The Simple Phone Bag Free Crochet Pattern – Carroway Crochet
There is something deeply satisfying about making something small and practical with your own two hands. The Simple Phone Bag is exactly that kind of project — a quick, beginner-friendly crochet pattern that results in a charming little bag just the right size for your phone, cards, and a few essentials. Whether you are new to crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a relaxing afternoon project, this pattern from Carroway Crochet is one you will want to come back to again and again.
In this post, I am walking you through everything you need to know to make your own Simple Phone Bag, from the materials you will need to step-by-step instructions and tips for customizing it to suit your style. This free crochet pattern is clean, straightforward, and endlessly adaptable — which is exactly why so many people have fallen in love with it.
Why You Will Love This Free Crochet Phone Bag Pattern
Before we dive into the how-to, let us talk about why this pattern is worth picking up your hook for.
First, it is genuinely beginner-friendly. If you know how to chain, single crochet, and slip stitch, you have everything you need to complete this project. There are no complicated stitch counts, no tricky shaping techniques, and no frustrating moments where you have to rip back half your work. It is the kind of pattern that lets you stay in your creative flow without getting bogged down in complexity.
Second, it is fast. Most crocheters can finish a Simple Phone Bag in a single sitting — sometimes in just a couple of hours. This makes it the perfect project for gift-giving season, craft fairs, or those moments when you just want to make something tangible and beautiful without committing to a week-long project.
Third, it is useful. We all carry our phones with us everywhere, and having a little handmade bag to slip it into feels like such a personal, intentional upgrade to everyday life. Whether you wear it crossbody with a chain strap, clip it to a larger tote, or use it as a pouch inside your bag, it adds a handcrafted touch to your daily carry.
Finally, the finished bag has that effortlessly stylish, minimal aesthetic that photographs beautifully, makes a gorgeous gift, and looks good with almost any outfit. Neutral yarns give it a timeless feel; bold colors make it pop. It really is endlessly versatile.
Materials You Will Need
One of the best things about this pattern is that it requires very little. Here is what to gather before you sit down to crochet.
Yarn: A worsted weight yarn (also called size 4 yarn) works wonderfully for this project. You will not need much — typically around 80 to 100 yards is plenty for a standard phone bag. Cotton yarn is a fantastic choice here because it gives the bag a structured, slightly firm body that holds its shape well, and it is durable enough for everyday use. That said, acrylic yarns work beautifully too, especially if you want a slightly softer drape. Some crocheters love the look of a jute or raffia yarn for a more textural, bohemian feel.
Hook: A size 5.0mm (H/8) crochet hook is the standard recommendation for worsted weight yarn, though you should always check your gauge if you want the bag to come out a specific size. For this kind of practical accessory, gauge does not need to be perfect — but it is worth doing a quick swatch if you are particular about sizing.
Notions: You will also want a tapestry needle for weaving in your ends, scissors, and stitch markers if you find them helpful for keeping track of your rounds. Beyond that, the finishing details are entirely up to you — a button or snap closure, a small D-ring, a chain or cord strap, or even a crocheted i-cord handle.
Understanding the Construction
The Simple Phone Bag is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up. You start with a foundation chain, join to work in the round, and build up the body of the bag until it reaches the desired height. It is a simple tube construction that is intuitive even for beginners.
Working in continuous rounds (rather than joined rounds) can create a subtle spiral effect in some stitch patterns, but with single crochet it is nearly invisible and does not affect the finished look. If you prefer the look of joined rounds, you can absolutely join at the end of each round with a slip stitch and chain one to begin the next — just be aware that this can sometimes create a visible seam on one side of the bag.
The bottom of the bag is closed by crocheting across the foundation chain and then working around the perimeter, which creates a flat oval base. This is a technique called working in the round from a chain, and while it sounds complicated, it becomes second nature after your first few rounds.
The Simple Phone Bag Free Crochet Pattern
Here is the full free pattern. Read through it completely before you begin so you have a clear picture of the process from start to finish.
Abbreviations
ch — chain
sc — single crochet
sl st — slip stitch
st(s) — stitch(es)
BLO — back loop only
MR — magic ring (optional; you may also start with a chain)
Finished Size
Approximately 4 inches wide by 7 inches tall, which fits most standard smartphones. You can easily adjust the dimensions by starting with a longer foundation chain (for a wider bag) or working additional rounds (for a taller bag).
Pattern Instructions
Foundation:
Chain 14. Starting in the second chain from the hook, single crochet across — you will have 13 single crochets. Do not turn. Instead, continue working around the opposite side of the foundation chain: work 3 single crochets into the last chain (this creates the rounded end), then single crochet across the remaining chains back to the beginning — another 12 single crochets. Work 2 single crochets into the first stitch to complete the round and create the other rounded end. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your rounds. (28 stitches total)
Rounds 1–2: Single crochet in each stitch around. (28 stitches)
This creates the flat oval base of your bag. Before continuing, you may want to weave in your starting tail so it is hidden inside the base.
Round 3 onward (body of the bag): Continue to single crochet in each stitch around, working in continuous rounds, until the bag measures approximately 6.5 to 7 inches from the base. This typically takes around 20 to 22 rounds depending on your yarn and hook size, but measure as you go rather than counting rigidly.
If you want to add texture, consider switching to back loop only (BLO) single crochets for the body of the bag. Working in BLO creates a beautiful horizontal ribbed effect that gives the bag a more refined, structured look without adding any complexity to the pattern.
Finishing the top edge:
Work one final round of slip stitches across the top edge to neaten it and give it a clean, finished appearance. Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Adding a Closure
Once your bag body is finished, you will want to add some kind of closure to keep your phone secure.
