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Bonita Project Bag Pattern

Bonita Project Bag Pattern
4.3★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.5K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

✨

Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Bonita Project Bag Pattern

This pattern creates a lined, zippered project bag made from eight colorful granny squares joined together. It teaches granny square construction, seaming, a single-crochet top edging, adding a zipper, and drafting a simple fabric lining. The playful pompom detail finishes the bag with a whimsical touch.

Bonita Project Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Designed to use up scrap worsted-weight yarn, the bag is a great way to mix and match colors. Clear step-by-step instructions show how to assemble, line, and finish the bag for a polished result.

Why You'll Love This Bonita Project Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns small yarn scraps into something gorgeous and useful. I enjoyed picking contrasting colors for each square and watching them come together into a bright, cohesive bag. The combination of crochet and simple sewing gives the project satisfying variety in techniques. Adding the zipper and lining makes the bag practical for everyday use, which is one of my favorite parts about creating. The pompom is the playful finishing touch I always find myself adding to handmade accessories.

Bonita Project Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Bonita Project Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Bonita Project Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Bonita Project Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color placement—try arranging the granny squares so that complementary colors form a diagonal line across the bag.

If you want a more subtle look, use tonal shades of one color family instead of high-contrast scraps for a sophisticated finish.

To make a larger bag, increase the number of granny squares or use a thicker yarn and larger hook to scale up the size.

Make a mini version for a keychain or coin purse by using fingering or sport weight yarn and a smaller hook; finish with a tiny zipper and pompom.

Swap the pompom for a tassel or leather zipper pull for a different style and texture.

I sometimes add an interior pocket to the lining before stitching it closed—cut a small rectangle of fabric and hem the edges, then sew it into the lining panel for organization.

For a sturdier base, insert a thin piece of craft foam or interfacing between the lining and the crochet bottom before closing the seams.

Try surface embroidery on one square for a personalized motif—simple backstitch lines or french knots add delightful detail.

If you prefer not to sew in a zipper, you can instead work a buttoned flap by leaving a small opening and attaching a fabric backing with a buttonhole.

I recommend testing one square as a color mock-up before committing to all eight; it helps you visualize the final layout and avoid last-minute color clashes.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch count when making each granny square can lead to mismatched squares at assembly; count your dc clusters and ch-2 corners for each round to ensure consistent square size. ✗ Finishing all side seams before making the lining will make drafting the lining harder; leave the side/bottom seams open until after the crocheted bag is complete and the lining has been drafted. ✗ Not securing the last loop when changing colors in rounds can create loose loops and gaps; pull on the previous color tail to tighten the loop and anchor the new color before continuing. ✗ Attaching the zipper without checking clearance can snag crochet stitches; pin zipper tape to the inside of the crocheted fabric and ensure the zipper teeth are far enough away from the crochet edge before stitching. ✗ Overstuffing the bag while testing shape can warp the seams and closure; stuff gently when checking fit and only press seams lightly when instructed to avoid stretching the fabric.

Bonita Project Bag Pattern

Make a cheerful, zippered project bag using colorful granny squares and simple single crochet edging. This pattern uses scrap worsted-weight yarn and teaches you how to add a zipper, line the bag, and finish with a pompom. Perfect for storing small projects and notions with a handmade pop of color.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Bonita Project Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    6 different colors of scrap worsted weight acrylic yarn - approximately 50-60 yards [45-55 m] each color (about the size of a medium apple each)
  • 02
    Red Heart Super Saver (worsted weight, 100% Acrylic; 364 yards [198 grams] per skein) partial skeins in sample colors: Shocking Pink #0718 (A), Cornmeal #0320 (B), Spring Green #0672 (C), Turqua #0512 (D), Real Teal #0656 (E), Black #0312 (F)
  • 03
    Piece of woven fabric for lining measuring approximately 22" [56 cm] long x 18" [46 cm] wide (a heavier woven fabric such as twill, bull denim, or canvas works well)
  • 04
    One 16" [41 cm] zipper (may need to be shortened to 15" [38.5 cm] depending on bag opening)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size US H (5.0 mm)
  • 02
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 03
    Removable stitch markers
  • 04
    Sewing needle and matching thread
  • 05
    Sewing machine (optional) for sewing lining
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Pencil, chalk, or silver sharpie for marking fabric
  • 08
    Tape measure for checking gauge and lining placement
  • 09
    Small piece of cardboard (approx 2" [5 cm]) for making pompom

Progress Tracker

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— Notes :

Info :

Eight granny squares, each constructed separately, are stitched together to form the bottom of the bag. The side/bottom seams are left open until after crocheted bag is complete, to make drafting the lining piece easier. Joined rounds of single crochet are added to the top edge of bag to complete the crocheted portion of this project. A simple fabric lining is drafted, using the crocheted bag as a template. The fabric lining is seamed using a sewing machine or by hand. After the lining is complete, the bottom of the crochet bag can be seamed.

Info :

Turning chains in the granny squares count as a stitch. Beginning chains in the top (single crochet) section of the bag do not count a stitch.

