If you’re just getting started with crochet and wondering what you can actually make without advanced skills, beginner crochet bags are one of the best places to begin. They’re practical, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying to finish, even if you’re still learning the basics.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 8 free beginner crochet bag patterns that are simple, stylish, and perfect for building confidence. These patterns focus on easy stitches, minimal shaping, and clear instructions, so you can enjoy the process instead of stressing over complicated techniques.
Whether you’re looking to make a cute tote for everyday use, a small project to practice tension, or your very first wearable accessory, these crochet bag patterns are approachable, fun, and totally doable — even if you’ve only mastered a few stitches so far.
Grab your hook, choose your favorite yarn, and let’s make something you’ll actually use ✨
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8 FREE Beginner Crochet Bag Patterns That Will Build Confidence
1. Out and About Crochet Tote Pattern
This free beginner crochet bag pattern is a perfect weekend project. This tote would make an excellent beach bag for carrying towels or water bottles. Or you could use it as a shopping bag and watch how many people ask “did you make that?”
I love that this pattern keeps it simple! You’ll start with single crochets around a chain before working into the mesh section which is simply repeating a single crochet and a treble crochet stitch for 9 rounds. While the treble crochet stitch can seem intimidating if you haven’t done them much, they’re easy once you get the routine down. And they add a lot of height quickly, making this pattern come together fast.
For this pattern, Yarnspirations recommends the Bernat Maker Splash Yarn, which is an excellent choice for beginners with it’s tubular structure, making stitches easier to see. Plus, this pattern only calls for one ball, making it a budget-friendly project as well.
That being said, if you have Red Heart yarn or another standard worsted weight yarn on hand, you can certainly use that. My only recommendation here is to do a gauge swatch, as this pattern calls for a bulky (5) weight yarn, and standard Red Heart or worsted weight is a 4.
This pattern’s crochet gauge is as follows: 4″x4″ square = 10sc x 11 rows with an 8mm hook.
If you want to adjust this for a worsted weight yarn, try increasing your hook size to a 9mm hook. Do a gauge swatch and try to get the same number of stitches and rows in a 4″x4″ square as the pattern calls for.
Still confused about yarn and hook sizes? Feel like you’re reading a foreign language when someone says gauge swatch? Check out our Guide to Hook and Yarn Sizes here.
2. Granny Square Magnolia Bag
Jessica from Mama In a Stitch designed this stunning Granny Square tote bag. While it does require you to make 24 granny squares, it comes together super fast due to the quick build up of double crochets.
If you’ve been looking for beginner crochet bag patterns to build confidence in working double crochet granny stitches, this is one of the beginner crochet bag patterns I would recommend most. Granny squares are a timeless way to practice tension and counting stitches. And the cherry on the cake? You get a gorgeous new bag at the end of it.
Jessica is using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Worsted Yarn in 4 different shades. You can buy this same yarn on Amazon fairly inexpensively and have it delivered as soon as overnight. Feel free to get creative with your colors. You’ll need 2 white rolls and then three other colors of your choosing.
This pattern shows you the layout of how to connect the granny squares together with a whip stitch, and then add a simple single crochet handle to each side. You can even add an optional tassel if you want.
>> Get the Free Pattern Here <<
3. Free Crochet Phone Pouch with Strap
Looking for smaller beginner crochet bag patterns to try? If so, make this phone pouch with a strap your next crochet project. This design is worked in the round, meaning no slip stitch to join and no chain and turn at each round. You just keep going… round and round.
This free pattern is a chain followed by 33 rows of single crochets and then a simple chain and slip stitch strap. Want to make it all one color to decrease the difficulty a smidge? Go for it! Want to add more stripes; you can most certainly do that too. This pattern is infinitely customizable.
Also, this pattern uses a basic worsted weight cotton yarn that you can pick up at your local Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or have it delivered overnight from Amazon. Being this small, you only need one skein if you choose to make it a solid color. If you want to use four colors, like the pattern calls for, you can make one for you and then two or three more for friends and family.
>> Get the Free Pattern Here<<
4. Textured Crochet Shoulder Bag
While beginner-friendly, this is one of the free beginner crochet bag patterns that I would recommend for those who have completed a couple small projects. It is an easy to follow pattern, but the stitch used to create the texture is called the bean stitch. And the bean stitch is not difficult, but does require you to have decent control of your tension.
