This crochet shoulder bag is a stunning and functional handmade accessory. It’s versatile, trendy, and perfect for carrying your everyday essentials with ease. The bag’s minimalist yet textured design, combined with sturdy straps, makes it a practical choice for outings, worked, or even as a gift. It’s lightweight yet spacious enough to be a reliable partner wherever you go.
Using simple techniques like double crochets, puff stitches, and rounds, this shoulder bag comes to life beautifully. Beginners can follow along comfortably as the process is straightforward and involves repeating familiar patterns. While the bag base provides a solid structure, the puff stitch straps add an elegant finishing touch, making the bag both stylish and durable. You’ll love how it feels in your hands!
Credit Beyond Diary
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: 1 ball (250 g) of Macramé yarn, T-shirt yarn, or nylon cord (Note: Macramé yarn might split easily, but it provides a unique look). Any durable yarn will work.
- Hook: 7 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker: For marking the start of rounds
- Needle: For sewing the strap to the bag
Finished Size & Customization Ideas
- Size: The tutorial creates a mini shoulder bag suitable for carrying essentials. The size can vary based on the yarn weight and the number of rounds worked.
- Customization:
- Strap Length: Adjust the number of puff stitch sets for the strap to make it shorter or longer.
- Colors: Use multiple colors for the base, sides, or strap by switching colors at any round.
- Accessories: Embellish with tassels, buttons, or metallic rings for a stylish look.
Pattern Abbreviations & Terminology
- ch: Chain
- dc: Double crochet
- sc: Single crochet
- sl st: Slip stitch
- puff st: Puff stitch
- rnd: Round
- st: Stitch
- sp: Space
- YO: Yarn over
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Crochet Style: Worked in the round
Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions
Base of the Bag
The base is constructed as an oval by working on both sides of the foundation chain.
Round 1:
- Start with a slip knot on your hook.
- Chain 10.
- Add 3 extra chains (counts as the first DC).
- Skip the 3 chains and make 1 DC in the 4th chain from the hook.
- Chain 2, then make another DC in the same space as the previous DC (creates a corner).
- Work 1 DC in each of the next 8 chains (do not work into the last chain).
- In the last chain, make 1 DC, chain 2, 3 DC (turning corner).
- Now work down the other side of the foundation chain:
- Make 1 DC in each of the next 8 chains, leaving one space unworked before the corner.
- In the final chain space, make 1 DC, chain 2, 1 DC to complete the other corner.
- Join the round with a sl st in the 3rd chain from the beginning. (First round completed!)
Sides of the Bag
Round 2:
- Begin with a standing double crochet (sc in the same space, then sc in the back loop of the sc—counts as a DC). Place a stitch marker in this stitch.
- DC in the next double crochet.
- In the chain-2 corner space, work: 1 DC, 2 puff stitches, chain 2, 2 puff stitches, 1 DC.
- To make a puff stitch:
- YO, insert hook and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- YO, insert hook again and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook).
- YO and pull through first 4 loops, YO and pull through last 2 loops.
- To make a puff stitch:
- DC in each DC until you reach the next corner.
- Repeat the corner pattern (1 DC, 2 puff stitches, chain 2, 2 puff stitches, 1 DC) in each chain-2 space.
- Continue in this manner, working 1 DC in each DC on the sides and completing the corner stitches.
- Join the round with a sl st in the standing DC.
Rounds 3 to 6:
- Each round builds on the sides of the bag while incorporating puff stitches at the corners.
- Work as follows:
- DC in each st along the sides.
- Skip 1 st before each corner and after each corner to create a natural curve.
- For each corner, repeat the pattern: 1 DC, puff st, chain 2, puff st, 1 DC.
- In Rounds 5 and 6, begin decreasing by working 2 DC together (DC dec) on either side of the corners to shape the edges of the bag.
Top Edging
Round 7:
- Work a standing DC to begin the round.
- Work decreases closer together:
- Skip stitches immediately before and after the corners.
- Work puff stitch corners as in the previous rounds.
- End the round with decreases, skipping stitches as needed.
Round 8:
- Crochet a finishing edge of sc:
- Work 1 sc in each st along the edges, with a chain between puff stitches to maintain spacing.
- Add chain spaces at the corners for consistency.
- End with a sl st and fasten off.
Strap
The strap is made entirely of puff stitches, joined directly to the chain-2 corner spaces for a seamless look.
- Start the Strap:
- Attach yarn to the chain-2 space in one corner of the bag.
- Work a puff stitch in this space (as done for the corners).
- Build the Strap:
- Repeat puff stitches back-to-back until the strap reaches the desired length.
- Securely fasten the strap to the opposite corner by sewing it tightly.
Finishing Touches
- Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle.
- Block the bag lightly if needed to shape it.
- Add any decorative elements (optional, such as tassels or a lining).
Video Tutorial
