The easiest crochet summer bags to make are the ones worked from the bottom up in simple rounds, with a stitch tight enough that you can skip the lining. They need almost no shaping, they travel well, and most of them use a skein or two of cotton at most. Every bag in this post is one I designed and made myself. Seven are free right here on the blog, and two are in my shop. You will find a roomy beach tote, a quick Valentine pouch you can finish in under an hour, a colorful little crossbody for small outings, and a couple of summery totes that look far fancier than they are to make.
If you would rather watch me talk through each one, the full video is on my channel. Otherwise, settle in with a cup of something, and let’s find the bag you will reach for all summer.
The best yarn for crochet bags
Whenever you can, reach for cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton is more durable, more absorbent, and easy to wash, which is exactly what a summer bag needs after a day at the beach.
Some of my samples are made with acrylic, simply because that is what I had in my stash, and where I live in Israel some yarns are hard to find. Acrylic works beautifully too, especially if you plan to line your bag.
None of these bags comes lined by default. A fabric lining adds support and stops small things slipping through the stitches, but it is always your choice.
1. The Any Day Bag, a Classic Drawstring
The Any Day Bag is a soft drawstring bag worked from the bottom up in rounds.
The base starts as a solid granny square and flows up into my favorite V stitch.
The handles and the closing cord are both made from a simple braid.
I made mine in gray and orange, but any colors you love will work. Cotton gives it the most durability, though an acrylic sample holds up well too.
Find the free pattern HERE
2. The Hexagon Bag, Beach Ready and Roomy
Affectionately called the XA Bag, this one has a six sided shape with a strap that circles the whole body to hold its form and add sturdiness.
I made it from a label less cotton blend I found, held double for extra body.
It is a wonderful beach bag because you can simply wash the sand right out. If you are using a mystery yarn from your stash, holding it double is a smart way to add strength.
Find the free pattern HERE
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3. The Circus Bag, a Colorful Crossbody
Small, bright, and cheerful, the Circus Bag is built from a circle worked into a square, in lively stripes.
It is perfect for teens, for a quick gift, or for anyone who likes a playful pop of color.
The acrylic yarn has a little stretch, so I recommend lining this one. The strap wraps around the bag to give it more room inside.
Key features:
- Small size, ideal for essentials
- Bright, multicolored appearance
- Recommended lining due to acrylic yarn stretch
- Cross-body strap for easy carrying
Try this colorful pattern for your next fun accessory!
Find the free pattern HERE
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Before you get started, check out my newest favorite finds!
Yarn Winder – a perfect crochet accessory
Steamer for Clothes – Portable and ideal for crochet projects
Blocking Mat – 12.5″ for all your squares
4. The Envelope Bag, a Timeless Classic
The Envelope Bag is made from three granny squares joined into that lovely envelope shape, with the strap tucked inside the top point for a clean finish.
It was one of my very first bag designs. The opening is wide, so a button closure keeps everything secure. Dress it up or down, it suits almost any day.
Find the free pattern HERE
5. The Hot Fudge Sundae Pouch, Crochet Meets Canvas
This one is a little different. I crocheted around a plain canvas pouch from the dollar store, which gives it structure and a tidy lining with no fussy sewing.
I used fabric glue to attach the crochet cover, though you can stitch it for extra hold.
My Facebook community named it through a fun little contest. It is a great choice if you want a polished pouch with a sturdy base.
Find the pattern HERE
6. The All My Heart Tote, Valentine Charm
The All My Heart tote has a heart motif on both sides in soft pinks and reds, made from joined squares with a simple chain strap and a button closure.
It takes less than an hour, which makes it a sweet last minute gift.
And it is not only for Valentine’s. Switch the colors and it becomes a year round little treasure.
Find the free pattern HERE
7. The Chunky Coastal Bag
This one is a hug in bag form. Thick, fluffy wool blend yarn in cream and deep denim blue gives it a true coastal feel.
It is worked bottom up in about ten rounds, with braided closures and side straps. It is too warm for my hot summers here, so I treasure the sample, but if you have chunky yarn in your stash this is a beautiful way to use it.
Find the free pattern HERE
8. The Let’s Go Bag, Tight Stitches in Mustard
The Let’s Go Bag uses dense, tightly worked stitches, a mix of the waistcoat stitch and a cross single crochet made by going yarn under instead of yarn over.
It is worked bottom up with no increases, so the sides stay nice and straight, with two sturdy handles at the sides.
The fabric is so tight that nothing slips out, which means no lining needed. If the waistcoat stitch is new to you, I have a tutorial on my channel.
Find the free pattern HERE
9. The Sunset Stripes Tote, Boho Summer Vibes
A smaller tote with a rounded bottom, made entirely in soft Drops Paris cotton in mustard, beige, and peach.
It combines my V stitch with single crochet for a light, textured fabric, and the side handles can be made as long or short as you like. It has that easy boho feel that goes with everything in summer.
Though this pattern is not free, you can purchase it from Sandra’s store.
Love This Pattern? There’s More Where That Came From!
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I know you’ll find something to inspire your next project🙃
All Things Crochet Start Here →
A Little Sneak Peek
I just finished a brand new bag made from four special squares joined with my usual strap method and no increases at the bottom. It does not have a name yet, and there is no pattern anywhere just yet. If you have a name idea, I would love to hear it in the comments.
Where to Find These Patterns and More
All 9 free crochet bag patterns are available at Sandra Stitches Accessories.
The purchasable pouch and tote patterns can be found here:
For stitch tutorials, community support, and new pattern releases, join Sandra’s free Facebook group or subscribe to her newsletter for helpful project trackers.
Your next favorite crochet bag is just a hook away!
Come Stitch With Us in the V-Stitch Club
You might have noticed the V stitch turning up again and again in these bags, in the Any Day Bag and the Sunset Stripes Tote especially. It is my favorite stitch in the world, and it is the heart of the V-Stitch Club. It is my little corner where we make two new patterns together every month, work through a gentle monthly workbook that ties our crochet to our wellbeing, and keep each other company. If you would like that kind of calm, steady company while you stitch, come and join us.
And before you go, grab my free Row Tracker. It is the simplest way to never lose your place in a pattern again. Pop your email in below and it is yours, along with new free patterns and a little encouragement each week.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best yarn for a crochet bag? Cotton or a cotton blend is best. It is durable, absorbent, and easy to wash, which is perfect for a bag that lives in the real world. Acrylic works too, and it is lovely and affordable, just consider lining the bag if your yarn has any stretch.
Do crochet bags need a lining? Not always. Bags worked in tight stitches, like the Let’s Go Bag, hold everything in with no lining at all. Looser or stretchier bags, like the Circus Bag, are happier with one. And the Hot Fudge Sundae Pouch comes lined by design, since it is crocheted around a canvas pouch.
What is the easiest crochet bag for a beginner? The All My Heart tote is my pick for a first bag. It is small, it uses simple squares, and it works up in under an hour. The Hot Fudge Sundae Pouch is another gentle starting point because the canvas does the shaping for you.
How much yarn do I need to crochet a bag? Most of these use one to two skeins. The small totes and the pouch need less, and the Chunky Coastal Bag needs a bit more because of its thick yarn. Each pattern lists the exact amount.
Can I make these bags bigger or smaller? Yes, easily. Because they are worked bottom up with no increases, you can add rounds for more height, and you can lengthen or shorten the straps to suit you. Crochet is forgiving that way.
**This is an original Sandra Regev pattern: Owner /Designer of Sandra Stitches. This pattern may not be redistributed for free, sale, or trade, but finished products can be sold with credit to this shop – enjoy!
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