3 min read

Guide

Free Crochet Bag Patterns with Video (and How to Pick Yours)

Short answer

For your first crochet bag, choose a yarn with body such as paper raffia, a 3.5–4.5 mm hook and a design worked in single crochet. We have three bags with free full-length videos (a tote, a round bag and a flower bag) and three PDF patterns. A small bag takes 1 ball of CROCHET CRUSH (100 g / 250 m); a large one takes 2.

Free crochet bag patterns with video

BagShapeGood for
Raffia tote bagRectangular, oval base, long handlesYour first big bag
Round raffia bagRound, worked in a spiralIf you can already crochet in the round
Flower bagJoined flower motifsIntermediate; great for leftover yarn

PDF crochet bag patterns

PatternSizeRaffiaHook
MIAMI (tote)base 30 cm, height 30 cm, handles 51 cm2 balls3.5 mm
JAVA (bucket bag)25 cm high, 20 cm base diameter2 balls3.5 mm
BITY (round bag)about 24 cm across1 ball3.5 mm

All three are intermediate, with a gauge of 16 single crochet to 10 cm, and include instructions in English, German and French.

Which yarn to use for a crochet bag

  • Paper raffia: the firmest option. It doesn't stretch, so the bag keeps its shape even when full.
  • Chunky cotton or t-shirt yarn: softer, washable bags, good for groceries.
  • Wool: lovely for small winter bags, but it stretches under weight; best with a lining.

Everything about raffia (hook size, tension and care) is in how to crochet with raffia.

How a crochet bag is built

  1. The base. Round, from a magic ring; oval, by working around a chain. Increase until the base is the size you want.
  2. The sides. Stop increasing and work straight in single crochet to the height you want.
  3. The rim. One or two rounds of single crochet or crab stitch firm up the opening.
  4. The handles. Worked into the bag (leave a gap of chains and crochet over it) or made separately and sewn on.

Tips to keep your bag in shape

  • Go down a hook size. Dense fabric carries weight better.
  • Reinforce the handles. Sew them through the same stitches several times; that's where all the strain is.
  • Add a fabric lining if you'll carry small things: keys and pens slip through the gaps.
  • Store it stuffed with paper, especially raffia bags.

FAQ

How much yarn do I need for a crochet bag?
With CROCHET CRUSH raffia, a small round bag takes 1 ball (250 m) and a tote or bucket bag takes 2.

What hook size for a raffia bag?
Our patterns use 3.5 mm; for raffia in general, 3.5 to 4.5 mm works.

Is a bag a good first crochet project?
Yes, if you can already make even single crochet. If you're starting from zero, try a raffia belt first.

How long does a crochet bag take?
A small round bag takes about 3–5 hours; a large tote, 8–15 hours.

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