban nomads do, right?)
All-in-One Crochet Kit
If you don't live near amazing yarn stores or if you just like to get fun packages in the mail, the all-in-one kit is a perfect way to make your Urban Nomad Boho Bag. This bundle from Lion Brand includes all the 24/7 Cotton yarn you'll need, plus a bonus printable PDF of the pattern (delivered digitally).
Print this Pattern
Prefer to crochet on the couch? Need a portable, printable pattern? You'll love the premium PDF! The instantly downloadable, ad-free file is formatted for easy printing and includes the complete pattern and all the step-by-step photo tutorials.
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Urban Nomad Boho Bag - Free Pattern
Explanation:
With creative construction and tons of texture, this fringe-tastic bag pattern is loaded with bohemian charm! It's built from a pair of squares and triangles which are easily joined before the statement fringe is added.
Below I've included lots of suggestions for customizing your boho bag, including instructions for a crocheted or braided strap.
Supplies + Materials
Order an all-in-one kit from Lion Brand.
For Bag:
• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Weight: 4/Medium - 170 yds, 3.5 oz/100 g)
- Ecru (761-098C) – 4 (5) skeins [(approx. 360 (490)g]
• Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
• T-pins for blocking - optional
• Steamer or iron with steam function (alternative: use a spray bottle) - optional
• Blocking board - optional
For Bag Closure:
• Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook for crochet button - optional
• Toggle Button - optional and unnecessary if crocheted button is used
For Bag Crossbody Strap:
• Leather Strap - optional and unnecessary if crochet or braided strap is used
For Bag Lining (completely optional):
• 30” x 24” piece of muslin fabric
• sewing needle and thread to match muslin
Measurements
Smaller Bag: 8.5” wide x 10” tall
Larger Bag: 13.5” wide x 16” tall
Gauge
At end of Round 5, square panel should measure 6.25-6.5”.
Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)
ch – chain
chsp – chain space
dc – double crochet
rep – repeat
RS – right side
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
slst – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
tch - turning chain
WS – wrong side
yo – yarn over
Special Stitches
Here's how to create the puff stitches and bobbles used in the boho bag pattern below.
2DcCl – 2 double crochet cluster - yo, insert hook in the designated stitch, yo and pull a loop up, yo and pull through 2 (2 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook same stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook). Yo and pull through all 3 loops.
3DcCl – 3 double crochet cluster - yo, insert hook in the designated stitch, yo and pull a loop up, yo and pull through 2 (2 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook same stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook in same stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 (4 loops on hook). Yo and pull through all 4 loops.
4DcCl – 4 double crochet cluster - yo, insert hook in the designated stitch, yo and pull a loop up, yo and pull through 2 (2 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook same stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook in same stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 (4 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook in same stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 (5 loops on hook). Yo and pull through all 5 loops.
Skill Level
This bohemian bag uses intermediate-level crochet techniques.
Permissions + Copyright:
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back this post. Do NOT use our photos as your own sales photos.
Overall Pattern Notes
- IMPORTANT: Pattern is worked with two strands held together throughout.
- Two square panels and two triangle panels are worked and then sewn together. A top crocheted border is added as well as a strap and button closure. Instructions are provided for customizing bag with alternative strap and buttons options as well as adding an optional fabric liner.
- Pattern is written for smaller bag size, with stitch counts for larger size following in parentheses. When only one number is given, it pertains to all sizes.
- See photo tutorials for visual explanation of each step.
- Ch 3 counts as 1 dc throughout.
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Square Bag Panels
Square is worked with RS facing throughout. Do not turn at end of each round.
Make 2.
With larger hook:
Foundation: Create a magic ring (or ch 5, slst to join)
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 15 dc in ring, slst to third ch from beginning of round to join. (16 dc)
Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as part of first cluster), 2DcCl in first dc, ch 1, [3DcCl in next dc, ch 1] 15 times, slst to top of first cluster to join. (16 clusters)
Round 3: Slst into first ch1sp, ch 2 (counts as part of first cluster), 3DcCl in first ch1sp, ch 2, [4DcCl in next ch1sp, ch 2] 15 times, slst to top of first cluster to join. (16 clusters)
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Round 4: Slst into first ch2sp, ch 4 (counts as 1 tr), 2 tr in same space, 3 dc in next sp, 3 hdc in next sp, 3 dc in next sp, 3 tr in next sp, ch 3; [3tr in same space as previous 3 tr, 3 dc in next sp, 3 hdc in next sp, 3 dc in next sp, 3 tr in next sp, ch 3] 3 times, slst to fourth chain from beginning of round to join. (15 sts per side, not including corner chs)
Round 5: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), sk first st, dc in each st to corner sp; [(3dc, ch 1, 3dc) in corner sp, dc in each st to next corner] 3 times, slst to third chain from beginning of round to join. (21 dc per side)
Smaller Size: Fasten off leaving a 15” tail for sewing panels together.
