A Complete Step-By-Step Guide for First-Time Crocheters

Crochet bags are one of the most rewarding beginner projects. They work up quickly, require only basic stitches, and can be customized endlessly—colors, size, handles, pockets, texture, everything! Whether you’re looking to make your very first crochet project, a stylish everyday tote, or a handmade gift, this Easy DIY Crochet Bag Tutorial will walk you through each step in clear, friendly instructions.

This long guide covers:

What materials you need
Basic stitches for beginners
A full step-by-step bag pattern
Optional variations (zippers, pockets, straps, lining)
Tips for durability
Ideas for selling your handmade bags

Let’s get started!

🧵 MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED

Yarn

Choose a yarn that is sturdy and holds its shape. Great options:

Cotton yarn (best) – strong, washable, perfect for bags
Acrylic yarn – soft, lightweight, versatile
T-shirt yarn or chunky cord – creates trendy, modern bags

Recommended weight: Worsted (4) or Bulky (5) for beginners (faster and easier to see stitches).

Hook Size

Use the hook size recommended for your yarn, typically 5.0 mm – 6.5 mm.
For stiffer bags → go one hook size down for tighter stitches.

Other Tools

Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Scissors
Optional: bag handles, magnetic button, lining fabric

🪡 BASIC STITCHES YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you’re a complete beginner, here are the stitches used in this project:

Chain (CH)

The foundation of most crochet projects.

Single Crochet (SC)

Tight, dense stitch—great for sturdy bags.

Slip Stitch (SL ST)

Used for joining rounds or finishing edges.

Back Loop Only (BLO) SC (optional for texture)

Creates a ribbed look.

Don’t worry—you’ll practice all of these as you go!

👜 EASY DIY CROCHET BAG PATTERN

A Beginner-Friendly Rectangle-Tote Method

This method is perfect for beginners. You simply:

Crochet a long rectangle
Fold it
Sew up the sides
Add handles

Let’s go!

🧶 STEP 1 — START WITH THE BASE CHAIN

Chain 41 (or any number to get the width you want).
This will be the width of your bag.

Tip: For a tote-sized bag, aim for 12–15 inches wide.

🧶 STEP 2 — ROWS OF SINGLE CROCHET

Starting in the second chain from your hook:

Row 1:
SC in each chain across. (40 stitches)

Row 2:
CH 1, SC in every stitch across.

Repeat Row 2 until the rectangle measures double the height you want for your bag.

Example:
If you want a 12-inch tall bag → crochet a 24-inch long rectangle.

This creates the front & back panel in one piece.

🧶 STEP 3 — OPTIONALLY ADD TEXTURE

If you’d like a more decorative design, you can switch to:

Back Loop Only SC for a ribbed pattern
HDC rows for a softer texture
Stripes (switch colors every 3–5 rows)
Mesh rows (CH 1, skip 1, SC) for a breathable market bag

For the simplest beginner bag: stick to SC rows.

👜 STEP 4 — FOLD THE RECTANGLE

Lay your rectangle flat.

Fold it in half, bringing the short edges together.
This forms the basic bag shape.

🪢 STEP 5 — SEAM THE SIDES

Use a yarn needle or slip stitch method.

Yarn Needle Method (Recommended):

Thread yarn onto needle
Whip stitch both sides from bottom → top
Make sure stitches are tight and clean

Slip Stitch Method:

Insert hook into both layers
Slip stitch up the side
Creates a decorative raised seam

When finished, your bag will now be a pouch with an open top.

👜 STEP 6 — ADD THE TOP EDGE (OPTIONAL BUT CLEAN)

To give the top a clean, professional look:

Round 1:
SC around the top opening (work evenly along both sides)

Round 2:
SC again or SL ST for a firmer edge

This helps your bag keep shape and prevents stretching.

🪤 STEP 7 — ADD HANDLES

You can crochet the handles or attach store-bought ones.

OPTION 1: CROCHETED HANDLES

Short Grab Handles:

(Perfect for totes)

Attach yarn at one top corner.

Row 1:
CH 35 (or desired handle length)

SL ST into the opposite corner.

Turn.

Row 2:
SC across the chain (30–35 SC)

SL ST back into original corner.

Repeat for the other side.

OPTION 2: LONG SHOULDER STRAP

Attach yarn to one side of the bag’s top edge.

Chain 100–120 for a long strap.

SC back across.

Attach to opposite side.

For extra strength: work 2–3 rows of SC.

🧵 STEP 8 — OPTIONAL LINING (BEGINNER-FRIENDLY)

Although optional, lining your crochet bag:

✔ Prevents stretching
✔ Keeps small items from falling out
✔ Adds professional quality

Easy No-Sew Option:

Use a zipper pouch or small organizer inside the bag—done!

Sew-In Option:

Cut fabric the same size as the bag interior
Fold and stitch into a pouch
Hand-sew to the top edge
Add a magnetic snap or zipper if desired

🎨 CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

Here are ways to upgrade your simple beginner bag into a beautiful, unique piece:

Color Block (switch colors halfway up)
Granny Square Front Pocket
Flower appliqués
Beads or buttons
Leather handles
Tassel charm
Reinforced bottom using SC BLO rows

💡 TIPS FOR A STRONG & DURABLE BAG

Use cotton or t-shirt yarn
Crochet tight stitches
Reinforce handles with extra rows
Add a fabric lining
Avoid loose, open stitch patterns if carrying heavy items

🛍️ WANT TO SELL YOUR CROCHET BAGS?

Crochet bags are a fast-selling item at craft markets, Etsy shops, and local boutiques!

Here are tips to maximize profit:

✔ Popular Selling Styles

Market bags
Mini crossbody bags
Boho shoulder bags
T-shirt yarn handbags
Beach totes
Drawstring pouches

✔ Pricing Guide

Small bags: $12–$22
Medium totes: $25–$40
Large, lined bags: $40–$85+

✔ Branding Tips

Add a “handmade” wooden tag
Include care instructions
Wrap with twine or tissue paper

Presentation increases value instantly.

🎉 FINAL THOUGHTS

This Easy DIY Crochet Bag is an ideal project for beginners. With just simple stitches and a single rectangle, you can create a stylish, functional bag that you’ll be proud to use (or sell!). Once you master this easy technique, you can explore advanced patterns like:

Round bags
Granny square bags
Shell stitch totes
Ripple bags
Chunky t-shirt yarn handbags

Crochet is relaxing, beginner-friendly, and endlessly creative—and making your own bag is a wonderful way to build your skills.

If you’d like next:
✅ A printable PDF
✅ A diagram chart
✅ A video script
✅ More bag patterns

Just tell me!