For this shoulder bag pattern, Viv is using a 5mm hook and medium (3) weight yarn to achieve a bag that is 10.2″ x 6.1″. You can use a standard worsted weight yarn, but know that this will increase the size of the final product.
If you are feeling up to trying a new stitch, this is a great start! Viv includes pictures throughout, including a step-by-step photo tutorial on how to do the bean stitch. She also has a video tutorial for those who prefer a mix of visual and audible instruction.
Once you get the hang of it, this crochet bag can easily be completed over the weekend.
Get a Head Start on Your Crochet Journey with Our Free Beginner Guide
If you are just starting out and feeling confused, it’s okay. It’s even normal. This guide is designed to take the stress and frustration out of of the early stages of your crochet journey.
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5. Coco Crochet Crossbody Bag
This beautiful boho crossbody bag looks complicated, but is just a series of single crochets and double crochets. It’s stunning and completely functional. The only caveat here is that you will need to subscribe to HanJanCrochet’s blog to see the free pattern. But, with what she offers, it’s worth it!
For this pattern, the designer uses a 5.5mm hook and worsted weight (4) 100% cotton yarn. I recommend this Caron All Day Cotton yarn. You get a 3-pack which will be enough to make this crochet bag patten. You can also snag some leather purse flap closures that already have the holes punched in them for sewing.
This is the perfect pattern for a bag you can use for a shopping day to carry your essentials or a school function where you need a bag, but need it out of you way.
6. Day at The Market Tote Bag
This is one of those beginner crochet bag patterns you can make again and again. Give it friends, take it to market, or use it for shopping hauls. This pattern works up quickly, creates a flowy but not holey, functional design, and can be customized to with a variety of colors.
Heather uses Lion Brand Heartland yarn for this project, as well as a 5mm and 5.5mm hook. If you haven’t snagged a crochet hook variety pack yet, this is the one I use daily. The handles are comfortable and there are a variety of sizes from 2mm to 10mm. I also love that it comes with a tube of darning needles, including bent tip needles, stitch markers, and a carrying case.
One really nice thing about this pattern, is that you don’t have to worry too much about gauge. However, if you want your bag to be exactly like the one in this pattern, you can do a gauge swatch ahead of time. Nobody likes it, but no one ever regrets making one before a project.
7. Crochet Water Bottle Bag
This is a great small crochet project that can be finished if you have a busy schedule, or just feel too overwhelmed by a full size bag pattern. Plus, having something you can carry you water bottle in speaks to my lazy-heart. How many times have you not taken you water bottle somewhere just because you didn’t want to carry it? You don’t have to answer… me too.
This pattern can be adjusted to fit different sized water bottles based on the diameter. You’ll simply add rounds to your bottom circle to increase the size. The only stitches used in this pattern are single crochet and double crochet, both of which are explained in detial in our5 Essential Stiches for Beginners Guide.
This pattern recommends a worsted weight (4) cotton yarn. And the designer used Lion Brand 24/7 cotton and a 4mm crochet hook.
8. Granny Square Bag
This is one of those beginner crochet bag patterns you will make long after you’ve surpassed beginner status. It’s gorgeous, great for markets, a thoughtful gift idea, and it comes together quickly.
It’s made of 3 large granny squares made from bulky weight yarn. The designer used Lion Brand Hue & Me (2 balls) and an 8mm hook. Definitely check out the Hue & Me line. They have so many color options that would look stunning on this bad pattern.
Outside of traditional stitches, this free crochet pattern does use a puff stitch. But, she includes instructions on how to make the puff stitch as well as a YouTube video tutorial for creating the bag.
This is the perfect project for those who are still a bit hesitant, as the pattern includes step-by-step instructions and pictures all along the way.
Which of These Beginner Crochet Bag Patterns Will You Make First?
If you are just getting started on your crochet journey, making a functional bag that you like is an excellent option for your next project. Bags can be used for everything. From storing things at home or in your car, to carrying groceries, to packing for a trip, and more.
We truly hope one of these beginner crochet bag patterns gives you a boost of inspiration and encouragement as you start diving deeper into the world of crochet.
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