Easy Crochet Purse Pattern: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Beyond

Whether you’re brand new to crochet or you’ve been hooking for years, making your own purse is one of those projects that feels genuinely exciting from start to finish. There’s something deeply satisfying about carrying a bag you made yourself — something no one else has in quite the same way. This easy crochet purse pattern walks you through everything you need to know, from materials to the final finishing touches, so you can create a beautiful, functional bag without getting overwhelmed.

This guide is designed to be beginner-friendly, but even experienced crocheters will find useful tips for customizing, sizing, and styling a handmade purse that suits their taste perfectly.

Why Crochet Your Own Purse?

Before we dive into the pattern itself, it’s worth pausing on why so many makers love this particular project. Crochet purses are endlessly customizable. You get to choose the size, the color, the texture, and the hardware. You can make a tiny coin purse or a roomy market tote. You can go boho and chunky, sleek and structured, or soft and slouchy. No matter what your personal style is, there’s a version of this project that fits it perfectly.

Crocheted bags are also genuinely durable. When made with a good cotton or acrylic yarn and a sturdy stitch pattern, they hold their shape well and can last for years. And compared to buying a handmade bag from a boutique, making your own is remarkably affordable — most purses use only one or two skeins of yarn.

This pattern produces a medium-sized everyday purse — think the kind of bag you’d take to the farmers market, a casual lunch, or a weekend trip to the bookstore. It’s roomy enough to hold your wallet, phone, keys, and a few extras, but structured enough to stay neat and tidy. The finished dimensions are approximately 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall (not including the strap), though you’ll find guidance below for adjusting the size to your liking.

Materials You’ll Need

Getting your materials sorted before you start will make the whole process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for this easy crochet purse pattern.

Yarn: Approximately 200–250 yards of worsted weight yarn (size 4). Cotton yarn is the classic choice for bags because it’s sturdy, holds its shape, and comes in beautiful solid and variegated colorways. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK, and Paintbox Simply Chunky are all popular choices. That said, a smooth acrylic like Red Heart Super Saver also works beautifully and is more budget-friendly.

Hook: A US size H/5.0mm crochet hook works well with most worsted weight yarns. If you tend to crochet tightly, go up to a 5.5mm; if you crochet loosely, try a 4.5mm. The goal is a firm, somewhat dense fabric that won’t stretch out of shape.

Notions: You’ll also need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful), and either a pair of bag handles or additional yarn to crochet a strap. A magnetic purse snap or zipper can be added to the top opening if you want your bag to close securely.

Optional lining: A fabric lining gives the bag a more polished, professional look and adds extra structure. A fat quarter (18 x 22 inches) of quilting cotton is usually enough. You’ll also need basic sewing supplies if you go this route — a needle, thread, and either a sewing machine or patience with hand stitching.

Gauge

Gauge matters more for wearables than for bags, but it’s still worth checking here because the size of your finished purse depends on it. With a US H/5.0mm hook and worsted weight yarn, you should get approximately 14 stitches and 16 rows per 4 inches in single crochet.

If your gauge is off by a stitch or two, don’t panic — just adjust your hook size up or down, or accept that your bag will come out slightly larger or smaller than described. A bag is a very forgiving project.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

This pattern uses basic crochet stitches, making it accessible even for true beginners. Here’s a quick reference.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
st(s) — stitch(es)
sp — space
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

If you’re a complete beginner, the main stitches you’ll need are chain, single crochet, and slip stitch. The body of this bag is worked primarily in single crochet, which is one of the simplest and most versatile stitches in all of crochet.

The Pattern: Easy Crochet Purse

The Bottom Panel

The bag is worked from the bottom up, starting with a flat oval base.

Chain 20.

Round 1 (RS): Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc 18 across, then work 3 sc in the last chain (this is the first curved end of your oval). Working along the other side of the foundation chain, sc 17 across, then work 2 sc in the first chain (this closes the second curved end). Join with a sl st to the first sc. (40 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in the first stitch. Work 2 sc in each of the next 2 stitches. Sc in the next 17 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches. Sc in the next 15 stitches. Work 2 sc in the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st. (46 sts)

Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in the first 2 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next 2 stitches. Sc in the next 17 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next 3 stitches. Sc in the next 17 stitches. Work 2 sc in the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st. (52 sts)

Round 4: Ch 1. Sc in the first 3 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next 2 stitches. Sc in the next 18 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next 3 stitches. Sc in the next 18 stitches. Work 2 sc in the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st. (58 sts)

You should now have a flat oval that forms the base of your bag. If you’d like a wider bag, add one or two more rounds of increases following the same pattern — adding 2 stitches at each short end each time.

The Body of the Bag

Now you’ll work upward in the round to build the sides of the purse. At this point you’ll stop increasing and just crochet straight up, which creates the walls of the bag.

Round 5: Ch 1. Working in BLO for this round only, sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st. (58 sts)

Working in the back loop only for this transition round creates a neat, defined edge between the base and the sides of the bag — it’s a small detail that gives your purse a much more polished, structured look.

Rounds 6–24: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st at the end of each round. (58 sts)

That’s right — from here, you simply crochet straight up for about 19 rounds. This is where you can put on a podcast, a playlist, or your favorite TV show and just enjoy the repetitive, meditative rhythm of crochet. Each round takes only a few minutes.

If you’d like a taller bag, keep going past round 24. If you want a shorter bag or a clutch, stop a few rounds earlier. The body of the bag as written will give you approximately 8.5 inches of height on the sides.

