Trendy Mini Sling Bag: Crochet Your Style

A crochet mini sling bag is a fun, stylish, and functional project for any crochet enthusiast. This small bag is perfect for carrying essentials like your cell phone, and it can be easily customised to your preferred size and style. You can make it as wide or as long as you like, and add your own unique touches such as pom-pom trim or tassels. With a crochet mini sling bag, you have the freedom to choose your own yarn and stitch patterns, creating a bag that reflects your personality and fashion sense. This versatile bag can be worn in multiple ways, making it a trendy and convenient accessory for any occasion.

Crochet mini sling bag patterns for beginners

If you're new to crochet, it can be tricky to know where to start, but there are plenty of simple patterns for beginners to try out. A mini sling bag is a great beginner project as it's simple and quick to make, and you'll end up with a stylish bag to wear. Here are some ideas for patterns and tips to get you started.

Basic Mini Sling Bag

This simple pattern is a great starting point for beginners. It's a basic design that can be made with any yarn and is easily adaptable if you want to make a larger bag. You'll need:

• Yarn (any type)
• Crochet hook size 3mm
• Snap closures (magnetic)
• Stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

The Process

The bag is worked up in one piece, which you then fold over and sew together. You can add a pom-pom trim if you like, and a leather strap or a crochet strap to match.

Other Patterns

There are lots of free crochet bag patterns available online, and many are suitable for beginners. Here are some ideas for simple patterns:

• Easy Project Bag Pattern: This bag is ideal for carrying your crochet projects around with you, and it can also be converted into a yarn basket for storage.
• Dune Bag Crochet Pattern: A simple tote bag that's perfect for autumn and winter.
• Bobble Notions Bag Pattern: A cute pouch with a zip, perfect for keeping your crochet hooks safe.
• Tapestry Zipper Pouch: A compact pouch with a zip, best for intermediate crocheters.
• Street Fair Crochet Boho Purse: This free-spirited bag is super simple to make. You crochet two identical circles and add a strap and tassels.
• Moroccan Tote Bag Pattern: A classy tote bag with leather handles and a magnetic clasp.

Tips

• Check your gauge to ensure your bag works up to the correct size.
• Consider adding a fabric liner to your bag for a professional finish and extra durability.
• Natural fibre yarns like cotton are often stronger and more durable than acrylic yarns, so are a good choice for bags.
• Medium-weight cotton yarn is a popular choice for crochet bags.

Happy crocheting!

Different types of yarn for crochet mini sling bags

When it comes to yarn for crochet mini sling bags, there are a variety of options to choose from, each offering its own unique look and feel. Here are some of the different types of yarn that can be used:

T-shirt Yarn

T-shirt yarn, also known as "super bulky weight" yarn, is perfect for creating a sturdy crochet bag. It is thick and can add texture to your bag. T-shirt yarn comes in a variety of colours, allowing you to create a bag that is both stylish and durable.

Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn is a great choice for crochet mini sling bags, as it is strong and durable. It is a natural fibre that is soft, breathable, and easy to work with. Cotton yarn is available in a variety of colours and weights, making it a versatile option for your bag projects. It is also machine washable, which is ideal for bags that may need to be washed frequently.

Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn is another popular choice for crochet projects, including mini sling bags. It is known for its durability, affordability, and ease of care. Acrylic yarn comes in a wide range of colours and is lightweight, making it a good option for bags that need to be both stylish and functional.

Wool Yarn

Wool yarn is a natural fibre that is known for its warmth and softness. It is an ideal choice for crochet mini sling bags, especially if you are looking to create a bag that is cozy and comfortable to wear. Wool yarn is available in various colours and weights, allowing you to create a bag that is both stylish and functional.

Linen Yarn

Linen yarn is strong and durable, making it a good choice for crochet bags. It has a beautiful drape and a slight sheen, giving your bag a touch of elegance. Linen yarn is often blended with other fibres, such as cotton, to create a softer feel while retaining its strength.

When choosing yarn for your crochet mini sling bag, consider the weight, colour, and fibre type to ensure your bag is both functional and fashionable.

