Auden Crochet Bag – Free Pattern

There is something deeply satisfying about making a bag from scratch. Unlike a scarf or a dishcloth, a bag has structure, purpose, and presence. It goes places with you. People notice it and ask where you got it. When you tell them you made it yourself, the look on their faces is always worth it. The Auden Crochet Bag is exactly that kind of project — the kind that earns compliments every time you carry it, and the kind that is genuinely enjoyable to work up from start to finish.

This pattern was designed with real life in mind. It is roomy enough to be practical but structured enough to look polished. The textured stitch work gives it a handcrafted quality that no store-bought bag can replicate, and the construction is approachable enough for a confident beginner while still being engaging for more experienced crocheters who want a satisfying weekend project. Whether you are making it for yourself, as a gift, or to sell at a market, the Auden is the kind of design that delivers every single time.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make this bag, from materials and gauge to the full step-by-step pattern and finishing tips.

About the Auden Crochet Bag

The Auden gets its name from a sense of quiet elegance — sturdy and reliable on the outside, warm and thoughtful on the inside. The design features a structured base that helps the bag hold its shape, textured body panels worked in a simple stitch pattern that creates visual interest without requiring complicated techniques, and a clean top opening with a single strap that can be worn over the shoulder or across the body depending on how long you make it.

The body of the bag is worked in joined rounds, so there is no seaming involved in the main construction. The base is worked flat and then the sides are built up from there. The result is a seamless look that feels more professional than it is difficult to achieve. Finishing touches like the strap and any optional lining bring the whole thing together.

Materials

To make the Auden Crochet Bag, you will need the following:

Yarn: Approximately 300–400 yards of a sturdy worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Cotton is highly recommended for this project because it gives the bag body and structure, holds up to daily use, and washes beautifully. Look for a yarn labeled as worsted weight or size 4 on the label. Some popular choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK (held double), or Paintbox Simply Worsted. You can absolutely use a natural fiber like linen or hemp for a more rustic, market-bag feel, or a cotton-acrylic blend for a bit more stretch and softness.

Hook: US Size I/5.5mm or J/6mm crochet hook. The exact hook will depend on your tension and the yarn you choose. Always swatch before you begin.

Notions:

• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (at least 4)
• Optional: fabric lining material (about half a yard), sewing needle and thread, and a bag button or magnetic snap closure

Finished Measurements: Approximately 12 inches wide, 11 inches tall (not including strap), and 4 inches deep at the base. These measurements are guidelines — your bag may vary slightly depending on your tension.

Gauge

Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet with a 5.5mm hook and worsted weight cotton yarn.

Gauge matters more for a bag than it does for something like a blanket, because you want the fabric to be firm enough to hold its shape. If your swatch is loose and drapey, go down a hook size. If it is stiff and hard to work, go up a hook size. The fabric should feel dense but not impossible to push the hook through.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used throughout this pattern. If you are newer to crochet, all of these are standard stitches and techniques that you can find video tutorials for easily online.

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sp – space
• BLO – back loop only
• FLO – front loop only
• rep – repeat
• pm – place marker
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• sk – skip

Pattern Notes

Before you begin, read through these notes to set yourself up for success.

The bag base is worked flat in rows and then joined. The body is worked in continuous joined rounds from that base upward, which means you will join at the end of each round with a slip stitch and then chain to begin the next round.

If you want a slightly taller bag, simply add more rounds before the top edge. If you want a wider bag, add to the stitch count of the base, increasing proportionally.

The stitch pattern used on the body of the bag is a back-loop-only single crochet, which creates a subtle ribbed texture. This is one of those techniques that looks impressive but is no more difficult than a regular single crochet — you are simply inserting your hook into the back loop of the stitch rather than through both loops. The result is a beautiful horizontal texture that adds dimension and visual interest.

The strap on this bag is worked as a long foundation chain and then crocheted over for stability. You can adjust the length to your preference.

The Pattern

Part One: The Base

The base of the Auden is a firm, flat rectangle that will anchor the rest of the bag.

Foundation chain: Ch 37.

Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. (36 sc) Turn.

Rows 2–18: Ch 1, sc in each st across. (36 sc) Turn.

At the end of Row 18, do not turn and do not fasten off. You are now going to work around the perimeter of the rectangle to create the base border and transition into working in the round.

Perimeter Round: Ch 1. Working along the long edge, sc 36 sts across. At the corner, work 3 sc into the corner st to turn. Working along the short edge (which is the row ends), sc 18 sts evenly across. At the corner, work 3 sc into the corner st. Working along the remaining long edge, sc 36 sts across. At the corner, work 3 sc into the corner st. Working along the last short edge, sc 18 sts. Work 3 sc into the corner st. Sl st to join the round. (110 sts total plus the four corner sts)

Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the next round. This is your new beginning-of-round marker. Move it up each round as you work.

Part Two: The Body

Now that the base is complete and you have joined in the round, you will build the sides of the bag upward from here. The body is worked in back-loop-only single crochet for the textured effect.

Round 1 (Transition Round): Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around. Sl st to join. (110 sts)

Rounds 2–30: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around. Sl st to join. (110 sts each round)

Continue working in this pattern until the body measures approximately 10–11 inches from the base. If you want a taller bag, keep going until you reach your preferred height. Just make sure you have enough yarn to complete the top edge and strap before you decide how tall to make the body.

