Do you want to make an easy modern-looking crochet bag? This trifold bag is perfect for you. We will creatively turn a rectangle into a stylish new crochet bag.
Below you will find the complete pattern and instructional photos for this crochet bag. You will also find all the materials, stitches, gauge, and sizing information. If you would like all of this in a nicely formatted printable format, you can purchase the Ad-Free Large Print PDF Pattern.
An Easy Modern Crochet Bag
I used to be a seamstress and I have always loved simple patterns. In the sewing world, the trifold bag is a clever way to turn a simple rectangle into a modern tote. You just fold it three times and sew a little seam and you are done. It is truly that easy. I made the bag a little more modern looking by adding the color blocking. Because this bag is a simple rectangle, it is very easy to add a lining to the bag. Just line the bag like you would a blanket before folding it into a tote.
It is all about the Proportions
Below you will find the gauge and the pattern for this simple bag. But truth be told the only thing that matters is getting the proportions correct. You want your rectangle to be a 1:3 rectangle. So for example, if the bag is 10 inches in width, it needs to be 30 inches in length. Easy right? Just keep a measuring tool next to you and it will be.
A Linked Double Crochet Bag
Lately I have fallen in love with linked double crochet. It is a slightly modified double crochet that eliminates the gaps between the stitches and does not have as much stretch as a basic double crochet.
This makes it perfect for a crochet bag. Even if you do not line this bag it will still keep everything but the smallest bits inside and will not stretch out into a odd shape when you put heaver things in it.
Can I use a regular Double Crochet?
Before we get started, I know someone will ask if they can use a basic double crochet instead of the linked double crochet. The answer is yes, but you need to know a few things.
First your bag will end up a bit bigger. A linked double crochet has a slightly smaller gauge. Second your bag will have the gaps between the stitches, so I suggest lining the bag or using a smaller hook to minimize the gaps. Remember a smaller hook means a smaller bag. That last thing to know is that the double crochet will stretch more than a linked double crochet. To avoid the bag getting stretched out of shape, I would use a cotton worsted weight yarn instead of an acrylic yarn. But yes, you can use the standard double crochet.
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The Premium Ad-Free PDF Pattern
Below you will find the free pattern with all the instructional photos and videos needed to complete the pattern, but I am also aware that several of us like to crochet on the couch, in the car, or in bed with a print out of the pattern. This is why I also offer a nicely formatted ad-free large font PDF version of the pattern. You can print the pattern and take it on the go with you or tuck it into your project bag or basket.
I moved all the photos to the end of the PDF so you can reference them as you needed them and print just the pattern without using up as much ink. The Premium PDF version of the pattern can be purchased on Etsy of Ravelry.
More Patterns you may Love
Don’t forget to check out all the free patterns at Winding Road Crochet. You may just find a new favorite project. Here are some great patterns you will love.
Trifold Crochet Bag
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Materials Needed
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3.33 oz or 174 yds of Red Heart Super Saver, Gold
7 oz or 364 yds of Red Heart Super Saver, Dusty Grey
Size I, 5.5mm, Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Optional
1 Yd of Fabric
Sewing needle and thread or Sewing Machine
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Stitches and Abbreviations
CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
LDC – Linked Double Crochet
ST(s) – Stitch(es)
SLST – Slip Stitch
Gauge and Size
Gauge 15 LDC X 9 rows = 4 inches
Size: Bag measures 22 inches wide and 25 inches tall including the strap.
Helpful Video Tutorials
Here are some video tutorials that will help you with making this bag.
Linked Double Crochet Tutorial
How to Change Colors
Single Crochet Border Tutorial
How to Line a Blanket (works for this too!)
How to Hand Sew in a Liner
How to sew Crochet pieces Together
Special Stitches
Linked Double Crochet – LDC – Watch the video below to see how to do the linked double crochet stitch. It is a slightly modified double crochet that does not have gaps between the stitches. Photo Tutorial.
Trifold Bag Video Tutorial
Trifold Crochet Bag
Notes:
-Written in US terms.
– I do not count my turning chain as a stitch.
CH 53 with Gold
Row 1: LDC in the 3rd CH from the hook. LDC in the next 50 CH. (51)
Row 2: CH2, turn, LDC in the next 51 STs.
After Row 2, stop and measure the length of your work. Mine was 15 inches. You want to be close to this number but you do not need to be exact.
Row 3-31: CH2, turn, LDC in the next 51 STs.
Note: You are ready to change colors when your crochet piece is a perfect square. It took me 31 rows to make a perfect square, but if you need to add more or work less that is just fine. The important part is that it is a perfect square before changing colors.
Change to Grey
Row 32-93: CH2, turn, LDC in the next 51 STs.
Remember the first measurement we took? Well, continue working until your project’s length is three times that first measurement. My first measurement was15 inches and my length after 93 rows was 45 inches. If you need to work more or fewer rows to reach 3 times your first length, that is fine. The proportions are the important part here.
Fasten off once you have reached the right length or follow the directions below to work a single crochet border around edge for a cleaner look.
Single Crochet Border (optional)
To add a single crochet border, CH1, working into the sides of your rows , work 2 SC into the side of each row. When you reach the corner CH2, turn, and work a SC into the opposite side of you starting Ch. Ch2 at the corner, turn and work 2SC into the side of each row, CH2 at the corner, turn, SC into each ST of your last row. CH2 at the corner and SLST to the first SC of the border.
Here is a Single Crochet Border video tutorial showing how to do this.
NOTE: A Linked Double Crochet is a little smaller than the double crochet. I did find myself only working one single crochet into the side of every 5th row instead of the 2 SC in the directions above. You are just trying to create a nice even border.
Line Your Crochet Bag (optional)
One of the reasons I love this crochet bag is because it is so easy to add a liner. You just line this bag the exact way you would line a blanket. Here is a handy video below showing you all the steps to line a blanket with a sewing machine.
I used one yard of fabric that I cut in half and seamed together, then cut out the size I needed for the liner.
You can also check out this video on How to Hand Sew in a Liner if you do not want to use a sewing machine.
Folding and Sewing your Trifold Crochet Bag
Follow the photos below to see how to fold your rectangle into a bag. The pieces shown is a smaller sample piece and not the actual bag size. You will fold along the blue line.
Sewing Instructions
Now that your bag is folded all you need to do is sew the sides together along the pink line in the picture below and add your strap.
Crochet Bag Strap
The points in the bag make up most of the strap. We just need to add a small section to join the two pieces. Leave a long tail at the beginning and end of your work. These will be used to sew your strap to your bag.
CH 27 in Grey
Row 1: LDC in the 3rd CH from the hook. LDC in the next 24 CH.
Row 2: CH2, turn, LDC in the next 25 STs.
Fasten off.
Place one end of the strap behind a point and sew it in place. Repeat the process for the other strap making sure not to twist the strap. Weave in your ends and your bag is complete and ready to be enjoyed.
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