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Crochet Bag Pattern (Raffia Circle Bag)

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This crochet bag pattern is not only a summer staple you can wear again and again but it’s really easy to make.

The bag is made from strong raffia and has an added tassel for some boho flair!

Using only single crochet throughout the pattern, this is an easy one to follow.

Scroll down to view the free pattern or grab the ad-free printable PDF from my shop here.

crochet-bag-pattern

Make Your Own Raffia Bag

Crochet purses are just everywhere right now as they make perfect accessories for your summer outfits.

Throw one over a floaty summer dress, and use it as a beach bag, to carry groceries, or for going out to meet friends.

Whatever the occasion this crochet bag is one that can be worn with anything!

  • I wanted to make a circle bag that could be worn across the body, mainly because I like to be hands-free!
  • This bag is big enough for shopping but can also be used as a beach bag.
  • It is also a little floppy, the raffia is strong but not stiff.
  • The straps are long, so they can be worn as a shoulder bag if preferred.
Crochet bag pattern

An Easy Level Crochet Pattern

This tote bag pattern is for anyone who is an advanced beginner.

What started out as a small circle, quickly grew into a large circle that morphed into a bag!

I started to learn how to crochet flat circles from cotton to make coasters and thought about designing and making a crochet purse. – Crochet Coasters Free Pattern

With a few simple sketches, the idea came to life and I started to make the first circular panel.

  • Crocheting circles can sometimes run into problems, but if you keep count of your rounds, they should stay flat.
  • Depending on the materials you use and your tension, they can sometimes curl and flute, so may need to be blocked and stretched into shape.
  • Please note – the raffia does like to curl up and may need blocking / in the pattern notes below you will see more detail about this.
circle bag sketch with a crochet circle made from raffia

Crocheting With Raffia

I used raffia from King Cole in a natural color, you could however use cotton yarn.

If you have never crocheted with raffia before, it is quite an easy material to work with.

However, you can use raffia alternatives as there are many around, like Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and the Gang.

There are also other gorgeous color choices from King Cole Raffia, including browns, greens, and reds.

woman looking inside a raffia crochet bag with pom pom tassel

More Crochet Bag Patterns

There are other free crochet bag patterns on my blog that you can view by clicking on the links below;

Woman wearing a large circle raffia bag across her body.

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:

This pattern is great for any advanced beginners.

woman sitting on a bench holding a raffia circle bag

Crochet Bag Pattern

Purchase the inexpensive ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.

Notes

Make a stylish bag you can wear with any outfit, and take it to the beach or the farmer’s market.

This bag is made by crocheting two separate pieces, two circles with long straps.

You will crochet the two sides together when both are complete.

*Please note*

  • Do not turn at the end of the round, but continue working in a spiral, with the right side (RS) always facing.
  • Keep count of the sts by placing a marker (PM) on the last st of each round.
  • There are no turning chains in this pattern.

Grab The Ad-Free printable PDF Pattern Here

Copyright Info

  • Please do not copy, sell, redistribute or republish this pattern. 
  • If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
  • You may sell items produced using this pattern.
  • Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
  • For the copyright T&C please read my Terms of Use.

Blocking

  • Pulling and stretching the raffia out a little when the circle begins to grow can help to keep it flat when working.
  • The bag may require light steam blocking when finished – I blocked and the bag was flatter after.
  • Do not allow the iron to touch the raffia, steam from above through a thin cotton towel.
  • Alternatively, you can flatten it by stacking books on top and leaving it for a couple of days.

Measurements

  • The circle bag measures – diameter = 16 inches
  • *You can adjust the number of sts you ch for the bag strap if you want to make it longer or shorter*
  • Straps = 41 inches
  • Tassel length = 10 inches

Gauge – 15 stitches, 19 rows to 10cm/4″

Skill Level – Easy

crochet raffia circle bag pattern

The Supplies You Need

Yarn

Hook

  • Crochet Hook – Size 5.5mm (US 9/I)

Notions

  • Scissors
  • Stitch markers
  • Tape measure
  • Darning needle

Other Materials

  • For the tassel – 1 x King Cole Raffia in the color Woodland – (1458) 50g
  • Gold thread
  • Clover pom pom makers – 1 3/8 inch / 1 5/8 inch / 1 inch
  • Keyring clip – 1.5 inch/ring – 1 inch
raffia circle bag pattern

Abbreviations

The pattern is written using US terms and abbreviations.

