This is a structured crossbody bag made with t-shirt yarn and a gorgeous braided stitch pattern. You need basic crochet skills, a large hook, and about 200 grams of chunky t-shirt yarn. The whole bag works up in an evening or two.
I love how this design looks like an expensive boutique find but costs a fraction of the price to make yourself. The braided texture creates visual interest without complicated stitch work. If you can double crochet and work in rows, you can absolutely make this bag.
Why This Boho Braided Bag Pattern Works So Well
The braided stitch pattern on this bag creates that woven, textured look you see on designer handbags. It looks intricate but relies on a simple technique of working post stitches in an alternating pattern. The t-shirt yarn does most of the heavy lifting here. Its weight and stretch help the stitches puff up and create that satisfying dimensional braid.
This crochet bag pattern produces a sturdy, structured piece that holds its shape beautifully. The thick yarn creates a dense fabric that protects your belongings inside. No lining required, though you can certainly add one if you prefer.
The finished bag measures approximately 7 inches wide, 6 inches tall, and 3 inches deep at the base. It holds your phone, wallet, keys, lipstick, and small essentials perfectly. The crossbody chain strap keeps your hands available while the short handle lets you grab it quickly.
Materials You Will Need
Before you start this crochet tutorial, gather these supplies:
Yarn:
Hook:
Hardware:
Tools:
Optional:
Stitch Abbreviations and Definitions
Let me explain every stitch you need for this step by step crochet pattern:
Ch = Chain. Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. This creates your foundation.
Sl st = Slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch AND loop on hook in one motion. Used for joining and invisible movement.
Sc = Single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops. Creates a short, tight stitch.
Dc = Double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops. Creates a taller stitch.
FPdc = Front post double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the POST (vertical part) of the stitch below, complete as regular dc. This pushes the stitch toward you.
BPdc = Back post double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around the POST of the stitch below, complete as regular dc. This pushes the stitch away from you.
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Rep = Repeat
Gauge Information
With 9mm hook and t-shirt yarn:
8 stitches and 6 rows = 4 inches in double crochet
Gauge matters for bags because it affects final size and structure. If your bag comes out too floppy, go down a hook size. If your stitches are too tight and the fabric feels stiff, go up a hook size.
Skill Level
This crochet bag pattern is intermediate beginner friendly. If you understand double crochet and feel comfortable trying post stitches, you can make this bag. Post stitches sound intimidating but they simply mean you work around the vertical bar of a stitch instead of into the top loops.
I will walk you through every row. Take your time with the first braided row and the rest will click.
Step by Step Crochet Pattern Instructions
The Bag Base
The base creates the rectangular bottom of your bag.
Row 1: Ch 13. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (12 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (12 sc)
Rows 3 through 8: Repeat Row 2. (12 sc)
You now have a rectangle approximately 6 inches by 3 inches. This forms the bottom of your bag.
Building the Bag Body (Working in Rounds)
Now you will work around the entire edge of your base to build the walls upward. This is where it gets exciting.
Round 1 (Foundation Round):
Ch 1, do not turn. Working around all edges of the rectangle:
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round. Move it up each round.
Round 2 (Transition Round):
Ch 2 (counts as first dc here and throughout). Dc in each st around. Sl st to top of ch 2 to join. (40 dc)
The Braided Stitch Pattern
Here is where the magic happens. The braided effect comes from alternating front and back post stitches in a specific pattern. Do not worry if it feels awkward at first. By Round 4, your hands will know what to do.
Round 3 (First Braided Round):
Ch 2. *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st.* Rep from * to * around. Sl st to top of ch 2 to join. (40 sts)
Round 4:
Ch 2. *BPdc around the FPdc from previous round, FPdc around the BPdc from previous round.* Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join. (40 sts)
Notice you are doing the OPPOSITE of what you did before over each stitch. This crossing creates the braided look.
Round 5: Repeat Round 3.
Round 6: Repeat Round 4.
Round 7: Repeat Round 3.
Round 8: Repeat Round 4.
Round 9: Repeat Round 3.
Round 10: Repeat Round 4.
You should now have approximately 4 inches of braided body. The texture should show beautiful diagonal ridges crossing each other.
Top Edge and Hardware Placement
Round 11:
Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to join. (40 sc)
Round 12:
Ch 1. Sc in each st around. At each side corner (stitches 10 and 30 approximately), ch 3 instead of working into that stitch to create small openings for your D-rings or hardware attachment. Sl st to join. (40 sts including chains)
Fasten off. Weave in your end.
