A crochet bag is one of the most rewarding things you can make. It takes relatively little yarn, you can finish one in a few evenings, and you end up carrying something nobody else has. This guide covers which yarn makes a sturdy bag, how to crochet a round or oval base and the sides, and how to attach handles that don't stretch out after a few trips to the market. At the end you'll find an easy crochet bag pattern to start with.
Checklist: decide this before you start
- What kind of bag do you want: a market tote, a beach bag or a small shoulder bag?
- Do you have a firm yarn with little stretch, such as cotton?
- Do you know which hook size goes with that yarn?
- Do you have an idea of the size, including the handle length?
- Smooth and solid, or a granny square look?
Crochet terms in this guide
This pattern uses US terms. Single crochet (sc) is called double crochet (dc) in UK patterns, double crochet (dc) is a treble (tr) in UK terms, and a chain (ch) and slip stitch (sl st) are the same in both. The full comparison is in basic crochet stitches.
Which bag suits which yarn and stitch?
| Type of bag | Yarn | Stitch | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market tote or shopping bag | Firm cotton | Single crochet in rounds | Beginner |
| Beach bag (more open) | Cotton, slightly larger hook | Double crochet or a mesh stitch | Beginner to intermediate |
| Sturdy small shoulder bag | Firm cotton, smallest recommended hook | Single crochet, dense fabric | Beginner to intermediate |
| Granny square bag | Leftover cotton yarns | Granny squares (see our granny square guide) | Beginner |
What is the best yarn for a crochet bag?
A bag needs a yarn that keeps its shape once there is weight inside. That is why cotton is the most popular choice: it barely stretches and gives a firm, dense stitch. Durable Coral is 100% cotton (50 g / 125 m) with a vintage look, and it works well for most bag designs.
Very soft, drapey yarns like velvet or microfiber acrylic are lovely for a blanket or a toy, but a bag made from them sags and stretches as soon as you fill it. Our guide to the best yarn for crochet explains the differences between fibers in more detail.
How to crochet a sturdy round base
Most bags start with a flat, round base, worked from a magic ring. You make the base bigger with a steady increase of 6 stitches per round:
- Round 1: 6 sc in the magic ring (6).
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12).
- Round 3: *1 sc, 2 sc in the next stitch* 6 times (18).
- Round 4: *2 sc, 2 sc in the next stitch* 6 times (24).
- Keep going like this, with one more plain sc between the increases each round, until the base has the size you want.
Measure rather than count rounds. Each round adds roughly one row height to the radius, which in a fine cotton like Coral on a 3 mm hook is about 0.5 cm. A base of 18 to 20 cm (7 to 8 in) across therefore takes around 17 to 20 rounds, not the 8 or 9 rounds you sometimes see quoted. If the base starts to ripple, you are adding too many stitches; if it curls up into a bowl, too few. Staggering the increases (placing them in a different spot each round) keeps the circle round instead of hexagonal.
For an oval base, like on a market tote, start with a chain of the length you want instead. Work sc along one side of the chain, 3 sc in the last chain, then sc back along the other side and join. In the following rounds, increase only at the two curved ends.
Crocheting the sides without increasing
Once the base is big enough, stop increasing and simply work sc in every stitch, round after round, until the bag is as tall as you want. A tip for a crisp edge between base and sides: work the first round of the sides in the back loop only. That creates a visible fold line, and the bag stands up better.
Making handles that last
A handle that comes loose is the most common disappointment with a homemade bag. Don't make the handle too thin. Two or three rows of sc worked over a foundation chain, or a cord of several strands, holds much more weight than a single chain. Attach each handle with firm stitches over a wide section of the rim rather than with a couple of crochet stitches at one point. Or crochet the handle into the bag: chain across a gap in the last rounds and work sc into those chains on the following rounds. For a shoulder bag, plan on a handle length of about 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in), and check it against your own body before you fix it in place.
Easy crochet bag pattern: a cotton tote
This is a simple starting point, not a fixed recipe. Adjust the numbers to your own tension.
- Yarn: about 200 g of firm cotton (four 50 g balls of Coral)
- Hook: 3 mm (between US C/2 and D/3)
- Base: a round base as above, about 20 cm (8 in) across
- Sides: 1 round sc in the back loop, then sc in both loops until the bag is 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) tall
- Handles: about 4 rounds before the end, make a handle opening on each side (ch about 30 and skip the same number of stitches), then work sc into those chains on the remaining rounds
- Finish: 1 round of slip stitch or crab stitch (reverse single crochet) for a firm top edge
Extra structure and finishing
A lining of stiff interfacing, or a separate fabric bag inside, gives extra structure to a bag that should keep its shape when empty, without changing the crochet itself. For a market tote you usually don't need it, because cotton holds enough shape on its own.
Frequently asked questions about crocheting a bag
What is the strongest yarn for a crochet bag?
A firm cotton like Durable Coral works best: it doesn't stretch under weight and gives a dense, solid stitch.
How much yarn do I need for a bag?
It depends a lot on the size. An average market tote takes roughly 150 to 250 g of yarn; a small shoulder bag often needs less than 100 g.
Can I make a bag from leftover yarn?
Yes, and it is one of the best ways to use up scraps. A granny square bag is ideal, because you can change color with every square.
What hook size should I use for a bag?
Check your yarn label. Durable Coral recommends 2.5 to 3.5 mm (US B/1 to E/4). For a firmer bag, use the smallest size in that range.
How do I keep my bag from stretching?
Crochet firmly, choose cotton instead of acrylic, and make the handles wide and well attached. Handles are where most of the stretch happens.
Can I wash a crochet bag?
Usually, yes. Cotton can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle but may shrink a little when washed hot, so check the label first and dry the bag flat in its proper shape. More on caring for different fibers is in how to wash wool.
Get started
With a firm cotton, a good base and well-attached handles, you have everything you need for a bag that won't lose its shape after one summer. Make the base first, measure it, and let the rest follow from there.
