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Bonita Project Bag Pattern

Bonita Project Bag Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.3K Made This
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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 project creates a lined, zippered project bag constructed from eight colorful granny squares. It is a great scrap-busting pattern that pairs simple granny-square construction with a crafted fabric lining and zipper finish. Youll learn how to join squares, add rounds of single crochet to the top, draft a simple lining, and sew in a zipper for a professional result.

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

Perfect for storing small-scale crochet projects and notions, this bag is roomy and practical with playful colorwork. The pattern includes step-by-step seaming and finishing directions, plus instructions to make a matching pompom.

Why You'll Love This Bonita Project Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns leftover yarn into something beautiful and useful. I enjoy the mix of crochet and sewing — the granny squares are satisfying to make, and the lining and zipper give the bag a polished finish. The color possibilities are endless, so I often change hues to match seasons or gifts. It makes a thoughtful handmade present and a cheerful project for the weekend.

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 colors in this pattern; try swapping the sample brights for pastels, neutrals, or seasonal palettes to completely change the bag's mood.

If you want a larger or smaller bag, change your yarn weight and hook size; a bulky yarn with a larger hook gives a chunky version while a finer yarn makes a mini pouch.

You can replace the single crochet edgings with a decorative border such as crab stitch or reverse single crochet for a more finished look.

Consider adding an exterior pocket by crocheting a rectangle to match the tube height and whip-stitching it onto one panel before adding the lining.

I sometimes add a fabric or crocheted strap to convert the pouch into a wristlet or small clutch; sew the strap securely into the zipper seam for stability.

For a sturdier base, consider inserting a cut-to-fit piece of plastic canvas or interfacing inside the lining bottom before sewing the bottom seam.

Swap the pompom for a tassel, leather zipper pull, or metal charm to give the bag a different finishing touch.

Try using variegated or self-striping yarn for one or more rounds to create subtle color shifts without changing colors manually.

If you prefer fewer seams, experiment with joining techniques like slip-stitch join or continuous join-as-you-go methods when assembling the granny squares.

I often personalize mine with embroidered initials on the lining or an applique on a front square to make the bag a special gift.

Mixing different yarn textures—such as one round in boucle or a metallic strand—adds visual interest and tactile contrast.

Finally, you can make a matching set by scaling the pattern up into a tote or down into coin purses using the same granny-square motif and zipper finish.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the chain-4 join when starting the granny square will create an irregular center; always ch 4 and sl st to join before working Round 1. ✗ Not changing colors correctly at corners can cause uneven clusters and messy joins; anchor the new color with a pulled-up loop at the corner ch-2 space and secure with the finishing tail. ✗ Sewing lining seams before assembling the crochet tube can make fitting the lining difficult; leave side/bottom seams open until the crocheted bag is complete so you can draft the lining accurately. ✗ Attaching the zipper without checking the teeth clearance can snag the fabric; pin the zipper tape to the inside so the teeth are far enough away from crochet stitches before stitching in place.

Bonita Project Bag Pattern

Make a colorful, fully lined zippered project bag using eight granny squares and scrap worsted-weight yarn. This playful pouch holds your current crochet project and supplies while using up leftover yarn. The pattern includes full granny square instructions, seaming steps, a drafted fabric lining, zipper installation, and a pompom topper for a charming finish.

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
  • 02
    Red Heart Super Saver (worsted weight, 100% Acrylic; 364 yards [198 grams]) sample colors: Shocking Pink #0718 (A) partial skein
  • 03
    Cornmeal #0320 (B) partial skein
  • 04
    Spring Green #0672 (C) partial skein
  • 05
    Turqua #0512 (D) partial skein
  • 06
    Real Teal #0656 (E) partial skein
  • 07
    Black #0312 (F) partial skein
  • 08
    Piece of fabric approximately 22" [56 cm] long x 18" [46 cm] wide (heavier woven fabric such as twill, bull denim, canvas, etc.)
  • 09
    One 16" [41 cm] zipper (will likely be shortened to 15" [38.5 cm])

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size US H 5.0 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
  • 02
    Yarn needle
  • 03
    Removable stitch markers
  • 04
    Pencil for marking light fabrics; chalk or silver sharpie for marking dark fabrics
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Sewing needle and matching thread
  • 07
    Sewing machine (optional) for lining
  • 08
    Piece of 2" [5 cm] cardboard for pompom wrapping
  • 09
    Pins for assembly and holding lining
  • 10
    Measuring tape

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Granny Square (Make 8) :

Infos :

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.

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 4, 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 :

Info :

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.)

Instruction :

Using yarn tails sew the sides of the squares together using a whip-stitch to make one long straight line of squares.

Instruction :

Sew remaining seam to connect the first square to the sixth square, creating a tube.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Info :

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 Rnd 2, changing to color D at beginning of rnd.

Round 4 :

Repeat Rnd 2, changing to color C at beginning of rnd.

Round 5 :

Repeat Rnd 2, changing to color B at beginning of rnd.

Round 6 :

Repeat Rnd 2, changing to color A at beginning of rnd.

Round 7 :

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

— Prep Lining :

Info :

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.

Instruction :

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. Press top edge of lining to WS by 1/2".

— Seam Bottom of Crocheted Bag :

Instruction :

Whip stitch remaining 2 seams on bottom of bag.

— Zipper :

Instruction :

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).

Instruction :

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.

— Add Lining to Bag :

Instruction :

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 :

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew squares 1-6 together in a row using a whip-stitch with yarn tails, then join the ends to form a tube, ensuring seams are neat and edges align.
  • Whip-stitch the two remaining squares together to create the bottom panel, then align the bottom panel with the tube and pin carefully before sewing the bottom to the tube.
  • Fold and pin the bottom lengthwise so the opposite edge matches the other side of the tube, then whip-stitch along pinned edges to secure the shape prior to adding the lining.
  • Pin and sew the zipper into the top opening with the zipper tape inside the crocheted fabric, ensuring the zipper teeth are far enough from the crochet to avoid snagging, then hand-stitch the folded lining edge to the zipper tape to conceal the seam.

Important Notes

  • 💡Turning chains in the granny squares count as a stitch; beginning chains in the top single crochet section do not count as a stitch.
  • 💡Leave side/bottom seams of the crochet piece open until after the lining is drafted and sewn so you can use the crocheted bag as a template for accurate fitting.
  • 💡Use removable stitch markers to keep track of rounds and corners while seaming and attaching the bottom piece for correct alignment.

This cheerful Bonita Project Bag turns scraps into a bright, functional zippered pouch you can use every day. The lined interior and secure zipper make it ideal for carrying projects, notions, or small gifts. Make one for yourself or as a handmade present that shows off your love of color and craft! 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag measures approximately 7" [18 cm] tall x 15" [38.5 cm] wide at the top edge and about 5" [13 cm] deep across the bottom when using the recommended yarn and gauge.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but changing yarn weight will affect the final size; use an appropriate hook for your yarn and consider adjusting the number of stitches or blocking the squares to the correct gauge.

Do I need sewing experience to add the lining and zipper?

Basic sewing skills are helpful but not required; the lining can be sewn by hand or machine, and the pattern includes clear steps for pinning and attaching the zipper by hand.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience level, color changes, and whether you machine-sew the lining.