The Weekender Bag – Crochet Shoulder Bag Pattern

If you want a one of a kind travel bag that is both stylish and practical, this crochet shoulder bag pattern is for you. The Weekender Bag is made with oversized granny square blocks, lined with fabric to plug up those classic granny holes, and finished with leather straps. It has loads of charm, works up easily, and the best part is the pattern is free and listed below. This great bag is for all skill levels and is great for leftover yarn. So much fun to make!

Crochet Should Bag Pattern Overview

Crochet bags are a lot of fun to make, I recently shared my Granny Handbag crochet pattern and now this larger one today. The shape of this big bag is actually called a cube. All five granny squares are the same exact size. This isn’t a medium bag, it’s a large bag.

The bottom of the bag and the side will curve when in use. Just regular granny squares are used for the bottom and all four sides of the bag. Just grab your color choices, your 5.0 mm hook and yarn needle. 

Once you get the pieces made and sewn together at the base only to connect, you will probably want to add lining. Granny squares have lots of holes and you don’t want small items to fall out of your crochet bag. 

Then we will sew the sides together using yarn and a yarn needle. The last step is to attach your leather straps to make this a crochet shoulder bag pattern.

This free pattern has instruction for granny squares, how to add lining and how to crochet the top border and handles. 

Now you can use cotton yarn, wool or acrylic yarn but the pattern was written for 4 weight. Just select your favorite color and add a few more for a fun colorful bag. 

Make sure you check this out!

After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn To Crochet for Absolute Beginner’s. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

Grab the Shell Stitch Afghan crochet pattern, my free gift to you when you subscribe to my newsletter. Click the link below for your copy.

Weekender Bag Crochet Pattern

Here is the crochet shoulder bag pattern for the Weekender Bag. Please note that when you start to add lining and sew the pieces together you will work on the wrong side not the right side of bag. Once your done you will turn the back right side out.

Abbreviations Used:

ch: chain

sl st: slip stitches

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

hdc: half double crochet

st(s): stitch(es)

Step 1: Make Five Granny Squares

Here are two different ways you can begin your granny squares. I personally use the magic circle option but if that’s a struggle then use the foundation chain option. Both will get the job done.

Foundation Chain Option: To begin, make a slip knot and chain 4. Join the last chain with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Magic Circle Option: To begin, make a magic ring by looping the yarn around your fingers, crossing it over, and pulling one end through to create a circle. Secure the circle by making a slip knot. This will be the center of your granny square.

First Round: 

1. Ch 3: This counts as your first double crochet (DC).
2. 2 DC into the Ring: Make 2 double crochet stitches into the center of the ring.
3. Ch 2: This creates the corner space of your granny square.
4. 3 DC into the Ring: Make 3 double crochet stitches into the center of the ring.
5. Ch 2: Another corner space.
6. Repeat: Repeat the 3 DC, chain 2 pattern two more times, and then join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3.

Second Round:

1. Ch 3: Cast on anywhere and chain three. This counts as your first DC in this round.
2. 2 DC in the Same Chain Space: Make 2 double crochet stitches in the same space.
3. Ch 2: Create the corner space.
4. 3 DC in the Same Chain Space: Make 3 double crochet stitches in the same space. (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)
5. 3 DC in the Next Space: Repeat this pattern (3 DC, chain 2, 3 DC) in each chain space around the square. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3.

THIRD TO FIFTEENTH ROUND:

Cast on anywhere and chain three. Make 2 double crochet stitches in the same space to create the corner. Make another 3 double crochet stitches to finish the corner. Repeat this pattern (3 DC, chain 2, 3 DC) in each corner chain space around the square. Make 3 double crochet stitches in all side chain spaces. Join each round with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3. Feel free to change colors after completing a round for a vibrant, multicolored granny square.

Make 5 granny squares total with 15 rounds in each. 

If this is your first time making granny squares, please feel free to read my how to crochet easy granny squares for beginners.

Step 2: Sew Pieces Together At Base Only

Layout your granny squares like the picture below. Take your yarn needle and a long piece of yarn and attach the pieces together at the base only. Place yarn needle through both loops (front and back loop on each square) on the outer borders after you match your pieces together. Continue connecting until done. Please refer to the photo below on what this looks like.

​Each side will be 15″ and the width will be 45″ when done.

Step 3: Add Lining

Two Short Sides

Cut two pieces of cotton fabric the same size as your granny squares. Place right sides together and sew around three edges on your sewing machine, leaving the top open. Use a stitch length of 2.5. Turn right side out and press flat. Then sew the remaining side closed. This will be the lining for each side. It will help reinforce the bag and cover up the open spaces from the granny design. Attach to each side panel by hand or with sewing machine.

