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Bonita Project Bag Pattern

Bonita Project Bag Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.0K 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 pattern creates a lined, zippered project bag constructed from eight colorful granny squares. You will assemble the squares into a tube, add a crocheted edging, then draft and sew a simple fabric lining and insert a zipper for a polished finish. It is a great scrap-busting project that yields a practical, attractive pouch.

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

Includes full instructions for the granny squares, seaming the bag, crocheting the top edging, making a fabric lining and attaching a zipper. Step-by-step guidance ensures even intermediate crocheters can achieve professional results.

Why You'll Love This Bonita Project Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns small scraps of yarn into something both beautiful and useful. The bright granny squares let you play with color combinations and create an eye-catching finished bag. I enjoy the mix of crochet and simple sewing—adding the lining and zipper makes the piece feel polished and durable. This project is rewarding to sew up quickly and makes a lovely handmade gift that shows off your creativity.

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 customizing this bag by changing the color palette; swapping to neutrals or pastels gives the bag a completely different personality.

I often make a mini version by using sport weight yarn and a smaller hook to create a tiny zipper pouch perfect for coins or notions.

For a chunkier, squishier bag I choose bulky yarn and a larger hook—this makes a cozy, robust project bag that is great for larger hooks and needles.

I sometimes add a crocheted strap or wristlet by attaching a simple chain strap to one corner and reinforcing with slipstitch rows for durability.

Try swapping the pompom for a tassel, leather zipper pull, or a small stitched charm to change the finishing detail quickly and easily.

If you want more structure, fuse a thin interfacing to the lining fabric before assembly, or insert a lightweight plastic canvas bottom for extra support.

I like experimenting with button closures or a snap flap instead of a zipper when I want a more vintage look; just adapt the top edging accordingly.

To create matching accessories, use the same granny square colors to make a small coin purse or a pair of glasses cases—coordinated sets make lovely gifts.

I recommend trying different fabric linings: a bright cotton print gives a playful interior, while a neutral canvas creates a more professional finish.

For extra customization, embroider initials or small motifs onto one granny square before seaming to personalize the bag.

Finally, I enjoy making a stash-busting version where every square is a different color combination—this produces a joyful, eclectic bag every time.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers when joining rounds can lead to misaligned edges; place a marker at the beginning of each round to keep your stitch counts accurate. ✗ Not checking gauge for the granny squares results in a bag that is too large or small; measure one finished square and adjust hook size to match the 5" [13 cm] gauge. ✗ Forgetting to leave a long tail from Color F for seaming will complicate assembly; leave the specified 18" [46 cm] tail to make seaming easier. ✗ Sewing the bottom seams before making the lining can make fitting the lining difficult; wait to finish bottom-side seams until after the lining is drafted and sewn. ✗ Pulling yarn loops too tight when changing colors can create puckering; gently tighten new color anchors and weave in ends for a smooth edge. ✗ Overstuffing the bag lining when pressing or finishing can distort shape; press lightly and make small adjustments while pinning to maintain proper form.

Bonita Project Bag Pattern

Make a colorful zippered project bag using eight cheerful granny squares and a simple single crochet edging. This pattern guides you through crocheting, seaming, adding a zipper and drafting a fabric lining so your bag is fully finished and durable. Perfect for using up scrap yarn and creating a fun, portable pouch for your current projects.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Bonita Project Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight acrylic scrap yarn (#4), 6 different colors, approximately 50-60 yards [45-55 m] each color (scrap/partial skeins)
  • 02
    Red Heart Super Saver (worsted weight, 100% Acrylic), 364 yards [198 grams] - colors used in sample: Shocking Pink #0718 (A), Cornmeal #0320 (B), Spring Green #0672 (C), Turqua #0512 (D), Real Teal #0656 (E), Black #0312 (F) (partial skeins each color)
  • 03
    Piece of heavier woven fabric (twill, bull denim, canvas, etc.) measuring approximately 22" [56 cm] long x 18" [46 cm] wide for lining
  • 04
    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
    Sewing needle and matching thread
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Pins for assembly
  • 07
    Pencil, chalk or silver sharpie for marking lining fabric
  • 08
    Tape measure
  • 09
    Sewing machine (optional) for lining assembly

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Granny Square :

Infos :

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.

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 :

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.)

Info :

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.

Info :

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.

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.

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".

Item Name (P1) :

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

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 :

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 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 :

Bonita Granny Square Chart is provided as a visual reference for stitch placement and round progression (see chart page).

Assembly Instructions

  • Line up granny squares 1-6 in a row and whip-stitch the sides together using the Color F tails to create a tube; then whip-stitch the first square to the sixth to close the tube.
  • Whip-stitch the two remaining granny squares together to form the bottom panel, then pin the bottom panel centrally beneath the granny square tube and whip-stitch it to the tube along the edges.
  • Do not finish seaming bottom-side seams until after you have made and fitted the fabric lining; pin everything in place and check fit before final seaming.
  • Fold the bag flat and crochet the top edging in joined rounds of single crochet (Rounds 1-7) to create the finished top edge and color stripes before adding the zipper.
  • Pin the zipper into the top opening from the inside, then hand-stitch the zipper tape to the crocheted fabric ensuring the teeth are safely away from crochet, and finally slip-stitch the folded lining edge to the zipper tape.

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 the long Color F tail (18" [46 cm]) after the final SC round for seaming the squares together.
  • 💡Do not finish stitching the bottom-side seams of the crocheted bag until after the lining has been created and fitted.

This Bonita Project Bag is a cheerful, scrap-friendly pattern that turns small yarn leftovers into a polished, zippered pouch full of personality. It combines classic granny squares with a sturdy fabric lining and a bright pompom for a fully finished result. Make it for yourself or as a handmade gift—each bag is a colorful little celebration of craft. 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

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

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will change the finished size and may affect gauge; adjust your hook size and consider the lining measurements when changing yarn weight.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; familiarity with double crochet, working in rounds, changing colors, and basic seaming is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this bag in about 5-7 hours, depending on experience, assembly speed, and whether you machine-sew the lining or sew by hand.

Can I make the bag without a lining or zipper?

Yes, you can omit the lining and leave the top open or finish with a simple crochet border, but the lining adds structure and protects the crochet from snagging on zipper teeth.