A crochet bag is one of the most useful things you can make: it carries your shopping, your library books or your next project, and it looks lovely too. There are three free crochet bag patterns to choose from, all in UK terms: a stretchy mesh market bag, a sturdy everyday tote bag and a colourful granny square bag, each with exact stitch counts and clear steps.
Quick answer: The easiest crochet bag is a tote made from one rectangle of half trebles (UK terms, US half double crochet): chain 41, work 70 rows of 39 htr, fold it in half, join the sides with double crochet and add two straps. Use about 250g of aran cotton and a 5mm hook (US H-8). It makes a bag about 28 x 35cm in 6 to 8 hours.
Every crochet bag pattern here uses basic stitches and cotton yarn, so it is strong, washable and suitable for confident beginners. We also cover choosing yarn, making strong handles, adding a lining and fixing common problems, so your bag lasts for years.
Why make a crochet bag?
- Useful every day: a reusable shopping bag cuts down on plastic and folds into a pocket.
- Quick to see progress: chunky stitches and cotton yarn grow fast.
- Great gifts: a handmade tote is a thoughtful present for teachers, friends and fellow makers.
- Endless styles: change the colours, stitch or strap to make each bag your own.
What you need for a crochet bag
- Yarn: 100% cotton or a cotton blend in DK or aran weight. Cotton is strong, does not stretch as much as acrylic and washes well.
- Hook: 5mm (UK 6, US H-8) for aran cotton, or 4mm (UK 8, US G-6) for DK cotton.
- Amounts: about 150g for the market bag, 250g for the tote bag and 200g for the granny square bag.
- Extras: stitch markers, a yarn needle, scissors and, if you like, fabric for a lining.
Our crochet yarn guide explains cotton in more detail, and yarn weights follow the Craft Yarn Council standard.
Abbreviations (UK terms with US equivalents)
| UK term | Abbreviation | US term |
|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | Chain |
| Chain space | ch sp | Chain space |
| Slip stitch | ss | Slip stitch (sl st) |
| Double crochet | dc | Single crochet (sc) |
| Half treble crochet | htr | Half double crochet (hdc) |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double crochet (dc) |
If you usually follow American patterns, our UK vs US crochet terms guide will help.
Pattern 1: crochet market bag (mesh)
This crochet market bag has a solid round base and stretchy mesh sides, so it holds a surprising amount of shopping but folds up small. It uses aran cotton and a 5mm hook. The base is about 18cm across and the bag is about 35cm tall before the handles.
Base
Work in joined rounds. The 3 ch at the start of each round counts as the first tr.
- Round 1: make a magic ring, 3 ch, 11 tr into the ring. Join with a ss to the top of the 3 ch. (12)
- Round 2: 3 ch, 1 tr in the same st, 2 tr in each st around. Join. (24)
- Round 3: 3 ch, 2 tr in the next st, *1 tr, 2 tr in the next st* around. Join. (36)
- Round 4: 3 ch, 1 tr, 2 tr in the next st, *2 tr, 2 tr in the next st* around. Join. (48)
- Round 5: 3 ch, 2 tr, 2 tr in the next st, *3 tr, 2 tr in the next st* around. Join. (60)
Mesh sides
- Round 6: 5 ch (counts as 1 tr and 2 ch), skip the next st, *1 tr in the next st, 2 ch, skip the next st* around. Join with a ss to the 3rd of the 5 ch. (30 ch-2 spaces)
- Round 7: ss into the first ch-2 sp, 5 ch, *1 tr in the next ch-2 sp, 2 ch* around. Join with a ss to the 3rd of the 5 ch. (30 ch-2 spaces)
- Rounds 8 to 26: repeat Round 7.
Top and handles
- Round 27: 1 ch (does not count), *1 dc in the next tr, 2 dc in the next ch-2 sp* around. Join. (90)
- Round 28 (handle openings): 1 ch, 1 dc in each of the next 15 sts, 50 ch, skip 15 sts, 1 dc in each of the next 30 sts, 50 ch, skip 15 sts, 1 dc in each of the last 15 sts. Join.
- Round 29: 1 ch, 1 dc in each dc and in each ch around. Join. (160)
- Round 30: 1 ch, 1 dc in each st around. Join and fasten off. (160)
The mesh stretches a lot when the bag is full, so keep the handles fairly short. For extra strong handles, work Rounds 29 and 30 with two strands of yarn held together.
Pattern 2: easy crochet tote bag
This crochet tote bag is made from one rectangle of half trebles folded in half, so it is solid, sturdy and very easy. In aran cotton with a 5mm hook it makes a bag about 28cm wide and 35cm tall.
Bag panel
- Foundation: 41 ch.
- Row 1: 1 htr in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch to the end. Turn. (39)
- Row 2: 2 ch (does not count as a st), 1 htr in each st. Turn. (39)
- Rows 3 to 70: repeat Row 2. The panel should be about 70cm long.
Fasten off. Fold the panel in half so the short ends meet at the top. With right sides together, join each side with dc through both layers, then turn the bag right side out.
Top edge and straps
- Top edge: join yarn at a side seam and work 2 rounds of dc around the opening.
- Straps (make 2): 62 ch, 1 htr in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch to the end, turn, 2 ch, 1 htr in each st. (60 htr, 2 rows)
- Sew the ends of each strap to the inside of the bag, about 6cm in from each side, with several rows of firm stitches.
