FREE Crochet Checkered Shoulder Bag Pattern & Easy Tutorial

If you are looking for the Best Crochet Checkered Bag Pattern then look no further because this crochet shoulder bag isn’t your ordinary checkered square bag and is perfect for confident beginners looking to try a new technique! This Crochet Bag Pattern is very unique in its shape and details! For this tote bag we will be using interlocking crochet to create a reversible fabric so each side can be the right side! This checkered pattern is suitable for a range of skill levels with the help of the video tutorial and assembly photo tutorial and diagram included in this blog post. Happy Crocheting!

Best Bang for your Buck, get a Kit From Lion Brand includes a printable PDF file of this pattern and Yarn!
Get a digital download PDF Pattern on in my Etsy Shop or Ravelry!
Watch the Video Tutorial on YouTube.

Pattern Description

For this checkered crochet bag pattern I have given it a Skill Level of Advanced since we are using interlocking crochet also known as double filet and sometimes confused with mosaic crochet. However, this interlocking crochet pattern is one of the easier ones to create since the pattern is the same on each side although the colors are inverted. This makes seeing the pattern more simple for advanced beginners looking for a challenge.

Another thing I love about interlocking crochet is that when you switch colors you don’t cut your yarn so loose ends are not an issue like other color changes used in different techniques!

This bag is designed in one size which measures 16” Wide by 7” at Shallowest and 14” Deepest making it the body of the bag a perfect size for all of your essentials like a small wallet, car keys and a lip balm.

Be sure to watch the video tutorial if you are a visual learner.

If you love the unique style and shape of this bag you might want to check out my Japanese Knot Bag of my Modern Granny Square Tote.

You can easily make a shorter strap on this crochet tote by reducing the number of stitches in the foundation chain if you would like this to more of a crochet handbag than a shoulder bag.

Additionally if you want a longer strap tomato this a crossbody bag you can add more stitches. Just be sure to keep the same number of stitches from stitch marker to stitch marker.

interlocking crochet checkered shoulder bag

Multiple for this Pattern Explained

For this checkered interlocking corset pattern you will have two different multiples.

For Foundations Row A you will need to make a multiple of 12 + 6 sts.

For Foundations Row B you will need to make a chain that is 2 stitches shorter than the number of chains used for your Foundation Row A.

Yarn Substitutes

If you are looking for another type of yarn to use here are some great swaps!

Pick 2 Contrasting Colors of Color Theory (or an other solid worsted weight) if you do not want the gradient effect.
Color Theory and Mandala Gradient
Vanna’s Choice and Ferris Wheel
Wool-Ease and Wool-Ease Fair Isle

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Materials

5.00 mm Crochet Hook
2 Skeins of Lion Brand Color Theory in Ivory [619-098W] – Color A
1 Skein of Lion Brand Mandala Ombre in Serene [551-207BA] – Color B
2+ Stitch Markers

Gauge

Chain 30 for Foundation Row A
Chain 28 for Foundation Row B
Follow pattern for first repeat (Rows 1-6)
Swatch will measure 6 by 3 inches NOT including Foundation Rows, repeat only.
If your gauge swatch is too big you need to go down a crochet hook size, if it is too small you need to go up a crochet hook size.

Sizing

One Size – 16” Wide by 7” at Shallowest and 14” Deepest.

Stitch Descriptions and Abbreviations

Chain Stitch – ch
Stitch(es) – st(s)
Skip – sk
Stitch Marker – SM
Single Crochet – sc
Half Double Crochet – hdc
Double Crochet – dc
Double Crochet in Front – dcf – Work your double crochet as your normally would from the front. Sometimes this requires pulling the stitch through the corresponding window of the opposite color. To do this your will yarn over, bring your hook to the front, go through the window to pick up the dc needing to be worked on the back, insert your hook, pull the stitch through the window to the front, then complete your double crochet stitch as normal.
Double Crochet in Back – dcb – Work your double crochet as your normally would from the back. Sometimes this requires pulling the stitch through the corresponding window of the opposite color. To do this your will yarn over, bring your hook to the back, go through the window to pick up the dc needing to be worked on the front, insert your hook, pull the stitch through the window to the back, then complete your double crochet stitch as normal.
Foundation Single Crochet – Fsc – Chain 2, insert hook into 2nd chain from hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through 1 loop, (2 loops on hook with 1 ch created), yarn over, draw through all loops (1 loop on hook, 1 foundation single crochet with chain at the bottom). *Insert hook to the bottom of the stitch you just made, it will look like the top or “V” of a stitch, yarn over, pull up 1 loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through 1 loop (2 loops on hook with 1 ch created), yarn over, draw through all loops;* repeat from * to * for desired amount of stitches.

