Chic Crochet Leaf Bag: Nature-Inspired Fashion

A crochet leaf bag is a fun and creative way to express your love for nature and unique fashion. With its intricate design and vibrant colours, this bag is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The best part? You can make it yourself! Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a curious beginner, this project is an enjoyable challenge that results in a one-of-a-kind accessory. So grab your yarn and hook, and let's get started on crafting a crochet leaf bag that will be the envy of all your friends.

Crochet leaf bag pattern

A crochet leaf bag is a fun project to try, especially if you're looking for a quirky bag to brighten up your day. You can make a crochet leaf bag in two different sizes: a small purse and a larger tote bag. The pattern below will guide you through the process of creating a small leaf bag.

Materials:

• Less than 1 skein of I Love This Yarn! in Dark Olive
• Less than 1 skein of I Love This Yarn! in Brown
• A small amount of worsted weight yarn in an accent colour
• Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook
• Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle

Leaf (make 2):

Using the I hook and the Dark Olive yarn:

Round 1: Make a magic circle and work 4 hdc into the circle, pull taut to close, turn (4)

Round 2: ch 1, hdc inc 4 times, turn (8)

Round 3: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc] 4 times, turn (12)

Round 4: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 2 sts] .4 times, turn (16)

Round 5: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 3 sts] 4 times, turn (20)

Round 6: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 4 sts] 4 times, turn (24)

Round 7: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 5 sts] 4 times, turn (28)

Round 8: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 6 sts] 4 times, turn (32)

Round 9: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 7 sts] 4 times, turn (36)

Round 10: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 8 sts] 4 times, turn (40)

Round 11: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 9 sts] 4 times, turn (44)

Round 12: ch 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 10 sts] 4 times, turn (46)

Round 13: ch 1, work 25 hdc evenly across the flat edge of the semicircle you just made, turn (25)

Rounds 14-15: ch 1, hdc across, turn (25)

Round 16: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 21 sts, hdc dec, turn (23)

Rounds 17-18: ch 1, hdc across, turn (23)

Round 19: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 19 sts, hdc dec, turn (21)

Rounds 20-21: ch 1, hdc across, turn (21)

Round 22: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 17 sts, hdc dec, turn (19)

Round 23: ch 1, hdc across, turn (19)

Round 24: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 15 sts, hdc dec, turn (17)

Round 25: ch 1, hdc across, turn (17)

Round 26: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 13 sts, hdc dec, turn (15)

Round 27: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 11 sts, hdc dec, turn (13)

Round 28: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 9 sts, hdc dec, turn (11)

Round 29: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 7 sts, hdc dec, turn (9)

Round 30: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 5 sts, hdc dec, turn (7)

Round 31: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 3 sts, hdc dec, turn (5)

Round 32: ch 1, hdc dec, hdc, hdc dec, turn (3)

Round 33: ch 1, hdc3tog (1)

Sc evenly around the border to create a clean edge. Fasten off.

Using the accent colour yarn and the I hook:

Join the yarn to the centre stitch at the bottom of the leaf. Ch 13.

Dc in the 3rd ch from the hook, dc in the next st, hdc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, ss in the last 2 sts, ss back to the centre st at the bottom of the leaf.

Surface crochet up the centre of the leaf to create the main vein.

Then, surface crochet the branching veins of the leaf. Feel free to get creative with the veins. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Strap:

Using the Brown yarn and the H hook: Ch 81

Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each st across, turn (80)

Rows 2-5: ch 1, sc across, turn (80)

Fasten off, leaving an extra-long tail for sewing.

Pinch the long ends of the strap together and stitch the edges together to form a tube.

Assembly:

Using yarn ends and a tapestry needle, stitch the strap to one leaf, on the wrong side. Stitch one end securely behind the stem of the leaf, and the other end just below halfway down the length of the leaf.

Line up the two leaves with the right sides facing out. Using Dark Olive yarn and a tapestry needle, stitch the edges of the two leaves together, leaving a small space between the handles.

Finally, stitch the stems of the leaves onto the strap. Weave in any remaining ends, and your leaf bag is complete!

Recommended yarn weight and type

When choosing the yarn for your crochet leaf bag, it's important to consider the bag's intended use, durability, colour options, and yarn weight. Yarn weight is particularly important as it will determine how sturdy your bag is and how much yarn you will need.

Most crochet bags are made with medium weight DK and worsted weight yarns. Lighter yarns are not usually robust enough for bags, except for lightweight string market bags that can be folded down small. Heavier yarns can be good for statement purses but may end up being too heavy to carry.

For a crochet leaf bag, you will want to choose a yarn weight that is sturdy enough to support the weight of the bag's contents. A medium weight yarn is a good choice for a leaf bag as it will provide durability while still being comfortable to carry.

When it comes to yarn type, natural fibres such as cotton and linen are good choices for crochet bags as they are less stretchy and more durable than wools and acrylic yarns. Cotton yarns, in particular, are strong and hard-wearing, making them ideal for bags that need to support weight. Linen yarns are also lightweight and perfect for summer bags.

Some specific yarn recommendations for crochet bags include:

• Lily Sugar’n Cream Worsted
• Patons 100% Cotton DK
• Lion Brand’s 24/7 Cotton
• Premier’s Ribbon yarn
• Scheepjes Softfun
• Patons Linen
• Lion Brand’s Touch of Linen
• Malabrigo worsted yarn

Hook size

The hook size you will need for your crochet leaf bag project depends on the size of your bag and the type of yarn you are using.

For a small leaf bag, a 5.5 mm crochet hook is recommended, while for a larger leaf bag, a 10.0 mm crochet hook is suggested. If you are making a medium-sized bag, a 5 mm crochet hook can be used, as seen in one project where the bag measures 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 30 cm (12 inches) high.

