A handmade crochet bag is a timeless companion for women of all eras. By looking at this accessory, it’s easy to determine the lifestyle, taste, and even the character of its owner. There is a huge variety of models available. Some designs have invariably accompanied ladies for decades and have rightfully earned a cult status.
Want to know how to crochet a trendy bag with your own hands from scratch at home? Watch these free step-by-step video tutorials with patterns. Here are ten ever-relevant and stylish models you can easily make yourself.
T-Shirt Yarn Saddle Bag
The first version of the saddle bag debuted in 2000 at a Dior fashion show and immediately attracted attention with its unusual shape, reminiscent of horse riding gear. Renowned designers picked up the trend and began creating variations: bicycle seats, half-circles, half-ovals, etc. Today, this miniature accessory has a more neutral and less provocative shape: a rounded bottom with a narrow top and a crossbody strap. The piece can be worn on its own or paired with a larger tote.
Satin Ribbon Shopper Bag
In the era of conscious consumption and the eco-friendly boom, shoppers (large reusable shopping bags) are especially relevant. Their huge volume eliminates the need to use plastic bags when going to the store. This crocheted giant is ideal for carrying sports gear, snacks, and bulky items. For a shopper bag, you need to choose a very strong yarn that will keep its shape under a significant amount of weight.
DIY Crochet Net Bag (String Bag)
Once a forgotten retro attribute, the string bag is boldly returning to the everyday lives of modern fashionistas. Nowadays, net bags aren’t just stuffed to the brim with groceries (that’s what shoppers are for). This vintage-inspired item is often used as decor and a kind of “cover” for ordinary bags. It is convenient to put books, magazines, and planners into a string bag. A fine mesh net is stronger, but a large mesh one is much faster to crochet. In any case, making a mesh pattern takes minimal time.
Cord or T-Shirt Yarn Clutch
It’s hard to imagine a clutch ever going out of style. This staple of women’s fashion has been riding the trend wave for several centuries since its inception. There is a huge variety of shapes and models, from the classic envelope to the knuckle-duster clutch by Alexander McQueen. The main charm of any clutch is its ability to fit in one hand, elevate the owner’s outfit, and hold just the essentials (keys, lipstick, money, and phone).
Crossbody Bag
This model emerged as a practical alternative to the clutch, thanks to the light hand of the great and inventive Coco Chanel. Like most iconic items from the famous designer, the bag on a long chain was born out of convenience: hanging an accessory on your shoulder is much more comfortable than constantly holding it in your hands. Modern designers have replaced the chain with thin straps of various lengths. For a handmade version, it’s best to leave a metal chain or crochet a sturdy strap using single crochet stitches.
Women’s Tote Bag
In the old days, the main reason for a woman to go out into the city was a trip to the market. A comfortable option for such outings became the spacious tote (from the English “to tote” – to carry) with medium-length handles and no zippers or clasps. In the 21st century, the tote has been adapted to the daily needs of business ladies: carrying documents, papers, a laptop, or a tablet.
DIY Crochet Backpack
The backpack has long ceased to be purely a teenager’s or sports attribute. This accessory is harmoniously used in casual, romantic, boho, urban, and even business styles. Depending on the colors and decor, a backpack can look cute or brutal, playful or serious. It can be decorated to suit any taste: with delicate lace, metal rivets, rhinestones, or appliqués.
Crochet Bucket Bag
The bucket bag truly resembles a traditional household vessel: round and strictly holding the shape of a cylinder. To get a rigid and stable frame, it is usually crocheted from a thick polyester cord or double-stranded yarn. It pairs perfectly with elegant clothes: wide-leg trousers, shirt dresses, minimalist suits, and uniquely cut trench coats.
Crochet Hobo / Pouch Bag
In the past, a companion of wanderers and travelers, today it is a trendy fashion statement. A characteristic detail is a drawstring top instead of a zipper or lock. The motto of pouch bag lovers is “I carry everything with me.” The smart design allows you to put absolutely everything inside, despite its seemingly small capacity. It’s an ideal choice for relaxed looks in grunge, hobo, country, and rustic styles.
Fanny Pack / Belt Bag
This accessory, saying hello from the 90s, settled back into the outfits of fashionistas a few seasons ago. A convenient way to wear it around the waist (often instead of a belt), relative spaciousness with small dimensions, and a huge variety of designs are the main advantages of this model. A crocheted fanny pack fits wonderfully into a sporty, casual, and outdoor wardrobe. It is especially convenient when traveling: documents, tickets, and money are always at hand, while your hands remain completely free for carry-on luggage.
A few decades ago, handmade accessories were often seen as an indicator of a tight budget and were sold by craftswomen for pennies. Today, the attitude towards the DIY culture has changed radically: high-quality, custom handmade crafts and crochet items are valued much higher than regular factory-made mass-market goods.
