Tutorial · 3 free patterns · Flat tape · Raffia | From beginner to expert
Easy and Quick Crochet Bags: Tutorials and Free Patterns
Creating a handmade crochet bag is one of the most satisfying projects for anyone who loves knitting. In this guide you will find 3 free patterns with step-by-step instructions: a round bag, an oval bag with straight sides, and a summer mesh bag in raffia. For each one we will tell you which yarn to use and which crochet hook, and for each material you will find the size listed in the product page.
In this guide
- Which yarn to choose and which crochet hook
- Pattern 1: round flat tape bag (for beginners)
- Pattern 2: oval bag with straight sides
- Pattern 3: summer mesh raffia bag
- How to attach handles and the base, tips and frequently asked questions
1. Which Yarn to Choose for a Crochet Bag
For a sturdy bag you need structured yarns, not soft ones for sweaters. The crochet hook size varies from yarn to yarn: always check the one indicated in the product page.
MAS Soft Lycra flat tape: 400 g skein, 8–9 mm crochet hook
- Elastic flat tape — the most used for flat tape bags. The MAS Soft Lycra comes in a 400 g skein (105 m, 2 cm wide) and is worked with an 8–9 mm crochet hook. For a thinner bag, the Lycrapel (leather effect) and the Metal Lycra (metallic) require a 6–7 mm crochet hook.
- Leather effect flat tape — for elegant bags: the Mondial Eco Bag (300 g skein, 135 m, 6–6.5 mm crochet hook) and the MAS Soft Eco (200 g, 90 m, 8–9 mm crochet hook).
- Raffia — for summer bags: the MAF Natural Raffia (200 g skein, 250 m, 3–4 mm crochet hook) or the GPTEX viscose raffia (4 mm crochet hook).
- Cord — for bags and baskets that hold their shape: the MAS Thai cord (500 g skein, 2–2.5 mm crochet hook).
👉 Discover flat tape for bags → All yarns for bags →
Necessary accessories:
- The crochet hook of the size indicated on the chosen yarn
- Bag handles — wood, bamboo, resin or metal
- Rigid bag base — optional but recommended for structured bags
- Yarn needle to finish the threads
2. Pattern 1: Round Bag for Beginners
Here is a free crochet bag pattern for a simple round bag, ideal for beginners. It is worked in the round with single crochet (sc) using Soft Lycra flat tape and an 8–9 mm crochet hook.
📋 Round Bag Pattern — Single Crochet in the Round
- Round 1 (base): magic ring, 6 sc in the ring.
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch → 12 stitches.
- Round 3: *1 sc, 2 sc in the same stitch* × 6 → 18 stitches.
- Round 4: *2 sc, 2 sc in the same stitch* × 6 → 24 stitches.
- Round 5: *3 sc, 2 sc in the same stitch* × 6 → 30 stitches.
- Rounds 6–14 (body): 1 sc in each stitch, without increases. Height as desired.
- Closing: 1 round of slip stitch (crust stitch) to finish the edge.
💡 For a larger bag continue the increases: each additional round adds 6 stitches (round 6: *4 sc, 2 sc in the same* × 6 → 36 stitches). A magic ring is worked in the round: mark the beginning of the round with a stitch marker.
3. Pattern 2: Oval Bag with Straight Sides
The oval base makes a more spacious bag, suitable for a shopper or shoulder bag. The pattern uses the same flat tape (Soft Lycra, 8–9 mm crochet hook) and is worked in the round with single crochet, using a stitch marker. In the Soft Lycra product page, the indicated yield is one skein for a medium-small bag.
With a leather effect flat tape like the Mondial Eco Bag (6–6.5 mm crochet hook), the same pattern gives an elegant bag: recalculate the measurements with a test
📋 Oval Bag Pattern — Single Crochet in the Round
- Base – chain: make 11 chains. Skip the chain next to the hook: the other 10 are the ones to work on.
- Round 1: 1 sc in each of the first 9 chains, 3 sc in the last. Rotate the work and continue on the other side of the chain: 1 sc in each of the next 9 chains, 3 sc in the chain you skipped at the beginning → 24 stitches.
- Round 2: 1 sc in each of the 9 stitches on the long side, 2 sc in each of the 3 stitches at the end (6 stitches), 9 sc on the other side, 2 sc in each of the 3 stitches at the end (6 stitches) → 30 stitches.
- Round 3: 9 sc on the long side, *1 sc, 2 sc in the same stitch* × 3 at the end (9 stitches), 9 sc on the other side, *1 sc, 2 sc in the same stitch* × 3 at the end (9 stitches) → 36 stitches.
- Round 4 (change of direction): 1 sc in the back loop of each stitch (36 stitches): this way the base folds and the sides rise straight.
