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How to Crochet a Trendy Small Bag: An Easy & Simple Tutorial 💗
Want a chic, stylish bag you can whip up in a day? This tutorial will show you how to crochet a trendy small bag that's both easy and simple to make. The design is perfect for holding your phone, wallet, and other small essentials, and it works up so quickly you can start using it today! This pattern uses basic stitches to create a beautiful texture and a sturdy structure, making it a fantastic project for both beginners and experienced crocheters looking for a quick win.
Skill Level: Beginner
This project is fantastic for new crocheters! You'll practice:
Chain (ch): The foundation of crochet.
Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining stitches and rounds neatly.
Single Crochet (sc): A dense, sturdy stitch, great for bag construction.
Working in Rounds: Crocheting in continuous circles to create a seamless look.
Increasing: Making your work wider for the bag's base.
Fastening Off: Securely ending your yarn.
Weaving in Ends: The crucial final step for a polished finish.
Finished Small Bag Dimensions (Approximate):
Using worsted weight yarn (Medium #4) and the suggested hook, your finished bag will be approximately:
Base: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) long by 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide (oval shape).
Height: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) (excluding handles).
Handles: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) tall loop (from bag edge to top of handle).
These dimensions are easy to adjust. Want a bigger bag? Start with a longer chain for the base. Taller? Add more rounds to the body.
Materials You'll Need:
Gathering your supplies beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable crafting session!
Yarn: Approximately 150-200 yards (135-180 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn.
Why this weight? Worsted weight yarn is widely available and creates a bag with good structure. A cotton or cotton blend yarn is highly recommended because it's strong, durable, holds its shape well, and is less likely to stretch out with use.
Color: Choose a color that reflects your style! Soft pink, classic black, or a vibrant pastel all look gorgeous with this design.
Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This hook size works well with worsted weight yarn to create a dense, firm fabric that will allow your bag to stand up nicely on its own.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): This blunt-tipped needle with a large eye is essential for seamlessly weaving in all your loose yarn tails at the end of the project.
Scissors: Any sharp pair for cutting your yarn.
Stitch Marker (Optional but Recommended): Incredibly helpful for marking the first stitch of each round when working the base and body in a continuous spiral.
Let's Crochet Your Trendy Small Bag!
We'll build this bag from the bottom up: starting with a simple oval base, then working straight up for the bag's body, and finishing with two integrated handles. We'll use single crochet throughout for maximum quickness and durability.
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Part 1: The Oval Base
We'll create a flat, sturdy oval that forms the bottom of your bag. This is done by working single crochet stitches around a starting chain in continuous rounds, which helps avoid a visible seam.
Starting Chain:
Make a slip knot with your yarn.
Chain (ch) 21. (This chain length determines the initial length of your bag's base. Adjust this number if you want a wider or narrower bag.)
Round 1 (Working Around the Chain):
Work 2 single crochet (sc) stitches into the 2nd chain from your hook.
(Optional: Place your stitch marker in the first sc you just made. This will be the first stitch of your round for easy tracking.)
Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 chains.
In the last chain (which is the 21st chain from your hook): Work 4 sc stitches into this single chain. This helps you smoothly turn the corner around the end of your chain.
Now, you'll work back down the other side of your starting chain. Crochet into the bottom loops (the unworked loops) of each chain.
Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
In the last stitch (this will be the same chain where you placed your very first 2 sc): Work 2 sc stitches into this chain. This finishes turning the other corner and brings you back to where you started the round.
You should now have a total of 44 sc stitches (2 + 18 + 4 + 18 + 2 = 44). Important: Do NOT join with a slip stitch yet. For the base, you'll work in continuous rounds (like a spiral) to avoid a visible seam and create a sturdier foundation.
Round 2 (Continuing the Oval Shape):
Work 2 sc into the very first stitch of the round (the one with your stitch marker).
(If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches. (These are the increases on one of the rounded ends).
Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches. (These are the increases on the other rounded end).
You should now have 50 sc stitches. Continue in continuous rounds.
Round 3 (Final Base Round):
Work 1 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
Work 2 sc into the next stitch.
Work 1 sc into each of the next 19 stitches.
Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
Work 1 sc into each of the next 19 stitches.
Work 2 sc into the next stitch.
You should now have 56 sc stitches.