Once you have reached your desired height, you will work the top edge.

Part Three: The Top Edge

The top edge gives the bag a clean, finished look and adds a little structure to the opening.

Top Edge Round 1: Ch 1, sc in both loops of each st around (you are switching back to working through both loops here). Sl st to join.

Top Edge Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Sl st to join.

Top Edge Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to join.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Part Four: The Strap

The strap is the element that transforms this from a simple pouch into a wearable bag. The length here is designed to work as a shoulder strap, but you can easily lengthen it for a crossbody strap or shorten it for a top-handle style.

Foundation: Ch 100 (or adjust for your preferred strap length — ch 120–130 for a crossbody strap, ch 50–60 for a short top handle).

Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn.

Rows 2–4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

After Row 4, do not fasten off. You will attach the strap directly to the bag.

Attaching the Strap: Hold the strap along the outside of the bag at one side seam. Using your working yarn and hook, sl st through the last stitch of the strap and the corresponding stitch on the bag to join them together. Fasten off and weave in the end securely. Repeat on the opposite end of the strap at the other side of the bag.

For extra security, use your yarn needle to whipstitch around the entire attachment point. This is especially important if you plan to carry heavy items. A bag strap takes a lot of stress, and a few extra minutes reinforcing the join will add years to the life of your bag.

Part Five: Optional Details

Lining: A fabric lining is entirely optional but highly recommended if you plan to carry loose items like keys, lip balm, or a phone. Small things have a way of finding their way through crochet stitches, and a lining solves that problem instantly while also making the bag feel more polished and store-bought.

To line the bag, measure the interior dimensions and cut two fabric rectangles for the front and back panels and one for the base. Sew them together with a half-inch seam allowance, leaving the top open. Press the seams flat. Fold the top edge of the lining under by about half an inch and press. Insert the lining into the bag with the wrong sides facing out, and hand stitch the folded top edge to the inside of the bag’s top edge using a sewing needle and thread. A whipstitch or slip stitch works well here.

Closure: You can add a magnetic snap or button closure at the center of the top edge for extra security. Magnetic snaps are easy to install — they typically come with a backing plate and a washer, and you simply push the prongs through the fabric and fold them over. Install the snap before you sew in the lining, and make sure to reinforce the attachment point with a small square of interfacing or a double layer of fabric.

Embellishments: The Auden looks beautiful as-is, but it is also a wonderful base for embellishments. Consider adding a tassel at the strap attachment point, a crochet flower pinned to the front panel, or a length of leather or suede cord threaded through the top edge for a boho look. Because the bag has a clean, structured silhouette, it works equally well with minimal styling or with plenty of added detail.

Yarn Color Ideas

One of the joys of making your own bag is that you get to choose exactly the color you want, which is something you almost never find when shopping in stores. The Auden works beautifully in a single solid color — a rich terracotta, a deep navy, a warm cream, or a classic black all look stunning and never go out of style.

If you want something with a bit more personality, consider working the base in a contrasting color and the body in your main color. Even a single round of contrast color at the top edge can add a lovely pop of detail without requiring much extra yarn.

Variegated or self-striping yarns are also lovely in this pattern, and the simplicity of the back-loop-only stitch lets the color changes shine without competing with the texture.

Care Instructions

Because this pattern is written for cotton yarn, your finished bag will be machine washable in most cases, which is one of the greatest practical advantages of working with natural fibers. Check the label of your specific yarn to confirm washing instructions. In general, turn the bag inside out before washing, use a gentle cycle with cold water, and either lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low. Avoid hot water or high heat, which can cause cotton to shrink or stiffen.

If you have added a fabric lining, check that the lining fabric is also machine washable before tossing the whole thing in the wash. If not, spot clean instead.

Tips for Success

Tension is everything with a bag pattern. The firmer and more even your stitches, the better your finished bag will look and function. If you find your tension is inconsistent, try working more slowly and focusing on keeping each stitch the same size as the last. Muscle memory develops quickly, and by the time you are halfway through the body, you will likely notice your tension evening out naturally.

If you are new to working in the round, the slip-stitch join at the end of each round can feel a little awkward at first. Make sure you are always joining into the very first stitch of the round, not into the chain. Marking that first stitch with a stitch marker at the beginning of each round will save you from confusion.

When attaching the strap, take your time and be generous with your reinforcement stitches. The strap is the part of any bag that gets the most stress, and a firmly attached strap makes all the difference between a bag that lasts for years and one that gives out after a few uses.

Finally, block your finished bag before carrying it. Wet blocking cotton is simple — just submerge the bag in cool water, gently squeeze out the excess moisture (don’t wring), and reshape it on a flat surface. Let it dry completely before using it. Blocking evens out the stitches, softens the fabric, and helps the bag hold its rectangular shape beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The Auden Crochet Bag is the kind of pattern you will come back to again and again. Once you have made one, you will find yourself reaching for this pattern whenever you need a gift, whenever you want a new bag for a new season, or whenever you simply want a project that is satisfying to work and beautiful when it is done.

We hope you love making this bag as much as we loved designing it. If you make an Auden of your own, we would love to see it — share your finished bag in our community group or tag us on social media so we can admire your work and share it with the Lakeside Loophole community.

Happy crocheting, and as always — enjoy every stitch.