Crochet Mini Bag: A Tiny Shoulder Bag You’ll Actually Use

The pattern

Body (worked in one piece from the base up)

1. Foundation: Ch 23.
2. Rnd 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 20 ch, 3 sc in the last ch. Now work back along the other side of the chain: sc in the next 20, 2 sc in the last. Join into a round and mark the first stitch. (46)
3. Rnd 2 (BLO): Sc in the back loop of each st around — this turns the base up sharply. (46)
4. Rnds 3–22: Sc in each st around. (46)

That gives a bag about 5 in deep. Try your phone in it and add rounds if you'd like it taller.

Flap

The flap is worked flat across the back half only.

1. Row 1: Sc in the next 21 sts. Ch 1, turn. (21)
2. Rows 2–10: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (21)
3. Row 11: Dec, sc 17, dec. Ch 1, turn. (19)
4. Row 12: Dec, sc 15, dec. (17)
5. Edging: Sc evenly around the three open sides of the flap, 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off.

Strap

1. Row 1: Ch 5, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. (4)
2. Rows 2 onward: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loops only across. (4)
3. Length: 42 in (107 cm) for crossbody, or 24 in (61 cm) for over one shoulder.

Back loops only makes a ribbed strap that won't stretch out of shape.

Finishing

1. Step 1: Pin the strap ends inside the bag at each side seam, overlapping 1½ in.
2. Step 2: Sew each end with a square of stitches plus a cross through the middle.
3. Step 3: Add the magnetic snap: one half centred under the flap point, the other on the bag front where it meets.
4. Step 4: No snap? Sew a button to the front and use a ch-8 loop on the flap.

Make it your own

• Lining: a rectangle of cotton fabric hand-stitched inside stops small items slipping through.
• Granny square version: four squares from our granny tote, scaled down.
• Add a charm: a mini bow on the flap.
• Even smaller: ch 17 for a card-and-keys pouch.

Common questions

Why does my bag flop?

The hook is too big for the yarn. A 3.5 mm with worsted cotton gives a firm fabric; 5 mm gives a floppy one. Lining adds structure too.

Will it fit a large phone?

Yes — the 46-stitch round gives about 7 in across, which takes the biggest phones. Measure yours and add 2 stitches per extra ½ in.

How much yarn does a mini bag use?

About 140 yd of worsted cotton, including a crossbody strap — a little under three 50 g balls.

Can I use acrylic?

You can, but cotton keeps its shape far better under the weight of a phone. If you use acrylic, line the bag.

Which colour are you making first? 👜