For a stripy tote, change colour every 4 rows. If you would like to practise the main stitch first, see our half treble crochet guide.
Pattern 3: granny square bag
A granny square bag is a fun way to use up colourful scraps. It is made from eight classic granny squares joined into a pouch about 20cm square, with a long strap so you can wear it across your body.
- Squares: make 8 four-round granny squares in DK or aran cotton, each about 10cm across. If you have not made one before, follow our step-by-step crochet granny square tutorial.
- Panels: join 4 squares into a 2 by 2 square for the front, and 4 more for the back, using a slip stitch or whip stitch join.
- Join the panels: place the front and back with wrong sides together and work dc through both layers along three sides, working 3 dc into each corner.
- Top edge: work 2 rounds of dc around the opening.
- Strap: make a chain about 110cm long, work 1 row of dc back along it, then turn and work a second row. Sew the ends inside the top corners.
For a bigger granny square bag, make 18 squares and join them into two 3 by 3 panels, which gives a tote about 30cm square.
Which crochet bag should you make?
| Bag | Size | Yarn | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market bag | 18cm base, 35cm tall | about 150g aran cotton | 4 to 6 hours | shopping, beach, farmers’ markets |
| Tote bag | 28 x 35cm | about 250g aran cotton | 6 to 8 hours | books, laptops, everyday use |
| Granny square bag | 20 x 20cm | about 200g DK or aran cotton | 5 to 7 hours | scrap yarn, crossbody bag |
Making strong crochet bag handles
- Use cotton: acrylic handles stretch with weight; cotton holds its shape much better.
- Double up: work handles with two strands held together, or add an extra row of dc.
- Sew securely: attach straps with several rows of stitches, not just one.
- Add webbing: for heavy loads, sew cotton webbing inside the handle.
- Try ready-made handles: wooden or leather handles give a polished look.
How to line a crochet bag
A fabric lining stops small items slipping through the stitches and makes the bag stronger. Measure the inside of your bag, cut two pieces of cotton fabric with 1.5cm extra all round, and sew them together on three sides. Fold the top edge over, slip the lining inside the bag and hand sew it to the top round with small stitches. Market bags are usually left unlined so they stay stretchy.
Common problems and easy fixes
The bag stretches too much
Use 100% cotton, go down half a hook size, or line the bag. Shorter handles also help, because they stretch as the bag fills.
The base ripples
Rippling usually means too many increases for your tension. Try a smaller hook for the base, or work an extra plain round between increase rounds.
The sides slant
In the round, this is normal and gentle. In rows, it usually means missing the last stitch of a row; count your stitches at the end of each row.
Tips for a neat crochet bag
- Count often: a quick count every few rounds saves frogging later.
- Block the panels: steam or wet block the tote and granny squares before joining.
- Hide the joins: keep the join of each round at a side, under a handle.
- Weave ends well: bags carry weight, so weave each end in three directions.
Other crochet bag styles to try next
Once you have made one of the patterns above, the same techniques open up lots of other bags:
- Drawstring pouch: work the market bag base, then 10 rounds of solid tr and a round of eyelets for a cord. Perfect for toiletries or yarn.
- Bucket bag: work the base of the market bag, then solid rounds of htr instead of mesh for a structured bag.
- Crossbody phone bag: make the tote panel only 18 stitches wide and 30 rows long for a small pouch with a long strap.
- Beach bag: make the market bag in bright cotton and add a tassel.
- Project bag: a lined tote with a zip is ideal for carrying your crochet around.
Washing and caring for a crochet bag
Cotton bags can usually be machine washed on a gentle 30 degree cycle inside a laundry bag, but always check the ball band. Reshape the bag while damp and dry it flat, never hanging by the handles, which would stretch them. Avoid tumble drying. If a handle stretches over time, take out the last round and work it again more tightly, or sew a strip of cotton tape inside.
Crochet bag gift ideas
A crochet bag makes a lovely present on its own, and it is even better filled. Pop a few treats into a market bag for a teacher, add a book to a tote for a friend, or fill a granny square bag with yarn and a hook for someone learning to crochet. For more ideas, see our easy crochet gifts and gifts for crocheters.
Ready to start your crochet bag?
If this is your first bag, start with the tote: it is just rows of half trebles, so you can relax into the rhythm and watch the panel grow. When you are ready for something lighter and stretchier, the market bag is a fun step up, and the granny square bag is the perfect way to turn a basket of leftover cotton into something you will use every week.
Whichever crochet bag you choose, buy all the cotton you need from the same dye lot, keep your tension firm, and take your time with the handles. A well-made bag will carry your shopping, books and projects for years, and every time someone asks where you bought it, you can tell them you made it yourself.
Frequently asked questions about crochet bags
What is the best yarn for a crochet bag?
100% cotton or a cotton blend is best. It is strong, stretches less than acrylic and can be machine washed on a gentle cycle.
How long does it take to crochet a bag?
A market bag takes about 4 to 6 hours, a granny square bag 5 to 7 hours and a solid tote bag 6 to 8 hours.
How much yarn do I need for a crochet bag?
About 150g of aran cotton for the market bag, 200g for the granny square bag and 250g for the tote bag.
Is a crochet bag a good project for beginners?
Yes. The tote bag uses only half trebles in rows, and the market bag uses trebles and chains. Make a granny square first if you want to try the granny square bag.
Are these crochet bag patterns in UK or US terms?
They are written in UK terms. In US terms, dc is single crochet, htr is half double crochet and tr is double crochet.
