🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Accordion Bag Pattern

Accordion Bag Pattern
4.5★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.0K 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 Accordion Bag Pattern

This pattern creates an accordion-style striped crochet bag built from multiple narrow bands joined edge-to-edge and folded to form pleats. You will use foundation cord, single crochet rows, and a simple joining technique to build the body. The design includes instructions for both large and small sizes and finishing steps for straps and seams.

Accordion Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The bag is worked in separate bands (BAND 01–BAND 12) and then joined to create the distinctive accordion shape. Clear photos and step instructions show foundation cord, joining loops, and assembly.

Why You'll Love This Accordion Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple stitches into a standout accessory with a sculptural, pleated look. I enjoy how the foundation cord technique makes tidy, even edges that are perfect for joining bands together. The design is highly customizable — I often change colors for different moods and seasons. Making each band feels satisfying, and joining them creates a surprisingly dramatic effect that always delights me.

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

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color placement on this bag; try alternating pastels for a soft look or high-contrast brights for a statement piece.

I often change the width of each BAND by reducing or increasing the foundation stitch count to create a wider or narrower pleat effect.

To make a mini keychain or pouch, use finer cotton and a smaller hook and scale down the foundation counts proportionally.

If you want a sturdier bag, I recommend lining it with fabric and slipstitching the lining into place at the top edge for a polished finish.

Swap the leather drawstring for a braided cord or a decorative ribbon to change the style and functionality.

I like adding small leather tabs or metal rings at the strap joins for an industrial-chic look and easier strap replacement.

For a shoulder-friendly strap, double the strap width or add soft padding inside the strap by sewing a folded fabric strip in place.

Try embroidery or surface crochet on selected BANDs to add initials or motifs without changing the construction.

If you want a boho vibe, add tassels or pom-poms to the drawstring and strap ends — I typically use contrasting colors to make them pop.

To create a reversible look, choose color palettes that look great inside-out and use matching seam finishes so either side can face out when you fold the bag.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not leaving the correct tail length for the foundation cord can make joining bands difficult; always leave the specified tail (for example 4m/158inch for large BAND 01) so you have enough yarn to seam and finish. ✗ Forgetting to place stitch markers at the indicated stitch (60th or 40th) will cause misaligned straps and bands; place markers on both ends before you start joining so alignment is consistent. ✗ Failing to align the correct numbered stitch when joining two bands will shift the pattern and pleats; align the specified stitch (for example align 61st sc of BAND 01 to first sc of BAND 02) and check visually before crocheting the two together. ✗ Working with inconsistent tension produces uneven pleats and mismatched band widths; maintain an even, moderate tension and check measurements regularly to keep bands consistent. ✗ Removing the hook or pulling loops incorrectly when performing the long-loop joining step can distort the joining row; follow the pictured sequence: draw a long loop, remove the hook, unfold and bring the loop to the front, then fold and sc as instructed.

Accordion Bag Pattern

Make a stylish accordion-style striped bag using foundation cord and simple single crochet rows. This pattern guides you step-by-step through making each band, joining them, and finishing a beautiful cotton carry-all. Perfect for using leftover cotton yarn and creating a handmade accessory you can customize.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Accordion Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight 100% Cotton yarn (main color and multiple contrast/highlight colors for BAND 01 to BAND 12)
  • 02
    Color bands: BAND 01 through BAND 12 (12 different colors or repeats as desired) — use small amounts for each band depending on size
  • 03
    Large bag leather string 90cm/36inch for drawstring
  • 04
    Small bag leather string 60cm/24inch for drawstring
  • 05
    Long tail lengths used as noted per band (e.g. 4m/158inch, 2m/79inch, 2.4m/95inch, 1.3m/51inch depending on band and size)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 3.5mm
  • 02
    Yam needle
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Leather string 90cm/36inch (Large bag)
  • 06
    Leather string 60cm/24inch (Small bag)
  • 07
    Pins for assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Intro :

Info :

This bag is made by joining 12 pcs of 5 sc row-high bands.

Info :

FINAL PIECE (BEFORE SEAM) diagrams show large and small sizes and marker positions.

— Materials :

Info :

Worsted weight 100% Cotton yam. Crochet hook 3.5mm. 90cm/36inch leather string (Large bag). 60cm/24inch leather string (Small bag). Yam needle, scissors, stitch markers.