It is worth noting that you can vary the size of your bag by using a different type of material and hook size or by adjusting the number of rounds at the top of your bag.

For the bag handle, a smaller hook size is typically used. For example, a 4.5 mm crochet hook is used for the handle in one of the patterns, while a 5.0 mm crochet hook is recommended for the bag.

When choosing your hook size, it is important to consider the weight of your yarn. For worsted weight cotton yarn, a 4.5 mm hook is recommended.

Step-by-step guide

Materials:

• Yarn (varying colours and types depending on the desired look)
• Crochet hooks (varying sizes depending on the desired look)
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Steps:

Small Leaf Bag:

• Using the I hook and Dark Olive yarn, make a magic circle and work 4 hdc into the circle, pull taut to close, turn (4).
• Chain 1, hdc inc 4 times, turn (8).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc] 4 times, turn (12).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 2 sts] .4 times, turn (16).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 3 sts] 4 times, turn (20).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 4 sts] 4 times, turn (24).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 5 sts] 4 times, turn (28).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 6 sts] 4 times, turn (32).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 7 sts] 4 times, turn (36).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 8 sts] 4 times, turn (40).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 9 sts] 4 times, turn (44).
• Chain 1, [hdc inc, hdc in the next 10 sts] 4 times, turn (46).
• Chain 1, work 25 hdc evenly across the flat edge of the semicircle, turn (25).
• Chain 1, hdc across, turn (25).
• Chain 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 21 sts, hdc dec, turn (23).
• Chain 1, hdc across, turn (23).
• Chain 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 19 sts, hdc dec, turn (21).
• Chain 1, hdc across, turn (21).
• Chain 1, hdc dec, hdc in the next 17 sts, hdc dec, turn (19).
• Chain 1, hdc across, turn (19).

21-32 (as detailed in the source).

Sc evenly around the border to create a clean edge. Fasten off.

Using the accent colour yarn and the I hook, join the yarn to the centre stitch at the bottom of the leaf. Ch 13.

Dc in the 3rd ch from the hook, dc in the next st, hdc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, ss in the last 2 sts, ss back to the centre st at the bottom of the leaf.

Surface crochet up the centre of the leaf to create the main vein.

Then surface crochet the branching veins of the leaf.

Fasten off and weave in ends)

Strap:

Using the Brown yarn and the H hook: Ch 81.

• Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each st across, turn (80).
• Rows 2-5: ch 1, sc across, turn (80).
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly:

Using yarn ends and a tapestry needle, stitch the strap to one leaf, on the wrong side. Stitch one end securely behind the stem of the leaf and the other end just below halfway down the length of the leaf.

Line up the two leaves with the right sides facing out. Using Dark Olive yarn and a tapestry needle, stitch the edges of the two leaves together, starting just above the stem strap and stitching until just past the second strap.

Make sure you leave the small space between the handles open so that you can use the bag.

Using the accent colour yarn and the tapestry needle, stitch the stems of the leaves onto the strap.

Large Leaf Bag:

As detailed in the source).

Tips:

• You can vary the size of your bag by using a different type of material and size of the hook or by adding/removing rounds from the top of your bag.
• It is recommended to put a lining in your bag for more strength.
• Feel free to get creative with the branching veins of the leaf.
• Ensure you are using the correct type of yarn and hook size for your desired bag size and type.

Tips and tricks

Creating a crochet leaf bag is an enjoyable project that can result in a unique and elegant accessory. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results when crafting your own crochet leaf bag:

• Pattern Difficulty: Crocheting a leaf bag can range from easy to intermediate, depending on the pattern you choose. If you're a beginner, opt for a simpler pattern to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Yarn and Hook Selection: The type of yarn and hook size you choose will impact the size and texture of your bag. For a sturdy and structured bag, use a worsted weight cotton yarn and a recommended hook size of 4.5mm or 5mm.
• Adjusting Bag Size: If you want to make a larger or smaller bag, you can adjust the size by using different types of yarn and hook sizes. Additionally, adding or removing rounds from the top of the bag will also affect the overall dimensions.
• Lining for Strength: Adding a lining to your crochet leaf bag will not only enhance its appearance but also provide extra strength and durability. Choose a lining material that complements the colour and style of your bag.
• Creative Freedom: Feel free to get creative with the design! You can experiment with different colours, add embellishments, or customise the length of the handles to make your bag unique.
• Video Tutorials: If you're a visual learner, consider following video tutorials in addition to written patterns. Websites like YouTube and Instagram have a wealth of crochet leaf bag tutorials that can guide you through the process step by step.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Crocheting a leaf bag may take some time and patience, especially if you're new to the craft. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out perfectly – practice makes perfect! Start with smaller projects to familiarise yourself with the stitches and techniques before tackling a leaf bag.
• Community Support: If you encounter any challenges or have questions during your project, don't hesitate to reach out to the crochet community. Many online platforms and social media groups are dedicated to crochet enthusiasts, where you can find helpful advice and support from experienced crafters.
• Personalisation: Crochet leaf bags offer a fantastic opportunity for personalisation. You can add your own unique touches, such as embroidery, beads, or other decorative elements, to make your bag truly one-of-a-kind.
• Stitch Guide: Familiarise yourself with the basic stitches used in crochet, such as the slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), front post double crochet (fpdc), and back post double crochet (bpdc). Understanding these stitches and their abbreviations will make following patterns much easier.
• Reading Patterns: Crochet patterns use specific notations and abbreviations that may take some time to get used to. Pay close attention to special instructions, such as repeating a section between asterisks () or turning your work.

Frequently asked questions