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.
Get the free crochet pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF.
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.
More Free Crochet Patterns
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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.
Print This Pattern: purchase the ad-free, printable PDF
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)
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.
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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)
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!
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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Lori says
Do you fold the triangles in half? Either that or my triangles are way to big. My sisters birthday is on March 29th, she will love this if I can figure it out.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yes, the triangles kind of bend in half to form the sides of the bag.
Candi ferris says
Ok I’m sorry but I am still having trouble. I desperately want to make this purse because it is so cute. Now I am having trouble with the triangle. It ends up being 3.5-4” bigger than the square! What am I doing wrong now. I have made and ripped them both apart 4 times and I am continually having this problem. I am following the pattern exactly. My stitches are consistent.
Candi ferris says
I am still having trouble with this pattern. I just printed it so it should be the updated instructions. When I get to round 2 it says to do a 3 DcC in each dc and I should end with 32. If I count each 3 DcC as 1 stitch I end up with 16 stitches. If I count each 3DcC as 3 stitches I end up with 48. How am I supposed to end up with 32 stitches? What am I doing wrong?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Candi,
The clusters do count as one stitch, but the chains also count as one stitch. So it's 16 + 16 = 32.
Hope that's helpful!
Jess
Tyna says
Just double checking, is the crochet strap still with 2 strands held together?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yes! Great question.
Priscilla says
I'm confused on the triangle. Is it supposed to be stitched together or have a space when you turn? I tried four times before I gave up for the night.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm not sure I understand your question, Priscilla. Do you want to give me a few more details on what you mean? I'd be happy to help if I can!
Jess
Cheryl says
Thanks for such a great patter! I am curious did you use one or two strands of yarn for the strap? I couldn't find this anywhere?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Oh, you're right, I'm sorry that's not clear. I used two strands, just as I did for the rest of the pattern. 🙂
Jess
Cindi M. says
Absolutely LOVE this pattern! It was so easy & fun to crochet!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm so happy to hear that, Cindi! I hope you love using your new bag just as much!
Jess
Alicia says
Thank you for sharing your pattern. I'm almost finished making it and your instructions are perfect. I used pure white cotton yarn and I plan on dipping the finished bag into some RIT dye to create an ombré effect.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Alicia,
I LOVE the idea of dying this back! I've always wanted to try that with something made from cotton yarn. I would really like to see a pic if you'd like to email me one at Jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com. 🙂
I'm so happy to hear you've enjoyed the pattern as well!
Jess
Maaike says
Hi Jess!
I love this style, can't wait to get started on this. I live in the Netherlands, so to get the same type of yarn means enormous shipping costs 🙁
I still have quite a stash of the most gorgeous aqua blue cotton. The color would totally fit the style, might make it look a bit native American.
But it is Phildar Phil Crochet yarn, which is not the same weight as the Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton.
Should I use 3 strands and a 6.5 mm crochet hook or is it going to look messy with 3 strands? Or should I try 2 strands and a 5 mm hook, and make the square bigger by adding more rows?
Hope you can help me out!
Love from the other side of the big pond,
Maaike
lorrain says
i am try tour bay with two colous
Wajeeha Iftikhar says
P.S. I used single strand through out the bag, which is why it needs lining. And I hope it's okay for me to write a blog post on my website for this bag and link it to your pattern. My web below.
Yours would be the 1st link I'll be able to associate with my projects, since the rest of them were all printed patterns.
Do visit the crochet section. I'll update you when I feature this bag. Probably this weekend.
Take care ?
Wajeeha Iftikhar says
Omigosh!! I love you!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
When I discovered this pattern on your website, my head went into a spin immediately! Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with it, I was just asking myself why I hadn't stumbled upon this purse sooner... ??I simply love the bag. I'm working on it right now, and just finished the first square. It only seemed fair to leave you a good comment and a thank you note while I take a short break. The pattern is very easy and very simply n neatly written. Though my square seems kinda strange from one corner-the last one(it has two ch-3's here?)- but I'm continuing with this.
I'm making it in baby pink, dirty green and off white combo. Simply because my Eid suit is a combo of those colours. (Besides my pink yarn was just begging me to use it for something special.
About the leather and those D rings, however, won't be able to get them on time... Amazon doesn't ship to us anyway(you've got a fan in Pakistan ?? now).
Will send you a pic or link to my blog when done.
Again, I LOVE YOU ?
Wajeeha Iftikhar says
I can't attach anything in comments... so here's a link to my square. Just in case I'm making a mistake and you see it by tomorrow to reply. I'll start working on the triangle meantime
https://1drv.ms/i/s!AsCadrqEHkYPjKwbtTsI3lvsxxaD8g
Check out the bottom left corner. Just to be clear, the previous round does have (3tr,3ch) in its end. Well back to work. ?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Wajeeha,
Hello from Colorado, USA! I think your color combo is beautiful! This is going to be such a pretty bag.
I do see what you mean about the bottom left corner. I actually think you might have found an error in the pattern, so thanks so much for asking your question. I believe the round should be written like this:
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)
I'll update the pattern now and please let me know if this solves things for you. Thanks again for your support and your great question!
Jess
Wajeeha Iftikhar says
Hey Jess! Ya I figured it out (1st time I figured a crochet pattern part by myself. Yayyy!!!) and I also completed it on time for Eid!! However, lining and the handle is pending and I'll do it tomorrow I think. But I need to add a lining. I took this strap from a bag I already have. It's not bad, but I think a crochet handle would look better with this combination, don't you? Besides, the bag is getting pulled up because of this handle. The yarn is loosing its elasticity and I don't want that.
I've been trying all evening to upload this for you and your visitors. Well here is the completed piece. Love ❤️ it don't you? ?
https://1drv.ms/i/s!AsCadrqEHkYPjK14DPQyIJZaNXdTTw
Thanks again for a wonderful pattern! Because of it and you, granny squares and I are on the way to becoming friends! ?
Hope to find more stuff to do in these holidays! Maybe from your site, maybe from somewhere else. Let's see.
Take care and Eid Mubarak! ??