You can find a free PDF of both US and UK terms and abbreviations here.

  • CH – Chain
  • PM – Place marker
  • SC – Single crochet
  • Sl st – Slip stitch
  • RS – Right side

Time needed: 1 day, 5 hours and 30 minutes

Crochet Bag Pattern

  1. Make The Bag Body – Round Panels – Make 2

    Make a 4 ch and join with an ss in the first ch to form a ring.
    Round 1: (RS) – 1 ch; 8 sc in ring (8 sts) PM (see notes)
    Round 2: 2 sc in each sc (16 sts)
    Round 3: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (24 sts)
    Round 4: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 5: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (36 sts)
    Round 6: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 7: *1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (48 sts)
    Round 8: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 9: *1 sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (60 sts)
    Round 10: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 11: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 2 sc. (72 sts)
    Round 12: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 13: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 3 sc. (84 sts)
    Round 14: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 15: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 4 sc. (96 sts)
    Round 16: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 17: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 5 sc. (108 sts)
    Round 18: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 19: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 6 sc. (120 sts)
    Round 20: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 21: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 7 sc. (132 sts)
    Round 22: 1 sc in each sc
    Round 23: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 8 sc. (144 sts)
    Round 24: 1 sc in each sc
    Leave the raffia yarn last stitch open, as you will come back to this later – to work into.a circle made from raffia with a crochet hook

  2. The Side Panels And Handles

    You will need to use two strands of raffia together for this next part of the pattern.
    Round 1: With two strands together – where the marker is and the loop you left open on one of the circle panels, 2 sc, PM, ch 130.
    Count 50 sts to the left on the edge of the round panel and make 1 sc into the next st, attaching the future handle.
    Continue to 1 sc in each st until the end of the round, with two strands of yarn together.
    This is so the edge is robust and can be turned over on the side panels easily, making a more solid edge.circle bag straps

  3. Cut One Raffia Strand And Continue With The Other

    Round 2: 1 sc in each st – following both the sides and the handle until the end of the round.
    Rep round 2 two more times.
    You should be able to now bend the side panels over – as the round you completed with the two strands of raffia will have made a stiff edge that allows the sides to bend over.wrong side of circle bag

  4. Making Up the Bag

    If the round bag panels look like they need to be blocked – please read the notes below on how to do this.
    Place the right sides of the bag together – and sc into each corresponding st – of the side panels.
    They are crocheted together to seam and you will see a seamed line on the inside of the bag (the wrong side).
    Leave an opening at the top of the bag – and obviously for the handles, just leave them as they are.
    You may need to stretch the handles out a little and make sure they lie straight.
    Alternatively, you can crochet the handles together if you wish to have one wide strap.
    Weave in all loose ends and remove the stitch markers.
    Turn the bag out to the right side – and try it on!
    This bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or a cross-body bag.stitching the sides together

  5. Make The Tassel

    If you want to add a tassel to your bag – you could do this in any yarn or leftovers you have in your stash or use more raffia as I did.
    I used a green/brown mix from King Cole Raffia called woodland.
    I also added 3 pom poms in green and white, attaching them to a ring clip, which was then clipped onto the bag handle.
    Please see my tutorial on how to make a tassel. – How To Make Tassels {Photo + Video Tutorial}
    Leave a long length of yarn for the top section of your tassel, so that you can thread the pom poms onto it, loop over the ring of your ring clip, and push back down through the first pom pom, securing underneath and cutting the raffia.
    This will hide any untidy loose ends and be hidden underneath the pom pom.
    Push the pom pom down a little to hide the knot and your tassel charm should be ready to attach to your bag.
    crochet bag easy

Grab Your Printable PDF Pattern Here

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I’d love to see your work!

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4 Comments

    1. Hello Cheryl, you could work fewer rounds until you get your desired size.
      I hope that helps!
      Louise

  1. Thank you so much for all you do for the community of handmakers globally with your lovely patterns! I live in South Africa, and it’s not always easy to get patterns here anymore, and we so appreciate the online presence of generous pattern makers! Many blessings be your portion!

    1. Hello Anita,
      Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m so happy you are enjoying the patterns!
      Louise 🙂