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Bags & Accessories · Bags & Totes

Crochet Bag Ideas: 15 Totes, Shoulder Bags & Minis (+ an Easy Granny Square Tote)

Crochet bag ideas from beginner totes to trendy shoulder bags and mini bags, the best yarns and straps, how to line a bag, and a free two-square tote pattern.

4 min read
A collection of crochet bags: a granny-square tote, a lilac shoulder bag, a striped mini bag, and a mesh market bag hanging on wooden pegs.Save

Crochet bags are one of the biggest trends in crochet right now, and one of the most satisfying things to make. A bag is useful every single day and gets complimented constantly. Below are 15 crochet bag ideas, from your first tote to the structured shoulder bags all over Pinterest, plus a free pattern for an easy granny square tote.

Free Pattern: Easy Two-Square Granny Tote

A pastel granny square tote bag with cream straps on a cafe table.Save
The granny square tote: the easiest real bag you can make, and the pattern is below.

This tote is two large granny squares joined on three sides, with a firm top edge and two single crochet straps. If you can make a granny square, you can make this bag.

Two large granny squares laid side by side before being joined into a tote.Save
Two big squares, same size, ready to join. Twelve rounds each makes a roomy tote.

Work each square exactly like the classic granny square, then keep going. Every round adds one more cluster to each side. Twelve rounds gives about 32 cm.

Tick as you go

Two-Square Granny Tote

0 / 10 done

For a stronger bag, add a fabric lining (see below) or sew cotton webbing along the inside of each strap.

Two granny squares being joined with single crochet through both layers.Save
Join three sides with single crochet through both layers. It makes a sturdy, decorative seam.

Single crochet through both layers gives a sturdy seam with a neat decorative ridge. Use your border color so it looks intentional.

A dense single crochet strap being sewn inside the top edge of a crochet bag.Save
Straps in dense single crochet won't stretch. Sew them in securely, 5 cm down inside the bag.

15 Crochet Bag Ideas to Make Next

Beginner-Friendly Bags

  1. Granny square tote. The pattern above. Also try one big square folded in half.
  2. Simple rectangle tote. Two panels of single or half double crochet, joined, with straps.
  3. Mesh market bag. An open ch and sc mesh that stretches to hold groceries and folds tiny when empty.
An open mesh crochet market bag filled with lemons and bread.Save
Mesh market bags stretch to hold a surprising amount, and fold into a pocket when empty.
  1. Drawstring bag. Worked in the round with an eyelet row. See our pouch pattern and scale it up.
  2. Granny square crossbody. Two small squares plus a long strap.

Trendy Bags

  1. Structured shoulder bag. Dense single crochet, a short strap, and a flat base. It’s the most-saved crochet bag style right now.
A structured lilac crochet shoulder bag with a short strap worn by a woman.Save
The trendy shoulder bag: dense single crochet, a short strap, and a structured shape.
  1. Mini bag. One ball of yarn, a chain strap, just big enough for a phone.
A small striped crochet mini bag with a chain strap.Save
Mini bags use a single ball of yarn: perfect for phone, keys, and lip balm.
  1. Checkerboard or tapestry bag. Graphic colorwork with a thick, structured fabric. Learn it in tapestry crochet.
A tapestry crochet bag with a checkerboard pattern.Save
Checkerboard and graphic bags use tapestry crochet, which makes a thick, structured fabric.
  1. Flower bag. A tote covered in crochet flower appliqués.
  2. Puff stitch bag. Squishy, textured, and eye-catching.
  3. Heart-shaped bag. Two crochet hearts joined around the edge with a zip or flap.

Summer and Beach Bags

  1. Raffia-look beach tote. Paper or raffia yarn in simple stitches for a natural, sturdy basket bag.
A crochet beach bag in natural raffia-look yarn with shells.Save
Beach bags in raffia-look or cotton cord: summer's most-pinned crochet accessory.
  1. Cotton cord bucket bag. A round base, straight sides, and a drawstring.
  2. Striped summer tote. Bold stripes in bright cotton.
  3. Market basket. A stiff cotton-cord basket with handles.

How to Line a Crochet Bag

A cotton fabric lining being sewn inside a crochet bag.Save
A simple fabric lining stops stretching and keeps small things from poking through.

A lining stops stretching and keeps small items from slipping through gaps. Cut two fabric pieces the size of your bag panels plus 1.5 cm seam allowance, sew them into a pouch, fold the top edge under, slip it inside the bag, and hand-stitch along the top edge. Add an inner pocket before sewing if you like.

Finishing Touches

A crochet bag charm and flower attached to a crochet tote handle.Save
Finish with a charm: a strawberry keychain or a crochet flower on the handle.
  • Hardware: magnetic snaps, leather straps, or chain straps make handmade bags look boutique.
  • Colors: two or three colors in a consistent palette always look more polished than a rainbow of scraps. (Scrap bags are fun too.)
Several finished crochet bags lined up on a shelf in a bright room.Save
One bag leads to another. Here's a whole shelf of them.

Looking for smaller makes to go with your bag? Try a drawstring pouch or a set of scrunchies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best yarn for crochet bags?

Cotton or a cotton blend. It's strong, doesn't stretch much, and holds its shape. Cotton cord and raffia-look yarns are great for structured and beach bags. Avoid pure acrylic for bags that will carry weight: it stretches over time.

Crochet Yarn Guide →
How do I stop crochet bag straps from stretching?

Make straps in dense single crochet with a hook one size smaller than the body, work them lengthwise, or sew a strip of cotton webbing to the inside. A fabric lining also takes weight off the crochet.

Do crochet bags need a lining?

Not always. A lining is worth it for bags that carry heavy or small items (keys and coins slip through gaps). Mesh market bags and dense tapestry bags usually don't need one.

What's the easiest crochet bag for beginners?

A tote made from two granny squares, like the pattern here: every step is a basic skill, and the squares are portable. After that, try a simple mini bag in single crochet rows.

Classic Granny Square Pattern →
How do I make a crochet bag more structured?

Use tight single crochet or tapestry crochet, go down a hook size, hold two strands of yarn together, or insert a plastic canvas base. Tapestry crochet's carried yarn makes an especially firm fabric.

Tapestry Crochet for Beginners →

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