Crochet Coffin Bag: A Gothic Crossbody Purse in Single Crochet

Panels (make 2)

Worked flat in rows. Ch 1 at the start of each row doesn't count as a stitch.

1. Row 1: Ch 15. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. Turn. (14)
2. Even rows 2–16: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc to the last st, 2 sc in the last st. Turn. (+2 each)
3. Odd rows 3–17: Ch 1, sc across. Turn. After Row 17 you have (30)
4. Rows 18–21: Ch 1, sc across — the shoulders. (30)
5. Rows 22–27: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to the last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (18)
6. Rows 28–30: Ch 1, sc across. Fasten off. (18)

The head (18 stitches) is wider than the foot (14), which is what makes it read as a coffin rather than a hexagon.

Decorate the front

Before joining, add a design to one panel:

• Cross: surface slip stitch a vertical line of 14 rows and a horizontal line of 10 stitches at the shoulders.
• Moon: crochet a small circle (6 sc, then 12) in white and sew it on, then sew a black circle overlapping it.
• Bat: use the bat appliqué from the crochet bat pattern.

Assembly

1. Join: Hold the panels wrong sides together. Starting at a top corner, sc through both layers down one side, across the foot and up the other side, working 2 sc at each angled corner. Leave the head open.
2. Top edge: Sc evenly around the opening of each panel separately, then 1 round of sl st for a firm edge.
3. Strap: Ch about 160 (48 in / 122 cm), sl st in the back bump of each ch back along. Sew the ends inside the side seams.
4. Closure: Sew a magnetic snap inside the top edge, or add a lining first — see how to line a crochet bag.

Sizes

For each size, work 4 straight shoulder rows after the last increase, then decrease for 6 rows and finish with 3 straight rows.

Compare with the other crochet bag patterns, or make a trick-or-treat bag for the kids.

Common questions

How do you crochet a coffin shape?

Increase one stitch at each end every other row until the widest point, work a few straight rows, then decrease one stitch at each end every row. End wider at the top than at the bottom.

What yarn is best for a crochet coffin bag?

Worsted cotton or a cotton blend. It holds the angular shape and doesn't stretch out when the bag is full.

Do I need to line a crochet coffin bag?

No, but a lining stops small items from poking through the stitches and keeps the bag from stretching. A simple fabric pocket sewn in by hand is enough.

Cross, moon or bat on yours? 🦇