Info :

SKILLS REQUIRED: Crocheting foundation cord, chain and single crochet stitch.

Info :

ABBREVIATIONS: Sc = Single crochet. Ch = Chain.

— Part 1 :

Info :

BASE ROW - The first base row of each BAND is crochet by 'Foundation cord'.

Info :

FOUNDATION CORD - STEP 1. Slip knot. (Leave a tail about 3 times longer of the desired foundation length).

Info :

STEP 2. Tail over hook from front to back. Yam over(yo).

Info :

STEP 3. Draw through tail loop(lp).

Info :

Leave the markers on the 60th stitch from the both end of BAND 01 and BAND 12. (indication of the body part and the strap of the bag)

— Part 2 :

BAND 01 - Main color yarn :

BASE ROW: Leave a 4m/158inch long tail and crochet Foundation cord 251, turn. (251)

Round 1 :

ROW 1: Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord as shown in the picture, turn. (251) (◄Picture)

Round 2-5 :

ROW 2 ~ 5: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (251)

Round 6 :

ROW 6: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, fasten off. (251)

— Part 3 :

BAND 02 - Contrast/Highlight color yarn :

BASE ROW: Leave a 2m/79inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 131, turn (131)

Round 1 :

ROW 1: Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn. (131)

Round 2-5 :

ROW 2~5: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (131)

Round 6 :

ROW 6: Place BAND 01(foundation row facing up) in front of BAND 02. (Align 61st sc of BAND 01 to first sc of BAND 02, and crochet 2 BANDs together.) Sc 60 and follow as below.

Infos :

▲ Draw a long loop of the 60th sc and remove the hook. ▲ Unfold the BANDs and bring the loop to the front. ▲ Fold the BANDs inside out. (The BANDs are now flipped over.) ▲ Sc 11.

Infos :

▲ Draw a long loop of the 11th sc and remove the hook. ▲ Unfold the BANDs and bring the loop to the front. ▲ Fold the BANDs inside out back to the original. ▲ Sc 60, fasten off leaving the tail about 5cm/2.5inch long.

— Part 4 :

Info :

HOW IT LOOKS WHEN BAND 01 & BAND 02 ARE JOINED - ▲ OUTSIDE OF THE BAG ▲ INSIDE OF THE BAG

BAND 03 - Main color yarn :

BASE ROW: Leave a 2m/79inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 131, turn (131)

Round 1 :

ROW 1: Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the back loop of the foundation cord, turn. (131)

Round 2-5 :

ROW 2~5: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (131)

Round 6 :

ROW 6: Place BAND 02(foundation row facing up) in front of BAND 03. Sc in each sc of these two bands together and fasten off.

Info :

You can repeat BAND 02 for even numbered BANDs, and repeat BAND 03 for odd numbered BANDs.

— Part 5 :

BAND 12 - Contrast/Highlight color yarn :

BASE ROW: Leave a 4m/158inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 251, turn (251)

Round 1 :

ROW 1: Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn. (251)

Round 2-5 :

ROW 2~5: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (251)

Round 6 :

ROW 6: Sc 60, place BAND 11 in front of BAND 12 (Align first sc of BAND 11 to 61st sc of BAND 12, and crochet 2 BANDs together.) Sc 60, fold inside out sc 11, fold back to the original and sc 60, fasten off.

Round 7 :

ROW 7: (Work through the top row of the BAND 12.) Skip the first 60 sc(bag strap), sc 131 across(bag body) and fasten off leaving the tail 80cm/32inch long.

— Part 6 :

Info :

Assemble

Item Name (Seaming BAND 01) :

Use the same color yarn of BAND 01. (80cm/32inch long) Fold the bag in half(inside facing out), and seam the edge of the body part of the bag.

Item Name (Seaming BAND 12) :

Use the long tail that was left at the end. Seam the edge of the body part of the bag. Weave in all the ends, shape the bag folding as shown in the picture.

Item Name (Strap (2)) :

Place the strap ends overlapping 20 sc long, seam both side of the edge. Put the drawstring into the bag as shown in the picture, tie up and finish.

— Part 7 :

Info :

SMALL SIZE

BAND 01 :

BASE ROW: Leave a 2.4m/95inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 169, turn. (169) Leave the markers on the 40th stitch from the end on both sides.

