Artsy Crochet Bag

Create a whimsical and charming accessory for your little one with this quick-to-stitch Artsy Crochet Bag, featuring a playful flower on one side and a sweet bow on the other.

Have you ever watched a little girl play dress-up and realized she is missing the absolute perfect accessory to hold her tiny treasures? I remember making my first little purse for my niece, watching her eyes light up as she stuffed it with shiny pebbles and lip balm.

It was magic.

But let's be honest, finding a pattern that is both adorable and quick enough for a last-minute gift can feel like searching for a dropped stitch in a shag rug.

Many children's bag patterns are either too floppy to hold anything or so complicated that you lose interest halfway through. You want something sturdy, stylish, and satisfyingly fast to make.

That is exactly why I designed this whimsical little purse. It uses simple stitches to create a sturdy fabric, and it is double-sided with a cheerful flower on one side and a classic bow tie on the other, giving your little fashionista two looks in one. If you love making accessories, you might also enjoy my Spring Fling Bag for your own collection.

Best of all, you can whip this up in just one evening using leftover worsted weight yarn from your stash.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Double the Fun: The double-sided design offers two completely different looks in one cute accessory.
• Super Fast Project: It works up incredibly quickly, making it the ultimate last-minute holiday or birthday gift.
• Stash Buster: You only need small amounts of worsted weight yarn, so it is perfect for using up your colorful leftovers.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Medium worsted weight yarn (Category 4) in three contrasting colors (Color A for the bag body, Color B for the flower, and Color C for the bow).
• Hook: US Size I (5.5 mm) for the bag body and US Size G (4.0 mm) for the decorative elements.
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, and a stitch marker.
• Yardage: Approximately 80 to 100 yards of the main color, and less than 15 yards each for the embellishments.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows in single crochet using the 5.5 mm hook = 4 inches (10 cm).
• Sizes included: One size fits most toddlers and young children.
• Finished measurements: Approximately 6 inches wide by 5.5 inches tall (excluding the strap).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain - Yarn over, pull through loop on hook.
• sc: Single Crochet - Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• hdc: Half Double Crochet - Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• dc: Double Crochet - Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through two loops] twice.
• sl st: Slip Stitch - Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The bag body is worked in continuous rounds without joining to prevent a visible seam.
• Keep your tension firm on the bag body so the stitches are tight enough to keep small items from slipping through.
• Feel free to customize the strap length by adding or subtracting chains to fit your child perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crocheting the Bag Body

Using Color A and the larger 5.5 mm hook, chain 21.

Round 1: Single crochet in the second chain from your hook and in the next 18 chains. Work 3 single crochets in the very last chain. Now, rotate your work to crochet along the opposite side of the starting chain. Single crochet in the next 18 chains, then work 2 single crochets in the final chain space. Do not join. (42 stitches total)

Round 2: Place a stitch marker in the first stitch to keep track of your rounds. Single crochet in each stitch around. (42 stitches)

Rounds 3-18: Repeat Round 2 until the bag measures approximately 5 inches from the bottom edge.

Round 19: Single crochet in each stitch around to the side of the bag. Slip stitch in the next 2 stitches to even out the round. Do not fasten off.

Crafting the Strap

Row 1: From your stopping point on the side of the bag, chain 70 (or your desired strap length). Being careful not to twist the chain, attach it to the opposite side of the bag with a slip stitch.

Row 2: Single crochet in each chain stitch back across the strap to the starting side. Slip stitch into the bag body to secure. Fasten off, leaving a tail for weaving. If you need help hiding those loose ends, check out my guide on Weaving Crochet Tails.

Making the Flower Embellishment

Using Color B and the smaller 4.0 mm hook, make a magic ring.

Round 1: [Chain 2, work 2 double crochets into the ring, chain 2, slip stitch into the ring] 5 times. Pull the magic ring tail tight to close the center. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Making the Bow Tie Embellishment

Using Color C and the 4.0 mm hook, chain 10.

Row 1: Half double crochet in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. (9 stitches)

Rows 2-4: Chain 1, half double crochet in each stitch across. Turn.

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail. Pinch the middle of the rectangle to create a bow shape, then wrap the long yarn tail tightly around the center several times. Knot it securely at the back.

Assembly & Finishing

Position the flower on one side of the bag and sew it securely in place using your yarn needle.

Turn the bag over, center the bow tie on the opposite side, and sew it down firmly.

Weave in all remaining yarn tails on the inside of the bag.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Striped Style: Create a colorful striped bag by changing colors every four rounds. Learn how to do this cleanly with my tutorial on Seamless Crochet Color Changes.
• Adjusting the Size: To make a larger version for older kids, start with a longer chain (like 31 chains) and work more rounds. For an adult-sized option, you might like the Crochet Tote Bag in 2 Sizes.
• Crossbody Conversion: Lengthen the strap to 90 chains so your little one can wear it comfortably across their body.
• Button Closure: Sew a vintage wooden button to the inside top edge and loop a small chain loop from the opposite side to keep the bag closed.
• Leaf Accents: Crochet two simple green leaves and sew them tucked just behind the flower petals for an extra pop of nature.
• Colour ideas: Try a classic navy bag with a bright yellow flower and a red bow, or go pastel with mint green, lavender, and soft pink.
• Yarn substitutions: Any sturdy worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn will work beautifully for this project.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The bag body is too floppy and doesn't hold its shape.
  Fix: Your tension might be a bit loose. Try dropping down to a 5.0 mm hook or holding two strands of yarn together to make a stiffer fabric.
• Problem: The strap is stretching out too much when the bag is filled.
  Fix: Instead of a single crochet strap, try slip stitching back across the chain, or line the inside of the strap with a strip of matching ribbon.
• Problem: The bottom of the bag has large, unsightly holes along the starting chain.
  Fix: Make sure you are crocheting into the back bumps of the starting chain during the first round, and pull your stitches snug.
• Problem: The flower petals look uneven or crowded.
  Fix: Ensure you pull the magic ring completely closed and space your slip stitches evenly around the center ring.

Care Instructions

To keep this little bag looking its best through all of your child's adventures, hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water using a clean towel—never wring or twist it. Lay it flat to dry completely before letting them play with it again.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the joy of gifting a handmade item to a child. This artsy little bag is not only a blast to crochet, but it also lets you play with color combinations and clear out your scrap basket. I hope the little girl in your life loves carrying her treasures in it as much as you enjoyed making it. Happy crocheting, my friends!