Crochet bag patterns offer year-round style and functionality, plus they’re often pretty quick to whip up.
Explore our favorite designs for trendy totes, pretty purses, beautiful backpacks, and multi-use market bags. Pick a free crochet pattern and craft a bag-nificent, stylish accessory today!
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Easy Crochet Bag Patterns
Have you seen a cute crocheted bag in Target and thought, “Hey, I could make that!”? You’re right – you can! And the free patterns below will prove it.
Improve the Durability of Your Purse
The biggest complaint I hear about crocheted purses and totes is that they stretch and sag.
Here are six ways to make your bag sturdier and longer-lasting.
Cotton Yarn
Choose a durable yarn that doesn’t stretch. I love natural fibers like mercerized cotton. Check out my favorite yarns to use for bags at the end of this article.
Tip: Work with multiple strands of thin yarn held together to add density to your fabric.
Decrease Your Hook Size
Use a smaller hook size to create a tighter stitch. I prefer using a hook with a pointed tip rather than a rounded one, as this makes it easier to insert the hook between tight stitches.
Closed Stitches
Opt for closed stitches like single and half double crochet. These stitches result in a more rigid fabric compared to mesh or lace patterns.
Sew a Liner
You can sew a simple fabric lining in your finished bag. Not only does this prevent stretch, it also ensures your tiny items don’t escape.
Add a Base
Once your project is complete, a solid base will further reinforce your bag. Consider using cardboard, plastic canvas, or other rigid materials.
Stronger Straps
I love adding leather handles to my handmade totes, both for the look and the added durability. I often use leather belts from thrift stores or an interchangeable strap that can transition between purses.
Below the free patterns, I share more tips for preventing the dreaded strap stretch.
Modern Crochet Bag Ideas
This collection of free crochet purse patterns has something to suit every taste, occasion, and skill level. Whether you’re making a tote to sell, gift, or keep to yourself, there’s a design that’ll get ya itchin' for some stitchin'!
Slouchy Bag Made From Squares
Drawstring Backpack
Large Sturdy Purse
Expandable Market Tote
Lacy Summer Shoulder Bag
Beginner-Friendly Origami Bag
Easy Handbag with Rope Handles
Urban Boho Bag
Granny Square Crossbody Bag
Related: 43 More Granny Square Projects
Bohemian Fringed Purse with Leather Straps
Large Minimalist Round Shoulder Bag
Circle Hippie Purse Pattern
How to Finger Crochet a Bag
Lunch Sac or Kids Purse
Mesh Tote and Bottle Bag Set
Crocheted Handbag
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
Bohemian Belt Bag
Daisy Granny Square Shoulder Bag
Knit-Look Bucket Bag
Fanny Pack with Three Strap Options
Two-Tone Tapestry Purse
Seashell Pouch
Textured Clutch
Messenger-Style Crossbody Bag
Chic Clutch with Tassels
Raffia Beach Bag with Zipper
Herringbone Crochet Clutch
Geometric Crossbody
Bobble Stitch Tote
Retro Striped Bottle Holder
Neutral Chunky Clutch
Vintage Granny Square Tote
Cross Body Purse
Obsessed with finding the best free crochet patterns?
Check out these collections of handpicked patterns to find your next project.
Designing Your Own
Feeling inspired to design your own perfect purse pattern? (I know the feeling!)
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As you can see above, there are several construction methods for making a handbag. You can create seamless totes and drawstring bucket bags by working in the round. Or, crochet panels in rows for front and back pieces, then seam them together to form the bag.
Make Two Identical Shapes
Another option is crafting two identical shapes, like circles, squares, or even hexagons, and joining them.
And don’t forget about granny squares; stitch them together for a cute, portable project that’s perfect for using up your yarn stash!
How to Make a Simple Bag For Beginners
When in doubt, here is one of the easiest methods to crochet an easy bag out of a rectangle:
Step 1: Make a chain double the desired width of your bag.
Step 2: Work rows of your chosen stitch until the fabric is as high as you'd like your bag to be.
Step 3: Fold the piece in half with the wrong side facing out. The crease will become the side of the bag.
Step 4: Seam the sides and bottom using slip stitch (sl st), whip stitch, or mattress stitch. Leave the top edge open and turn the bag right side out.
Step 5: Crochet two separate strips of fabric to create the handles. (I recommend using an I-cord or Roman cord for extra sturdiness.) Attach the straps to either side of the bag.
The Best Crochet Stitches for Purses
When designing a bag, I recommend choosing tight, durable stitches that hold their shape well. Closed stitches add lots of beautiful texture while providing stability.
Here are a few stitches that work well for bags:
- Single crochet (sc)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Corner-to-corner (C2C) technique
- Herringbone double crochet
- Puff stitch
- Basketweave stitch
- Moss stitch (aka linen)
- Knit stitch (aka waistcoat)
- Suzette stitch
- Waffle stitch
- Tunisian crochet simple stitch
Tips for Avoiding Stretchy Handles
If your project is going to stand the test of time, the handles need to be strong. Follow these tips and tricks to avoid the dreaded stretch!
Ideas for Personalization
Personalizing your handmade tote can be a fun way to showcase your creativity and make something truly unique. These are some of my favorite embellishments to jazz up a crochet bag:
Handles: craft crochet straps or use contrasting materials like leather, fabric, or rope.
Lining: choose printed fabric for a fun contrast in texture and pattern.
Zipper: Add a closure to the opening to keep your belongings safe.
Pockets: include organizational pockets in different colors, sizes, and designs. Choose beautiful buttons for added detail.
Fringe/lace edging: finish with a lacy edge for a delicate, vintage look.
Labels and tags: add sophistication with leather or cork labels for a boutique feel. I like to find mine on Etsy.
Cross-stitch: embroider designs, patterns, or words on the purse’s surface.
Tassels and pom poms: inject boho vibes with trendy tassels and playful pom poms.
Appliqué crochet flowers: attach crochet or DIY felt flowers for a seasonal theme or to cover any imperfections.
Grommets: adding metal grommets to the strap holes makes them more secure and incorporates a different texture.
Mix and match any of these ideas or design your own to make your project one-of-a-kind.
The Best Yarn for Making Bags
Natural fibers are my go-to choice for crochet purses as they can be quite sturdy and provide crisp stitch definition.
My Favorite
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is one of my all-time favorites. This mercerized cotton yarn is strong, has a silky smooth appearance, and holds color brilliantly. It’s also washable and super affordable.
Acrylic yarns can also work, but it’s important to choose one that doesn’t have a lot of stretch and isn’t prone to pilling.
Substituting Yarn
Each pattern will recommend a specific yarn, but you can always substitute this for one of your choice.
Many bag designs are also a fantastic opportunity to use up leftover yarn. Just use the same yarn weight and one that's durable to create a longer-lasting accessory.
Other Essential Supplies
The crochet materials you need will vary by pattern. Here are a few must-have supplies:
- Crochet hook: Use the size recommended on your yarn label.
- Tapestry needle: This is for weaving in ends and joining.
- Other notions: Scissors, stitch markers, and pattern-specific items like toggle buttons, zippers, snaps, wooden beads, leather straps, and fabric lining.
More Accessories to Crochet
Would you like to have an entire handmade wardrobe? Me too! In addition to lots of modern crochet sweater patterns, we've got plenty of scarves, shawls, and sunhats to inspire you.
That was so fun! Now what?
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