Pastel Petal Crossbody Bag: Free Crochet Pattern
Pastel Petal Crossbody Bag: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This sweet little crossbody bag is perfect for anyone who wants a wearable, practical project that still feels playful and pretty. The alternating cotton candy pink and baby blue stripes give it a soft, summery look, while the waffle-stitch texture adds a raised, grid-like surface that feels satisfying to touch and surprisingly easy to work. A simple blue leaf appliqué sits centered on the flap, adding a gentle botanical touch without any complicated shaping. It is a wonderful first bag project for beginners who are comfortable with single and double crochet, and it makes a lovely gift or a cheerful everyday accessory.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) recycled cotton, approximately 200 yds total: 100 yds cotton candy pink (A) and 100 yds baby blue (B).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional, for marking the beginning of rounds).
- Finished size: Bag body 8 inches wide x 10 inches tall (20 cm x 25 cm), excluding flap. Flap 8 inches wide x 4 inches tall (20 cm x 10 cm). Strap 44 inches long (112 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sc2tog: single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
- RS: right side (the outside of the bag)
- rep: repeat
Gauge
16 sts x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in waffle stitch pattern. To check your gauge, work a small swatch in the waffle stitch pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your skipped stitches loose. The waffle texture relies on skipping stitches, so avoid pulling those skipped stitches too tight or the fabric will pucker.
- Count your stitches at the end of each round. The bag body stays at 64 stitches throughout; a quick count every few rounds saves time later.
- Change colors at the end of the round. Finish the last stitch of the round with the new color to keep the stripes clean and even.
- Work the strap evenly. Measure the strap as you go rather than counting rows, since tension can vary along a long narrow piece.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bag Body (worked in rounds)
With A, ch 33.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, then sc in each ch on opposite side of foundation ch (64 sc). Join with sl st to first sc.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around (64 sc). Join.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [dc, sc] in first st, *skip next st, [dc, sc] in next st; rep from * around, join with sl st to first dc (32 dc, 32 sc).
Rnd 4: Ch 1, [sc, dc] in first st, *skip next st, [sc, dc] in next st; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc (32 sc, 32 dc).
Rnds 5-6: Rep Rnds 3-4 once more.
Change to B.
Rnds 7-10: Rep Rnds 3-4 twice.
Change to A.
Rnds 11-14: Rep Rnds 3-4 twice.
Change to B.
Rnds 15-18: Rep Rnds 3-4 twice.
Change to A.
Rnds 19-22: Rep Rnds 3-4 twice.
Change to B.
Rnds 23-26: Rep Rnds 3-4 twice.
Change to A.
Rnds 27-30: Rep Rnds 3-4 twice.
Fasten off. Bag body measures approx. 8" wide x 10" tall.
Flap (worked flat)
With A, ch 33.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (32 sc). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across (32 sc). Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, [dc, sc] in first st, *skip next st, [dc, sc] in next st; rep from * across, ending with dc in last st (16 dc, 16 sc). Turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, [sc, dc] in first st, *skip next st, [sc, dc] in next st; rep from * across, ending with sc in last st (16 sc, 16 dc). Turn.
Rows 5-6: Rep Rows 3-4 once more.
Change to B.
Rows 7-8: Rep Rows 3-4 once.
Change to A.
Rows 9-10: Rep Rows 3-4 once.
Fasten off. Flap measures approx. 8" wide x 4" tall.
Leaf Appliqué (make 1)
With B, ch 7.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (6 sc). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across (6 sc). Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog (4 sc). Turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog twice (2 sc). Turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc2tog (1 sc). Fasten off.
Strap
With B, ch 3.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in last ch (2 sc). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across (2 sc). Turn.
Rep Row 2 until strap measures 44 inches. Fasten off.
Edging (optional)
With B, sc evenly around outer edge of flap and bag opening to reinforce. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
1. Attach the flap: With RS facing, align the flap top edge with the bag body top edge, and whipstitch or sc evenly across to join.
2. Attach the strap: Position strap ends at each side of the bag body at the top edge, approx. 1 inch from the side seams. Sew securely.
3. Attach the leaf appliqué: Center the leaf on the flap, approx. 1 inch from the bottom edge of the flap. Sew in place using B.
4. Weave in all ends.
Blocking: Lightly steam or wet block the bag body and flap to even out the waffle texture and help the bag hold its rectangular shape. Let dry completely before attaching the strap if you block the pieces separately.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Add a lining: Sew a simple cotton lining into the bag body to give it more structure and keep small items from poking through the stitches.
- Try a button closure: Add a small button under the flap and a crocheted loop on the flap edge for a secure, decorative closure.
- Change the palette: Swap the pastel stripes for any two contrasting colors, or work the bag in a single solid color with a contrasting leaf for a more modern look.