​One Long Middle

Cut two pieces of cotton fabric 15″ x 45″. Cotton is a nice sturdy fabric. Place right sides together and sew around three edges on your sewing machine, leaving the top open. Use a stitch length of 2.5. Turn right side out and press flat. Then sew the remaining side closed. This will be the lining for the middle section with three granny squares. This lining will help reinforce the bag and cover up the open spaces from the granny design. 

Prepare the straps with half strap rings to clip the handles on to. Fuse fleece interfacing onto fabric piece (same fabric as your lining (8″ x 10″). Then cut two strips 1.25″ wide x 8″ long. Then sub cut those pieces in half horizontally. You will have four pieces total measuring 1.25″ x 4″. Pieces should be slightly smaller than your rings which are 1.5″. 

Slip the strap through the half ring as shown above. I’ve sewn slightly below the ring to secure and then again at the base using 1/4″ seam allowance.

When all your straps are done, attach to the each end so they are 2″ from the edge (see photo below). Then attach the the main lining, backstitch at beginning and end.

Add Lining By Hand to All

Attach the fabric by hand sewing using a sewing needle and thread. Then hand stitch along to outer edge of the bag with a sewing needle and thread. Go all the way around the outside of the bag until done.

This lining will help reinforce the bag and cover up the open spaces from the granny design. Plus it adds a nice punch of color which is always a good thing. You can buy a yard of fabric at your local fabric store or craft store. You can even recycle a sheet or pillow case(s) to do this part. 

Step 4: Assemble the Bag

Turn bag inside out so you the lining is facing you and sew the sides of the bag together. Match up the sides and then go through both chains of each stitch on both pieces to attach. Weave in the yarn tails when all done.

Step 5: Add Handles

Last set of written instructions for the top border and handles. Place one row of half double crochet stitches all the way around the top edge of the bag to even everything out. Then attach the leather straps to the half ring straps you attached to your lining and you’re all done.

Add Optional Button Closure

My bag does not close at all on the top, I’ve been looking at how others are doing this and can’t seem to find one I really like. I may just push my sides in when using or you can permanently do this by hand sewing the top once folded to secure.

Then follow the button instructions from the lined granny coin purse to add a button to the outside of the side panel with straps and add a crochet single crochet ring to fasten over the button.

You could also add a magnetic button closures to the insides of both side panels (that have the straps attached to them) so the closure is inside the bag. I would hand stitch in place on the inside. Search Amazon for this supply.

Your Weekender Bag is ready to use. This bag is a little bigger than your standard crochet tote, making it a great travel bag with room for all the extras. The oversized granny squares give it charm, the fabric lining makes it practical, and the leather straps bring it all together. A simple project that ends up being one of a kind.

Get the digital pattern.

Get the instant download pattern from my shop here.

Save This Project

Pin this tutorial so you can come back to it later or use it whenever you need a quick gift or a weekend sewing project.

Washing Instructions

You can wash this bag but I would soak it in your kitchen sink, cold water and a little detergent. Hand push the water out but don’t twist it. Instead, roll the bag in a bath towel and roll it up and press down. Then let it towel dry, flip over and make sure but side are dry.

Here’s a great crochet drying rack for sweaters and smaller items. Click here to get on Amazon.

Thinking of making and gifting this to someone? Then make sure you grab my free printable Crochet Care Guide to include along with the bag. It lists crochet care instructions for every yarn type to extend the life of your crocheted items.

Need More Inspiration?

Lots of people find inspiration on Pinterest but for crocheters, you will find the best inspo on Instagram. Here are just a few other styles for the weekender bag.

Bircan Basoglu (@bircanveorguleri) – This is a striped version of the bag and it’s cute.

Knit Trolly (@knittrolley) – This is striped too but horizontally like a Mui Mui bag that went viral earlier this year or last, I can’t remember.

Butik Motif (@butik_motif) – Granny weekender bag but with wider straps.

Seda Kaya (@kedito) – So much bag inspiration and you must check out all the different handles (store bought).

There’s lots more, they are only a few. The pride you will feel along with the sense of accomplishment will leave you grinning all day. Have fun and please share your makes. I really look forward to seeing them.

Wrap Up

If you want to make crochet handles instead, follow the pattern instructions from the Granny Handbag but make the straps a lot longer by doubling the number of chains and test before continuing.

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