How to Crochet a Round Crossbody Bag with Pocket & Thick Strap

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Gather your supplies

Before you begin, collect all your materials: your chosen yarn colors, a suitable hook, your button, matching sewing thread, felt or lining fabric cut to approximate size, and embroidery thread if you plan to invisibly stitch the pocket. Having everything to hand before you start makes the process much smoother, particularly when switching between yarn colors or moving between crocheting and sewing steps.

Step 2 — Crochet the bag body

Using single crochet stitches, create the round bag body. Begin with a foundation chain that sets the diameter of your bag, then work in increasing rounds, adding stitches at regular intervals to build the rounded shape. Continue working in rounds, incorporating your chosen color changes to create an eye-catching multicolor pattern, until the bag body reaches your desired size. The increasing rounds give the bag its characteristic slouchy, boho silhouette.

Step 3 — Attach the strap

Once the bag body is complete, crochet the thick strap directly onto one side of the bag. Work a series of single crochet stitches to connect the strap to the bag body, securing it firmly with a slip stitch at each attachment point. Weave in all ends carefully so the join is clean and strong. The strap should be long enough to sit comfortably across the body as a crossbody bag.

Step 4 — Create the pocket

Cut a piece of felt or fabric to your desired pocket size and shape. Position it on the front flap of the bag and invisibly stitch it in place using embroidery thread that matches the pocket color as closely as possible. Working the stitches from the inside keeps them hidden from the front, giving the pocket a neat and seamless appearance from the outside.

Step 5 — Line the bag

Cut a larger piece of lining fabric and shape it into four scalloped sections for the bag interior. Sew these pieces together with right sides facing outward and press all seams flat. Insert the completed lining into the bag body and sew it in place, leaving enough seam allowance for the pocket and strap attachment points. Turn the raw edges of the lining under and stitch them down neatly to create a clean, professional interior finish.

Step 6 — Embroider around raw edges

Using an embroidery stitch or whipstitch, work around any raw edges visible on the exterior of the bag. This step covers loose fibers, reinforces the edges, and gives the bag a polished, handcrafted look. Take care to keep your stitches even and consistent in tension all the way around for the tidiest result.

Step 7 — Sew on the button

Position your chosen button on the flap in the spot that aligns correctly with the pocket or buttonhole. Using wrap-around stitches, secure the button through the buttonhole and the bag fabric. Take care not to stitch through the lining as you work — keeping the stitches within the outer fabric layer ensures the interior stays clean and the lining lies flat.

Step 8 — Add the finishing touches

Top stitch around any embroidered or raw edges to help set the final shape of the bag and give it a structured, professional appearance. Give the bag a gentle press if needed, check all joins and fastenings are secure, and weave in any remaining ends. Your crocheted round crossbody bag is now complete and ready to wear.

Frequently asked questions

What materials are needed to crochet a round crossbody bag?
You will need a crochet hook (size H/5mm to I/4.5mm depending on your yarn), yarn in multiple colors, a button that complements the bag design, matching thread for sewing the button, felt or lining fabric for the interior, and optionally embroidery thread for invisibly stitching the pocket.

How do I achieve a slouchy boho shape when crocheting a round crossbody bag?
Work the bag body in increasing rounds using single crochet stitches. Starting from a foundation chain that sets the diameter, each round adds stitches to build the rounded, relaxed silhouette. The gradual increases give the bag its characteristic slouchy appearance.

How do I cover raw edges on a crochet crossbody bag?
Use an embroidery stitch or whipstitch along any raw edges on the exterior of the bag. This secures loose fibers and gives a tidy, professional finish. Top stitching around embroidered or raw edges afterward helps set the shape.

How do I sew a button onto a crochet crossbody bag flap?
Position the button in your desired location on the flap, then use wrap-around stitches to secure it through the buttonhole and the bag fabric. Take care not to stitch through the lining so the interior stays clean and neat.

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