A good-looking handbag is not always the most budget-friendly purchase. And right now, as autumn approaches, I am in full search mode for the perfect oversized DIY crochet bag. But then I came across so many wonderful beginner-friendly crochet bag videos that I thought — why not make one myself? Autumn is the season for cozying up, getting creative, and slowing down. So picking up a crochet hook and making something beautiful fits the mood perfectly. Also, if you have already explored macramé bag making, this is a different approach with equally satisfying results — more on that at the end. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The products featured in this article are suggested options only and are not guaranteed to be an exact match for the supplies used in the videos.
What You Need to Get Started
Before diving into the tutorials, a few basics are worth having ready. Most of the projects below use cotton yarn, a crochet hook between 3mm and 9mm, stitch markers, and a darning needle for finishing. Some also call for wooden handles, magnetic clasps, or leather bag tags. Each project lists its own materials below — but having a good set of hooks and a supply of stitch markers on hand means you can move between projects easily. Yarn weight, hook size, and total grams all shape the final result. A tighter stitch makes a sturdier bag, while a looser one feels softer.
Why Crochet a Bag This Autumn
Crochet turns spare minutes into something lasting. The repetitive stitches feel calming, and progress is easy to see. A bag is a smart project because it is small, useful, and finishes quickly. Cotton yarn holds its shape well, while t-shirt yarn adds a soft, stretchy feel.
1. Simple Shoulder Bag for Beginners
A clean, classic shoulder bag shape that is perfect for a first project. The construction is straightforward and the finished piece is genuinely wearable. It’s a simple, practical bag for everyday use, and I think it would look lovely in brown or pink. Of course, you can choose any color that suits your personal style. I’m looking for a bag around this size for autumn. The pattern is available on Etsy and well worth picking up alongside the video.
Materials:
- 180g cotton yarn
- 5mm hook
- Stitch markers
- Darning needle
Pattern: here
Here are some supplies that may be useful for making the bag:
2. Cute Bow Baguette Bag
A small, charming baguette-style bag with a bow detail — sweet, compact, and perfect as a gift or everyday carry. The t-shirt yarn gives it a slightly stretchy, soft texture that works beautifully for this shape. It has a cute, almost Japanese-inspired feel, and I especially love how cheerful it looks in this blue shade. The little bows add even more charm, while the simple construction makes this a relatively easy project. A small bag like this can also be really handy for everyday use. The pattern is available on Etsy.
Materials:
- T-shirt yarn in sky blue (stretchy)
- 7mm hook
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
Pattern: here
Here are some supplies that may be useful for making the bag:
3. Woven Bag with Adjustable Handle
A structured, woven-effect bag with an adjustable strap — slightly more advanced but very achievable. The combination of two hook sizes gives the fabric a beautiful layered texture. It’s a very elegant design with a subtle touch of sparkle, and the adjustable strap makes it especially practical for everyday use. The video isn’t in English, but thanks to YouTube’s translation features, that doesn’t have to be a barrier anymore. The magnetic clasp closure is a great practical touch.
Materials:
- 500g of 3cm wide feather or t-shirt yarn (300g used)
- 5.5mm and 3mm knitting needles
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- 1 magnetic clasp
- 5 stitch markers
Here are some supplies that may be useful for making the bag:
4. Light Terracotta Crochet Bag for Beginners
A relaxed, warm-toned terracotta bag that is ideal for beginners. It has a slightly boho yet elegant feel, finished with a chain strap that adds a stylish touch. A snap closure keeps it securely closed, while the warm terracotta shade makes it a perfect choice for an autumn palette.
Materials:
- 125m / 250g yarn (60% cotton, 40% polyester)
- 6mm hook
- 185g necessary
Here are some supplies that may be useful for making the bag:
5. Beautiful Brown Tote Bag with Pocket
A generous tote bag in warm brown with a pocket detail — practical, stylish, and made from 100% cotton. The pattern is available from Crochet Daniela on Etsy and is well worth downloading for the full instructions.
