How to Crochet a Linen Stitch Bag with a Detachable Strap

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Work the foundation chain

Using your first colour of medium-weight yarn and the H/8 (5mm) hook, make a foundation chain of 20 stitches. This chain forms the starting width of the bag body and anchors the first row of linen stitch. Keep your tension even across all 20 chains — a tight foundation chain can make the first row difficult to work into and may cause the bottom edge of the bag to pucker. If you tend to chain tightly, try going up one hook size for the foundation chain only, then switching back to the H/8 for the body rows.

Step 2 — Build the linen stitch body

Work in rows using the linen stitch — a textured pattern that alternates single crochet stitches with chain-1 spaces, producing a dense, woven fabric well suited to bags. For the first three rows, work in the linen stitch with your first colour. On every fourth row, increase by one stitch on each side using the following sequence: yarn over, miss a stitch, yarn over, slip stitch into the next stitch — and repeat across the row. Continue increasing every fourth row until you reach a total of 104 stitches on your hook. This gradual widening gives the bag its characteristic shape, expanding from the narrow foundation chain up to the full body width. Use stitch markers at each end of the increase rows to keep track of your count.

Step 3 — Alternate colours through the body

Switch to your second colour of yarn before starting the increase rows to maintain the linen stitch pattern cleanly across the colour change. Work rows 5 through 7 in the linen stitch with the new colour, then switch back to the first colour for the next three-row block. Continue alternating between the two colours in this way — three rows of linen stitch, then a colour change on the fourth row — until the body of the bag reaches your desired height. The two-colour alternation creates a striking stripe effect through the woven linen stitch texture. Carry the unused colour up the side of the work rather than cutting it at each change to reduce ends to weave in later.

Step 4 — Make the detachable strap

Using one colour of yarn, chain 200 stitches to form the strap foundation, then join the chain into a circle with a slip stitch. Work in the round using a whipstitch or slip stitch join to sew the circle into a tube approximately 40 inches long — this length is comfortable for cross-body wear and can also be folded for wristlet use. Keep the strap fabric firm and consistent throughout so it holds its shape under the weight of the bag's contents. Fasten off and leave a long tail at each end for attaching the strap to the bag in the next step.

Step 5 — Attach the strap to the bag

Position the strap ends at the top edge of the bag on opposite sides, centring each end carefully so the strap hangs evenly when the bag is carried cross-body. Using the tapestry needle and the long tails left from the strap, sew each end firmly to the top edge of the bag using a whipstitch or slip stitch, working several passes through both the strap and the bag fabric to ensure a secure join that will hold up to daily use. If you are using a button to make the strap detachable, sew the button onto one end of the strap now, positioning it so the strap can loop through or around the bag's top edge and fasten cleanly.

Step 6 — Add finishing touches

Weave in all remaining yarn tails securely using the tapestry needle, threading each tail through the back loops of several neighbouring stitches in at least two directions before trimming close to the fabric. Check all seams and the strap attachment points from the outside to confirm everything is firm. If you would like to add tassels, make each tassel by wrapping yarn around a piece of cardboard to your preferred thickness, tying off the top, cutting the bottom loops, and trimming to an even length. Attach completed tassels to the corners or sides of the bag using the tapestry needle. Your finished linen stitch bag with detachable strap is ready to use, gift, or style for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to crochet a linen stitch bag with a detachable strap?
You will need medium-weight yarn in two colours (Lily Sugar 'n Cream is a good choice), a size H/8 (5mm) crochet hook, a tapestry needle, scissors, and stitch markers. A button and tassels are optional finishing additions.

What is the finished size of the linen stitch crochet bag?
The finished bag body measures approximately 7 inches by 10 inches (18cm by 25cm). The detachable strap is approximately 40 inches (101.6cm) long, making it suitable for cross-body wear or wristlet use.

How do I secure the detachable strap on the linen stitch crochet bag?
A button sewn onto one end of the strap is the simplest way to secure it — the strap can then be looped through or around the bag's top edge and fastened with the button. This is optional; you can also attach the strap with a slip stitch or whipstitch seam if you prefer a permanently attached strap.

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