Stop here! When you finish the last sc of this round, remove your stitch marker.
Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of this round to join. This completes your oval base neatly and prepares you for working straight up the sides of the bag.
Part 2: Building the Body of the Small Bag
Now, you'll work straight up from the finished base to create the main walls of your bag. We'll use single crochet throughout and work in joined rounds to maintain a neat, vertical line.
Round 4 (First Side Round - Defining the Edge):
Chain 1 (ch 1 – this does NOT count as a stitch; it just gives height).
Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around the entire round. (56 sc)
Why BLO? Working into the back loop creates a distinct, visible ridge on the outside of the bag, right where the base transitions to the sides. This ridge helps the bag's sides stand up straight and gives it a crisp, defined bottom.
Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
Rounds Onwards (Body Height):
Chain 1 (ch 1 – this does NOT count as a stitch).
Work 1 sc into both loops of each stitch around the round. (Your stitch count remains the same: 56 sc).
Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
Repeat this round (working 1 sc in each stitch around and joining with a sl st) until your small bag reaches your desired height. For the approximate dimensions given, you'll want to do about 12-15 more rounds (for a total of 16-19 rounds for the body, including Round 4).
The height is entirely a personal preference. Hold it up as you go and see if you like the look and feel. The single crochet creates a dense and sturdy fabric, perfect for a bag.
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Part 3: Creating the Handles
Now you'll create comfortable, integrated handles that extend directly from the top of your bag. We'll continue using single crochet for consistency and durability.
Handle Placement Round (Setting up the openings):
After your last body round, make sure you've joined with a slip stitch.
Chain 1 (ch 1 – does NOT count as a stitch).
Work 1 sc into the first 12 stitches. (This creates the front section of the bag opening).
Chain 20 (ch 20 – this creates the length of your first handle. Adjust this number for a longer or shorter handle).
Skip the next 4 stitches on the bag's top edge (this creates the open space for the bag's main opening).
Work 1 sc into the next 16 stitches. (This section bridges the gap across the top of the bag between your two handles).
Chain 20 (ch 20 – this creates the length of your second handle, matching the first).
Skip the next 4 stitches.
Work 1 sc into the next 12 stitches. (This should bring you back to the start of the round, completing the other front section).
Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
Handle Strengthening Round:
Chain 1 (ch 1 – does NOT count as a stitch).
Work 1 sc into each sc stitch along the top edge of the bag (these are the 12 sc, 16 sc, and 12 sc sections).
When you reach a chain-handle loop, you'll work single crochets directly into each chain of the loop. Work 1 sc into each of the 20 chains of the loop. This creates a very sturdy and comfortable handle.
Continue working sc stitches into the bag top and then around the second chain-20 handle loop (20 sc into those chains).
Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
Fasten Off (FO), leaving a tail of about 6 inches (15 cm).
Part 4: Final Finishing Touches (The Secret to a Professional Look!)
This stage is crucial for making your bag look polished, clean, and truly finished.
Weave in All Ends (Meticulously!):
You'll likely have two yarn tails: one from your starting chain on the base, and one from where you fastened off at the handles.
Thread each yarn tail onto your yarn needle.
How to Weave Neatly: Insert the needle into existing stitches on the inside of your bag. Weave the tail into existing stitches for at least 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm). To make it extra secure and prevent unraveling, subtly change direction (e.g., weave along a stitch, then turn and weave back through some of the same stitches diagonally or perpendicularly) to "lock" the tail in place.
Once secured, trim any excess yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut any of your actual crocheted stitches.
Blocking (Optional but Recommended):
Blocking is a simple process that can significantly improve the shape of your bag, even out any minor tension inconsistencies, and give it a more polished, professional appearance. It helps the bag stand up nicely on its own.
Method for Cotton Yarn:
Gently mist the entire bag evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it's damp, but not soaking wet.
Stuff the bag lightly with clean towels, old T-shirts, or even plastic bags to help it hold its intended rectangular shape (paying attention to the corners and the handles).
Allow the bag to air dry completely and thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. This might take a day or two, depending on humidity. Do not move or use the bag until it's bone dry.
Congratulations! You've successfully crocheted an adorable, quick, and easy Small Bag! This is a fantastic accomplishment, and you now have a sturdy, handmade accessory that's both functional and stylish.
What will you make next with your new skills?
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