Crochet Hobo Bag: A Slouchy Shoulder Bag with One Integrated Strap
A roomy, slouchy bag worked in the round, with the strap growing straight out of the sides so there are no sewn-on handles to stretch. Half double crochet in the third loop gives a knit-look rib. About 8 hours.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) cotton blend, about 380 yd
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- About 8 hours
- Finished size
- Body about 13 × 11 in (33 × 28 cm); strap drop about 11 in
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) cotton blend — about 380 yd
- 5 mm (H-8) hook
- 4 stitch markers
- Magnetic snap (optional)
- Tapestry needle
In this post
A hobo bag is a slouchy, crescent-shaped shoulder bag with a single strap. In this pattern the strap grows straight out of the sides of the bag: you work the body in rounds, then crochet back and forth on the side stitches only, narrowing them into a strap and joining it to the other side. No sewn-on handles means nothing pulls loose. Half double crochet in the third loop gives the fabric a knit-like rib.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Base
- Row 1: Ch 31. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (30)
- Rows 2–8: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (30)
- Edge round: Sc around the base: 30 along each long side and 8 along each short side, with an extra sc at each corner. Join. (80)
Body
- Rnd 1: Ch 2, hdc in each st. Join. (80)
- Rnd 2: Ch 2, (9 hdc, 2 hdc in the next) around. Join. (88)
- Rnds 3–28: Ch 2, hdc in the third loop (the horizontal bar behind the back loop) of each st. Join. (88)
- Mark: Fold the bag flat. Mark 12 stitches at each side fold; the front and back each have 32 stitches between them.
Strap
- Row 1: Join yarn at the first of the 12 side stitches. Ch 2, hdc in each of the 12. Turn. (12)
- Rows 2–4: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc to the last 2, hdc2tog. Turn. (6)
- Rows 5 onwards: Ch 2, hdc across for about 26 in (or the drop you like). (6)
- Join: Sew the end of the strap across the 12 stitches at the other side, spreading it a little with 2 stitches into each strap stitch.
- Edge: Sc around the whole top opening and both edges of the strap, then sl st around for a firm finish.
Tips
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Strap stretches | Sc along both strap edges twice, or sew a cotton webbing strip inside it |
| Bag too floppy | Use a cotton-linen blend or go down a hook size |
| Want a closure | Sew a magnetic snap to the centre front and back |
Prefer two handles? Try the crochet tote bag, or the smaller crochet shoulder bag. To stop the strap stretching, see the bag strap guide.
Common questions
What makes a bag a hobo bag?
A slouchy, crescent shape with a single shoulder strap. The top dips in the middle when you wear it.
What is third loop half double crochet?
Every hdc has a third horizontal bar behind the back loop. Working only into that bar pushes the top loops forward and makes a ribbed, knit-like texture.
How much yarn does a crochet hobo bag need?
About 380 yards of worsted cotton blend for this size, including the strap.
Would you line yours or leave it slouchy? 👝
Did you make this?
Tap a star to rate this pattern — it helps other makers find it.
Be the first to rate it!
YarnBloom
Crochet patterns & tutorials
YarnBloom shares cozy, beginner-friendly crochet patterns written in clear US terms, with a stitch count on every round and tips for the tricky bits. Grab your hook — let’s make something lovely.
Leave a comment