The Flap
The flap covers the front of the bag and holds your push lock clasp.
Row 1: Attach yarn to the back center of the bag opening. Ch 1, sc 12 across the back edge only. (12 sc)
Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each st across. (12 dc)
Row 3: Ch 2, turn. *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st.* Rep across. (12 sts)
Row 4: Ch 2, turn. *BPdc around the FPdc, FPdc around the BPdc.* Rep across. (12 sts)
Row 5: Repeat Row 3.
Row 6: Repeat Row 4.
Row 7: Ch 2, turn. Dc2tog, dc across to last 2 sts, dc2tog. (10 sts)
This creates a slight taper so the flap curves nicely over the front.
Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (10 sc)
Border Round:
Ch 1, do not turn. Sc evenly around the entire flap edge, working 3 sc in each corner to keep it flat. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
The Handle
The top handle is a simple crocheted strap.
Row 1: Ch 25. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (24 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (24 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (24 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
The Tassel
The tassel adds that perfect boho finishing touch.
1. Cut 20 strands of t-shirt yarn, each approximately 8 inches long.
2. Fold all strands in half.
3. Cut a separate small piece. Thread it through the folded loops and tie tightly to create the tassel head.
4. Cut another piece and wrap it around the tassel about 1 inch below the top, wrapping several times. Tie off and tuck the ends inside.
5. Trim the bottom ends evenly.
Assembly Instructions
Attaching the Handle:
Position each end of the handle on the top side edges of the bag (where your D-ring openings are). Use your tapestry needle and leftover yarn to whip stitch securely. Go over each connection point multiple times for strength.
Installing the Push Lock:
Mark the center front of your bag body and the center of your flap. Follow your push lock hardware instructions to install both pieces. Most require small holes and prongs that fold inward.
Adding D-rings and Strap:
Thread D-rings through the chain openings or attach swivel clasps directly. Connect your chain strap to both sides.
Attaching the Tassel:
Thread the tassel tie through your push lock clasp or create a small jump ring attachment below the clasp.
Customization Ideas for Your Crochet Bag
This beginner friendly pattern adapts beautifully to different looks:
Color Options: Olive green, dusty rose, cream, black, and terracotta all look stunning in this design. Two-tone versions with a contrasting flap create visual interest.
Size Adjustments: For a larger bag, start with 16 chain stitches and adjust your round counts proportionally. For a clutch without straps, simply skip the hardware and add a wrist loop.
Alternative Closures: Magnetic snaps are easier to install than push locks. A simple button and loop closure works for a more casual look.
Lining: Cut fabric pieces matching your base and body, sew them together, and hand stitch the lining inside for a polished interior.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My braided stitches look flat, not dimensional.
You might be working too tightly. Loosen your tension and let the post stitches pop forward and backward. T-shirt yarn needs room to breathe.
The bag is too floppy.
Go down one hook size and try again. You can also insert a plastic canvas base cut to size for extra structure.
My sides are uneven.
Count your stitches at the end of every round. It is easy to accidentally skip a stitch when working post stitches. Stitch markers help tremendously.
I cannot find the post of my stitches.
Look at your work from the side. See those vertical bars below the V-shaped tops? Those are the posts. You insert your hook around them, not through them.
Care Instructions
T-shirt yarn bags are wonderfully durable. Spot clean with a damp cloth for small marks. For deeper cleaning, hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, reshape, and lay flat to dry. Avoid machine washing as it can stretch the yarn and loosen your stitches.
Store your bag stuffed with tissue paper to maintain its shape when not in use.
Final Thoughts on This Boho Braided Bag Crochet Pattern
This sage green boho braided bag combines style, function, and handmade charm into one satisfying project. The braided stitch pattern creates designer-level texture while remaining accessible to crafters ready to try something beyond basic stitches.
I hope you enjoy making this bag as much as I enjoyed designing it. The finished piece makes a wonderful gift for friends who appreciate handmade accessories, or keep it for yourself because you absolutely deserve a beautiful new bag.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. If you make one, I would genuinely love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in my Facebook group. Seeing your creations brings me so much joy.
If this boho braided bag pattern inspired you, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it whenever you are ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you give it a try. I read every single one and love hearing how your projects turn out.