Pattern Notes

* Designates a repeat.
“sc 1” means to single crochet in the next stitch.
“sc 2” means to single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches.
“2 sc” means to single crochet twice in the next stitch to create an increase.
Ch 4 counts as first dc and ch-1 sp throughout.
When working rows you will only work your stitches in the color you are currently using (ex. Color A only creates stitches in the previous Color A Row) and work through, in front or in back of the color you are not using, never around the other color.
Row Instructions give two sets of instructions noted as Row “1A” and Row “1B”. The A and B Reference the color you are working with, so each row is really two rows worked in succession.

What is Interlocking Crochet?

Interlocking Crochet is a technique that is also called mosaic crochet, double filet, interweave or intermeshing. However you call it, one thing is for sure, it is gorgeous!

This is a crochet technique where you create two layers of fabric (filet mesh) and work them together at the same time so that the rows are woven or interlocked!

It is important to note that each row is actually two and the patterns are created by some stitches being worked in front and some in back but never mixing the stitches of your two separate colors.

I hope you enjoy this pattern and be sure to watch my YouTube Video if you need some help!

Crochet Checkered Tote Bag Pattern

Bag Panel

Foundation Row A
Ch 54 dc in 6th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next, repeat from * to end, place SM.
Foundation Row B
Ch 52, dc in 6th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next, repeat from * to end, place SM.

Note: Lay Foundation Row A on top of Foundation Row B with the working yarn at the same side so you may begin working Row 1A below followed by Row 1B.
Note: Be sure to take the working yarn from Foundation Row B and drop it to the back.
Note: Place a SM at the end of each row before starting the next.

Bring Color B Working Yarn to Back.
Row 1A
Ch 4, dcb in next dc, *ch 1, dcb in next dc, repeat from * to end.

Note: When working this row for the first time the stitch placement can be tricky before the pattern becomes easy to see. The first stitch (dcb in next dc) will be picked up between the first and second dc of Foundation Row B then the rest of the stitch placements are easy.

Row 1B
Ch 4, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 5 times, *dcb in next dc, ch 1, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 5 times, repeat from * across to last dc, dcb in last dc (t-ch). Turn entire piece.

Bring Color B Working Yarn to Front.
Row 2A
Ch 4, dcb in next dc, *(ch 1, dcf in next dc) 4 times, (ch 1, dcb in next dc) 2 times, repeat from * to end.
Row 2B
Ch 4, dcf in next dc, *(ch 1, dcb in next dc) 3 times, (ch 1, dcf in next dc) 3 times, repeat from * across until 5 dc remain, (ch 1, dcb in next dc) 3 times, (ch 1, dcf in next dc) 2 times. Turn entire piece.

Bring Color B Working Yarn to Back.
Row 3A
Ch 4, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, *(dcb in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 4 times, repeat from * to last 5 dc, (dcb in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, dcf in last dc (t-ch).
Row 3B
Ch 4, (dcb in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, *dcf in next dc, ch 1, (dcb in next dc, ch 1) 5 times, repeat from * across until 4 dc remain, dcf in next dc, (ch 1, dcb in next dc) 3 times. Turn entire piece.

Bring Color B Working Yarn to Front.
Row 4A
Ch 4, dcb in next dc, *ch 1, dcb in next dc, repeat from * to end.
Row 4B
Ch 4, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, *dcb in next dc, ch 1, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 5 times, repeat from * across until 4 dc remain, dcb in next dc, (ch 1, dcf in next dc) 3 times. Turn entire piece.

Bring Color B Working Yarn to Back.
Row 5A
Ch 4, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, *(dcb in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 4 times, repeat from * to last 5 dc, (dcb in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, (dcf in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, dcf in last dc (t-ch).
Row 5B
Ch 4, dcb in next dc, *(ch 1, dcf in next dc) 3 times, (ch 1, dcb in next dc) 3 times, repeat from * across until 5 dc remain, (ch 1, dcf in next dc) 3 times, (ch 1, dcb in next dc) 2 times. Turn entire piece.

Bring Color B Working Yarn to Front.
Row 6A
Ch 4, dcb in next dc, *(ch 1, dcf in next dc) 4 times, (ch 1, dcb in next dc) 2 times, repeat from * to end.
Row 6B
Ch 4, (dcb in next dc, ch 1) 5 times, *dcf in next dc, ch 1, (dcb in next dc, ch 1) 5 times, repeat from * across to last dc, dcf in last dc (t-ch). Turn entire piece.