The Top Edging

Once the body is complete, you’ll finish the top opening with a row of half double crochet for a slightly firmer, neater edge.

Round 25: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Hdc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st. (58 sts)

Fasten off and weave in your ends with a yarn needle.

Making the Strap

You have two great options for the strap: crocheting one from yarn, or using purchased bag handles. Both are lovely — it’s really just a matter of preference and what look you’re going for.

Crocheted Strap

For a simple single-crochet strap, chain 120 (or however long you’d like the strap to be — 100 chains gives a shorter shoulder strap, 150 or more gives a crossbody length).

Row 1: Sc in each chain across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in each stitch across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

This gives you a neat, flat strap about 1 inch wide. For a wider strap, simply add more rows before fastening off.

To attach the strap, fold each end over one of the top side edges of the bag (roughly 2–3 inches from the top on either side) and whipstitch it securely in place using your yarn needle and the long tail. Stitch back and forth several times so the strap is very secure — bags carry weight, so you want those attachment points to be strong.

Purchased Handles

If you want a more structured, polished look, buy a pair of wooden, acrylic, or metal bag handles from a craft store or online. These usually come in pairs and have a bar at the base that you can loop your fabric or yarn through.

To attach wooden or round handles, fold the top edge of your bag over the handle bar and stitch it down with whipstitch. You can do this through both layers of the bag edge for extra security. It sounds fancier than it is — it takes maybe 10 minutes per handle.

Adding a Closure

For many casual bags, no closure is needed — the top opening is narrow enough that items stay in. But if you’d like a secure closure, here are two easy options.

A magnetic snap is the easiest to add. Before lining your bag, mark the center front and center back of the bag near the top edge. Using the hardware included with the snap set, attach both halves following the package instructions. This usually just involves cutting a small slit, inserting the snap prongs, and bending them flat with the included backing plate.

For a zipper closure, you’ll want to hand or machine stitch a zipper just inside the top opening, which is easier to do before you add any lining. Match the zipper length to the width of your bag opening and sew it in with small, even stitches along both sides.

Optional: Adding a Fabric Lining

A lining is absolutely optional, but it makes such a difference — both functionally and aesthetically. It keeps small items from slipping out through the crochet stitches, protects the inside of your bag, and gives the whole thing a much more finished feel.

To line your bag, trace the base oval and the rectangular body onto fabric, adding a half-inch seam allowance all around. Cut two body panels and one oval base. Sew the side seam, then attach the base. Press the top edge of the lining under by a half inch.

Slip the lining inside the bag, wrong sides together, and whipstitch the top edge of the lining to the inside top of the bag using a needle and thread. It should sit just below the top edge of the crochet so it’s not visible from the outside.

Customizing Your Crochet Purse

One of the best things about this easy crochet purse pattern is how naturally it lends itself to customization. Here are a few ideas to make yours unique.

Colorblocking is a fun way to use up leftover yarn or create a bold, graphic look. Simply change yarn colors every few rounds — you can use two colors in alternating sections, or graduate through a whole rainbow.

Adding texture is easy with stitch substitutions. Swap out single crochet for moss stitch (alternating sc and ch-1) for a beautiful open texture, or use a simple basketweave stitch for dimension. Any stitch that gives you a similar gauge will work.

Embellishment can elevate a simple bag into something really special. Crochet flowers, tassels, fringe along the bottom edge, or even a simple chain-link motif appliquéd to the front panel all make wonderful additions.

Pockets are simpler to add than you might think. Crochet a small rectangle in single crochet, then whipstitch three sides to the inside (or outside) of the bag before adding the lining.

Size is fully adjustable. For a mini purse or coin pouch, start with a shorter foundation chain and fewer increase rounds on the base, then work fewer rounds on the sides. For a large tote, scale everything up generously.

Tips for Success

A few practical notes that will make this project go more smoothly.

Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round, especially when you’re working in continuous rounds. It’s easy to lose track otherwise.

Count your stitches regularly, at least at the end of every few rounds. If your count is off, it’s much easier to find and fix a mistake early than to discover it ten rounds later.

Block your finished bag if you want a perfectly even, open shape. For cotton yarn, wet blocking works beautifully — simply soak the bag in cool water, squeeze out the excess gently, shape it over a small box or rolled towel, and let it dry completely.

Weave in your ends carefully and securely. Bags get a lot of use and movement, and you don’t want ends working their way loose over time. Weave in each end in at least two directions.

Tension matters. If your bag is floppy, use a smaller hook. If it’s stiff and hard to work, go up a size. A good bag fabric should be firm and dense but not rigid.

Caring for Your Crochet Purse

Cotton yarn bags are generally machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold water, which is one more reason cotton is such a popular choice for accessories. Air dry flat to preserve the shape. Avoid wringing or twisting, which can distort the bag.

If you used acrylic yarn, it’s even easier to care for — most acrylics are fully machine washable and dryer-safe, though tumble drying can cause some softening of the structure over time. Air drying is always the safer option for maintaining the bag’s shape.

Final Thoughts

This easy crochet purse pattern is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or specialty materials to make something beautiful and genuinely useful. With just a few basic stitches, a skein or two of your favorite yarn, and a few hours of enjoyable work, you end up with a bag that’s entirely your own.

Whether you make this purse as a gift, as a treat for yourself, or as the start of a small handmade business, I hope it brings you the same joy that handmade things always seem to. Crochet has a way of turning time and intention into something lasting — and a handmade bag is one of the best examples of that.

Happy crocheting, and enjoy every stitch.