Free Crochet Crossbody Bag Pattern: Holds a Phone and Keys

This free crochet crossbody bag is a stylish and functional accessory designed to keep your phone, keys, and cards secure while leaving your hands completely free. Inspired by the cozy mustard and denim color palette in the photos, this project features a sturdy, firm single crochet fabric, a zip-top closure, an inner slip pocket, and a reinforced adjustable strap that won’t stretch out over time. It’s a wonderful intermediate project that works up quickly for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

Free Crochet Crossbody Bag Pattern: Holds a Phone and Keys

Quick Facts

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Finished size: Approximately 7 inches wide by 9 inches high (18 cm x 23 cm)
• Yarn: Worsted weight / Aran yarn in Mustard Yellow and Denim Blue
• Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7)
• Stitches used: ch, sl st, sc, blo, hdc
• Time to make: 4 to 6 hours

Size tips and customization options are included further down the page.

What Makes This Crochet Crossbody Bag Special

Working from a flat base into joined rounds creates a seamless, structured bottom that holds its shape without sagging. The entire bag is worked in firm single crochet stitches, providing the dense fabric needed to protect your essentials and secure a zipper neatly. The strap is crafted with reinforced rows to prevent stretching, while the dual-color blocking gives it a chic, modern finish.

Skill Level

• Working in joined rounds and turning rows
• Working in the back loop only (BLO)
• Sewing on a zipper and attaching hardware
• Reassurance line: Take it one step at a time, and you will have a professional-looking bag in no time!

Finished Measurements

Materials You Will Need

• Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook
• Notions:
• 1 Zipper (8 inches / 20 cm long, matching denim blue)
• 2 D-rings (approx. 3/4 inch / 2 cm)
• 1 Adjustable bag slider buckle (matching the D-rings)
• Tapestry needle for weaving ends
• Stitch markers
• Sewing needle and matching thread to attach the zipper

Yarn Suggestions

⚠️ Note: Avoid novelty, eyelash, or extremely fuzzy yarns for this project. They obscure your stitch definition and make it difficult to install the zipper and achieve the clean, structured finish shown in the photos.

Gauge

• 16 sc and 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) using a 4.5 mm hook.
• Check your gauge: Adjust your hook size up or down if your swatch is too loose or too stiff.

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• blo: back loop only
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd(s): round(s)
• row(s): row(s)
• rep: repeat
• sk: skip
• inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same st)

UK terminology note: UK sc = US dc, UK hdc = US tr, UK dc = US dtr. This pattern uses US terms.

Special Stitches Explained

1. Back Loop Only (BLO): Insert your hook under the back loop only of the designated stitch, leaving the front loop unworked. This creates a crisp, structured edge around the base of the bag.
2. Invisible Join: Cut the yarn, thread it onto a tapestry needle, skip the next stitch, and insert the needle under both loops of the following stitch, then bring it back down through the center of the last stitch made to mimic a seamless round.

Pattern Instructions

Pattern Notes

• Rounds are joined with a slip stitch unless otherwise noted. Do not turn at the end of rounds for the bag body unless instructed.
• Turning chains do not count as stitches unless specified.

Section 1: Bag Base and Body (Mustard Yellow, make 1)

Foundation Ch: With Mustard Yellow, ch 28.
Row 1: Work 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across to last ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working along the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in each ch across to the beginning, 1 sc in the first ch space to complete the oval base, sl st to join. (54 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, work 1 sc in BLO of each st around, sl st to join. (54 sc)
Rnds 3 to 24: Ch 1, work 1 sc in both loops of each st around, sl st to join. (54 sc)

✅ Checkpoint: At the end of Rnd 24, your mustard yellow section should measure approximately 6 inches in height from the base. Fasten off Mustard Yellow.

Section 2: Bag Upper Section (Denim Blue, make 1)

Rnd 25: Join Denim Blue with a sl st to any st, ch 1, work 1 sc in each st around, sl st to join. (54 sc)
Rnds 26 to 30: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st around, sl st to join. (54 sc)
Fasten off Denim Blue, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Section 3: Side Tabs for Hardware (Denim Blue, make 2)

Foundation Ch: With Denim Blue, ch 6.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (5 sc)
Rows 2 to 6: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (5 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail. Slip each tab through a D-ring, fold in half, and sew the raw edges securely to the left and right side seams of the bag just below the Denim Blue color change.

Section 4: Adjustable Strap (Denim Blue, make 1)

Foundation Ch: With Denim Blue, ch 9.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (8 sc)
Rows 2 to 180: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (8 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the strap through the adjustable slider buckle and D-rings to create the adjustable mechanism, then secure the ends firmly.

💡 Designer Tip: To ensure your strap never stretches out during daily use, lay a strand of nylon cord or matching sewing ribbon along the center of the stitches as you crochet around it, trapping it inside the rows.

Assembly and Finishing

1. Inner Slip Pocket (Optional): Crochet a small flat rectangle in Denim Blue (ch 15, work 14 rows of sc), and sew it securely to the inside lining area of the bag before closing the top.
2. Zipper Installation: Pin the 8-inch zipper along the inside top opening of the Denim Blue section. Using sewing thread and a sharp needle, hand-stitch the zipper fabric securely to the top inside edge of the crochet stitches.
3. Weaving Ends: Thread your tapestry needle and weave in all remaining yarn tails on the inside of the bag.
4. Blocking: Lightly steam or spray block the bag to relax the stitches and ensure crisp, clean lines.

Size Customization Tips

• To make the bag wider: Add an even number of chains to your foundation chain. Keep in mind that every 2 extra stitches added to the foundation chain will increase the bag width by approximately 1/8 inch.
• To make the bag taller: Simply add more straight single crochet rounds in either the mustard yellow or denim blue sections before starting the final border.

Care Instructions

Spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. If a deeper clean is needed, hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, press out excess water in a clean towel, and lay flat to dry in its original shape. Do not tumble dry.

FAQ

Can I use cotton yarn instead of acrylic?

Yes! 100% cotton yarn provides an even firmer, more structured finish that is fantastic for bags, though it has slightly less stretch than acrylic.

How do I adjust the strap length?

Simply work fewer or more rows in the strap section (Section 4) depending on whether you prefer a short shoulder bag or a long crossbody drop.

Is this bag sturdy enough for heavy items?

Because it is worked entirely in firm single crochet stitches with a reinforced strap, it easily holds everyday essentials like a smartphone, keys, cards, and small cosmetics without sagging.

Happy Crocheting!

I hope you love making this chic crossbody bag as much as I did. Save this pin on Pinterest to easily find it later, and leave a comment below to let me know what colors you chose for your version!