How to add a lining to a crochet mini sling bag

Adding a lining to a crochet mini sling bag is a simple way to ensure your belongings are safe and secure. It also adds a professional finish to your handmade bag. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add a lining to your crochet creation:

Measure and Cut the Fabric

First, you will need to measure the inside of your crochet bag. Measure the width and length of the bag's interior, and then cut your chosen fabric to size, adding an extra inch or two to the width and length to allow for seams. You can choose any fabric you like, but a sturdy cotton fabric in a complementary colour will add structure and durability to your bag.

Prepare the Fabric

Once you have your fabric cut to size, fold over and iron the edges to create neat seams. You can also add an iron-on interfacing to the fabric to give it more body and structure if you wish. This is an optional step, but it can help to make your lining stiffer and more durable.

Sew the Fabric

Now it's time to sew your fabric together to create the lining. Sew along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. If you want to add a pocket to the lining, you can sew an additional piece of fabric to one side, ensuring it is securely attached.

Attach the Lining to the Bag

With your lining sewn, you can now attach it to your crochet bag. Place the lining inside the bag, ensuring it fits snugly. Using a needle and thread, carefully sew the lining to the bag by hand, stitching along the top edge of the bag and lining. Make sure your stitches are secure but not visible from the outside.

Finish and Admire

Once you have sewn the lining in place, your mini sling bag is almost complete! Finish the bag by adding any additional details, such as a strap or a button closure. Then, admire your handiwork! You now have a stylish and secure mini sling bag, complete with a professional-looking lining.

Adding a lining to your crochet bag is a straightforward process that can really elevate your creation. It ensures your bag is durable and that your belongings are safe, all while adding a touch of personalised style.

Different styles of crochet mini sling bags

There are many different styles of crochet mini sling bags to choose from, ranging from simple to elaborate designs. Here are some of the most popular styles:

Boho/Hippie Style

Boho or hippie-style crochet sling bags are perfect for those who want to channel a free-spirited, casual look. These bags often feature tassels, vibrant colours, and unique patterns. The "Street Fair Crochet Boho Purse", for instance, is a simple design made by crocheting two identical circles and adding a strap and tassels. For a more intricate design, the "Granny Square Bag" by Yupusyun on Etsy features a colourful, creative pattern made by crocheting 24 granny squares together.

Classic Style

For a more classic and elegant look, there are crochet sling bags with leather straps and classy clasps. The "Leather Sling Bag Soft Woven Waist Bag" by LeatherMilan on Etsy is an example of a simple yet classy design, featuring a yellow leather pouch with a woven pattern. For a more intricate design, the "Moroccan Tote Bag Pattern" by Acrochetjourney features leather handles and a magnetic clasp, with the option to add a fabric lining.

Modern Style

Modern crochet sling bags often feature unique shapes and designs that dress up any outfit. The "Dune Bag Crochet Pattern" by Twoofwands is a soft, flexible tote bag with a modern look, worked in rounds using super bulky yarn. Another modern design is the "Bobble Notions Bag Pattern" by Eclairemakery, a cute pouch with a zipper to keep your belongings safe, suitable for intermediate crocheters.

Practical Style

Some crochet sling bags are designed with practicality and functionality in mind. The "Crochet Phone Bag Crochet Purse" by DiapolisDesign on Etsy is a small, knitted sling bag designed to hold your cellphone and a few essentials. The "Crochet Farmer's Market Bag Pattern" by Justbcrafty is another practical design, featuring a versatile bag that stretches to fit your belongings, suitable for beginners and intermediate crocheters.

With so many different styles and designs to choose from, you can find a crochet mini sling bag that fits your unique taste and needs.

Where to buy crochet mini sling bags

There are many online retailers where you can buy crochet mini sling bags, either as a finished product or as a pattern to make yourself.

Etsy

Etsy is a great place to start your search for crochet mini sling bags, with over 2,000 results for 'crochet sling bag' and 933 results for 'crochet sling bag for women'. You can filter by price, colour, and style, and you can also choose to support small businesses. Many of the bags are handmade, and you can even personalise some of them. Etsy also offers free shipping on certain items.

KnitcroAddict

KnitcroAddict offers a crochet pouch pattern that can be used to make a phone sling bag. The pattern is suitable for beginners and can be adapted to different sizes. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF for a small fee.

Sarah Maker

While Sarah Maker doesn't sell crochet bags directly, it does offer 25 free modern crochet bag patterns, including patterns for backpacks, market bags, totes, and crossbody bags. The website also provides tips for crocheting bags and lists the recommended supplies you'll need.

Frequently asked questions