Crochet Purse Pattern (FREE) – Crochet Dreamz
There is something deeply satisfying about carrying a bag you made yourself. It starts conversations, earns compliments, and reminds you with every outing that your hands are capable of beautiful, useful things. If you have been searching for a free crochet purse pattern that is beginner-friendly but still looks polished and professional, you have landed in exactly the right place. This pattern from Crochet Dreamz walks you through every step, from gathering your materials to weaving in that final end, so you can finish with a purse you are genuinely proud to carry.
Whether you are brand new to crochet or a seasoned crafter looking for a quick and satisfying project, this pattern is designed to work for you. The construction is straightforward, the stitch count is manageable, and the finished result is a sturdy, stylish bag with real structure and a beautiful texture. Let’s get started.
Why You Will Love This Crochet Purse Pattern
Before we dive into the yarn and hook sizes, let’s talk about what makes this particular purse pattern worth your time. There are thousands of free crochet patterns available online, and not all of them deliver on their promises. This one does, and here is why.
First, it uses a classic stitch combination that creates a fabric dense enough to hold the bag’s shape without being stiff or uncomfortable to carry. The texture is interesting without being complicated, which means you get a project that looks intricate but works up quickly once you find your rhythm.
Second, the finished purse is genuinely functional. It is sized to hold a phone, wallet, keys, and a few other essentials, making it the kind of bag you will actually use rather than display on a shelf. The handles are long enough to drape comfortably over a shoulder or carry in the crook of your arm, depending on your preference.
Third, this pattern is completely free. No paywall, no email sign-up required just to see the stitch counts. Everything you need is right here.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials together before you begin is one of the best habits you can build as a crafter. There is nothing more frustrating than stopping mid-project to run to the craft store. Here is everything you need for this crochet purse pattern.
Yarn: You will need approximately 200 to 250 yards of medium weight yarn, also labeled as worsted weight or size 4. Cotton or a cotton blend works beautifully for purses because it has very little stretch, which means your bag will hold its shape over time. That said, a sturdy acrylic works well too if that is what you have on hand. Choose a color you love, because you are going to be looking at this project for a while.
Crochet Hook: A 5.0 mm hook (size H/8 in US sizing) is the standard recommendation for worsted weight yarn, but always check your gauge before committing. Your tension is unique to you, and using a slightly larger or smaller hook to achieve the correct gauge is completely normal and encouraged.
Lining fabric (optional but recommended): A piece of cotton fabric cut to size and hand or machine stitched inside the finished bag gives it a polished interior and helps prevent smaller items from slipping through any gaps in the crochet fabric. A fat quarter is more than enough.
Bag handles: You can use pre-made bag handles available at most craft stores, or you can crochet your own handles as part of the pattern. Instructions for both options are included below.
Yarn needle: For weaving in ends and, if you choose to sew in a lining, for whip-stitching the fabric to the inside edge of the bag.
Scissors, stitch markers, and a measuring tape round out the supply list. Stitch markers are especially useful when working in the round because they help you track the beginning of each row without losing your place.
Gauge
Gauge matters more for bags than it does for many other crochet projects because the size directly affects the final dimensions of the finished bag. Take fifteen minutes to work a gauge swatch before you begin the actual pattern. It will save you time and frustration in the long run.
For this pattern, the target gauge is 14 stitches and 16 rows equal 4 inches worked in single crochet using a 5.0 mm hook and worsted weight yarn.
If your swatch is larger than 4 inches, go down one hook size. If it is smaller, go up one hook size. Recheck your swatch each time you change hooks until your gauge matches.
Finished Dimensions
The finished purse measures approximately 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall, not including the handles. The depth is approximately 3 inches, giving it a structured, three-dimensional shape rather than a flat pouch. These dimensions make it a generous everyday bag without being oversized or bulky.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
All abbreviations in this pattern follow standard US crochet terminology.
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
rep – repeat
BLO – back loop only
FLO – front loop only
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
sk – skip
sp – space
MR – magic ring
Pattern Notes
Read through these notes completely before you begin crocheting. They will help you understand how the bag is constructed and prevent common mistakes.
This bag is worked in joined rounds from the bottom up. The base is worked flat in rows and then the sides are worked in continuous rounds around the perimeter of the base. This method gives the bag its three-dimensional shape and natural structure without requiring you to sew multiple pieces together.
The stitch pattern used for the body of the bag creates a subtle woven texture by alternating single crochet worked in the back loop only with standard single crochet in every other round. This is one of the easiest textured stitches in crochet, and once you get the hang of it, it works up very quickly.
The pattern is written for the bag as shown. If you want a taller bag, simply add more rounds to the body section. If you want a wider bag, add more chains to the starting chain and adjust the base rounds accordingly.
The Pattern
Part One: The Base
Begin by creating the base of your bag. The base is a simple oval worked in rows, and it sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Chain 25. This is your foundation chain.
Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc in each chain across. You will have 24 sc. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 2: Sc in each st across. Ch 1 and turn.
Rows 3 through 10: Repeat Row 2. You are working plain single crochet rows back and forth to build the rectangular base of the bag.
After completing Row 10, do not fasten off. You are going to work around the perimeter of this rectangle to begin building the sides of the bag.
Part Two: Working Up the Sides
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of this round to mark the beginning of each subsequent round.
Round 1 (joining round): Working around the perimeter of the base, sc evenly around all four sides, placing 3 sc in each corner to help the base lie flat. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should have approximately 68 stitches around the perimeter, but your exact count may vary slightly depending on your gauge. Count and note your stitch count at the end of this round. Whatever number you have, keep it consistent throughout.
Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc in BLO of each st around. Join with sl st to first sc.
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around (both loops). Join with sl st.
