Tunisian Crochet Phone Bag: Free Pattern — Just The Worsted
If you’ve been searching for a project that feels satisfying to make, looks polished when it’s done, and actually serves a purpose in your everyday life, this Tunisian crochet phone bag is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. It’s small enough to finish in a single weekend, beginner-friendly enough that you won’t want to throw it across the room, and the result is a sturdy, beautiful little bag that keeps your phone accessible without sacrificing style. Best of all? The pattern is completely free.
Whether you’re already a Tunisian crochet enthusiast or you’ve been curious about the technique and haven’t quite committed to a full project yet, this phone bag is the perfect starting point. It uses worsted weight yarn — the most forgiving and widely available weight out there — and produces a dense, structured fabric that holds its shape beautifully. This isn’t a floppy, forgettable bag. This is the kind of accessory people ask you about.
Let’s get into everything you need to know.
What Is Tunisian Crochet, Anyway?
Before we dive into the pattern, a quick word about the technique for anyone who’s new here. Tunisian crochet is a hybrid method that sits somewhere between traditional crochet and knitting. You use a longer hook — typically called a Tunisian crochet hook or an Afghan hook — and you work stitches in two passes across every row. The first pass, called the forward pass, loads stitches onto the hook. The second pass, called the return pass, works those stitches back off.
The result is a fabric that looks unlike anything you can produce with standard crochet. It has a woven, almost knit-like texture that’s dense and firm, but it works up faster than knitting and doesn’t require you to manage two needles. Tunisian simple stitch, which is the foundation stitch used in this phone bag pattern, creates a smooth surface with a subtle grid-like texture that’s incredibly satisfying both to make and to look at.
One thing to keep in mind: Tunisian crochet fabric has a tendency to curl, especially at the edges, if it isn’t properly blocked or constructed. This phone bag pattern accounts for that with its construction method, so you won’t end up with a bag that curls in on itself. Trust the pattern, and you’ll be fine.
Why Worsted Weight?
This pattern is specifically designed for worsted weight yarn, and there are very good reasons for that. Worsted is probably the most versatile yarn weight in existence. It’s thick enough to produce a structured, sturdy fabric without being bulky or unwieldy, and it’s thin enough that you can add texture and detail without the fabric becoming stiff or uncomfortable.
For a phone bag, fabric density matters. You want something that’s going to protect your phone from minor bumps and scratches, hold its shape when it’s sitting in a larger bag or hanging from a strap, and feel good in your hand. Worsted weight yarn in Tunisian simple stitch hits every one of those marks.
There’s also the practical element of availability. Worsted weight yarn is everywhere. Your local craft store carries it, online shops are full of it, and if you’ve been crocheting for any length of time, you probably have some in your stash right now. This pattern is a fantastic stash-buster because you only need a small amount of yarn — one skein is more than enough for most standard phone sizes, and you’ll have yarn left over.
Materials You’ll Need
Here’s everything to gather before you sit down to make this bag.
Yarn: Approximately 80–120 yards of worsted weight yarn (the exact amount depends on your phone size). Look for something with a bit of structure — wool, wool blends, and cotton all work beautifully here. A soft acrylic like Lion Brand Pound of Love or Caron Simply Soft will also do the job if you prefer machine-washable options.
Hook: A Tunisian crochet hook in size 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm. If your gauge is running loose, go down to 4.5 mm. If it’s running tight, try 5.5 mm. The goal is a fabric that feels firm but not stiff.
Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful), and any hardware you want to use for a strap — this might be a D-ring, a swivel clip, or a small carabiner, depending on your preferred carrying style.
Optional: A small button or magnetic snap for a closure, and a piece of lightweight interfacing if you want to give the bag extra structure on the inside.
Gauge: 16 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches in Tunisian simple stitch with worsted weight yarn and a 5.0 mm hook. Gauge isn’t critical for this pattern the way it would be for garments, but checking it will help you get a bag that fits your specific phone properly.
Sizing This Pattern to Your Phone
This is one of the most thoughtful aspects of this free pattern — it’s designed to be easily adjusted. Rather than giving you one fixed size that may or may not fit your phone, here’s how to size it correctly for whatever you’re working with.
Start by measuring your phone. You want the width and the height. Add half an inch to each measurement to account for ease — you want your phone to slide in and out without a battle, but you don’t want it rattling around loose.
