Crochet Bag Patterns: Easy Purse, Tote and Beach Bag Ideas

A crochet bag is one of the most satisfying things you can make. You use it every day, it shows off your stitches, and it is much quicker than a sweater. This guide to crochet bag patterns covers the best bag ideas for beginners and beyond: which yarn and stitches to choose, step-by-step instructions for a tote, a small bag and a beach bag, how to make handles and linings that last, and the bag patterns we recommend making next.

The secret to a crochet bag that still looks good after months of use is not a complicated pattern. It is the right yarn, a stitch that suits the job, and a few finishing tricks that stop it from stretching.

12 crochet bag ideas to make

1. Granny square tote: colourful, scrap-friendly, and made in small portable pieces. See our Granny Square Bag.
2. Flower granny bag: granny squares with flower centres for a summer look, like the Colorful Flower Bag.
3. Geometric colourwork tote: diamonds and stripes in two or more colours. The Harlequin Bag is a modern multicolor crochet bag that looks shop-bought.
4. Bobble clutch: a small, textured purse that makes a lovely gift. Try the Chunky Bobble Clutch.
5. Mesh market bag: light and stretchy, folds into a pocket.
6. Beach bag: big, open, and quick in cotton cord.
7. Crossbody phone bag: a small rectangle with a long strap.
8. Bucket bag: a round base with straight sides and a drawstring.
9. Shoulder bag in moss stitch: a woven look with a solid, sturdy fabric.
10. Makeup pouch: a lined zipper pouch in single crochet.
11. Mini bag or coin purse: uses scraps and finishes in an evening.
12. Tapestry crochet bag: carrying two colours makes bold patterns and a very sturdy fabric.

Best yarn for crochet bags

Yarn	Best for	Why
Cotton (worsted or DK)	Totes, purses, clutches	Strong, low stretch, clear stitch definition, washable.
Mercerised cotton	Evening bags, small purses	Smooth with a slight shine; holds crisp shapes.
Cotton cord or macramé cord	Structured totes, bucket bags	Very firm; the bag stands up on its own.
T-shirt yarn	Big totes, baskets	Chunky and fast; uses a big hook (8 to 12 mm).
Raffia or paper yarn	Beach bags, summer hats	Light and straw-like; does not mind sand.
Acrylic	Small bags only	Cheap and colourful, but large acrylic totes stretch when full.

Avoid wool and very stretchy blends for bags. They are lovely for hats, but they sag under weight.

Best crochet stitches for bags

• Single crochet: the densest basic stitch. Small things will not fall through, and the fabric holds its shape. Ideal for a purse or a beginner crochet bag pattern.
• Moss stitch (linen stitch): alternating single crochet and chain spaces. It looks woven and stays flat.
• Double crochet: fast and drapey. A double crochet bag grows quickly but needs a lining or a solid band to stop stretching.
• Granny squares and clusters: colourful and easy to make on the go.
• Mesh and V-stitch: open and stretchy, made for market and beach bags that carry fruit and towels.
• Bobble and puff stitch: thick texture that adds structure to small clutches.
• Tapestry crochet: single crochet while carrying a second colour inside the stitches. Bold patterns and the sturdiest fabric of all.

New to these stitches? Our crochet stitches for beginners guide shows each one step by step.

How to crochet a tote bag (beginner method)

This method works with any yarn and any stitch count. Instead of following exact numbers, you measure as you go, so you can make the tote any size.