Materials:
- 100% cotton yarn weight 4 — 310g
- 5mm hook
- Stitch markers
- Darning needle
Pattern: crochetdaniela.etsy.com
Here are some supplies that may be useful for making the bag:
6. Easy Crochet Shell Bag with Wooden Handles
A structured shell-stitch bag with beautiful circular wooden ring handles. The cotton cord gives it a firm, polished look that elevates the whole piece. Also, the wooden handles add a natural, artisanal quality that makes this bag feel genuinely special. Full pattern and yarn recommendations are in the video description.
Materials:
- 3mm cotton cord yarn (219 yds / 200m)
- 8.0mm crochet hook
- 1 pair of 13-14cm diameter wooden ring handles
7. Simple Crochet Purse in Macrame Cord
A chunky, tactile purse made from braided macrame cord — the Bobbiny brand in Biscuit color gives it a beautiful natural tone. The video also recommends brass double stud spike rivets and handmade leather tags as finishing details that take the look to another level.
Materials:
- 375g of the 500g skein of 5mm braided macrame cord (Bobbiny, Biscuit)
- 9mm hook
- Optional: brass rivets and leather bag tags (see video description)
8. Super Easy Drawstring DIY Crochet Bag
A compact drawstring bag that closes with a gathered top — simple, practical, and fast to make. Also, the double yarn technique gives it a lovely dense texture. The finished size is 26x21cm with a 16cm base.
Materials:
- Cotton yarn 4 ply — 300g
- Crochet hook 5/0 (3.00mm)
- Cotton yarn 2.00mm (4 ply) — 200g total
Here are some supplies that may be useful for making the bag:
9. Trendy Beige Bag
A fashionable, structured beige bag in a shoelace-style polyester yarn — this one has a modern, clean silhouette that looks expensive. Also, the leather bag flap closure adds a polished finishing detail. Finished size: 37cm x 27cm.
Materials:
- 5mm polyester yarn — 209m / 400g
- 4.5mm hook
- 1 leather bag flap closure
10. Pink Cute and Elegant Handmade Crochet Bag
A delicate, feminine bag in pink cotton — elegant and detailed. The fine yarn and small hook size create a beautiful, intricate texture. Also, the D-ring detail adds a practical and decorative accent to the strap attachment.
Materials:
- Cotton yarn medium weight — 1.5mm yarn
- Hook size 5
- Scissors
- Stitch marker (optional)
- Sewing needle
- D-rings
A Few Tips Before You Start
Making a small test square first helps you check your tension. Choose yarn in colors you truly love, since you will see them often. Take breaks to rest your hands and wrists. Every handmade bag carries a little story.
Choose your project based on the materials you can find locally or order easily — not just the finished look. Also, reading through the full material list before buying anything avoids unnecessary trips or orders. Most of these bags use between 180g and 400g of yarn, so the yarn cost is manageable even for a first attempt.
I honestly don’t know which one I’d start with first — there are at least four I’d love to make right away! So I guess there’s nothing left to do but stock up on yarn. 😊
One more thing worth mentioning. The affiliate links and product suggestions throughout this post are starting points — they may not match exactly what is used in the videos. Every maker has their own preferences, and yarn availability varies by location. So use these as inspiration and adapt based on what works for you.
Ready to Make Your Own?
Whichever design you choose, the result will be uniquely yours. Handmade bags last for years and spark compliments everywhere. Every stitch brings a little more autumn warmth into your wardrobe.
A DIY crochet bag is one of those projects that pays off beautifully. So pick the style that speaks to you most, gather your materials, and enjoy the process. And if you have already tried macramé bag making, this is a wonderfully different approach — but just as satisfying. You can find the macramé bag ideas in this post.
And if scarves are calling to you this season, this striped scarf knitting guide has everything you need to make a beautiful one from scratch.


























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