This
step-by-step pattern guides you through crocheting the Exotic Crossbody Bag.
Lightweight, stylish, and practical, this bag is especially perfect for summer
outings or as a chic little beach bag.
It is designed
to be approachable even if you have never followed a traditional crochet
pattern before. Every single instruction is written out in full words without
confusing abbreviations, and stitch counts are provided at every step so you
can check your work as you go.
Pattern
Specifications
- Skill Level:
Confident Beginner (uses basic single crochet, double crochet, chains, and
slip stitches).
- Bag Size:
One size.
- Finished Measurements: 9 inches (23 cm) width across widest point × 8.5
inches (21.5 cm) length from base to rim.
- Gauge / Tension:
4 inches = 10 rows × 9 stitches (a slight gauge variation will only
slightly adjust the overall bag size).
Materials
& Tools
- Crochet Hook:
Size 6.00 mm (US Size J/10).
- Yarn:
3 mm rope, macramé cord, t-shirt yarn, or any sturdy bulky yarn.
- Yardage:
Approximately 250 meters / 273 yards.
- Button:
1 round button (20 mm diameter).
- Stitch Markers:
4 to 5 locking stitch markers.
- Notions:
Tapestry yarn needle, regular sewing needle and thread (for attaching the
button), scissors, and a tape measure.
Beginner's
Step-by-Step Stitch Guide
1.
Magic Ring (Magic Circle)
Loop yarn
around your fingers to form a loop. Insert your hook into the center, yarn
over, pull up a loop, and chain 1 to secure. Work your designated stitches
directly into this open ring, then pull the loose yarn tail tight to close the
center hole completely.
2.
Single Crochet
Insert hook
under both loops of the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
Yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.
3.
Increase
Work two single
crochet stitches into the exact same stitch. This gradually expands your work
flat.
4.
Double Crochet
Yarn over,
insert hook into designated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on
hook). Yarn over and pull through first 2 loops (2 loops remain). Yarn over and
pull through remaining 2 loops.
5.
Slip Stitch
Insert hook
into stitch, yarn over, and pull that loop directly through the stitch and
through the loop on your hook in one smooth motion.
Important
Pattern Notes
- Working in a Spiral: The round base is worked continuously without turning
or joining (unless specified). Keep your stitch marker in the first stitch
of every round.
- Joining Slip Stitch: On Rounds 14 and 15, the joining slip stitch is only a
connector and does not
count as an active stitch. Never crochet into it.
Step-by-Step
Instructions
Part
1: The Circular Base
All
stitches in Part 1 are worked in single crochet in a continuous spiral.
- Foundation Round: Make a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet stitches into
the center of the ring. Pull the yarn tail tight to close the hole. (6 stitches total)
- Round 2:
Work 2 single crochet stitches into each of the 6 stitches around. Place
your marker in the first stitch. (12
stitches total)
- Round 3:
Repeat the following sequence 6 times around: Work 2 single crochet
stitches into the next stitch (an increase), then work 1 single crochet
stitch into the following stitch. (18
stitches total)
- Round 4:
Repeat the following sequence 6 times around: Work 1 single crochet stitch
into each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 single crochet stitches into
the following stitch (an increase). (24
stitches total)
- Round 5:
Repeat the following sequence 6 times around: Work 2 single crochet
stitches into the next stitch (an increase), then work 1 single crochet
stitch into each of the next 3 stitches. (30 stitches total)
- Round 6:
Repeat the following sequence 6 times around: Work 1 single crochet stitch
into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochet stitches into
the following stitch (an increase). (36
stitches total)
- Round 7:
Repeat the following sequence 6 times around: Work 2 single crochet
stitches into the next stitch (an increase), then work 1 single crochet
stitch into each of the next 5 stitches. (42 stitches total)
Part
2: The Body & Lace Accent
- Rounds 8 through 13 (Lower Body): Work 1 single crochet stitch into every stitch around
without increasing. Move your marker up with each round. The base will
naturally cup into a bowl. At the end of Round 13, join with a slip stitch
into the first single crochet. (42
stitches)
- Round 14 (First Lace Round): Chain 3 stitches (counts as your first double
crochet). Work 3 double crochet stitches into the same stitch at the base
of the chain. *Skip the next 2 stitches. In the following stitch, work 3
double crochet stitches.* Repeat from * to * all the way around. When 2
stitches remain, skip them and join with 1 slip stitch into the top of the
first double crochet.
- Round 15 (Second Lace Round): Repeat Round 14 exactly. Important transition: At the end of
Round 15, do not join with a slip stitch. Work 1 single crochet directly
into the first stitch, marking it immediately to begin Round 16.
- Rounds 16 through 18 (Upper Body): Work 1 single crochet stitch into every stitch around.
(42 stitches per round)
Part
3: Cut-Out Top Handles
- Round 19 (Creating Built-in Handles): Place stitch markers into stitch numbers 1, 6, 16, 27,
and 36. Work 1 single crochet into each of the first 6 stitches. Make a
chain of 9 stitches, and skip the next 9 stitches completely (first
handle). Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 12 stitches. Make a
chain of 9 stitches, and skip the next 9 stitches completely (second
handle). Work 1 single crochet into each of the remaining 6 stitches. (42 stitches total)
- Round 20 (Reinforcing Handles & Rim): Work 1 single crochet stitch into every single crochet
and into each of the 9 chains on both handles around. Join with a slip
stitch to the first stitch. Cut yarn leaving a 4-inch tail and fasten off
securely. (42 stitches)
Part
4: Braided Crossbody Strap
- Locate Points:
From stitch 1 on the rim, count 21 stitches over and place a stitch marker
in the 22nd stitch. Stitch 1 and stitch 22 are your two side attachment
points.
- Cut Strands:
Cut 12 strands of yarn, each measuring 180 cm (71 inches) long.
- Attach & Anchor: Insert your crochet hook from the outside through the
marked stitch on the rim. Pull about 30 cm of all 12 strands through to
the inside and tie a tight overhand knot against the rim.
- Braid:
Divide the 12 long strands into 3 equal sets (4 strands each). Braid
smoothly by alternating the outer sections into the center until about 30
cm remains unbraided.
- Secure & Fringe: Pull the loose ends through stitch 22 on the opposite
rim, tie a tight knot inside, and trim ends evenly to form side tassels.
Pulling 12
strands through bag rim with hook.
Dividing
strands into 3 groups for braiding.
Part
5: Button & Closure Loop
1. Sew
the Button: Position your 20 mm button on the front of the bag centered
directly underneath the short cut-out handle. Sew firmly into place with needle
and thread, knotting securely on the inside.
2.
Crochet the Loop: Join yarn with a slip stitch at the center inside edge of the
back handle. Chain 8 stitches (test loop around button for a snug fit). Slip
stitch into the 6th chain from hook to form the loop, then slip stitch along
the remaining 2 chains back to the rim. Fasten off and weave all loose ends
invisibly inside your bag.
Fasten all the loose threads and your bag is done.
Loved this pattern? Don’t forget to save it to your favorite crochet board on Pinterest so you can easily find it later.
Have any questions while making your bag, or want to share what yarn color you chose? Drop a comment below—I'd love to chat with you!