Waffle Sling Bag Pattern

Create a gorgeous, structured crochet purse that keeps its shape using super bulky t-shirt yarn and a clever plastic canvas reinforcement technique.

Have you ever spent hours crocheting a beautiful bag, only to watch it stretch and sag the second you put your keys and phone inside? It is incredibly frustrating. I have been there more times than I care to admit, watching my lovely stitches drag on the floor.

Traditional crochet fabric is naturally stretchy. While that elasticity is wonderful for cozy blankets and sweaters, it is the ultimate enemy of a functional purse. Without proper support, even the tightest stitches will succumb to gravity.

That is why I designed this textured sling bag with a secret weapon: plastic canvas reinforcement. By lining the interior with lightweight plastic mesh, we can give the bag a permanent, crisp structure. It will never sag, no matter how much you pack inside.

To make this project even sturdier, I chose a thick, tubular t-shirt yarn. When I first spotted Lion Brand Cover Story Lazy Days yarn at my local craft store, I knew it was the answer to my bag-making prayers. This super bulky yarn works up incredibly fast and provides a wonderfully dense fabric.

For the main body, we are using a beautiful double waffle stitch pattern. This stitch creates a rich, quilted texture that looks highly professional. It is the perfect blend of modern style and classic crochet technique.

Whether you want to expand your skills or just need a stylish new accessory, this project is a joy to make. Let's grab our hooks and dive into the details!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Maintains Its Shape: Thanks to the hidden plastic canvas lining, your bag will stay structured and beautiful for years.
• Stunning Quilted Texture: The double waffle stitch creates a thick, luxurious fabric that looks like a high-end boutique find.
• Quick to Crochet: Using super bulky weight yarn means you can finish the main body in just a single weekend.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Lion Brand Cover Story Lazy Days (Size 6 Super Bulky weight t-shirt yarn, shown in Cream or Sandstone).
• Hook: Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge).
• Notions: 47.2-inch golden chain strap (or a handmade crochet strap), one pair of sew-on magnetic snaps, 1/4 yard of 100% cotton or cotton-blend lining fabric, plastic canvas sheets, matching sewing thread, sewing needle, metal tapestry needle, and an optional gold embellishment for the front flap.
• Yardage: Approximately 1 skein of Lazy Days yarn (or equivalent super bulky t-shirt yarn).

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 9.5 single crochet (sc) stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches.
• Sizes included: One size.
• Finished measurements: 9 inches wide by 9 inches tall.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• sc: Single crochet
• dc: Double crochet
• fpdc: Front post double crochet. Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, and complete your double crochet as usual. For a detailed guide on post stitches, check out our Crochet Post Stitch Guide.
• spsc: Spike single crochet. Work a standard single crochet, but instead of inserting your hook into the current row, insert it into the stitch directly below in the previous row. Pull the loop up to the height of your current row, yarn over, and pull through both loops.
• dc2tog: Double crochet two together (decrease).
• sc2tog: Single crochet two together (decrease).
• sl st: Slip stitch

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Intermediate.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat in three separate pieces (one main body rectangle and two side panels) and then seamed together.
• Tension Tip: Keep your tension consistent, especially on the post stitches, to ensure the waffle pattern lies flat and even.
• Customization Tip: You can easily swap the metal chain for a custom strap. If you prefer a softer look, try making a strap using the techniques in our Rectangle Hobo Bag Pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crocheting the Main Body Panel

Row 1: Chain 27. Work 1 dc in the 4th chain from your hook (the turning chain counts as your first dc). Work 1 dc in each remaining chain across to the end. Turn. (25 dc)

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here and throughout). Work 1 dc in the very first stitch. Work 1 fpdc around each of the next 3 stitches. *Work 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 1 fpdc around each of the next 3 stitches. Repeat from * across until only the turning chain remains. Work 1 dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn. (25 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1. Work 1 dc in the first stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches. *Work 1 fpdc around each of the next 2 stitches, then 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches. Repeat from * across until 1 stitch remains. Work 1 dc in the last stitch. Turn. (25 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1. Work 1 dc in the first stitch. Work 1 fpdc around each of the next 3 stitches. *Work 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 1 fpdc around each of the next 3 stitches. Repeat from * across until 1 stitch remains. Work 1 dc in the last stitch. Turn. (25 sts)

Row 5 to 22: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 alternately until your textured panel measures 12-1/4 inches long (completing 22 rows total).