Repeat Rows – 1A/B to 6A/B 10 more times for a total of 11 repeat sets. You will see a total of 11 Full Diamonds on the Right Side.

Note: The right side is the one that has half diamonds of Color A on the edges. Continue to “Bag Panel Trimming” instructions below.
Note: Panel will measure approximately 10 by 32 inches.

Bag Panel Trimming

Continue in same direction as if you were making another row in Color A with Right Side facing.

Ch 1, sc in first dc of Color A, then place each next sc in the next dc and around the corresponding next ch-1 sp, some may be in front and some may be behind, but always place a sc in a dc and ch-1 sp, never in the same type of st, repeat this to the end treating your t-chs as ch-1 sps and dc sts with last sc being placed in the 3rd ch of tch-4 in Color A only.
Place 2 more sc in the last worked stitch of Color A for a total of 3 sc to create a corner, turn your Bag Panel to begin working down the side in your row ends.
For the side of your Bag Panel row ends you will place 2 sc in each t-ch, place 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc around each dc post. Each row end will get 2 sc sts by working in this manner.
When you reach the end, place 3 sc in the last stitch to create your next corner and turn your Bag Panel to join Foundation Row A and B together.
Join Foundation Row A and B together in the same fashion as your final Row 6A/B by working a sc in a dc and a ch-1 sp making sure you are joining corresponding stitches.
When you reach the end, place 3 sc in the last stitch to create your next corner and turn your Bag Panel to begin working down the last side in your row ends.
Place your sc sts in the same fashion on this side as you did the other side (Step 3) and then when you reach the end place 2 sc in the first dc-st worked to complete the corner, finish off.

Bag Assembly

Use the diagram and photos below to help with y

Lay your Bag Panel with the Right Side down and the final trimmed corner created to the bottom left side. Then fold your final corner created up on a 45 degree angle until it meets your rows ends.
Fold the bottom right corner up so that the side of the panel row ends are aligned and create a point.
From the point, use a flat zipper seam to join the single crochet stitches making sure that you combine your Color A half diamonds correctly to create full diamonds evenly to keep the pattern of the fabric.
Rotate your bag clockwise.
Flip your bag over.
Fold Point A to Point B and use a flat zipper seam from the bottom corner to the inner corner of the bag opening.

Bag Opening Trim

Reattach your Color A yarn in any stitch along a straight edge of the bag opening, ch 1 and place a sc in that stitch
Work your way around the bag opening placing a sc3tog in both inside corners and at the top corners you will place 3sc in the center sc of the 3sc created in the bag trim.
When you reach your first sc, sl st to join, finish off and weave in your end.

Strap

Round 1 – Fsc 70, place SM in first st, 4 sc in base of last Fsc, place SM in 4th sc st, sc 69 by working in every base of Fsc across, place SM in last sc, 3 sc in same st as last st, sl st to first Fsc. [146 total stitches]

There should be 70 sts from SM to SM on both sides and 3 sc between both sets of SM’s to create a half circle at each end.
Move SM up to first and last stitch on both sides to mark your place before and after the half circles.

Round 2 – Ch 1, sc 70, 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc 70, 2 sc in next 3 sts, sl st to first stitch in round.
[152 total stitches]
Round 3 – Ch 1, sc 70, (2 sc, sc 1) over next 6 sts, sc 70, (2 sc, sc 1) over next 6 sts, sl st to first stitch in round. [158 total stitches]
Round 4 – Ch 1, sc 70, (2 sc, sc 2) over next 9 sts, sc 70, (2 sc, sc 2) over next 9 sts, sl st to first stitch in round. Finish off. [164 total stitches]

To make your strap more sturdy I would suggest adding a surface slip stitch to fill int he gaps created by working in the bottom of the foundation single crochet. This will not only make the strap stretch less but it will be a nice finishing detail to et rid of the gapping.

Strap Attachment

To attach the strap you may use a darning needle to seam it to your two highest points at the bag opening. Another option would be to use a surface slip stitch and work around in the last round and through the bag panel to attach your strap.

Then once attached you can leave your strap wide or slip stitch/ single crochet your final round together in the center of the strap for a better hand gripping area.

Optional Bag Base Structuring

This feature is optional but give the a more shape and creates a wonderful base.

Thread your daring needle with about 12 inches of Color A.
Lay your bag flat and then and then pinch the bottom of your bag into the side of your bag.
Fold the corner over across the bottom of the bag about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in.
Seam the corner down to the bottom of the bag.
Repeat on the other side.

If you need extra help I show your how to do this in the Video Tutorial on YouTube. If you want a more easy project browse all of my free crochet patterns!