Crochet Makeup Bag Pattern | Chevron Zigzag Cosmetic Pouch Tutorial
If you’ve been looking for a crochet project that’s both practical and visually stunning, this chevron zigzag makeup bag is exactly what you need. The classic chevron stitch creates those gorgeous peaks and valleys that make this cosmetic pouch stand out from the usual beginner bag patterns, and the finished product is something you’ll actually want to use every single day. Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it to a friend, or adding it to your handmade shop, this tutorial walks you through every step so you can create a polished, professional-looking bag with confidence.
This pattern is written for crocheters who have a basic understanding of the craft — you should be comfortable with single crochet, increasing, and decreasing — but it isn’t overly complex. If you’ve ever made a dishcloth or a scarf, you have more than enough skills to tackle this project. The chevron stitch looks complicated from the outside, but once your hands get the rhythm, it becomes almost meditative. You’ll be flying through rows before you know it.
Let’s dive in.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, gather everything together so the process is smooth from beginning to end. There’s nothing more frustrating than pausing mid-row to hunt for scissors.
For this crochet makeup bag pattern, you’ll need worsted weight cotton yarn in two or three colors (approximately 150–200 yards total), a 5.0mm crochet hook, a 7-inch or 9-inch nylon zipper in a coordinating color, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful), and a sewing needle with thread to attach the zipper. You can also use fabric glue or wonder clips as an alternative to pinning the zipper in place before sewing.
Cotton yarn is strongly recommended over acrylic for this project. It holds its shape better, is more washable, and gives the bag a slightly structured feel that makes it more functional as a cosmetic pouch. Paintbox Cotton DK, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, and Scheepjes Catona are all great options that come in a wide range of colors. If you’re choosing a chevron palette, think about high contrast color combinations — cream and terracotta, navy and white, sage green with mustard yellow — because the zigzag pattern really pops when the colors are distinct.
Finished Size
The finished bag measures approximately 8.5 inches wide by 5 inches tall when made with worsted weight cotton and a 5.0mm hook. This gives you a generously sized cosmetic pouch that fits a full-size mascara, lip gloss, a few eyeshadow palettes, and daily essentials without being overly bulky in your purse. If you’d like a smaller bag, you can reduce your starting chain by a multiple of 14 (explained more in the pattern notes below), and if you want a larger bag, add another multiple of 14 to your chain.
Understanding the Chevron Stitch
The chevron — also called the ripple stitch — is created by alternating increases and decreases across a row in a consistent pattern. You add extra stitches at the peaks (the points that go up) and remove stitches at the valleys (the points that dip down). When you stack these rows on top of each other, the increases and decreases line up perfectly, creating those iconic zigzag peaks and valleys that have been beloved in crochet and knitting for generations.
The repeat for this particular chevron pattern is a multiple of 14 stitches plus 3 for the turning chain. Each repeat creates one full “wave” of the zigzag. The magic number you need to remember is this: at every peak, you’ll work 3 single crochets into the same stitch, and at every valley, you’ll skip 2 stitches. That’s it. Once you understand that concept, the rest of the row is just regular single crochets connecting the peaks and valleys together.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
ch — chain
sc — single crochet
sc3tog — single crochet three together (decrease)
st — stitch
rep — repeat
sl st — slip stitch
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
Pattern Notes
This bag is worked in two flat panels — a front and a back — which are then joined together and a zipper is sewn in at the top. This construction method makes it much easier to achieve clean, even edges and gives you full control over the zipper installation.
The stitch count in this pattern produces a starting chain of 59 stitches, which gives you four full chevron repeats. You are working with a base chain that follows the formula: (14 × number of repeats) + 3.
Always turn your work at the end of each row. Do not join in the round for the flat panels. Use stitch markers at the peaks and valleys if you’re still getting comfortable with the pattern — they make it much easier to spot where your increases and decreases go.
When changing colors, make the switch at the end of the row just before you pull through the final two loops of your last stitch. This gives clean, neat color changes on the right side of your work.
