Crocheting small bags is a creative and fulfilling craft that blends beauty with functionality. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a manageable project or an experienced crocheter eager to design a unique accessory, creating your own crochet small bag design opens the door to endless possibilities.
Small crochet bags are not only practical for everyday use—like carrying keys, cards, or a phone—but they also offer a fun canvas for color, texture, and structural creativity. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the elements of designing a small crochet bag, popular styles, yarn and material choices, construction techniques, and inspiration for your next project.
🧵 Why Crochet Small Bags?
✅ Portable and Convenient
Small bags like coin purses, crossbody bags, clutches, and mini totes are ideal for carrying essentials. They’re lightweight, compact, and easy to tuck into larger bags or wear on their own.
✅ Quick to Make
Unlike large garments or blankets, small bags can be completed in just a few hours or days, making them satisfying projects with quick payoffs.
✅ Customizable
Size, shape, color, texture—you control it all. Small bag designs can be personalized to match your wardrobe, gifting needs, or artistic vision.
✅ Great for Gifts or Sales
Handmade bags make thoughtful, stylish gifts. They’re also popular items in craft fairs and online shops due to their practicality and aesthetic appeal.
👜 Popular Crochet Small Bag Styles
Let’s explore some of the most common and beloved small bag styles that are ideal for crochet design:
🎒 1. Mini Tote Bag
A scaled-down version of the classic tote. Often rectangular or square, it features sturdy handles and sometimes an open top. Perfect for quick errands or casual outings.
🎁 2. Drawstring Pouch
Ideal for carrying small items like makeup, jewelry, or coins. Simple to make, usually worked in the round with a closing cord at the top.
💼 3. Clutch
A flat or slightly structured envelope-style bag, often designed for evening events. It can include decorative elements like bobbles, lace stitches, or embroidery.
🎒 4. Crossbody Mini Bag
A practical everyday choice, worn across the body with a long strap. These are often rectangular or oval and include buttons, zippers, or flaps.
💰 5. Coin Purse
Small, circular, or square designs with a clasp or zipper closure. Often the first project for many crochet enthusiasts learning to make accessories.
🧧 6. Phone or Card Holder
Slim and sleek bags designed to fit just a phone, credit card, or ID. Great for festivals, walking, or light travel.
🧶 Materials Needed for Crochet Bag Design
🪢 Yarn
When designing small bags, durability is key. Popular choices include:
- Cotton Yarn: Strong, washable, and holds its shape well.
- Acrylic Yarn: Affordable and widely available, but may stretch with weight.
- T-shirt Yarn or Macramé Cord: Thick, sturdy, and trendy—great for structure.
🧷 Hook
Use a slightly smaller hook than usual for the yarn weight. This creates a tighter fabric, ensuring your bag holds shape and doesn’t sag.
🧵 Additional Supplies
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle (for weaving ends)
- Bag lining fabric (optional, for added strength)
- Zippers, magnetic snaps, or buttons
- Bag handles or straps (leather, chain, crocheted)
✍️ Planning Your Crochet Small Bag Design
Designing your own small bag starts with intention. Ask yourself a few questions:
❓ What is the bag’s purpose?
Will it carry a phone? Function as a wallet? Or serve as a decorative accessory?
❓ What size do you want?
Measure or sketch out rough dimensions to guide your stitch count and shaping.
❓ What style fits your taste or use case?
Do you want a soft, slouchy look or something more structured and formal?
📐 Design Elements to Consider
🔷 Shape
- Rectangular or square (for clutches, totes, and crossbodies)
- Circular or oval (for drawstring pouches or coin purses)
- Hexagonal or granny-square based (fun for patchwork-style bags)
🔹 Stitch Pattern
- Single Crochet (sc): Dense and strong, perfect for bag bodies.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): Adds subtle texture while staying sturdy.
- Granny Square Motifs: Ideal for patchwork or boho-style bags.
- Shells, V-stitch, or Mesh: Great for more decorative or lightweight bags.
🔸 Closure Type
- Drawstring
- Zipper
- Button and loop
- Magnetic clasp
- Fold-over flap
🔺 Straps and Handles
- Simple crocheted strap (chains or rows of sc)
- Braided yarn cord
- Leather or purchased bag handles
- Chain straps for a modern or glam touch
📖 Example: Basic Crochet Small Bag Pattern
Here’s a very simple mini shoulder bag design you can follow or modify:
Basic Mini Crossbody Bag (Beginner Pattern)
Skill Level: Beginner
Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn
Hook: 4.5 mm
Size: Approx. 6” wide x 7” tall
Stitches used: ch, sc
Instructions:
Bag Body:
- Ch 26 (or adjust based on desired width).
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (25 sts)
- Rows 2–40: Ch 1, turn. Sc across each row.
- Fold the piece in half widthwise. Seam the two sides together with sc or whipstitch.
Strap:
- Ch 90–110 (or desired length), attach each end to the top sides of the bag with slip stitches or sew securely.
Closure:
- Sew on a button and create a loop using ch 10 and attach it opposite the button on the back flap.
Optional:
- Add a fabric lining by hand sewing or gluing it inside.
🧵 Advanced Design Ideas
If you’re ready to take your design skills further, try these:
🧩 Granny Square Bags
Create a set of identical granny squares and join them together in a cube or rectangle. Add a strap and lining for a structured and colorful accessory.
🧵 Tapestry Crochet Designs
Use colorwork techniques to create geometric patterns, hearts, stripes, or initials.
🧶 Textured Stitches
Incorporate puff stitches, bobbles, or front-post/back-post stitches for visual interest and a thicker bag body.
📸 Inspiration and Trend Spotting
🔍 Trending Styles in 2025:
- Cottagecore Crochet Bags: Delicate, floral, vintage-inspired designs.
- Chunky Yarn Mini Bags: Made with thick cord and oversized stitches.
- Eco-Friendly Net Bags: Lightweight, mesh-style bags for produce or small items.
- Color Block Bags: Bold, simple designs with contrasting panels.
- Boho Chic Fringe Bags: Earthy tones with fringe, beads, and wooden accents.
💬 Common Questions About Crochet Small Bags
❓ Do I need to line my crochet bag?
It’s optional but recommended, especially for bags carrying weight. Linings prevent stretching and help keep small items from poking through.
❓ Can I sell bags made from my own designs?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use your own original patterns or patterns labeled as free for commercial use.
❓ How do I stiffen a crochet bag?
Use tighter stitches, stiffer yarn, or add interfacing between the bag and the lining. Some crocheters also lightly block their bags with starch.
🧶 Conclusion: Your Bag, Your Style
Designing a crochet small bag is a perfect blend of creativity and craftsmanship. Whether you’re making a casual tote, a classy clutch, or a playful pouch, each project allows you to express your personality and refine your skills.
From the choice of yarn and stitches to closure details and strap styles, every decision shapes your unique design. Best of all? You’ll walk away with something beautiful, functional, and entirely handmade.
So grab your favorite yarn, sketch out a vision, and start crafting your next favorite accessory—one stitch at a time.
Video tutorial:
