A533 Crochet Shopping Bag

A533 Crochet Shopping Bag

Do your groceries with style with this crocheted shopping bag! Easy to carry around and very usable.

How to Crochet a Shopping Bag

Create a reusable handmade shopping bag with this simple crochet project. The Crochet Shopping Bag is lightweight, practical and a great beginner crochet project for practising basic stitches and working in rounds.

Made from breathable cotton yarn, this bag features an open crochet design that expands to hold everyday essentials while remaining comfortable to carry.

Project: Crochet Shopping Bag

Pattern: A533

Craft type: Crochet

Difficulty: Easy

Finished size: Approximately 30cm wide

What You Will Need

Materials

  • Lincraft Cotton 8ply Yarn – 5 x 50g balls

Equipment

  • 4mm crochet hook
  • Wool needle for sewing in ends
  • Scissors
  • Stitch marker (optional)

Alternative Yarns

This shopping bag is designed using Cotton 8ply yarn. When selecting an alternative yarn, choose a similar 8ply weight with good strength and durability.

Natural fibres are ideal for reusable bags as they provide structure, breathability and a comfortable feel.

  • Cotton 8ply – durable, breathable and ideal for reusable shopping bags.
  • Cotton Blends – provide softness while maintaining strength.
  • Bamboo Blends – create a lightweight bag with a smooth drape.
  • Acrylic 8ply – easy-care and available in many colours, although it may stretch differently to cotton.
  • Recycled Fibre Yarns – a sustainable option for eco-conscious projects.
Helpful hint: For a stronger everyday shopping bag, choose a yarn with good stitch definition and avoid very stretchy fibres.

Measurements

  • Width: approximately 30cm

Tension

Tension is not important for this project. However, keeping your stitches consistent will help create an even shape and neat finish.

Crochet Abbreviations

  • ch: chain
  • dc: double crochet
  • tr: treble crochet
  • st: stitch
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • sp: space
Pattern note: This pattern is worked in UK crochet terminology and is constructed in rounds. A stitch marker can be useful for keeping track of the beginning of each round.

Construction Overview

The shopping bag is created in three main sections:

  1. Create the circular base.
  2. Work the open crochet body upwards.
  3. Add the top edge and handles.

Create the Bag Body

  1. Using a 4mm crochet hook, make 10 chain stitches and slip stitch into the first chain to create a ring.
  2. Round 1: Chain 1, then work 1 double crochet into each chain around. Slip stitch to join.
  3. Round 2: Chain 1, then work 1 double crochet in the same space as the slip stitch. Continue working double crochet stitches around and join.
  4. Round 3: Chain 4 (counts as treble crochet and chain space), then work the open stitch pattern around the base.
  5. Continue repeating the pattern rounds until the bag reaches the desired length.
Crochet tip: Keep the tension relaxed when working the open mesh sections. This will help the bag remain flexible and allow it to expand when filled.

Create the Top Edge

  1. Work the top edge rounds to create a firm finish around the opening.
  2. Continue following the stitch pattern around the bag.
  3. Repeat the top edge rounds as required.

Create the Handles

  1. Mark the handle positions evenly on opposite sides of the bag.
  2. Create chain sections for the handles.
  3. Skip stitches and attach the chain sections back into the bag using double crochet stitches.
  4. Continue working around the top edge to strengthen the handle joins.
Helpful hint: For stronger handles, keep your chains firm and consider reinforcing the handle attachment points with additional stitches.

Finishing

  1. Fasten off the yarn securely.
  2. Sew in all loose ends using a wool needle.
  3. Gently reshape the bag before use.

Customisation Ideas

  • Use multiple colours to create stripes.
  • Add a contrasting colour for the handles.
  • Make a smaller version for children.
  • Add a fabric lining for extra strength.
  • Decorate with crochet flowers or appliqué details.

Care

Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn. Cotton bags can usually be gently washed and reshaped while damp.

Allow the bag to dry completely before storing and avoid overfilling to help maintain its shape.

Get a copy of the instructions Download guide

Things you'll need