Pattern: Crochet Chevron Makeup Bag
Step 1 — Make the Foundation Chain
With your main color (Color A), ch 59.
This chain forms the base of your first panel. Check your chain before starting Row 1 — it should lie flat without twisting, and you should be able to count 59 individual chain bumps on the back.
Step 2 — Row 1 (Right Side)
Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next ch. *Sc in the next 5 ch, sc3tog over the next 3 ch, sc in the next 5 ch, then work 3 sc into the next ch (this is your peak). Rep from * across until the last 3 stitches, sc3tog to close the final valley, sc in the last ch. Turn.
You’ll notice the edge stitches on either side are plain single crochets — these are your border stitches that keep the edges tidy. The count inside should give you your four chevron repeats.
Step 3 — Row 2
Ch 1, sc in the first st, sc in the next st. *Sc in the next 5 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 5 sts, 3 sc in the next st. Rep from * across, ending with sc3tog, sc in last st. Turn.
This row is identical to Row 1 and will continue to be for the entire bag. The chevron pattern is built by simply repeating this row over and over. No alternating rows, no complicated stitch sequences — just the same beautiful row, again and again.
Step 4 — Continue the Chevron Pattern
Continue repeating Row 2 for the remainder of your panel. For the color stripe sequence, here’s a suggested layout that creates bold, even stripes:
Rows 1–2: Color A
Rows 3–4: Color B
Rows 5–6: Color A
Rows 7–8: Color B
Rows 9–10: Color A
Rows 11–12: Color B
Rows 13–14: Color A
Rows 15–16: Color B
Work a total of 16 rows for the main panel. This produces a finished panel that’s approximately 5 inches tall, which is the perfect height for a makeup bag that fits in most purses.
Fasten off and weave in all ends on the wrong side.
Step 5 — Make the Second Panel
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to create an identical second panel. Both panels will become the front and the back of your cosmetic pouch.
Finishing the Bag Body
Once both panels are complete and all ends are woven in, hold them together with wrong sides facing each other. You should see the right sides of the chevron pattern facing outward on both sides.
Using your yarn and a yarn needle, or a slip stitch join with your hook, seam along the bottom edge and both side edges. Leave the top edge open — this is where the zipper will go. Use a consistent seam method throughout. Whip stitch, mattress stitch, and slip stitch joins all work well here. The slip stitch join creates a visible seam that some crafters like to use as a decorative element along the sides.
When seaming the sides and bottom, make sure you’re matching up your chevron peaks and valleys as best you can between the two panels. It doesn’t have to be perfect — even a slight offset has a charming, intentional look — but aligning them gives the bag a more polished, professional finish.
Once the three sides are joined, turn the bag right-side out. You should now have a pouch open at the top.
Adding the Zipper
This is the step that intimidates most crocheters who are new to making bags, but with a little patience it’s completely manageable. You do not need to be an expert seamstress for this.
Open your zipper completely. Fold one side of the open top edge of your crocheted bag down slightly and pin or clip the zipper tape to the inside of the bag opening, aligning the zipper teeth with the very top edge of the crochet fabric. The right side of the zipper tape should face the wrong side of the crochet panel.
Use a backstitch with a sewing needle and coordinating thread to sew the zipper tape to the crocheted fabric. Work slowly and try to keep your stitches even, going through both the zipper tape and the top row of your crochet work. Repeat on the other side of the bag opening with the remaining zipper tape.
Once both sides are sewn in, close the zipper halfway and check your work. The crochet fabric should fold neatly over the zipper with the teeth just barely visible. If you find the zipper tape is pulling or puckering, you can carefully remove your stitches and realign.
For extra security, many makers like to add a small whip stitch in yarn around the top edge of the bag, catching the zipper tape slightly. This gives the top edge a finished look and anchors the zipper more firmly.
Optional: Lining Your Makeup Bag
A fabric lining is entirely optional but highly recommended if you plan to store makeup, pens, or anything that might leak or stain. The lining protects the yarn from absorbing pigment and makes the bag much easier to wipe clean.