— Instructions :

Info :

Granny Square (Make 8): Colors used in sample for each square are listed below in order beginning with Round 1 and ending with the SC round: Square 1: B, A, C, E, F. Square 2: E, C, A, D, F. Square 3: C, E, B, A, F. Square 4: A, B, E, D, F. Square 5: D, A, C, E, F. Square 6: E, D, A, B, F. Square 7 (bottom): A, C, E, D, F. Square 8 (bottom): D, A, B, E, F.

Info :

Using first color, Ch 4, sl st to join into a ring.

Round 1 :

Ch 3 (counts as first DC of rnd), work the following sts into the ring: 2 dc, [ch 2, 3 dc] 3 times, ch 2, sl st into top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (This forms the center round of the granny square.)

Round 2 :

Change to second color. Make slip knot and place on hook, insert hook into any corner ch-2 sp from Rnd 1, yo and pull up loop, pull loop through loop on hook to anchor new color, ch 3 (beginning ch-3 counts as 1st DC now and throughout), 2 DC in same ch-2 sp, [3 DC, ch 2, 3 DC] into each of next 3 ch-2 sps, 3 DC in same ch-2 sp as first 3 DC of rnd were made, ch 2, sl st to top of ch-3, fasten off.

Round 3 :

Change to third color. Make slip knot and place on hook, insert hook into any corner ch-2 sp from Rnd 2, yo and pull up loop, pull loop through loop on hook to anchor new color, ch 3, 2 DC in same ch-2 sp, [3 DC into the next sp between DC clusters, (3 DC, ch 2, 3 DC) into the following ch-2 sp] 3 times, 3 DC into the next sp between clusters, 3 DC in same ch-2 sp as first 3 DC of rnd were made, ch 2, sl st to top of ch-3, fasten off.

Round 4 :

Change to fourth color. Make slip knot and place on hook, insert hook into any corner ch-2 sp from Rnd 3, yo and pull up loop, pull loop through loop on hook to anchor new color, ch 3, 2 DC in same ch-2 sp, [3 DC into each of the next 2 sps between DC clusters, (3 DC, ch 2, 3 DC) into the following ch-2 sp] 3 times, 3 DC into each of the next 2 sps between DC clusters, 3 DC in same ch-2 sp as 1st 3 DC of rnd were made, ch 2, sl st to top of ch-3, fasten off.

Round 5 :

Change to fifth color. Make slip knot and place on hook, insert hook into any corner ch-2 sp from Rnd 3, yo and pull up loop, pull loop through loop on hook to anchor new color, ch 1 (this counts as the 1st SC of rnd), SC in same ch-2 sp, [SC in each of the next 12 sts, 4 SC in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, SC in each of the next 12 sts, 2 SC in first ch-2 sp of rnd, slip st to first st of rnd, fasten off leaving 18" [46 cm] yarn tail to be used later for seaming.

Info :

Weave in all ends except the color F tail for seaming. Steam block all 8 pieces.

— Seaming the Bag :

Seaming the Bag :

Line up granny squares 1-6 in a row, arranging them according to color preference. (In the sample, they were arranged from left to right: square #1-square #6.) Using yarn tails sew the sides of the squares together using a whip-stitch to make one long straight line of squares. Sew remaining seam to connect the first square to the sixth square, creating a tube. Whip-stitch the remaining two squares to each other using yarn tails. These 2 squares create the bottom surface of the bag. Place the bottom of the bag directly below the granny square tube, lining up the center seam of the bottom with the center of one of the tube-squares.

Info :

Pin, then whip-stitch bottom of bag to tube of granny squares. Fold bottom of bag lengthwise so that the opposite edge of bottom matches up with the opposite side of tube. Pin, then whipstitch in place. Do not finish seaming bottom-sides of bag until after lining has been made!

— Crocheting Top Edging of Bag :

Round 1 :

Fold bag flat as shown in photo above. Pull up loop of color F at right-hand top corner (or left-hand corner if crocheting left-handed). Ch 1 (beginning ch does not count as a stitch), SC in each st around, sl st to join. 96 sts.

Round 2 :

Yo with Color E and pull up loop to change color, pull on Color F tail to tighten last color F loop until it disappears, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), SC around, sl st to join.

Round 3 :

Repeat Round 2, changing to color D at beginning of round.

Round 4 :

Repeat Round 2, changing to color C at beginning of round.

Round 5 :

Repeat Round 2, changing to color B at beginning of round.

Round 6 :

Repeat Round 2, changing to color A at beginning of round.

Round 7 :

Repeat Round 2, changing to color F at beginning of round. Fasten off. Weave in ends. Steam block if necessary.

— Prep Lining :

Prep Lining :

Fold Lining fabric in half – it should measure about 18" [46 cm] wide by 11" [28 cm] tall when folded. Place folded bag on top of folded fabric, matching up the folded bottom edges. Using marking tool, trace around top and sides of bag including the bottom side notches. Be careful not to mark the crocheted piece by accident. Cut lining fabric out leaving a 1/4" seam allowance beyond the drawn lines.