If your phone measures 3 inches wide by 6.5 inches tall, for example, you’ll aim for a bag that’s 3.5 inches wide by 7 inches tall. At a gauge of approximately 4 stitches per inch, that means casting on 14 stitches for the front panel. Each row will be just under half an inch, so you’ll work approximately 28 rows for the full height, fold it in half, and seam the sides.
Adjust these numbers for your specific gauge and your specific phone, and you’ll have a perfectly fitted bag every single time.
The Free Pattern: Tunisian Crochet Phone Bag
This pattern is written for a standard large phone (approximately 3 inches wide by 6.5 inches tall). Adjust stitch count and row count as needed based on the sizing guidance above.
Abbreviations:
- ch — chain
- Tss — Tunisian simple stitch
- FP — forward pass
- RP — return pass
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- RS — right side
- WS — wrong side
Foundation Row:
Chain 15 (or your adjusted stitch count plus 1).
Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat across, inserting into each chain and pulling up a loop. You will have 15 loops on your hook. This is the forward pass of your foundation row.
Return pass: Yarn over, pull through the first loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops. Repeat, pulling through two loops at a time, until one loop remains on your hook. This loop counts as the first stitch of your next row.
Rows 2 through 56 (or your adjusted row count):
Forward pass: Insert your hook under the front vertical bar of the first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat across, working under the front vertical bar of each stitch. For the last stitch, insert under both the front and back vertical bars to keep your edge neat.
Return pass: Same as foundation row return pass — yarn over, pull through the first loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops across until one loop remains.
Continue in this way until your piece measures approximately 14 inches (or double your phone height plus a small seam allowance). This is your single panel, which will be folded in half to form both the front and back of the bag.
Finishing the main panel:
Work one row of slip stitches along the final row of your Tunisian fabric to secure the edge neatly. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining loop.
Assembling the Bag
Fold your panel in half so that both short ends meet. The fold becomes the bottom of your bag. If you’d like a boxed bottom for a bit more dimension, you can pinch the bottom corners and seam them across before seaming the sides.
With your yarn needle and a length of yarn, whipstitch or mattress stitch along both side edges. If you’re using mattress stitch, you’ll get an almost invisible seam that keeps the outside of the bag looking clean and polished. If you’re whipstitching, work through the edge stitches on both layers at once, keeping your tension consistent.
Turn the bag right side out. If it needs to be blocked, wet it gently, squeeze out the excess water without wringing, shape it around your phone or a piece of cardboard cut to the right dimensions, and let it dry completely. Blocking makes an enormous difference with Tunisian crochet — it relaxes the fabric, evens out any irregularities, and gives the finished bag a professional appearance.
The Edging
Once your bag is seamed and blocked, a clean edging around the opening will make it look intentional and polished. Work a round of single crochet around the top opening of the bag, using the edge stitches as your anchor points. One single crochet per stitch around, slip stitch to join.
If you want something with a bit more texture, try working a reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) for your edging instead. It creates a subtle twisted rope effect that looks beautiful and adds structure to the bag opening.
You can also add a simple shell stitch edging if you want something with a more decorative feel — work a shell of three double crochets into every other stitch around the top opening. This softens the look of the bag considerably and gives it a more ornate, handmade character.
Adding a Closure
Whether or not you add a closure is entirely up to you and how you plan to carry the bag. If you’ll be tucking it inside a larger bag where things are unlikely to fall out, a closure might be unnecessary. If you’re wearing it cross-body or clipping it to a bag strap, you’ll probably want something to keep your phone secure.
A button and loop closure is the simplest option. Sew a button to the front of the bag near the top edge, and crochet a small chain loop on the back panel that will slip over the button to close. You can make this loop longer or shorter depending on how snug you want the closure.
A magnetic snap is the most functional option if you have access to one and don’t mind the extra hardware. Sew it in by hand through the fabric or, if you’re using interfacing inside the bag, through the interfacing layer for extra security. Magnetic snaps are fast, easy to use, and give the bag a genuinely professional finish.
A fold-over flap is the most stylish option. To add one, simply work additional rows before folding your panel — instead of folding at the halfway point, fold at a point that leaves extra fabric on the back panel. This extra fabric folds over the top opening and can be secured with a button, snap, or even a decorative toggle.
Strap Options
What makes this bag truly versatile is how you choose to carry it. There are several options, and each creates a completely different vibe.