1. Make a swatch. Crochet a 12 cm square in single crochet with your yarn and a hook one size smaller than the label says. If the fabric is floppy, go down another size.
2. Make the base. Chain the width you want for the bottom of the bag (for example 30 cm). Work single crochet along one side of the chain, 3 sc in the last chain to turn the corner, then single crochet along the other side of the chain. You now have a flat oval. Keep working in rounds, adding 3 stitches at each end, until the base is about 8 to 10 cm deep.
3. Turn the corner. Work one round in the back loop only. This makes a crisp edge where the base turns into the walls.
4. Build the walls. Stop increasing and work even rounds in your chosen stitch until the bag is as tall as you want, usually 30 to 35 cm.
5. Finish the top. Work 3 to 4 rounds of single crochet. This solid band stops the top edge from stretching out.
6. Add handles. Mark two spots on each side. On the next round, chain across the gap (for example 60 chains for a shoulder strap) and skip the same number of stitches. On the following rounds, single crochet into the chains. Work 3 more rounds and fasten off.

Tip: count the stitches of the walls once and write it down. If you ever want a second bag, you will not need to measure again.

How to crochet a small bag or purse

The easiest crochet small bag pattern is a folded rectangle:

1. Chain the width you want (for example 20 cm) and work rows of single crochet or moss stitch until the piece is about two and a half times as long as you want the bag to be tall.
2. Fold the bottom up to make the pocket, leaving the top third as a flap.
3. Sew or slip stitch the sides closed.
4. Work a round of single crochet around the flap edge for a clean finish, and add a button, a magnetic snap or a loop.
5. For a crossbody bag, add a long strap: a chain of the right length worked back in single crochet or slip stitch, or a ready-made strap clipped on with D-rings.

Mini bags and coin purses work the same way, just smaller. They are perfect for using up leftover cotton and make quick gifts.

How to crochet a beach bag

A beach bag should be big, light and quick to dry. Use cotton cord, raffia or a thick cotton with a large hook, and an open stitch so sand falls out:

1. Make a round or oval base in single crochet, about 25 to 30 cm across, so the bag stands up.
2. Switch to a mesh stitch for the walls: (dc, ch 1, skip 1) all around, or a V-stitch. Work until the bag is about 35 to 40 cm tall.
3. Finish with a solid band of single crochet and long handles that go over your shoulder, about 60 cm.
4. Optional: thread a cord through the last mesh round for a drawstring closure.

Crochet bag handles that last

• Crocheted handles: work them in single crochet over two strands of yarn, or add a round of slip stitch along both edges so they do not stretch.
• Bamboo, wooden or resin rings: fold the top band over the ring and sew it down. Very sturdy and looks professional.
• Leather or faux-leather straps: sew them on with strong thread through the top band.
• Chain straps: clip them onto metal D-rings sewn into the bag.

Should you line a crochet bag?

For a tote that carries books or a laptop, and for any purse or clutch, yes. A fabric lining stops small items from poking through, prevents stretching and makes the bag look finished. Cut two pieces of cotton fabric the size of the bag plus 1.5 cm seam allowance, sew them into a pocket, fold the top edge over and hand-sew it just under the top band. Add an inside pocket while you are at it. Mesh and beach bags do not need a lining.

Crochet bag sizes

Bag	Width	Height	Handle or strap
Coin purse / mini bag	10 to 15 cm	8 to 12 cm	Wrist loop or none
Clutch	20 to 25 cm	12 to 15 cm	Optional wrist strap
Crossbody phone bag	15 to 20 cm	18 to 22 cm	110 to 130 cm strap
Everyday tote	35 to 40 cm	35 to 40 cm	55 to 60 cm handles
Beach bag	45 cm or more	35 to 40 cm	60 cm handles

Tips for a crochet bag that keeps its shape

1. Go down a hook size from the yarn label for a firmer fabric.
2. Block granny squares before joining, so they line up perfectly.
3. Join squares with single crochet or slip stitch on the outside for a sturdy, decorative seam.
4. Add a solid top band to stop the opening from stretching.
5. Add a base insert (a piece of plastic canvas or cardboard covered in fabric) to keep a tote flat at the bottom.
6. Wash gently by hand in cold water and dry flat, so cotton does not shrink or lose shape.

Want a pattern with every step photographed? Browse all our crochet bag patterns.

Frequently asked questions