Larger Size: Rep Round 5 three more times. Eighth round of square should have 33 dc per side. Fasten off leaving a 20” tail for sewing panels together.
Triangle Bag Panels
Make 2.
Foundation: Create a magic ring (or ch 4, slst to join)
Row 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring; turn. (3 dc per side)
Row 2 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in first st, dc in each dc until corner; (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner sp, dc in each dc until 1 dc remains, 3 dc in last dc; turn. (7 dc per side)
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Row 3 (RS): Repeat Row 2. (11 dc per side)
Row 4 (WS): Repeat Row 2 (15 dc per side)
Row 5 (RS): Repeat Row 2 (19 dc per side)
Row 6 (WS): Repeat Row 2 (23 dc per side)
Smaller Size: Fasten off leaving a 15” tail for sewing panels together.
Larger Size: Rep Row 2 three more times. Ninth row of triangle should have 35 dc per side. Fasten off leaving a 20” tail for sewing panels together.
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Joining Panels To Create Main Bag
You may want to block your crochet pieces at this point so they are as crisp and uniform as possible.
See photos above and below for visual explanation of how to join bag pieces together.
1. Place squares on top of each other, right sides facing out. Pin each corner together using stitch markers.
2. Sew two consecutive sides of the squares together using a basting stitch and working underneath both loops of each stitch.
3. Pin one triangle to the right of top square, aligning bottom corner with corner of square. The extra stitches of triangle will overhang the top of the square. These will be sewn to the second triangle.
4. Use the mattress stitch to sew the right triangle and square edge together.
5. Pin second triangle to the left side of square. Pin overhanging stitches of triangles together.
6. Using the mattress stitch, sew overhanging triangle stitches together and proceed to sew left square and triangle edges together.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 on second side of bag.
Upper Border Around Top of Bag
Round 1 is worked into the raw row edges of the triangle panels. Each row on the triangle will have two double crochets worked into it for a total of 24 sets of 2 double crochets for smaller version and 36 sets of 2 dc for larger version.
Using two strands of yarn, tie a slip knot around hook. Insert hook at left side of bag—in space just to the left of the magic loop that begun the triangle. (This is Row 1 of the triangle.) Left handed crocheters—join yarn just to the right of the magic loop.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same triangle Row 1, ch 1, *2 dc in next triangle row, ch 1; rep from * to end of round, slst in third ch from beginning of round to join. (24, 36 dc clusters)
Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, 1 ch), * 2 dc in next ch1sp, ch 1; rep from * to last ch1sp, 1 dc in last ch1sp, slst to third ch from beginning of round to join.
Smaller Size: Fasten off leaving and weave in ends. If a taller bag is desired, follow Larger Size instructions for one additional border round.
Larger Size Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same ch1sp, ch 1, *2 dc in next ch1sp, ch 1; rep from * to end of round, slst in third ch from beginning of round to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
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Strap
Add a strap to your crochet boho purse in a few different ways.
Crocheted Option:
Adjust length of chain based on your desired strap length, taking into consideration that the strap will stretch slightly. As written, the strap is 48” long, with a height of about 20” once sewn on.
Foundation: With two strands held together, begin chain by leaving a 16” tail for joining later. Ch 130.
Row 1: Sc in second ch from the hook and each chain across; turn. Row 2: Ch 3, sk first sc, dc in each sc across; turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each dc across.
Fasten off, leaving a 16” tail.
Braided Strap Option:
This braided purse strap is quite easy to adjust. Simply stop braiding when you’re happy with the length. For a wider strap, use more pieces of yarn per braid strand.
If questions remain after reading instructions and viewing tutorial at end of pattern, this detailed tutorial might also be helpful.
1. Cut twelve 58” pieces of yarn. Repeat until you have 6 groupings of 12 pieces each. (Each grouping is referred to as a “strand” from here on.)
2. Gather strands together at one end, while keeping main groupings from getting mixed together. Wrap a piece of yarn around the end where strands are collected and tie off tightly. (Think of this as essentially putting your strands in a pony tail in order to start the braid.) Safety pin fastened end to something stationary in order to create resistance while braiding.