Shaping the Flap Transition

Row 23: Ch 1. Work 1 dc in the first stitch. Work a dc2tog decrease over the next 2 stitches. Work 1 dc in the next stitch, then 1 fpdc around each of the next 2 stitches. *Work 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 1 fpdc around each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * across until 4 stitches remain. Work 1 dc in the next stitch, work a dc2tog decrease over the next 2 stitches, and work 1 dc in the final stitch. Turn. (23 sts)

Crocheting the Smooth Flap

Row 24: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the first stitch, then 1 sc in the next stitch. *Work a sc2tog decrease over the next 2 stitches, then 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * across until 1 stitch remains. Work 1 sc in the last stitch. Turn. (18 sc)

Row 25: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch across to the end. Turn. (18 sc)

Row 26 to 35: Repeat Row 25 ten more times. You will have 12 single crochet rows in total. This smooth section should measure 4-3/4 inches tall from the start of the single crochet rows. Do not turn your work after the final row.

Adding the Border

Working on the same side as your last row, chain 1 at the corner. Work 1 sc in the corner stitch. Evenly distribute single crochet stitches down the left edge of the entire rectangle. When you reach the bottom corner, work 3 sc in the corner.

Continue along the starting chain edge by working 1 sc into each free loop of the foundation chain. Work 3 sc in the next corner.

Work single crochet stitches evenly up the right edge of the rectangle. When you reach the final corner, chain 1, then work slip stitches across the stitches of the very last row. Fasten off at the corner.

Take a moment to inspect your border. The first 6 to 7 inches of the textured section must have perfectly straight edges, as this forms the front flap. If it looks wavy, undo the border and adjust your stitch spacing.

Weave in your loose ends on the wrong side of the fabric. If you use a needle, a plastic tapestry needle is best to avoid snagging the t-shirt yarn. For more tips on hiding yarn tails, see our guide on Weaving Crochet Tails.

Adding Structure and Lining

Cut two pieces of plastic canvas. The larger piece should be 4 inches wide by 8 inches long. The smaller piece should be 3-1/2 inches wide by 7-1/2 inches long.

Place the larger canvas piece on the textured section and the smaller piece on the smooth single crochet section. Leave a 1/2-inch gap from the side edges and a 7/8-inch gap from the top and bottom edges. There should be 8 rows of open squares in the middle of the canvas layout to allow the bag to fold.

Trim the corners of the smaller canvas piece at a slant to match the tapered shape of the single crochet flap.

Using a sewing needle and matching thread, tack the plastic canvas to the crochet fabric at 5 points to secure it.

Lay your crochet piece onto your lining fabric and trace around it loosely. Cut out the lining. Fold the long edges inward by 1/4 inch and the short edges by 1/2 inch. Iron the folds flat.

Pin the lining over the plastic canvas, folded side down. The canvas should be completely hidden, but the crochet border stitches must remain exposed. Whip-stitch the lining to the bag using your sewing needle and thread.

Sew the thin side of your magnetic snaps to the corners of the lined flap area. Sew through all layers, but ensure your stitches do not show through the front post stitches on the outside.

Crocheting the Side Panels (Make 2)

Row 1: Chain 6. Work 1 sc in the 2nd chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. (5 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each of the 5 stitches across. Turn. (5 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1. Work 1 spike single crochet (spsc) into the stitches one row below the current row for all 5 stitches. Turn. (5 spsc)

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 alternately until the side panel measures 4-3/4 inches tall (matching the height of the smooth single crochet flap section). Fasten off. The finished piece should measure 2-1/4 inches wide at the bottom and 2-1/2 inches wide at the top.