A crocheted strap is the most cohesive option. Chain a length that suits you — approximately 90 chains for a cross-body strap or 50 for a shoulder strap — and work two to three rows of Tunisian simple stitch for a flat, structured strap. Attach it to the sides of the bag either by sewing directly through the seam allowance or by threading it through D-rings that you’ve sewn in.
A braided yarn strap is quicker and gives the bag a more casual, bohemian feel. Cut several lengths of yarn, fold them in half, attach them to the side seam of the bag with a lark’s head knot, and braid or twist until you reach the length you need. Secure the end with a knot and trim.
Hardware and a purchased strap give the bag a more polished, commercial look. Pick up a small D-ring and swivel clip set from a craft store, stitch the D-rings into the side seams of the bag, and clip on any thin purchased strap — leather, chain, or woven fabric all look great. This is an excellent option if you want the bag to work as an everyday accessory rather than looking strictly handmade.
Customization Ideas
Because this is such a simple, clean pattern, it’s an ideal canvas for customization. Here are some ways to make it your own.
Color blocking is probably the most popular variation. Work the first half of your panel in one color and switch to a second color halfway through. When you fold the panel, you’ll have one color on the front and another on the back. Add a contrasting edging and you have a bag with a lot of visual interest without a complicated colorwork pattern.
Stripes are easier than you might expect in Tunisian crochet because the return pass creates a natural opportunity to change colors. Switch colors on your return pass every four to six rows for bold, even stripes, or every two rows for a more subtle effect.
Texture is another avenue to explore once you’re comfortable with Tunisian simple stitch. Tunisian knit stitch, worked by inserting the hook through the vertical bar from front to back rather than through the front bar alone, produces a fabric that looks almost exactly like stockinette knitting. Alternating sections of Tunisian simple stitch with Tunisian knit stitch creates a subtle checked or textured pattern without any color changes required.
You can also embroider on the finished fabric. Tunisian simple stitch creates a perfect grid for cross stitch and surface embroidery. A small floral motif, a geometric pattern, or even your initials stitched in a contrasting color can transform a simple bag into something truly one-of-a-kind.
Tips for Tunisian Crochet Beginners
If this is your first Tunisian project, here are a few things that will make the experience smoother.
Keep your tension relaxed on the forward pass. Beginners often load stitches onto the hook very tightly, which makes the return pass difficult and the resulting fabric stiff. Try to let the loops sit loosely on your hook.
Don’t skip the return pass’s first yarn over. It can feel redundant, but that first pull-through of just the first loop is what creates the edge stitch and keeps your side edges neat.
Watch your stitch count. It’s easy to accidentally skip the last stitch in a row when you’re first learning, which will cause your piece to get narrower over time. The last stitch is worked under both vertical bars of the edge stitch — this feels different from the other stitches and is the most common place to lose a stitch.
Give yourself permission to rip back without drama. Tunisian crochet is very easy to unravel. If something looks off, you can pull the hook out, carefully pull the yarn back, reinsert your hook, and start the row again. It’s much less fussy than knitting in this regard.
Why This Pattern Works as a Modern Crochet Project
There’s a reason Tunisian crochet has seen such a significant revival in the modern crochet community. The fabric it produces doesn’t look like what most people picture when they think of crochet. It’s not lacey or loopy — it’s dense, flat, and textural in a way that reads as contemporary and wearable. A Tunisian crochet phone bag doesn’t scream “craft project.” It looks like something you might find in a boutique.
The phone bag format also fits modern life extremely well. As phones have become central to daily life, there’s real demand for attractive, functional ways to carry them. This pattern gives you a bag that can be dressed up or down, adapted to any color palette, and made in an evening or a weekend. It’s the kind of project you’ll want to make in multiple versions — one for yourself, one as a gift, one in a statement color for festival season.
Final Thoughts
This free Tunisian crochet phone bag pattern is everything a good modern crochet pattern should be: approachable, adaptable, functional, and genuinely good-looking. Whether you’re picking up a Tunisian hook for the first time or you’ve been working in the technique for years, this pattern gives you something satisfying to make and something beautiful to keep.
Worsted weight yarn, a straightforward construction method, and endless room for customization make this one of those patterns you’ll come back to again and again. Save it, bookmark it, print it out and put it in your pattern folder. And when you finish your bag, share it — the Tunisian crochet community is one of the warmest and most enthusiastic corners of the fiber arts world, and your version deserves to be seen.
Happy crocheting.