Button closure: Sew a button centered on the front of the bag, approximately half an inch below the top edge. Then, using your yarn and hook, create a small chain loop on the back panel by attaching yarn at the top edge, chaining enough stitches to loop over your button, and slip stitching back into the edge. Test the loop size before fastening off — it should fit snugly over the button without pulling.
Snap closure: Sew the halves of a small magnetic snap or sew-on snap to the inside of the front and back panels near the top. This gives the bag a very polished, professional look and is particularly nice if you are making the bag as a gift.
Fold-over flap: If you want a more secure closure, you can crochet additional rows past the top of the back panel to create a flap that folds over the front. Work back and forth in rows rather than rounds for the flap, decreasing slightly on each side to shape it, and finish with a button or snap.
Strap Options
The strap is where this bag really comes alive, and there are so many directions you can take it.
Crocheted i-cord strap: Using a smaller hook and two strands of yarn, work a slip stitch cord or tightly crocheted chain to your desired strap length. This is the simplest option and keeps everything handmade. Attach the ends securely to the inside side seams of the bag.
Chain strap: Visit your local craft store or check online for a simple metal chain in gold, silver, or antique brass. Thread it through small D-rings that you sew to the sides of the bag. This gives the finished bag a very elevated, boutique look that is hugely popular right now.
Leather cord: A length of leather or faux-leather cord threaded through D-rings or knotted directly through the top edges of the bag creates a boho aesthetic that pairs beautifully with natural cotton or jute yarns.
Crossbody strap: For a longer, adjustable crossbody strap, look for bag hardware kits at craft stores that include D-rings, swivel clasps, and a slider for adjusting the length. You can make a crocheted strap with these attached, or use a purchased webbing strap in a coordinating color.
Tips for a Perfect Finish
A few small details can elevate this project from simply functional to genuinely beautiful.
Take care with your tension. Consistent tension throughout the body of the bag makes the finished piece look neat and professional. If you are working in cotton yarn, be aware that cotton can feel a little stiff at first and may require slightly looser tension than you are used to with acrylic.
Block your finished bag. Even a simple wet block — dampening the bag, shaping it by hand, and allowing it to dry flat — can dramatically improve the look of the finished piece. It evens out any uneven stitches and helps the bag hold its shape.
Reinforce your attachment points. Wherever you attach your strap hardware or sew on a button, use a tapestry needle and a length of matching yarn to reinforce the stitches. This is especially important for a bag that will be used daily, where the attachment points bear repeated stress.
Use lining fabric for extra polish. If you want to give your bag a truly professional finish, cut a simple lining from cotton fabric and hand-stitch it inside the bag. This also protects the interior from anything sharp or rough in your bag, and it keeps small items from slipping through any gaps in the crochet fabric.
Yarn Color Ideas and Inspiration
Part of what makes this pattern so endlessly appealing is how differently it looks depending on the yarn you choose.
A neutral palette — think cream, oatmeal, warm taupe, or soft sage — gives the bag a timeless, minimalist look that pairs with everything. This is a great choice if you are making the bag for yourself and want it to become a true everyday staple.
Bold, saturated colors — cobalt blue, burnt orange, deep terracotta, forest green — turn the bag into a statement accessory. Try a single bold color for maximum impact, or work stripes by switching colors every few rounds.
Variegated or tonal yarns add visual interest without any extra effort on your part. Let the yarn do the work by simply crocheting in rounds and watching the color shifts create their own pattern.
For a more elevated, artisan feel, try a neutral cotton paired with a contrasting color on the base and top edge — a quick two-row stripe at the bottom and top of the bag is an easy way to add a designer detail.
Making Multiple Bags as Gifts
Once you have made your first Simple Phone Bag, you will almost certainly want to make more. And this is such a perfect gift — handmade, practical, personal, and beautiful.
For holiday gift-making, try assembling a small collection in different colors and styling them with different straps for each recipient. A gold chain strap for a friend who loves something glam; a leather cord for the outdoorsy person in your life; a crocheted strap in their favorite color for someone who appreciates the craft.
You can also personalize these bags with small embellishments — a crochet flower sewn to the front, a simple embroidered initial on the back panel, or a tassel made from yarn or leather hanging from the strap attachment.
Troubleshooting Common Questions
The bag is coming out too wide or too narrow. The most common reason is tension — if your tension is looser than average, your bag will be wider; if it is tighter, narrower. Try adjusting your hook size up or down by half a millimeter and see if that brings you closer to your target size. You can also simply adjust the starting chain — add or subtract chains in pairs to keep the stitch count even.
My bag does not sit flat on the bottom. This usually means the oval base needs a little adjustment. Make sure you are working the increases correctly at each end of the starting chain — the three single crochets into the last chain and the two single crochets into the first stitch are what create the rounded ends and flat bottom. Blocking the finished bag on a flat surface can also help significantly.
The top edge is curling. This can happen with single crochet worked in the round, especially with cotton yarn. The final round of slip stitches helps address this, as does blocking. If it persists, try adding one round of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) around the top edge, which creates a beautiful rolled edge and counteracts any curling tendency.
A Note from Carroway Crochet
The Simple Phone Bag pattern embodies everything Carroway Crochet is about: clean, modern designs that are accessible to crocheters of all skill levels, with a finished aesthetic that does not look like a beginner project. The goal is always to help you make something you are genuinely proud of — something you will actually use, actually wear, and maybe even pass along to someone you love.
If you make this bag, I would love to see it! Share your finished project on Instagram and tag it so the Carroway Crochet community can see your version. There is always something inspiring about seeing how different makers interpret the same pattern — the color choices, the strap styles, the little personal details that make each one unique.
This pattern is completely free to use for personal projects, and you are also welcome to sell items made from this pattern. All I ask is that you do not copy or redistribute the pattern itself — a link back to this post is always appreciated.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy every stitch.