Weave in the ends on the wrong side. I prefer using the spike stitch side as the exterior face.

Assembling the Bag

Position the side panels so the narrower foundation edge is at the top. Curve the main body of the bag around the side panel.

Join the pieces together by working a row of single crochet through both layers. Work over your starting yarn tail to secure it as you go. Fasten off and weave in the remaining tails inside the bag. Repeat for the second side panel, then push the sides inward slightly to shape the bag.

Attaching the Strap and Hardware

If using a chain strap, cut a length of yarn three times longer than the strap. Thread it onto a metal tapestry needle, leaving a 6-inch tail.

Weave the yarn in and out of the chain links. Leave a 1-1/2 inch tail at the end and trim. Fold the tail over, tuck the raw edge in, and sew it securely to the woven yarn using sewing thread. Repeat on the other end.

Clip your chain strap to the sides of the bag.

Fold the flap down to locate the exact placement for the remaining halves of the magnetic snaps on the front of the bag. Sew them in place securely. Add any optional gold embellishments to the front flap to finish your gorgeous new bag!

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Handmade Crochet Strap: If you prefer a soft, casual look over a metal chain, crochet a sturdy strap using a simple cord technique. You can find excellent strap ideas in our Spring Fling Bag pattern.
• Boho Tassel Accent: Add a long, luxurious yarn tassel or fringe to the bottom corners of the front flap for a bohemian vibe.
• Contrast Color Flap: Use two different colors of yarn. Work the main textured body in a dark neutral and switch to a bright, contrasting shade for the smooth flap and side panels. Learn more about clean transitions in our guide on Seamless Crochet Color Changes.
• Elegant Fabric Lining: Swap the plain cotton lining for a bold floral print or a sleek satin fabric to give the interior of your bag a pop of personality.
• Statement Button Closure: Instead of hidden magnetic snaps, sew a large vintage wooden or coconut button to the front and create a simple chain loop on the flap.
• Colour ideas: Classic Cream, Sandstone, Sage Green, or Charcoal Grey look incredibly chic and mimic high-end designer leather bags.
• Yarn substitutions: Any super bulky (Size 6) t-shirt yarn, tubular cotton yarn, or thick cord yarn will work beautifully to maintain the bag's structure.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The front flap is curving or looks uneven.
  Fix: This usually happens if the single crochet border is worked too tightly or loosely. Unravel the border and adjust your stitch count along the edges, ensuring the stitches are evenly spaced.
• Problem: The plastic canvas is poking through the stitches or lining.
  Fix: Make sure you trim the canvas so it is at least 1/2 inch smaller than the crochet fabric on all sides. Smooth down any sharp plastic corners with scissors before sewing.
• Problem: The waffle stitch pattern looks flat or lacks definition.
  Fix: Ensure you are working your front post double crochet (fpdc) stitches completely around the post of the stitch from the row below, rather than into the top loops. Keeping a slightly looser tension on post stitches also helps them pop.
• Problem: The bag sides are bulging outward instead of tucking in.
  Fix: Gently steam-block the side panels before assembly. Once sewn, use your fingers to crease the side panels inward; the t-shirt yarn will quickly take on this memory shape.

Care Instructions

Because this bag contains plastic canvas, a fabric lining, and metal hardware, do not throw it in the washing machine. Spot clean any spills immediately with a damp cloth and mild soap. If the bag loses its shape over time, gently steam it (avoiding direct contact with the plastic canvas inside) and reshape it by hand.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed making this structured sling bag! There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a handmade accessory that looks and functions just like a store-bought piece. If you loved this project, you might also enjoy crafting a classic Luxe Crochet Handbag for your next creative adventure. Happy crocheting!