3. Separate three strands to the left and three to the right.
Step 1: Beginning with far right strand, carry it over the middle right strand, under the inner right strand and place it with the left strands.
Step 2: Take far left strand, carry it under, over and under the next closest three strands.
(After each step, the strand that begins outside finishes in middle of the other strands.)
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until desired strap length is reached, tightening down braid a bit after each step.
5. Wrap a piece of yarn around end of braid to tie all strands together.
6. For the tidiest bag interior, fold over braid end and re-tie off to form a small bulb. Trim excess. Repeat on opposite end of braid.
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Crocheted Button Closure
If planning to use a toggle button, skip this step and move onto Finishing.
Foundation: Create a magic ring (or ch 4, slst to join.)
Round 1: Ch 1, 6 sc in magic ring, slst to first sc to join. (6)
Round 2: 2 sc in first st (PM in first sc created), 2 sc in each st to end of round, slst to first sc to join. (12)
Rounds 3-4: Sc in first sc, move marker to created sc, sc in each st to end of round, slst to first sc to join. (12)
Fasten off leaving a 12” tail. Whip stitch in each stitch of Round 4. Stuff button with a small scrap of yarn and pull whip stitches tight to close button. Leave remaining yarn tail for joining to bag.
Finishing
Attaching Strap:
1. Using a doubled over strand of yarn or remaining yarn tails and a tapestry needle, whip stitch strap into the inner sides of the bag securely. For more stability, sew 3-4” of strap to inside of bag.
Alternative Leather Strap:
A detachable leather purse strap is a great way to invest once and dress up lots of handmade bags. (Alternatively, try a thrifted leather belt and some D-rings!) If you choose this strap option, you might find it stabilizing to whip stitch around whichever upper border space you plan to clip the strap into. This is the purse strap pictured.
How to Add Bohemian Fringe:
1. Cut lots of approximately 25” pieces of yarn.
Pro Tip: To do this efficiently, wrap yarn around an appropriately-sized book dozens of times. Cut all strands of yarn at one end of book.
2. Grab six pieces of yarn and loosely organize them into one grouping. Insert hook from top down through inner two loops of the square panel seam. Pull strands up to create a loop. Thread tails of strands through the loop and pull until snug.
3. Skip one stitch along square panel and repeat step 2. Continue this way, using six strands of fringe every other stitch along both lower sides of square seam
4. Trim fringe to approximately 7-10”.
Button Bag Closure:
1. Sew crocheted button or toggle button in place at center of bag top.
2. Closure for crocheted or toggle button: On opposite side of bag, attach one strand of yarn with a slip knot as done previously. Chain enough stitches to comfortably wrap around the button. Slip stitch to bag to form a loop. Fasten off and weave in end.
Optional Bag Liner:
1. Cut two pieces of muslin fabric that are just slightly smaller than the shape of the bag.
2. By hand or machine, sew the liner pieces together and turn the envelope inside out.
3. Fold the top of the liner over and iron.
4. Insert the liner in the bag and whip stitch in place using a needle and thread.
Take your inner free spirit out on the town with your new Urban Nomad bag!
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Learn a New Skill
When you're ready to master a new skill, check out our detailed guides that include everything you need to know to level up your crochet game.
- How to Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet for Beginners - with video tutorials to get you started
- How to Crochet a Beginner Hat - make an entire beanie in 1.5 hours!
- How to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners - the ultimate guide to making your own toys and plushies
- How to Tunisian Crochet - learn with this video and a standard hook
That was so fun! Now what?
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Janie storer says
Wow thank you so much for sharing this pattern. It is perfect for matching with my wicca outfits. I have got to buy yaen and make this! I'm not on instagram etc but be happy to share photos on my revelry once made, linking to your patteen of course.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thank you, Janie, I would love to see what you make! Your wicca outfits sound so cool!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I love that you make everything from scratch! I hope my own daughters can say that about me too! What a wonderful gift for your kids to grow up in a creative household. I sure feel lucky I did.
Enjoy your "dress up" purse! 🙂
Jess
Candice Jean says
I love this pattern so much! I'm in the middle of making it, and I ran out of yarn 🙁 Luckily I'm headed out to get more in the AM lol. Thank you so much for sharing!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha--I hate when that happens! I hope you got back to crocheting quickly!