To add a lining, cut two pieces of fabric (cotton quilting fabric works beautifully) that match the dimensions of your crocheted panels, plus half an inch on all sides for seam allowance. Sew the two fabric pieces together along the sides and bottom with a sewing machine or by hand, leaving the top open. Press the seams flat. Fold the top edge of the lining down by half an inch and press again.
Slide the lining inside the bag with wrong sides together, aligning the folded top edge of the lining just beneath the zipper. Slip stitch or hand sew the lining into place along the zipper tape. This tucks everything neatly out of sight and gives the inside of your bag a store-bought quality finish.
Caring for Your Crochet Makeup Bag
Because this bag is made with cotton yarn, it is generally machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water. Lay it flat to dry to preserve its shape. Avoid wringing or twisting the bag when wet, as this can distort the chevron pattern. If you’ve added a zipper and fabric lining, check the care instructions for those materials as well — most basic cotton fabric and nylon zippers are also machine washable, making this a very practical, easy-care accessory.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this pattern is how easily you can adapt it to suit any style or occasion.
For a boho-inspired bag, try earthy tones like rust, cream, and olive green, and add a small macramé-style tassel to the zipper pull. For a bold, modern look, go with high-contrast black and white or a neon accent color against a neutral base. A single-color bag in a rich jewel tone — deep burgundy, cobalt blue, sapphire — has an elegant simplicity that makes it look expensive and intentional.
You can also vary the bag size easily. For a smaller pencil case or lip gloss pouch, start with a chain of 31 (two chevron repeats) and work 10 rows. For a larger toiletry bag, use a 10-inch zipper, start with a chain of 87 (six repeats), and work 20–22 rows.
If you want to skip the zipper entirely, you can finish the top edge with a row of reverse single crochet for a decorative border and use the bag as an open-top desk organizer or paintbrush holder.
Making This Bag as a Gift
This chevron cosmetic pouch makes an incredible handmade gift that people genuinely use and appreciate. For a gift set, consider making two or three coordinating bags in different sizes — one small for lip products, one medium for daily makeup, one large for skincare or travel — all in the same color palette. Nestle them together tied with a ribbon and you have a thoughtful, cohesive gift that looks like it came from a boutique shop.
Personalizing the color scheme for the recipient makes the gift feel even more special. Pay attention to the colors they wear, their home décor, or their favorite color and use that as your jumping-off point. A hand-painted gift tag that lists the yarn fiber content and care instructions is a lovely finishing touch that adds a professional feel.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your chevron pattern looks wavy or uneven, the most likely culprit is inconsistent tension. Try to keep your yarn at an even tension throughout, especially when transitioning between colors. Blocking your finished panels before seaming can also help smooth out any unevenness — simply wet the panels, gently reshape them, and pin them flat to a blocking mat or foam board while they dry.
If your edges are curling, this is also a tension issue or can be caused by working your first and last stitches too tightly. Try to work the edge stitches a little more loosely, or add a simple border row of single crochet around the perimeter before seaming.
If your chevron peaks and valleys aren’t lining up between rows, check that you haven’t accidentally skipped your peak stitches or miscounted between decreases. Placing a stitch marker at every peak when you’re still learning the rhythm is a helpful way to stay on track.
Final Thoughts
The chevron zigzag makeup bag is one of those crochet projects that looks far more complicated than it actually is — and that’s part of what makes it so satisfying to finish. You end up with a handmade accessory that people will genuinely admire, and you’ll have the quiet satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself with nothing more than yarn, a hook, and a few hours of your time.
Once you’ve made your first one, it’s incredibly hard to stop. The pattern becomes second nature quickly, and experimenting with different color combinations turns each bag into its own little design project. Whether you keep it for yourself, give it away, or sell it at a craft market, this chevron cosmetic pouch is a project worth returning to again and again.
Happy crocheting!
