Looking for a bag that’s both practical and effortlessly chic? This crocheted hobo bag is the perfect project. Its simple, repetitive stitch pattern creates a beautifully slouchy drape, while the oval base provides a sturdy foundation. The contrasting stripe adds a pop of personality, making it a wonderful accessory for any casual outing.
This pattern is worked from the bottom up, starting with a flat, oval base. The body is worked in continuous rounds, with the strap being a seamless extension of the bag’s body.
What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10 ply) cotton yarn is highly recommended for its excellent drape and durability.
- Color A (Main): The light yellow color in the example. Approximately 250-300 yards.
- Color B (Stripe): The light purple color in the example. Approximately 50-75 yards.
- Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm (or hook size needed to achieve a fabric with a nice drape).
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker (optional): To mark the beginning of each round.
Abbreviations Used:
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- V-st: V-stitch: (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch or space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd: round
- FO: fasten off
- [ ]: repeat instructions in brackets
- ( ): stitch count at the end of the round
Gauge:
For the oval base, your stitch count is more important than a precise gauge, as the flexibility of the bag allows for some variation. The finished base should be approximately 28 cm x 10 cm (11 inches x 4 inches).
Part 1: The Base (Oval Shape – in Color A)
We will create a flat, oval base by working in the round around a starting chain.
- Using Color A, ch 29.
- Rnd 1: 3 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. Sc in the next 26 ch. 3 sc in the last ch. Working along the other side of the foundation chain, sc in the next 26 ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (58 sc)
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st. Sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st. Sc in the next 26 sts. 2 sc in the next st. Sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st. Sc in the next 26 sts. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (64 sc)
- Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (64 sc)
- Repeat Rnd 3 for 2 more rounds, for a total of 5 rounds of single crochet, or until your base measures approximately 28 cm x 10 cm.
Part 2: The Body (V-Stitch)
We will now build the sides of the bag using the V-stitch pattern. You will be working in continuous rounds, without joining at the end of each. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round to keep track.
- Rnd 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Skip the first st. [V-st in the next st, skip 1 st] around.
- Note: The number of V-stitches will be half your base stitch count. (32 V-sts).
- Rnds 2-8 (Main Color – in Color A): Work V-st in each V-st’s ch-1 sp around. (32 V-sts).
- Rnds 9-11 (Stripe – in Color B): Switch to Color B. Continue working V-st in each V-st’s ch-1 sp around for 3 rounds.
- Rnds 12-19 (Main Color – in Color A): Switch back to Color A. Continue working V-st in each V-st’s ch-1 sp around for 8 rounds, or until your bag is the desired height.
Part 3: The Top Edge & Strap
We will now create a sturdy top edge and the wide, comfortable strap.
- Top Edge: Ch 1, sc in each st around. (Work 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch-1 sp). Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Rnd 3 (Strap): You will now create the wide strap. Ch 1, sc in the first 8 stitches. Ch 50 (or to your desired strap length). Skip the next 20 stitches. Sc in the next 16 stitches (this is the back of the bag). Ch 50. Skip the last 20 stitches. Sl st into the first sc.
- Rnd 4 (Securing Strap): Ch 1, sc in each of the 8 sc. Sc in each of the 50 chains. Sc in each of the 16 sc. Sc in each of the 50 chains. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- FO and weave in all ends.
Video tutorial
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining ends securely. This is a critical step for a clean and professional-looking finished bag.
- Blocking (optional): To help your bag hold its shape and drape correctly, gently steam or spritz it with water, then stuff it with a towel and shape it as it air dries.
You’ve now created a beautiful and unique bag that’s perfect for your next outing! Enjoy it.
