This crochet bag - Olivia is a beginner-friendly project made with simple stitches like the v-stitch and worked with double strands for extra durability.
It's practical, sturdy, and perfect for everyday use or thoughtful handmade gifts.
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Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Pattern
- Materials Needed
- Skill Level
- Yarn and Hook Information
- Stitches and Abbreviations - US Terms
- Special Stitches
- Gauge
- Finished Size
- ⭐Get the PDF Version in the Recline and Unwind Club ⭐
- Instructions
- Crochet Tips, Yarn Choices, and Color Inspiration
- Perfect Occasions to Use This Craft
- FAQ
- More Crafts You Might Like To Try
- More Easy Patterns For You To Try
- Stay Connected
Some crochet bags look beautiful… but stretch the second you put anything inside them.
The crochet bag - Olivia was designed to avoid that problem.
By working with double strands of yarn, this bag has structure and durability without complicated construction.
The stitch pattern is simple - featuring easy v-stitches - which makes it approachable for beginners while still creating a textured, modern finish.
Whether you're looking for a crochet tote bag for notebooks, a project bag for your yarn, or handmade gift ideas that feel genuinely useful, this design ticks a lot of boxes.
It's sturdy enough for everyday use, simple enough for relaxed crocheting, and adaptable to almost any yarn type (though cotton is especially good if you want long-term durability).
If you've been searching for a practical crochet bag pattern that doesn't overwhelm you with shaping or lining, this crochet bag - Olivia is a confident place to start.
If you're into practical makes like this crochet bag, then this mesh crochet tote bag is a lighter alternative, or you might like this easy crochet tote bag with handles, both working well for everyday use.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- Uses simple stitches (including the v-stitch)
- Worked with double strands for extra strength
- Beginner-friendly construction
- Creates a sturdy crochet tote bag
- Practical for everyday storage
- Makes a thoughtful handmade gift
- Customisable in size and yarn choice
Materials Needed
Yarn
#3 Light worsted (DK, 8ply) weight yarn with about 12 Wraps Per Inch (WPI)*
- You will need about 4.30 ounces / 267 yards [122 grams / 244 meters]
Hook
- 5.5 mm (I/9) hook
Other
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Stitch Marker
*Wraps per inch (WPI) - this is a measure of yarn thickness. To measure WPI, count how many times the yarn wraps around a ruler in one inch. There are more wraps for thinner yarn and fewer wraps for thicker yarn.
Skill Level
Skill level: ★☆☆☆☆ - Beginner
If you're comfortable with double crochet and working simple stitch repeats like the v-stitch, you'll find this very manageable. Great for an easy weekend project.
Yarn and Hook Information
Cotton yarn makes for a stronger more durable bag, but acrylic and acrylic blends work just as well.
Stitches and Abbreviations - US Terms
- Ch - Chain
- St/s - Stitch/es
- Sc - Single Crochet
- Blo - Back loop only
- Sl st - Slip stitch
- Dc - Double Crochet
- V-st - See special stitches below
- Hdc - Half Double Crochet
- FO - Fasten Off
- [ ] at the end of each row indicates how many stitches are needed in that row.
Special Stitches
V stitch (v-st)
- 1 double crochet in next st,
- Ch1
- 1 double crochet in same st. completed v-st.
Gauge
4 inches x 4 inches (10 cm x 10 cm) = 5 v-sts x 7 rows
Finished Size
This crochet bag is about 8.60 inches (22 cm) wide and 9 inches (23 cm) tall.
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Copyright Notice
This pattern and its contents are protected by copyright law. It may not be copied, altered, redistributed, resold, translated, or used to produce photo or video tutorials in any format, either in whole or in part.
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Instructions
First, you will be making the base of the bag.
Foundation: Working with 2 strands of yarn, ch19.
Round 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (place st marker in this st), 1 sc in each of the next 16 sts, 3 sc in last ch, rotate your work, now you will be working along the bottom of the chain, 1 sc in each of the next 16 sts, 2 sc in last st. Do not sl st, do not turn. [38 sc].
Round 2: 2 sc in marked st (move st marker to the 1st of these sts), 1 sc in each of the next 16 sts, 2 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 1 sc in each of the next 16 sts, 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts, do not sl st, do not turn. [44 sc].
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Round 3: 2 sc in marked st (move st marker to 1st of these sts), 1 sc in each of the next 19 sts, 2 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 1 sc in each of the next 19 sts, 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts, do not sl st, do not turn. [50 sc].
Round 4: 2 sc in marked st (move st marker to 1st of these sts), 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 1 sc in each of the next 19 sts, 2 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 1 sc each st until the last 2 sts, 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts, sl st into marked st to join. [60 sc].
You may find that your work is curly, but this is okay.
Now, you will start making the sides of the bag. You will now be working in joined rounds.
Round 5: Ch1, 1 sc blo in each st around, sl st into 1st st to join. [60 sc].
Round 6: Ch2, 1 dc in each st around, sl st into 1st dc to join. [60 dc].
Round 7: Ch2, v-st into 1st st, sk next 2 sts, *v-st into next st, sk next 2 sts,* repeat from * around, ending with 1 dc in final st, sl st into top of dc from 1st v-st to join. [60 sts].
Round 8: Ch2, *v-st into ch1-sp of v-st from previous row,* repeat from * around, making 1 dc in final st, sl st into top of dc from 1st v-st to join. [60 sts].
Rounds 9 - 16: Repeat round 8. [60 sts in each round].
Round 17: Ch1, 1 sc blo in each st around, sl st into 1st sc to join. [60 sc].
Rounds 18 - 19: Ch1, 1 sc in each st around, sl st into 1st sc to join. Do not fasten off after round 19 [60 sc in each round].
Now you will be making the handle.
Place a st marker in the 30th st. Ch90 (or longer if you want a longer handle), sl st into marked st, be careful not to twist your chain.
1 hdc in each ch across back to the right, when you reach the right side of the bag, sl st into same st that you started in. Ch1, sl st along the chain back towards the left, sl st into 30th st. FO and weave in any ends.
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Crochet Tips, Yarn Choices, and Color Inspiration
- Hold your two strands evenly to maintain consistent tension
- Cotton yarn is recommended for durability and structure
- Acrylic works for a softer, more flexible bag
- Add a simple border round at the top for a cleaner finish
- If you want even more structure, use a smaller hook than recommended
Perfect Occasions to Use This Craft
- Carrying notebooks or planners
- A crochet project bag
- Library books
- Handmade birthday or holiday gifts
- Everyday storage around the home
FAQ
You can, but the bag will be softer and less structured. You will also have to adjust your hook size and your bag will end up smaller. Double strands help it hold its shape.
Using cotton yarn and tight tension significantly reduces stretching.
Yes. The stitch pattern is repetitive and easy.
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