Crocheted bags have become one of the most popular accessory projects in the past several years. They work up fast, use a fraction of the yarn a blanket requires, and the result is something you actually carry every day. The most popular styles right now are bucket bags, market totes, and mini crossbody bags, though structured purses and backpacks have dedicated pattern libraries too.
Material choice affects both the look and the feel. Cotton yarn (especially mercerized cotton) gives a clean, firm stitch definition. Jute and raffia produce a stiff, structured bag that holds its shape without a frame. Macrame cord works for minimalist totes and adds a lot of strength. If you want a bag that holds its structure but still feels soft, look for cotton-acrylic blends or cotton-linen mixes.
Most bag patterns require a few extra techniques beyond standard crochet: working in the round for a circular base, increasing at even intervals to shape the sides, and sometimes working through the back loop only (BLO) to create a ridge that marks the transition from base to walls. Handles are usually worked separately and sewn on. Adding a fabric lining takes about 30 extra minutes and makes the bag significantly more durable.
What you need
- Yarn
- Cotton (CYC 3 to 4), jute twine, or macrame cord. Avoid pure acrylic for bags; it stretches too much.
- Hook
- 4.0 to 5.0 mm for cotton worsted; 5.0 to 6.5 mm for jute.
- Skill
- easy, intermediate, advanced
Stitches you will use
- Single CrochetUS: sc / UK: dcThe single crochet (sc) is the most basic crochet stitch, creating a short, dense fabric by inserting the hook, pulling up a loop, and drawing yarn through two loops.
- Double CrochetUS: dc / UK: trThe double crochet (dc) is the most widely used crochet stitch, producing an open, drapey fabric by working yarn over twice to create a stitch roughly twice the height of single crochet.
- Slip StitchUS: sl st / UK: ssThe slip stitch is the shortest crochet stitch, used to join rounds, move yarn to a new position without adding height, and finish seams.
- Chain StitchUS: ch / UK: chThe chain stitch is the foundational crochet stitch that creates a series of interlocked loops used to start almost every pattern and to form turning chains at the start of a row.
Curated free patterns
We are curating a hand-picked list of free bags patterns from trusted designers. Each pick will include a direct link, skill level, yarn requirements, and a short note on what makes it worth your time. Check back soon, or use the CrochetZen app to save and organize patterns you find anywhere on the web.