Jess
Rachel says
I'm on my 2nd square now, can't wait to finish! There seemed to be an error in the round that "squares" each side; the only way I could get it to square with the number of bobbles in the previous round was to put the groups of TC's with ch3 between them in the same spot, rather than the "next space" as the pattern calls for. Does that sound right?
Thanks 🙂
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yes! You're totally right, Rachel. Good problem solving. 🙂
I realized that error as well and it should be corrected now.
I hope you enjoy your purse!
Jess
Lauryn says
I would love clarification on the fourth row. I keep working and reworking it, but it is not coming out right. What "spaces" are you crocheting the stitches into?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Lauryn,
The spaces are the ch-2 spaces from Round 3. There was an error in how it was written previously, but it's been corrected. I think if you try it as written now, it should work for you. Please let me know if you need more clarification though! 🙂
Lisa says
There was a misprint when it came to making the square, there are supposed to be a cluster of 3 tr then chain 3 and then another 3 tr all in the same stitch.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yes! That's true. Thanks for pointing it out. It should be fixed now.
Mel says
Hi, round 4 has a error, it's should have 3 triple, chain three then three triple in same space...not next space. Thanks for the pattern, looking great so far!
Yvonne Mercado, Sweet Right Hook says
Love this! I can't wait to get started <3
The link for the d-rings is not working. I'd love to shop through your affiliate links if possible 🙂
Rose says
This us so thoughtful of you, Jessica.
Lucilia Ribeiro says
Acho muito bonito vou tentar fazer.
Obrigada pela partilha.
Bons trabalhos e um abraço.
Rachael says
I am having issues with this pattern as well. Too many stitches and not enough ch sps in the 4th round to make a square following directions. Am I doing something wrong? ?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Rachael,
I hope perhaps you've seen that I've edited the pattern. It should all work out now. 🙂
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Jess
Cass says
I had the same problem it wasnt making a square. When you start that round do your slip stitch, turn your work chain 4 then do your 2 trebles in that chain 2 space, chain 3 then do your other 3 trebles. Then continue the rest.
Sarah says
Beautiful bag. I'm trying to figure out why I'm getting 45 stitches in the 3rd round instead of 32. Is there a misprint?
Marlene says
Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2DcCl in first dc, ch 1, [3DcCl in next dc, ch 1] 15 times, sl st to top of first cluster to join. (32)
Round 3: Ch 2 (Counts as 1 dc), 3DcCl in first ch-1 sp, ch 2, [4DcCl in next ch-1 sp, ch 2] 15 times, sl st to top of first cluster to join. (48)
RND 3 SHOULD ACTUALLY HAVE 48 STITCHES.
Sarah says
Also is this two strands of worsted weight cotton?
anniepatches says
I am having the same problem, so on the 2nd row I put 2DC in each stitch and in the next I am putting 3 stitches so I'll see how it works out, but something is off. but it is a beautiful bag, and I sure want to make me one.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Annie,
I wonder if the confusion is happening in the cluster stitch. All of the double crochets should be worked as a cluster, so you're really only ending up with one stitch once they're all crocheted together. (Check out the stitch explanation section for more detail.) Because of this, each little section of double crochets only counts as one stitch in the stitch count.
Does that make sense?
Jess
anniepatches says
Made one out of the brown and creme cotton thread and every one love it, This week I made the white one and love it
. Makes me remember the old days since I am 76 years old. thanks for the pattern. Now I,m gonna try the flip flop boots for me. My kids and grands may faint.LOL
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Lol, those kids should admire their fashionable mom and grandma! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the pattern! 🙂
Jess
Shay says
Hi,
I just competed this and 32 is the right number of stitches. Also, you're correct, 2 strands of worsted Wright cotton. I used the brand at Joann's and it still looks great.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Sarah,
Yes, it's two strands of worsted weight cotton held together. The multiple in the square panels is 16, so each round sound increase by 16 stitches. (16, 32, 48)
I think you maybe having a similar issue to Annie, so I'm pasting my response to her comment in case it helps you too. 🙂
--
I wonder if the confusion is happening in the cluster stitch. All of the double crochets should be worked as a cluster, so you’re really only ending up with one stitch once they’re all crocheted together. (Check out the stitch explanation section for more detail.) Because of this, each little section of double crochets only counts as one stitch in the stitch count.
Does that make sense?
Nancy Peace says
I made the "Target" Boho bag and love. I can't wait to make this one. I like style even better.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I love Alexis' "Target" boho bag too! I hope you enjoy this pattern! 🙂