Info :

Pin, then sew side seams, ending at notch near bottom of bag. Reposition bottom openings of bag so that short seams can be made at notches, to shape the bottom of the bag. Be sure to watch the video for this step – it is much easier to understand this step after seeing it in action. Press top edge of lining to WS by 1/2".

Round :

Seam Bottom of Crocheted Bag: Whip stitch remaining 2 seams on bottom of bag.

— Zipper :

Zipper :

Check measurement of zipper against the measurement of opening. If zipper is longer than opening, it can be shortened from the bottom by stitching and the zipper teeth several times with a needle and thread, and trimming away the excess below the stitching line (be sure to watch the video for tips). Pin zipper into opening in top of bag. Place zipper tape to inside of crocheted fabric and make sure teeth are far enough away from crocheted fabric so that it will not get snagged by zipper teeth. Using sewing needle and thread, stitch zipper in place. (Be sure to watch video for tips!)

— Add Lining to Bag :

Add Lining to Bag :

Slip lining inside bag matching side seams. Pin folded lining edge over zipper tape so that it just covers the stitching line. Using sewing needle and thread, slip stitch the folded edge of lining to the zipper tape.

— Pompom :

Pompom :

Pompom on sample was made with Colors A, B, C, D and E. Cut 2 pieces of color D yarn 10" [25.5 cm] long, set aside. Cut one piece of color D yarn at 20" [51 cm]. Fold the longer piece of yarn in half. Tie a knot about 1.5" [4 cm] away from the folded end to create a loop of yarn that measures about 3" [8 cm] in circumference. This loop will later be used to attach the pompom to the zipper. Set aside. Holding 5 strands of yarn together as one, wrap yarn around piece of 2" [5 cm] cardboard about 15 times. Before removing lps from cardboard, tie each 10" [25.5 cm] piece of yarn tightly around lps near center of cardboard (one on each side of the cardboard). Carefully slide lps off cardboard and tie longer piece of yarn (near the knotted end) around the center of lps, this time around both sides - make sure you tie a very tight knot. Use scissors to cut all of the lps of pompom, being careful not to cut the loop that was created to attach the pompom to the zipper. Fluff pompom and trim ends into a 1.75" [4.5 cm] ball.

Info :

Push folded end of pompom loop through hole in zipper tab, pulling it through as far as you can. Slip pompom through loop to secure pompom to zipper.

— Chart :

Info :

See the Bonita Granny Square Chart for visual stitch placement: ch = oval, sl st = dot, DC = tall post, SC = plus sign. Refer to chart for visual reference of rounds and stitch placement.

Assembly Instructions

  • Line up granny squares 1-6 in a row and whip-stitch adjacent sides together using the color F yarn tails to create a tube; then whip-stitch the remaining two squares together to form the bottom panel.
  • Place the bottom panel directly below the granny-square tube, aligning the center seam of the bottom with the center of one tube-square; pin and whip-stitch the bottom panel to the tube, leaving the side bottom seams open until after lining is made.
  • After inserting and pinning the zipper to the top opening, stitch the zipper tape to the inside of the crocheted fabric ensuring the teeth are clear of crochet stitches, then slip-stitch the folded lining edge over the zipper tape to hide the seam.
  • Sew side seams of the fabric lining, ending at the notches near the bottom; reposition bottom openings to create small boxed corners and sew to shape the bottom, then press the top edge of the lining to the wrong side by 1/2" before attaching to zipper.
  • Whip-stitch the remaining two seams on the bottom of the crocheted bag after the lining is completed to close the bag completely and create a finished base.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use a heavier woven fabric (twill, bull denim, canvas) for the lining so the bag maintains structure and the wrong side will peek through the granny stitches slightly.
  • 💡Leave side/bottom seams of the crocheted bag open until after drafting and sewing the lining to make pinning and attaching the lining easier.
  • 💡Turning chains in granny squares count as a stitch; however beginning chains in the top single crochet section do not count as a stitch.

This colorful Bonita Project Bag is a joyful way to use up scrap yarn and create something both pretty and practical. The lined zipper closure and pompom make it a delightful accessory for your projects or a thoughtful handmade gift. Try mixing your favorite color combos and enjoy the process of stitching it together. 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished project bag measures approximately 7" [18 cm] tall x 15" [38.5 cm] wide at the top edge x 5" [13 cm] deep (measured across bottom from front to back).

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can, but changing yarn weight will affect the final size; use an appropriate hook for your yarn and check gauge so your lining and zipper placement still fit the bag.

Do I need a sewing machine to make the lining?

No, the lining can be seamed by hand using a sewing needle and thread or by machine; the pattern gives instructions for either method and suggests heavier woven fabric for structure.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish the Bonita Project Bag in about 5-7 hours, though time may vary with experience level and how much fiddling you do with color placement and finishing.

How do I shorten the zipper if it is too long?

Shorten the zipper by stitching across the zipper teeth several times near the desired length using needle and thread, trim the excess below the stitching line, and secure the cut end so the slider can’t come off.