One Skein Boho Bag

Create a gorgeous, macrame-inspired accessory with this free crochet bag pattern, designed to use just a single skein of bulky cotton-blend yarn.

Have you ever bought a beautiful skein of yarn with grand plans, only to watch it sit on your shelf for months? I certainly have. This lovely cotton-blend T-shirt yarn was originally destined to become a cozy floor pouf, but life got in the way, and that project never quite materialized.

When spring finally rolled around, I found myself craving smaller, more portable projects. I wanted something I could easily work on while sitting in the garden, watching the kids play, without feeling weighed down by a massive blanket. But finding a quick project that actually looks modern and stylish can be surprisingly tough.

That is when inspiration struck.

I noticed how popular macrame bags were becoming, with their gorgeous stitch definition and bohemian flair. I realized my forgotten skein of bulky yarn was the absolute perfect match for that exact aesthetic.

So, I sat down and designed this beautiful boho bag. It is worked as a seamless tube from the bottom up, meaning you do not have to worry about unsightly seams ruining your hard work. Best of all, it requires just one single skein of yarn, making it an incredibly budget-friendly project.

Now, I have a confession to make.

When I first finished this bag, I did not add a fabric lining because I did not have any matching fabric on hand. Learn from my impatience! I highly recommend taking the extra step to line your bag. It keeps your keys from slipping through the lovely open stitches and prevents the bottom from stretching out when you carry heavier items. I have included full lining instructions below to make it easy for you.

If you sell your work at craft markets, this pattern is a total game-changer. It works up so quickly that you can easily build up your inventory without spending days on a single item. It is a fantastic companion piece if you are already making a Lola Crossbody Bag or a classic Granny Square Bag Pattern for your shop.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• One-Skein Wonder: You only need a single skein of Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn to complete the entire bag.
• Seamless Construction: Working in continuous rounds means no messy seams to sew or hide.
• Stunning Texture: The combination of extended single crochet and triple crochet stitches creates a beautiful macrame-style look.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec (Bulky Weight #5; 72% Cotton, 28% Nylon) in color Clay (or your favorite shade).
• Hook: Size J (6.0 mm) for the main bag body, and Size K (6.5 mm) for crafting the strap.
• Notions: One wooden toggle button, a large-eye tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, and less than 1/2 yard of matching lining fabric.
• Yardage: Approximately 317 yards (one skein).

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but stitches should be firm enough to hold shape.
• Sizes included: One size.
• Finished measurements: 10 inches wide by 10-1/2 inches tall (excluding the bottom fringe).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• sc (single crochet): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• Rsc (reverse single crochet): Worked exactly like a standard single crochet, but you insert your hook into the stitch to the right (the previous stitch) instead of the left.
• esc (extended single crochet): Insert hook into the designated stitch and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through the first loop on your hook. Yarn over again, and pull through the remaining two loops.
• tr (triple crochet): Yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up a loop. (Yarn over, pull through two loops) three times.
• sc2tog (single crochet decrease): Insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through all three loops on your hook.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms. If you are more familiar with British terminology, you can refer to our handy US to UK Crochet Chart.
• The item is worked in the round as a seamless tube, then seamed shut at the bottom.
• Tension Tip: Keep your stitches relatively firm, especially on the first few rounds, to prevent any unwanted gaps at the base.
• Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the height of the bag by adding or subtracting rounds of the extended single crochet sections.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Foundation and Base Rounds

With your J (6.0 mm) hook, chain 74. Join with a slip stitch to the very first chain to form a large ring, making sure the chain is not twisted. If you ever struggle with twisting chains, check out our guide on How to Adjust Your Foundation Chain Without Unraveling your First Row in Crochet.

Round 1: Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc into the next chain and into every chain around. Do not turn your work and do not join with a slip stitch. (74 sc)

Round 2: Work 1 sc directly into the first sc of the previous round. Make sure to pull this stitch tight to prevent a gap. Place a stitch marker in this stitch to mark the start of your round. Work 1 sc in each stitch around until you reach the stitch right before your marker. Slip stitch into the marked stitch. Do not turn. (74 sc)

The Mesh Body

Round 3: Chain 3 (this counts as your first esc plus a chain-1 space). *Skip the next stitch, work 1 esc in the following stitch, chain 1. Repeat from * all the way around until only one stitch remains. Do not turn and do not join. (37 esc + 37 chain spaces)

Round 4: Work 1 esc directly into the top of the starting chain-2 from Round 3. Place your stitch marker in this new esc. Chain 1. *(Work 1 esc in the next esc, chain 1). Repeat from * all the way to the end of the round. Do not turn and do not join. (37 esc + 37 chain spaces)

Round 5: Work 1 esc in the next marked stitch, then move your marker up into the stitch you just made. Chain 1. *(Work 1 esc in the next esc, chain 1). Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not turn and do not join. (37 esc + 37 chain spaces)

Round 6: Work 1 sc in the next marked stitch, moving your marker up. Work 1 sc in each stitch and chain space across until you reach the marked stitch. Slip stitch to the marked stitch. Do not turn. (74 sc)

Creating the Textured Ridges and Shells

Round 7: Chain 2. Work 1 Rsc in the front loop only of the stitch to your right (the previous stitch). Work 1 Rsc in the front loop only of each stitch across to the end. Slip stitch to the beginning chain-1. Do not turn.

Round 8: This round is worked into the unworked back loops left behind the ridge created by your Rsc round. Chain 1. Work 1 sc in each free loop across to the very last loop. Work 2 sc in that final loop. Slip stitch to the first sc of the round. (75 sc - we added one stitch here because the next round requires a multiple of 5).

