Urban Nomad Boho Bag - Free Crochet Pattern

This boho bag free crochet pattern is fun to put together and loaded with bohemian charm. The free pattern is below or you can purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here. 

 This free crochet urban gypsy boho bag pattern is a collaboration with my friends at Lion Brand Yarn. This post contains affiliate links.

UPDATE: 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 pattern is still the same!

During homecoming week in high school, we always had a "70's day" where everyone would dress up in bellbottoms 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" hooded cowl, next the Cocoon Cardigan pattern, my Coachella Boots with flip flop soles and now this crochet purse pattern that fits squarely in the "boho" category.

I came across this 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.

For this Urban Gypsy boho bag free crochet pattern, I've included two purse strap options. The first and most straight forward 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.

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 gypsies do, right?)

Thanks to Lion Brand Yarn for sponsoring this post and enabling more free patterns on Make and Do Crew!

More Free Crochet Bag + Purse Patterns

From modern granny square bags to mesh market totes to circle purses, we've got lots more free crochet bag patterns for you to enjoy. With sturdy straps and stylish details, you might just become a crochet bag-a-holic.

See more free crochet bags & purses patterns →

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 to this post. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos. ­­You can read my policies here. Now let’s make something awesome!

Urban Nomad Boho Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
Seven pages of step-by-step photos are separated from the written pattern so you can choose to print them or conserve ink. 

Add this pattern to your Ravelry favorites here.

Pin this pattern for later here.

Measurements:
Bag without fringe: 14” tall x 11.5” wide
Strap height: 22”

Supplies:
So you can spend more time being a boho goddess and less time shopping, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
• (5) Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton – color: Vanilla – 99 yards, 57 grams (4 skeins without shoulder strap) (Kitchen Cotton is 20% off through April 6, 2017 on LionBrand.com!)
• Size K [6.5 mm] crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• 30”x24” piece of muslin fabric (optional)
• sewing needle and thread to match muslin (optional)
• toggle button(optional)
• leather belt or strap(optional)
• D-rings and rivets(optional)

Gauge:
Gauge isn’t critical, but for reference, each square panel measures about 8.5”.

Abbreviations (US terms):
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stich
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
RS – right side
tr – treble crochet
sp – space

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.

Overall Pattern Notes:
• Pattern is worked with two strands held together throughout.
• Two square panels and two triangle panels are worked and then sewn together. A top border is added as well as a strap and optional fabric lining.

Square Panel

Make 2.

Foundation: Create a magic ring (or ch 5, sl st to join)

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 15 dc in ring, sl st to third ch from beginning of round to join. (16)

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)

Round 4: Sl st into first ch-2 sp, 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 sp 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, sl st to fourth chain from beginning of round to join. (15 per side, not including corner ch)

Round 5: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in first dc, dc in next 14 st; [(3dc, ch 1, 3dc) in corner sp, dc in next 15 st] 3 times, (3dc, ch 1, 2dc) in last corner sp, sl st to third chain from beginning of round to join. (21 per side, not including corner ch)

Fasten off leaving a 15” tail for sewing panels together.

Triangle Panel

Make 2.

Foundation: Create a magic ring (or ch 4, sl st to join)

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring, turn. (3 per side)

Row 2: 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 per side)

Row 3: Repeat row 2. (11 per side)

Row 4: Repeat row 2 (15 per side)

Row 5: Repeat row 2 (19 per side)

Row 6: Ch 2 (counts as 1 hdc), 2 hdc in first st, hdc in each dc until corner; (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in corner sp, hdc in each dc until 1 dc remains, 3 hdc in last dc. (22 per side)

Fasten off leaving a 15” tail for sewing panels together.

Sewing Panels Together

Notes:
• See photo below for clarification on how bag panels are sewn together.

1. Place squares on top of each other, right sides facing out. Using stitch markers or safety pins, pin each corner together.
2. Sew two consecutive sides of the squares together using a basting stitch and working underneath both loops of each stitch. (See photo above.)
3. Pin one triangle to the right of top square, aligning bottom corner with corner of square. One stitch of triangle will overhang the top of the square. This 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 on triangles together.
6. Using the mattress stitch, sew overhanging triangle stitches together and proceed to sew left square and triangle edges together. (See photo below.)
7. Repeat steps 3-6 on second side.