Round 1 :

ROW 1: Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn. (169)

Round 2-4 :

ROW 2 ~ 4: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (169)

Round 5 :

ROW 5: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, fasten off. (169)

BAND 02 :

BASE ROW: Leave a 1.3m/51inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 89, turn. (89) ROW 2 ~ 4: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (89)

Round 5 :

ROW 5: Place BAND 01(foundation row facing up) in front of BAND 02. (Align 41st sc of BAND 01 to the first sc of BAND 02, and crochet 2 BANDs together.) Sc 40, fold inside out sc 9 and fold back to the original sc 40, fasten off. (89)

BAND 03 :

BASE ROW: Leave a 1.3m/51inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 89, turn. (89) ROW 2 ~ 4: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (89)

Round 5 :

ROW 5: Place BAND 02 in front of the BAND 03, sc these two BANDs together, fasten off. (89)

Info :

You can repeat BAND 02 for even numbered BANDs, and repeat BAND 03 for odd numbered BANDs.

BAND 12 :

BASE ROW: Leave a 2.4m/95inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 169, turn. (169) Leave the markers on the 40th stitch from the end on both sides.

Round 1 :

ROW 1: Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn. (169)

Round 2-4 :

ROW 2 ~ 4: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn.(169)

Round 5 :

ROW 5: Sc 40, place BAND 11 in front of BAND 12. (Align first sc of BAND 11 to the 41st sc of BAND 12, and crochet 2 BANDs together.) Sc 40, fold inside out sc 9, fold back to the original and sc 40, fasten off.

Round 6 :

ROW 6: (Work through the top row of BAND 12.) Skip the first 40 sc(bag strap), sc 89 across(bag body) and fasten off leaving a 60cm/24inch long tail. (169)

Item Name (Assemble) :

You can follow the Large bag pattern to seam the body edge of the bag. Place the strap ends overlapping 15 sc long, seam both side of the edge. Put the drawstring into the bag, tie up and finish.

Assembly Instructions

  • Fold the finished joined bands in half (inside facing out) and seam the body edge using the same color yarn of BAND 01 (about 80cm/32inch long) for a neat seam.
  • Seam BAND 12 using the long tail left at the end to close the opposite edge of the body part, then weave in all ends and shape the bag by folding as shown in the photos.
  • Place the strap ends overlapping the specified number of stitches (20 sc for large bag straps; 15 sc for small bag straps), then seam both sides of the strap edge to secure.
  • Insert the leather drawstring through the top loops of the bag as shown in pictures, tie up, and finish; ensure the drawstring length matches large (90cm/36inch) or small (60cm/24inch) specifications.

Important Notes

  • 💡Place stitch markers at the 60th stitch (large) or 40th stitch (small) on both ends to mark strap edges and body sections for accurate joining.
  • 💡Keep consistent tension, especially when working foundation cord and the first rows of each band to ensure even band widths and pleats.
  • 💡When joining bands, align the exact numbered stitch (for example align 61st of BAND 01 to first sc of BAND 02) and follow the long-loop folding sequence to avoid twisted joins.
  • 💡Weave in ends as you go when possible and leave the long tails stated for final seaming to make assembly easier.

This Accordion Bag pattern celebrates color, texture, and simple construction to make a handmade favorite. Folded bands create beautiful pleats and a unique silhouette you can customize with your favorite cotton yarns. Perfect for gifting or everyday use — make one in bold stripes or soft neutrals and enjoy your new go-to bag. 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag dimensions depend on size chosen; the pattern diagrams show the large bag built from 251-st bands (height ~38cm/15in before seam) and the small bag from 169/89-st bands (smaller proportions). Final pleated shape will be slightly smaller after seaming and folding.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will affect final size and pleat depth; adjust your hook accordingly and make a swatch band to check how many foundation stitches you need for the desired width.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses foundation cord, joining bands with long-loop folding, and assembly steps; basic single crochet and chain skills are required and photos guide the joining technique.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete the bag in about 5-7 hours for the large size, though time varies with experience and whether you make multiple color changes or add lining and embellishments.

How do I join the bands so the pleats look neat?

Follow the long-loop joining steps: align the numbered stitches, draw a long loop, remove the hook, fold and bring the loop to the front, flip and sc the prescribed number of stitches, then fold back and complete the joins for tidy pleats.