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Mash Bag Pattern

Mash Bag Pattern
4.2★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.6K Made This
✂️

Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

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 Mash Bag Pattern

This pattern creates a compact Mash Bag worked in soutache cord with a decorative loop stitch motif and round metal handles. The instructions include making the bottom, joining a plastic card for loop formation, creating the wall with loop stitches and attaching handles. The result is a sturdy, textured bag with a repeating looped design.

Mash Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Step-by-step photo guidance and clear abbreviations make the process easy to follow for beginners. Optional legs and finishing tips are included to help you achieve a professional look.

Why You'll Love This Mash Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple soutache cord into a refined textured bag with surprisingly little fuss. The loop stitch creates a beautiful, airy motif while the solid bottom keeps the shape neat and practical. I enjoy how quick sections like the bottom and handles come together, giving visible progress early on. It feels great to make a functional accessory that looks boutique-made but is beginner friendly.

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

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this pattern by changing cord color or handle style.

You can swap the soutache cord for a cotton macrame cord for a thicker, sturdier bag — try a neutral or variegated color for different effects.

To make a mini keychain version, use thinner cord and a smaller hook and reduce the number of loops and bottom rows proportionally.

If you want a softer drape, use a lighter cord and a slightly larger hook; for a firmer shape, use a smaller hook than recommended.

I often add a lining to mine for small items; sew a fabric lining cut to the inner dimensions and hand-stitch it in place for a polished finish.

Switch to wooden or leather handles for a different look — you can stitch them on the same way, just adjust how many stitches you make over the handle for a snug fit.

For a decorative twist, add beads to the loop ends before removing loops from the card to secure a beaded scallop edge.

Try alternating two colors every repeat pair to create striped arcs for a playful, graphic bag appearance.

If you prefer a longer shoulder strap, crochet a separate strap in matching cord and sew or loop it through side loops to make the bag cross-body.

I recommend experimenting on a small swatch to test loop size and tension when trying new materials — it saves time and helps you get the exact look and size you want.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the 2nd loop when starting single crochet can create a lopsided edge; always work the first row into the 2nd loop on the hook to keep edges straight. ✗ Not turning the canvas after each row makes rows stack unevenly; remember to turn the work at the end of every row for a consistent fabric. ✗ Cutting the working thread too early will make it hard to join the next row; do not cut the working thread after row 27 and keep it for the trim row as instructed. ✗ Removing loops from the card incorrectly will change tension and spacing; hold the card in front and pull loops off the card to the right only when there is no space left on it, keeping even tension.

Mash Bag Pattern

Make a stylish Mash Bag using soutache cord and an easy loop stitch technique. This pattern walks you step-by-step through the bottom, wall, loop details and handles so you can create a structured, pretty bag. Perfect for gifting or making a unique everyday accessory, you will enjoy the textured look and sturdy finish. Clear photos and instructions guide you through each stage.

Beginner Friendly 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Mash Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Soutache cord (any cotton cord, polyester cord or jute), 3 mm, approximately 300 yards (300 meters)
  • 02
    Example used: Maccaroni Ayaz SUPRA (color shown in photos)
  • 03
    Plastic card width 2 2/8 inches (5.5 cm) to form loop stitches
  • 04
    2 circle handles, diameter 4 1/2 inches (11 cm)
  • 05
    Optional: 4 small legs (optional hardware)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size N6 - 6.0 mm (you can also use N4 = 4.0 mm to hide ends)
  • 02
    Plastic card (approx 5.5 cm wide)
  • 03
    2 round handles (diameter 11 cm)
  • 04
    Lighter for finishing ends
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    4 stitch markers
  • 07
    Small Phillips screwdriver (if using the legs)
  • 08
    Tapestry/yarn needle for hiding ends
  • 09
    Iron and damp cloth for steaming/setting

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Crochet the bottom :

Info :

Crochet 9 CH.

Round 1 :

1 row. 8 SC from the 2nd loop on the hook, CH. Turn.

Info :

Insert the hook through the last SC, pull out the end of the thread. Crochet in the end of the thread in the next row.

Round 2 :

Next, turn the canvas after each row.

Round 3 :

2 row. 8 SC, CH.

Round 4 :

3 row. 8 SC, CH.

Round 5 :

4 row. 8 SC, CH.

Round 6-26 :

5-26 row. 8 SC, CH.

Round 27 :

27 row. 8 SC. Don`t cut the working thread.

— Trim :

Trim (P1) :

Trim. Crochet 2 SC in the last loop, 24 SC in the each row. Crochet 3 SC in 1 in the corner of bottom, 6 SC, 3 SC in 1, 24 SC, 1 SC in corner. Cut the thread, pull out from the loop. Insert the hook under the 1st loop, pull the end and tighten the back. There are 72 loops in this row now. Place 4 markers in the middle loops at each corner of the bottom.

Info :

Strengthen and hide the ends.

Info :

Steam the bottom with an iron trough a damp cloth at medium setting.

— Crochet the wall-side :

Round 1 :

1 row. Insert the hook on the back loop and jumper only, where the marker is.

Info :

Pull out the loop, crochet CH. In the same loop crochet SC.

Info :

Next, crochet this row on the back loop and jumper only.

Round 2 :

26 SC, 3 SC in 1, 8 SC, 3 SC in 1, 26 SC, 3 SC in 1, 8 SC, 2 SC in 1. Bind off the row with the end of the thread. Strengthen and hide the end. Process with fire. There are 80 loops in this row now.