Round 9: Chain 5 (this counts as 1 tr plus a chain-1 space). Work (1 tr, chain 1, 1 tr) into that very same starting stitch. *Skip the next 4 stitches. In the next stitch, work a shell of (1 tr, chain 1, 1 tr, chain 1, 1 tr). Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain-4. Do not turn. (15 shell repeats)

Round 10: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in each chain space and stitch across to the end. Slip stitch to the first sc. (75 sc)

Round 11: Repeat Round 7 to create your second textured ridge.

Round 12: This round is worked in the unworked loops behind the Rsc ridge. Chain 1. Work 1 sc in each free loop across until 2 loops remain. Work a sc2tog over these last 2 loops. Slip stitch to the first sc. (74 sc)

Upper Body and Finishing Rounds

Rounds 13-15: Repeat Rounds 3, 4, and 5 to add three more rows of the extended single crochet mesh.

Rounds 16-21: Repeat Round 5 six more times to build up the height of the mesh.

Round 22: Work 1 sc in the next marked stitch, move your marker up, and work 1 sc in each stitch around to the end of the round. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. (74 sc)

Rounds 23-27: Repeat Round 22 five more times to create a solid top border.

Round 28 (Button Loop): Work 1 sc in the next marked stitch, move your marker up, and work 1 sc in each stitch across until you reach the center back of your bag. Chain 30 to create your button loop. Single crochet into the very next stitch, then work 1 sc in each remaining stitch around. Slip stitch to the marked stitch. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

Crafting the Strap

If you have a leather strap or a handle from an old bag, feel free to use it! Otherwise, let's make a sturdy braided strap.

Cut three separate strands of yarn, each measuring 6-1/4 yards (225 inches) long. Using your larger K (6.5 mm) hook and holding all three strands together, leave a 6-inch tail and begin chaining. Continue chaining until you have about 6 inches of yarn left. Fasten off. The finished strap will measure approximately 38-1/2 inches, but keep in mind it will stretch with use.

Using the yarn tails, sew the strap securely to the inside sides of the bag. Insert at least 2 inches of the strap inside the bag before sewing to ensure it is sturdy.

Sewing the Fabric Lining

Fold your lining fabric in half. Place your completed crochet bag on top of the fabric and trace around its shape. Make the top 2 inches of your tracing slightly wider than the bag to ensure a comfortable fit once sewn. Cut out the two fabric rectangles.

Place the two fabric pieces right sides together. Sew down the sides and across the bottom using a 3/8-inch seam allowance. Turn the fabric pocket inside out, then fold down the top raw edge by 3/4 of an inch. Press with an iron if needed.

Seaming the Base and Adding Fringe

Turn your bag inside out. Join your yarn at the bottom corner and seam the base completely shut by working a row of single crochet stitches through both layers. Fasten off.

To make the fringe, wrap your yarn gently around a standard magazine 74 times. Cut along one end to create equal strands. Hold 2 strands together and fold them in half. Insert your crochet hook through a stitch at the bottom seam of your bag, grab the folded loop of the strands, and pull it through. Pull the loose tails through the loop and tug gently to tighten the knot. Attach a fringe bundle to every alternate stitch along the bottom seam. (For a thicker look, cut more strands and add fringe to every single stitch).

Final Assembly

Insert your prepared fabric lining inside the crochet bag. Using a needle and matching sewing thread, secure the top of the lining to the inside top border of the bag using a clean whip stitch. Sew your wooden toggle button onto the front of the bag, aligning it perfectly with the chain-30 loop on the back. Weave in any remaining yarn tails.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Adjust the Size: If you want a larger tote, simply increase your starting chain. Just make sure your initial chain is an even number so the mesh stitch pattern aligns perfectly.
• Go Strap-Free: Skip the long strap entirely and attach two short wooden rings to the top border to transform this into a chic summer clutch.
• Add Some Color: Create a beautiful color-blocked effect by changing colors for the middle shell section. You can learn how to transition seamlessly with our guide on the Seamless Color Change Technique.
• Play with the Fringe: Instead of standard fringe, try adding wooden beads to the ends of the yarn strands before knotting them for an extra bohemian touch.
• Summer Set: Pair this bag with a matching Sunsational Sun Hat for the ultimate beach-ready look.
• Colour ideas: Soft neutrals like cream, sage green, or terracotta look absolutely stunning with this macrame style.
• Yarn substitutions: Any bulky weight (#5) cotton or cotton-blend yarn will work beautifully. Look for tube yarns or T-shirt yarns to maintain that crisp stitch definition.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My bag is twisting or looks warped at the bottom.
  Fix: This usually happens if your initial chain was twisted when you joined it. Make sure to lay your chain completely flat on a table before joining the ends.
• Problem: The bottom seam is pulling or looks puckered.
  Fix: When seaming the bottom shut with single crochet, make sure your tension is relaxed. If it is too tight, it will pinch the corners of the bag.
• Problem: My keys and lip balm keep falling out of the bag.
  Fix: The open mesh stitches are beautiful but breezy! Sewing in a simple fabric lining is the best way to keep your small items safe and secure.
• Problem: The strap is stretching out too much when I put things in the bag.
  Fix: Crochet straps naturally stretch. To prevent this, you can sew a strip of matching ribbon or fabric to the underside of the strap to stabilize it.

Care Instructions

To keep your boho bag looking its best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cool water with a mild detergent. Lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying, as this can cause the fringe to tangle and frizz.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of turning a single, forgotten skein of yarn into a gorgeous, functional accessory. This boho bag is the perfect weekend project to welcome the warmer weather. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I did! Happy crocheting, my friends!