This pattern will guide you through creating a stylish and practical crochet summer bag, perfect for carrying your essentials to the beach, market, or just out and about on a sunny day.
Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
Materials:
- Approximately 300-400 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn (or a cotton blend) in your desired color(s). Cotton is recommended for its durability and breathability, perfect for summer.
- Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- (Optional) Fabric for lining the bag
- (Optional) Leather or fabric straps
Gauge:
Working in the pattern stitch (see below), 14 stitches and 8 rows should measure approximately 4 inches (10 cm). Checking your gauge is important to ensure your bag is the correct size. If your gauge is too small, try a larger hook; if it’s too large, try a smaller hook.
Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- rep: repeat
- rnd: round
- sp: space
Pattern Notes:
- The bag is worked in the round from the bottom up.
- Join rounds with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round unless otherwise instructed.
- Chain stitches at the beginning of rounds typically do not count as a stitch unless specified.
- The pattern uses a simple stitch pattern that creates a lovely textured fabric.
Instructions:
Base of the Bag:
- Ch 30 (or your desired width for the base).
- Rnd 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Work 3 sc in the last ch. Now, working along the other side of the starting chain, sc in each ch across. Work 2 sc in the last ch (the same ch as the first sc). Join with a sl st to the first sc. (Approx. 60 sts, adjust based on your starting chain). Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the next round.
- Rnd 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 28 sts, 2 sc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 28 sts, 2 sc in the last 2 sts. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (Approx. 68 sts). Move stitch marker to the first stitch of the next round.
- Rnd 3: Ch 1. Sc in the first st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 29 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 29 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the last st, 2 sc in the last st. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (Approx. 76 sts). Move stitch marker.
- Continue increasing in this manner for a few more rounds until your base is the desired size. The goal is to create an oval base. A good rule of thumb is to increase at the ends of the oval in each round.
Body of the Bag:
Now we will begin working the pattern stitch for the body of the bag.
- Rnd 1 (Pattern Stitch): Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
- Rnd 2 (Pattern Stitch): Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Rnd 3 (Pattern Stitch): Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
- Rnd 4 (Pattern Stitch): Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Rep Rnds 1-4 of the Pattern Stitch until the bag reaches your desired height.
Top Edging:
Once the bag is the desired height, we will create a simple edging.
- Next Rnd: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Next Rnd: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Fasten off and weave in ends securely.
Straps:
You have a few options for straps:
- Crocheted Straps: Ch a long chain for your desired strap length. Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Make two straps.
- Fabric or Leather Straps: Purchase pre-made straps.
Attach your chosen straps securely to the top of the bag, evenly spaced on opposite sides.
Video tutorial
Finishing:
- Weave in any remaining loose ends using your tapestry needle.
- (Optional) Sew a fabric lining into the bag for added structure and to prevent small items from falling through the stitches.
Your crochet summer bag is now complete!