Item Name (P1) :

Install the legs. Count 2 SC and 2 rows from the corners. Insert the screw between the legs of the SC. Tighten with your fingers, then tighten with a small Phillips screwdriver.

— Prepare for loop stitches :

Round 1 :

2 row. Insert the hook under the last loop of the previous row. Pull out the loop, crochet CH.

Info :

Take the plastic card. Crochet this row with the 80 loop stitches:

Info :

Hold the card in front of work. Make the yarn over the card, crochet SC. Remove the loops from the card in the right, when there is no space left on it.

Info :

Finish the row with SlSt.

Info :

👍Tie-in a new piece of the thread, in case if you run out of the end that is binding off the rows.

— Loop stitch rows :

Round 3 :

3 row. Crochet 5 CH. Take the 1st 5 LS. Turn over 90 degrees counterclockwise. Crochet 5 SC trough LS. Take the 2nd 5 LS, turn over. Insert the hook through 1st LS, pull out the loop. Then, insert the hook through 2nd LS and pull out the loop. There are 3 loops on the hook now. Crochet it. Next, crochet 5 SC trough 2nd 5 LS.

Info :

Repeat to the end of the row. You should have 16 «arcs» of the 5 LS. Finish the row with SlSt. Steam with an iron through a damp cloth at medium setting, after crocheting this row.

Round 4 :

4 row. 5 LS, skip 1 loop of the previous row, 5 LS, skip 1 loop of the previous row. Repeat to the end of the row. Finish the row with SlSt. Place the marker in the 1st LS of this row. There are 80 LS in this row now.

Round 5 :

5 row. Crochet 5 CH. Skip the 1st LS (marked with a marker) of the previous row. Crochet it in the end of this row. Take the 5 LS. Crochet 5 SC. Take the next 5 LS. 1 SC between «arcs». 5 SC trough next 5 LS. 1 SC between «arcs». Repeat to the end of the row. Finish the row with SlSt. There are 16 «arcs» in this row now.

Info :

Repeat the pair of the 4th and 5th row 6 times. Cut the thread, pull out from the loop. Insert the hook under 1st loop, pull the end and tighten the back. Strengthen and hide the end on the wrong side. Process with fire.

Info :

Steam the bag with an iron trough a damp cloth at medium setting.

— Handles :

Info :

Take the handle. Insert the hook through the handle, yarn over on the hook. Twist clockwise and crochet CH.

Round 1 :

Crochet 10 SC, crochet in the end. Cut the thread, leaving it about 27-28 inches (70 cm) long. Pull out the end in the loop.

Info :

Turn over the handle crocheting down. Join the handle with the bag in the middle of the top. Insert the hook under loop of the last row of the bag in the 2st loop of the «arc».

Info :

Pull the long end of the thread. Pull out the loop. Insert hook in the next loop of the bag and 2st loop of the handle. Crochet SlSt, repeat. There are 9 SlSt in this row now. Pull out the end from the loop, tighten back on the wrong side. Strengthen and hide the ends. Process with fire.

Info :

Crochet in the second handle in the same way.

— Finishing :

Info :

You can decorate the bag with a pendant-tassel.

Info :

Congratulations! Your cute mash bag is ready 👍

Assembly Instructions

  • Place 4 markers in the middle loops at each corner of the bottom to align the wall-side and ensure the sides are straight before continuing.
  • Install optional legs by counting 2 SC and 2 rows from each corner, inserting the leg screw between the stitches, and tightening first by hand then with a small Phillips screwdriver.
  • Join each handle to the top center by positioning the crocheted handle piece over the top arcs and slip stitching through the 2nd loop of the arc and the handle loops, spacing to make 9 SlSt along the top.
  • After joining handles and finishing ends, steam the bottom and loop rows with an iron through a damp cloth at medium setting to set shape and even the texture.
  • Hide and strengthen all ends by pulling ends through loops, tightening at the wrong side, and finishing tips with a lighter where needed to secure synthetic cord ends.

Important Notes

  • 💡Do not cut the working thread after row 27 because you will need it for the trim and to form the loops.
  • 💡Use stitch markers in the middle loops at each corner of the bottom to make sure corners are aligned when building the wall.
  • 💡When removing loops from the plastic card, do it to the right and only when there is no more space on the card to keep loop size consistent.
  • 💡Steam the piece through a damp cloth at medium setting after key loop rows to help set the shape and open the loops consistently.

This Mash bag pattern shows how soutache cord and simple loop stitches create a boutique-style textured accessory with sturdy handles and a neat boxed bottom. Perfect for gifting or making a statement everyday bag, it combines practical structure with decorative loops for a polished finish. Try it in bold or neutral colors to match your wardrobe and enjoy making something uniquely handmade. 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag measures approximately length 9 1/2 inches (24 cm), width 4 inches (10 cm), height 11 inches (28 cm) when made with the recommended soutache cord and 6.0 mm hook.

Can I use different yarn or cord for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different cords but the look and size will change; stick to similar thickness (about 3 mm soutache cord) and adjust hook size accordingly to maintain gauge.

Do I need any special tools to make the loops?

You only need a plastic card of similar width to create consistent loop stitches; standard craft cards or loyalty cards around 5.5 cm wide work well.

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes — this pattern is rated beginner friendly, with clear step-by-step photo instructions; basic single crochet and chain skills are helpful before starting.