How To Crochet a Bag

Crocheting your own bag is a rewarding and creative project that combines functionality with personal style. Whether you’re new to the world of crochet or looking for your next DIY challenge, a handmade bag is a versatile and satisfying project that you can customize in endless ways—from size and shape to color and texture.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to crochet a bag from start to finish, including materials, stitches, popular styles, step-by-step instructions, and optional finishing touches like linings, straps, and closures.

Why Crochet Your Own Bag?

Crocheted bags offer:

Personalization: Make it exactly how you want—colors, size, texture
Sustainability: Reusable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic
Fashion & Functionality: From beach totes to clutches to market bags
Skill Building: Great for learning new stitches and shaping techniques

✨ Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following:

Yarn

Fiber Type:
- Cotton – sturdy and washable (ideal for totes and market bags)
- Acrylic – lightweight and affordable
- Jute or Raffia – structured and earthy
Yarn Weight:
- Worsted (Medium #4) – for general-purpose bags
- Bulky (#5–6) – for thick, statement bags
- Sport/DK (#3) – for delicate, lightweight bags

Tools & Notions

Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm – 6.0 mm (adjust to match your yarn)
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends
Scissors
Stitch Markers (optional but helpful)
Measuring Tape
Magnetic Snap / Zipper / Button (optional closures)
Bag Handles or Rings (leather, wooden, crochet)

Crochet Stitches & Techniques

Most bags use simple stitches, but can also include decorative ones.

Basic Stitches:

Chain (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Single Crochet (sc)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Double Crochet (dc)

Optional Techniques:

Magic Ring – for working in the round
Increasing and Decreasing – for shaping
Working in the Round or Rows
Seaming – for assembling panels

Step-by-Step: How To Crochet a Basic Tote Bag

This simple rectangle tote is great for beginners. It’s made from a flat base, worked up in the round, and includes straps at the top.

STEP 1: Create the Base

We’ll make a flat oval base using single crochet.

Foundation Chain:
Ch 31 (or desired width)

Round 1:

Sc in second ch from hook, and in each chain across (30 sc)
In last chain, make 3 sc to turn the corner
Continue working along the bottom of the chain
Sc in each stitch (30 sc), and 2 sc in the last st
Join with sl st to first sc (66 sts total)

Rounds 2–4:

Sc in each stitch around, placing 2 sc in each corner st to keep the oval shape.
Continue until base is about 2.5″–3″ wide.

STEP 2: Build the Body

Round 5 and onward:

Work sc (or hdc/dc for taller stitches) in each stitch around without increasing.
Continue in rounds until the bag is your desired height (e.g. 10–12 inches)

Optional: Change yarn colors every few rows for stripes.

STEP 3: Add the Handles

Option A: Crochet Handles

Handle 1:

Count 10–12 sts in from one side.
Attach yarn, ch 40–60 (desired handle length), skip 10–15 sts, sl st to next point on the bag.
Turn and sc across the chain to thicken.
Repeat for second row if needed.
Fasten off.

Repeat on opposite side for second handle.

Option B: Add Store-Bought Handles

Sew leather or rope handles using D-rings or tabs
Use buttons or grommets for reinforcement

STEP 4: Finishing Touches

✔️ Weave in Ends:

Use a tapestry needle to tuck in yarn tails securely.

✔️ Optional Border:

Add a round of sl st or reverse sc (crab stitch) around the top edge to reinforce and neaten.

✔️ Closure (Optional):

Add a magnetic snap
Crochet a button loop with a button
Sew in a zipper (requires some basic sewing skills)

✔️ Optional Lining:

Line your bag with fabric for extra strength and a professional finish.

Cut fabric slightly larger than bag dimensions
Sew sides and bottom into a pouch
Hand sew or machine stitch inside the bag along the top edge

Popular Crochet Bag Styles to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore these styles:

1. Market Bag / Mesh Bag

Lightweight and stretchable
Great for groceries or beach days
Uses mesh stitches (dc + ch 1 or filet stitch)

2. Granny Square Bag

Made by joining classic granny squares
Can be colorful and retro

3. Bucket Bag

Cylindrical body with drawstring closure
Great for boho or casual styles

4. Crossbody / Sling Bag

Narrow and compact
Use sc for dense texture and security

5. Clutch or Wristlet

Small and chic
Can include zippers and lining

Care Instructions

Hand wash with cold water and mild detergent
Reshape and air dry flat
Avoid wringing or machine washing
Do not iron

Tips for Success

Use tight tension for a sturdier fabric, especially on the bottom
Try a lining for bags that will carry heavy items
Test stitch gauge if following a specific pattern
Keep it simple at first—focus on shape, not perfection
Use stitch markers to avoid losing your place in rounds

Customize Your Bag

Make it your own by adding:

Pom-poms or tassels
Embroidery or patches
Decorative buttons or charms
Colorful yarns or ombré gradients

Free Basic Pattern: Mini Crochet Tote

Here’s a beginner-friendly pattern:

Yarn: Worsted weight cotton
Hook: 4.5 mm

Final Thoughts

Crocheting a bag is more than just a craft—it’s a way to express creativity, reduce waste, and create something beautiful and functional. Whether you’re making a simple tote, a stylish clutch, or a colorful market bag, this is a project you’ll love from the first chain to the final stitch.

Video Tutorial :