Upper Border

Notes:
• Round 1 is worked into the last stitches in the rows 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.

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, sp, ch 1, *2 dc in next triangle row, ch 1; rep from * to end of round, sl st in third ch from beginning of round. (24 dc clusters)

Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, 1 ch), * 2 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * to last ch-1 sp, 1 dc in last ch-1 sp, sl st to third ch from beginning of round. (24 dc clusters)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Strap

Notes:
• Feel free to adjust length of chain based on your desired strap length taking into consideration that the strap will stretch slightly. As written, the strap is 52” long, with a height of about 22” once sewn on.

Foundation Row: Ch 130; turn.

Row 1: Sc in second ch from the hook and each chain across; turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each sc across; turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each dc across.

Fasten off, leaving a 12” tail.

Finishing

Affixing Strap:
Using a doubled over strand of yarn and a tapestry needle, sew the handle into the inner sides of the bag securely. The sample strap is sewn with about three inches of strap inside the bag on either side.

Adding Fringe:
1. Cut many strands to about 25”. Organize into sets of three strands.
2. Insert hook from top of bag, working through the inner two loops of the square panel seam and pull strands up to create a loop. Thread tails of strands through the loop and pull until snug. (See photo below.)
3. Continue this way, using three strands of fringe per stitch along both lower sides of the bag.
4. Trim fringe to approximately 10”. (See photo grid at top of pattern.)

Optional Bag Liner:
1. Cut two pieces of muslin fabric that are just slightly smaller than the shape of the bag. (Make the width of the liner slightly wider than the bag at the top so that it fits perfectly within the opening 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. (The sample bag’s liner is tall enough to be sewn into the top edge of the triangle panels.) (See photo below.)
4. Insert the liner in the bag and whip stitch in place using a needle and thread. (See photo below.)

Optional Toggle Button:
1. Using a doubled over strand of yarn and a tapestry needle, sew toggle button in place at top of bag. (See photo below.)
2. On opposite side of bag, attach two strands 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.

Alternative Leather Strap:
A leather belt can make a great bag strap when affixed with some D-rings. The bag in photos above uses a thrifted leather belt attached with D-rings. Because the belt already had looped leather ends, I bent the D-rings enough to slide them in and then crocheted the D-rings directly to the bag. More often than than not though, you’ll need to use rivets to attach your leather strap. Persia Lou has an excellent tutorial for doing so in her own Boho Tassel Bag pattern.

Take your inner free spirit out on the town with your new Urban Gypsy bag!

More Free Crochet Patterns for Bags + Purses

• Crochet Lunch Bag Pattern - also fun gift for kids
• Lacy Crochet Shoulder Bag Pattern - summery tote bag
• Fringe Crochet Purse Pattern - bohemian flare!
• Beginner Crochet Tote Bag - fun crochet geometry
• How to Add Leather Handles to Any Crochet Bag - easy upgrade
• Crochet Tote Bag Free Pattern - with leather handles
• Finger Crochet Bag Pattern + Video - no hook, no problem!
• Free Crochet Bag Pattern For Beginners - very simple construction

More Free Bohemian Crochet Patterns

Does your new Urban Nomad bag have you feeling in the mood for some more boho crochet patterns? Check out these M&DC favorites!

1. Saratoga Poncho Top - Made from two simple rectangles, this summer crochet top will take you effortlessly from music festival to BBQ to beach vaca this season.

2. Coachella Crochet Boots - Whether you’re headed to Coachella or your local concert in the park, this crochet boots pattern for adults will complete your boho-inspired outfits all season long!

3. Solstice Long Cardigan - Minimal counting and two short seams come together in an easy, crochet long cardigan that’s perfect for layering.

4. Canyonlands Boho Crochet Top - Combine the breezy Canyonlands boho crochet top with a bandeau or cami, a pair of well-worn jeans and a free spirit and you’ll have yourself the perfect bohemian summer look!