Crochet Small Bag Tutorial (Step-by-Step Guide)**

Crochet mini bags have become a must-have accessory for everyday life. Whether you’re heading out for a quick errand, going on a casual walk, meeting friends, or simply want a lightweight, stylish bag to carry your essentials, a crochet mini bag is the perfect choice. It’s compact, trendy, and surprisingly easy to make!

This tutorial covers everything from choosing materials to crocheting the base, shaping the body, adding straps, and finishing touches. Even complete beginners can follow along and create a cute, functional mini bag in just a few hours.

Let’s get started!

👜 Why Make a Crochet Mini Bag?

Crochet mini bags are popular because they are:

✔ Lightweight & compact – perfect for carrying phone, keys, money, lipstick
✔ Fashionable – complements any outfit, casual or dressy
✔ Beginner-friendly – uses simple stitches
✔ Quick to make – great for last-minute gifts
✔ Highly customizable – change colors, textures, straps, and size
✔ Perfect stash-buster – great way to use leftover yarn

Whether you want a boho-style bag, a dainty crossbody, or a small hand pouch, this tutorial gives you the perfect foundation.

🧶 Materials Needed

Yarn

The best yarn for mini bags is:

Cotton (most recommended)
Cotton blends
Acrylic for a soft feel
Nylon for extra strength

Recommended yarn weight:

Worsted weight (Medium 4)
Or DK (Light 3) for a more delicate mini bag

Crochet Hook

3.5 mm – 5.0 mm depending on yarn thickness

Other Supplies

Scissors
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Optional: magnetic snap, zipper, fabric lining

✨ Stitches Used

This beginner-friendly project uses simple stitches:

CH – Chain
SL ST – Slip Stitch
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
DC – Double Crochet

Optional decorative stitches:

Puff stitch
V-stitch
Star stitch

Even if you only know SC and HDC, you can make this mini bag!

👜 Crochet Mini Bag – Step-by-Step Tutorial

This mini bag is made in 3 main steps:

Base (flat oval or rectangle)
Body (crocheted in the round)
Strap (crossbody or shoulder-length)

Let’s begin!

🌼 Step 1: Crochet the Bag Base (Rectangle)

A rectangular base gives the mini bag structure.

Foundation

CH 16
(This is a medium-size mini bag. For a smaller one, CH 10–12.)

Row 1

SC in 2nd CH from hook
SC across (15 SC)
3 SC in the last stitch to round the corner

Continue Around the Chain

Crochet on the opposite side of the chain:

SC across to the starting point
2 SC in the last stitch

SL ST to the first SC
You now have an oval-like rectangle.

🌼 Step 2: Building Up the Body (Crochet in the Round)

You will now work in continuous rounds around the base.

Round 1

SC in each stitch
No increases
This helps the bag turn upward.

Choose Your Bag Texture

You can pick the style you want:

Option A: Simple SC Body (Sturdy & Clean Look)

Work SC around for 12–18 rounds depending on bag height.

✔ Firm and durable structure
✔ Great for minimalists

Option B: HDC Body (Softer & More Flexible)

HDC around for 10–15 rounds.

✔ Slightly taller stitches
✔ Faster to crochet

Option C: Decorative Mini Bag (Pretty & Stylish)

Try:

V-Stitch

(DC, CH 1, DC in same stitch)
Repeat around.

Suzette Stitch

SC and DC in same stitch, skip 1
Repeat around.

Puff Stitch Rows

Adds a beautiful textured look.

These decorative patterns make your mini bag look boutique-quality.

🌼 Step 3: Shape the Bag Opening

Once your bag reaches the desired height:

Round (Top Edge)

SC evenly around the top
Repeat 2–3 rows for a firm rim

This step stabilizes the shape and prepares the bag for attaching the strap.

🌼 Step 4: Add the Strap

You can choose from 3 strap styles:

Option A: Crochet Crossbody Strap

Attach yarn to side of bag
CH 80–120 (depending on desired length)
SL ST to opposite side
SC or HDC across the chain to thicken the strap
Fasten off and secure

✔ Strong
✔ Easy to adjust
✔ Perfect for everyday wear

Option B: Rope-Style Strap (Stylish & Strong)

Make a long chain (CH 100)
Then:

SL ST back into each chain
or
Twist two strands together for a macrame effect

Option C: Purchased Strap (Leather or Metal Chain)

Attach with lobster clips or sew onto the rim.

✔ Instantly gives the mini bag a high-end look!

🌼 Step 5: Add a Closure

Mini bags look polished with closures.

Choose one of the following:

Magnetic Snap

Sew one half on front interior, one on back interior.

Button & Loop

Crochet a CH loop
Sew a wooden or decorative button on front

Zipper

Adds security for valuables.

🌼 Step 6: Finishing Touches

You’re almost done!

Weave in all yarn ends
Gently block your bag to smooth shape
Optional: sew fabric lining inside
Add tassels, charms, beads, or appliqués

Your mini bag is officially ready!

🌈 Customization Ideas

Make your mini bag unique!

Colors

Stripes
Ombre
One color for body, another for strap
Pastel mini bag
Black for a chic evening look
Neon colors for summer

Textures

Bobble rows
Lace-style mesh
Ribbed HDC

Shapes

Make a taller mini tote
Make it wider for a small shoulder bag
Add a flap to turn it into a mini purse

Extras

Add inner pocket
Sew on a tag or brand label
Add pom-poms

📱 Perfect Uses for a Crochet Mini Bag

Mini bags are ideal for:

Phone
Cardholder
Cash and coins
Lip balm & compact
Keys
Earbuds
Small notebook
Sunglasses
Walking or quick outings
Minimalist everyday carry
Gifts for friends and family

These bags are small but surprisingly roomy!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this beginner-friendly?

Absolutely! Even if you only know single crochet, you can make this bag.

Q2: How long does it take?

Beginners: 3–4 hours
Intermediate crafters: 1–2 hours

Q3: Does cotton yarn stretch?

Only slightly. It maintains shape very well.

Q4: Can I add lining?

Yes—lining makes the bag stronger and more polished.

Q5: How do I wash the bag?

Handwash gently and air dry flat.

🌟 Conclusion

Crocheting a mini bag is quick, fun, and incredibly satisfying. With simple stitches and endless customization options, you can create a stylish everyday accessory that fits your essentials perfectly.

Whether you prefer a minimal design, a textured pattern, or a colorful mini purse, this tutorial gives you the foundation to create your own unique bag.

If you want, I can also create:

✔ A printable PDF pattern
✔ A diagram/chart version
✔ A video tutorial script
✔ A mini backpack version
✔ A matching small wallet pattern

Just let me know!