Round 4: Repeat Round 2 (BLO round).
Round 5: Repeat Round 3 (both loops round).
Continue alternating Round 2 and Round 3 until the bag body measures approximately 8 inches from the base. This will typically take you somewhere between 28 and 34 rounds depending on your gauge and tension, so measure as you go rather than counting rounds religiously.
The alternating BLO and standard sc rounds are what create that beautiful ribbed, woven texture on the exterior of the bag. As you work, you will see the fabric building a lovely, structured density that holds its shape beautifully.
Part Three: The Top Edge and Handle Openings
Once your bag body reaches the desired height, it is time to finish the top edge and create the handle openings.
Handle Placement Round: Sc across the first 8 stitches, ch 10, skip the next 10 stitches (this creates the first handle opening), sc across the next 24 stitches until you reach the opposite side, ch 10, skip the next 10 stitches (second handle opening), sc across the remaining stitches. Join with sl st to the first sc.
Next Round: Sc in each st and in each ch across the entire round, including working 10 sc into each ch-10 space you created for the handles. Join with sl st.
Finishing Round: Ch 1, sc in each st around for one final clean round. Join with sl st and fasten off.
Weave in all ends securely using your yarn needle.
Part Four: Crocheted Handles (Optional)
If you prefer crocheted handles rather than purchased bag handles, this method creates a firm, sturdy strap that will not stretch out with use.
Attach yarn with a sl st to one of the handle chain spaces at the top of the bag.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in each of the 10 sts across the handle opening. Ch 1 and turn.
Rows 2 through 5: Sc in each st across. Ch 1 and turn.
After Row 5, fold the strap in half lengthwise and sl st the edge down to the inside of the bag to enclose the handle and give it extra structure. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Repeat for the second handle opening.
If you prefer longer shoulder straps, simply chain a longer length at the beginning and sc back and forth until the strap is the desired width, then attach each end to the handle openings using a whip stitch.
Finishing Touches
Once your crocheted purse is complete, block it lightly if desired. Wet blocking is particularly effective for cotton yarn and helps even out any inconsistencies in your tension. Wet the bag thoroughly, gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing, and then shape it to the correct dimensions and allow it to dry flat or over a bag form if you have one.
Adding a Lining
Adding a fabric lining to the inside of your purse is one of those steps that elevates a homemade bag to something that looks and feels truly professional. It is not difficult, and the difference it makes is significant.
Cut two pieces of lining fabric to match the dimensions of the front and back panels of your bag, adding a half inch seam allowance on all sides. With right sides together, sew around three sides (bottom and both side seams) leaving the top open. Fold down the top raw edge by half an inch and press with an iron to create a clean edge.
Insert the fabric lining into the bag, wrong side of the lining facing the wrong side of the crochet fabric. Use your yarn needle and a length of yarn or a hand sewing needle and matching thread to whip stitch the folded top edge of the lining to the inside top edge of the crocheted bag, just below the finishing round. Take your time with this step and keep your stitches small and even for the neatest result.
If you want an interior pocket, simply sew a small rectangle of fabric onto one side of the lining panel before you assemble the lining.
Tips for Making This Pattern Your Own
One of the most enjoyable parts of crochet is the freedom to customize. This pattern is a perfect blank canvas for personalization.
Color: Work the base in one color and the body in another for a color-blocked look. Alternatively, alternate yarn colors every two rounds for a subtle striped effect.
Texture: Try working the entire body in a basketweave stitch or in moss stitch for a different texture. The construction method remains the same; only the stitch pattern changes.
Size: Need a mini bag? Start with a shorter foundation chain and reduce the number of body rounds. Want a market tote? Start with a longer chain and taller sides, and work the bag in a looser tension for a more open, airy drape.
Embellishment: Crochet a flower, a bow, or a geometric motif and sew it onto the front of the finished bag. Add fringe along the bottom edge. Thread ribbon or leather cord through the top edge for a decorative drawstring effect.
Hardware: Sew magnetic snap closures to the inside of the top opening to keep the bag closed. Add D-rings and a chain strap for a crossbody option.
Caring for Your Crocheted Purse
How you care for your finished bag will depend largely on the fiber content of your yarn. Always check the care instructions on your yarn label before washing.
Cotton and cotton blends can generally be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold water and laid flat to dry. Avoid the dryer, as heat can cause cotton to shrink and may distort the shape of the bag.
Acrylic yarns are typically machine washable and dry safe, but again, check your yarn label. High heat can melt acrylic fibers and permanently damage your work.
Wool and wool blends usually require hand washing in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Lay flat to dry and never wring or twist wool, as this causes felting and irreversible shrinkage.
Regardless of fiber content, store your bag in a cool dry place when it is not in use. If you are storing it for an extended period, stuffing it lightly with tissue paper helps it maintain its shape.
A Few Words Before You Begin
Every crafter brings their own pace, tension, and rhythm to a project. Your finished purse may look slightly different from the one shown here, and that is not a flaw. That is the nature of handmade work. The slight variation in tension, the particular color you chose, the way the light catches the texture you worked so carefully — all of it is yours and only yours.
Do not be discouraged if your first attempt does not look exactly as you imagined. Put it down, come back fresh, and try again. Crochet rewards patience and practice with something genuinely beautiful, and this purse is no exception.
If you make this pattern, share it! Tag your finished projects so others can find inspiration. Leave a comment here at Crochet Dreamz to let the community know how it went. Seeing finished projects is one of the best parts of sharing a free pattern, and your version might be exactly the encouragement someone else needs to pick up their hook and give it a try.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy every stitch.
Pattern and content by Crochet Dreamz. This pattern is free for personal use. Please do not redistribute or sell this pattern as your own. You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern with credit given to Crochet Dreamz.