- Rounds 5–16 (body): 1 sc in each stitch (36 stitches). Try the size and add rounds if you want a taller bag.
- Closing: 1 round of slip stitch, then attach the handles.
💡 Measure the base after round 3: if you want it larger, add a round equal to round 3 but with *2 sc, 2 sc in the same stitch* × 3 at the ends and recalculate the body stitches (the total of the round is the sum of the sides and the ends). For a structured bag you can work the body over a rigid base: see the bag bases.
4. Pattern 3: Summer Mesh Raffia Bag
For a light summer bag: solid round base and mesh body, in raffia with the 3–4 mm crochet hook. In the MAF Natural Raffia product page, the indicated yield is one skein for a medium bag. Natural raffia is not washable.
MAF Natural Raffia (200 g, 250 m, 3–4 mm crochet hook) for summer bags
📋 Summer Mesh Bag Pattern
- Rounds 1–10 (round base): magic ring, 6 sc. Then in each round increase 6 stitches: *(n – 2) sc, 2 sc in the same stitch* × 6, where n is the round number (round 2: 12 stitches; round 3: 18; round 4: 24 … round 10: *8 sc, 2 sc in the same* × 6 → 60 stitches).
- Round 11: 1 sc in the back loop of each stitch (60 stitches): the base folds and the sides rise.
- Round 12: *1 sc, 2 chains, skip 2 stitches* × 20 → 20 arches.
- Rounds 13–20 (mesh): *1 sc in the chain arch of the previous round, 2 chains* × 20 → always 20 arches.
- Edge: *1 sc in the sc of the previous round, 2 sc in the arch* × 20 → 60 stitches, then one round of sc in each stitch to reinforce the edge.
- Handles: sew the handles to the sides of the edge, for example a set of bamboo handles.
💡 For a taller bag repeat round 13. The 19x15 cm bamboo handles are designed for summer crochet bags.
5. Which Pattern to Choose
| Pattern | Yarn | Crochet hook | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Round bag | Soft Lycra flat tape | 8–9 mm | Beginners |
| 2. Oval bag | Soft Lycra flat tape | 8–9 mm | Beginners with a little practice |
| 3. Summer mesh bag | MAF Natural Raffia | 3–4 mm | Intermediate |
Looking for other patterns? Also read the guide to the flat tape crochet bag and the one for the crochet bag with faux leather flat tape.
6. How to Attach the Handles to the Bag
The handles for crochet bags are attached in two ways:
- Sewn — with a needle and strong thread, sewing the handle directly to the stitches of the edge.
- Crocheted — with a border of chains that wraps around the handle and anchors it to the bag.
The second method is sturdier and gives a more finished look. Use a thread of the same color as the bag. For crossbody bags you can add a bag chain or a strap with carabiners and clasps.
If you want everything ready, the MAS Sicily kit has a base, strap and gold details: the product page indicates an 8–9 mm crochet hook and 400–500 g of yarn
7. Tips for a Perfect Bag
- Maintain a constant tension: the stitches must all be equal.
- Add a rigid base if you want the bag to hold its shape.
- Line the bag with a lining fabric to make it more resistant and practical.
- For bags that need to carry weight, add a thermoformed mesh inside.
- Finish with ornaments and closures and magnets.
🛍️ Everything you need: fettuccia for bags · raffia for bags · bag handles · bag bases · bag chains · bag kits · all bag accessories
Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Bags
It depends on the fettuccia: 8–9 mm for Soft Lycra MAS, 6–7 mm for Lycrapel and Metal Lycra, 6–6.5 mm for Eco Bag Mondial. Always check the size indicated on the product page.
The round bag from pattern 1: you need a magic ring, single crochet, and increases. If you already have a little practice, move on to the oval bag from pattern 2. To start with everything ready, you can choose a bag kit.
On the product pages, Soft Lycra indicates one skein (400 g) for a medium-small bag, Eco Bag Mondial one skein for a medium bag, Lycrapel 3 skeins for a medium bag. The quantity changes with the size of the bag and the stitch.
For Soft Lycra, the product page indicates hand washing at 30°C, without bleach. Eco Bag Mondial is hand washed in cold or lukewarm water. Raffia Naturale MAF is not washable. Always check the product page of the yarn you used.
Choose a rigid base with holes around the perimeter: work 1 single crochet in each hole for the first round, then continue in the round upwards without increases to the height you want. The base makes the bag structured.
Raffia, such as Raffia Naturale MAF (3–4 mm crochet hook) or GPTEX viscose raffia (4 mm crochet hook). The third pattern in this guide is a raffia net bag.
This guide contains 3 free patterns, with step-by-step explanations. Other patterns are in the fettuccia bag guide and the faux leather bag guide.
