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Bonita Project Bag Pattern

Bonita Project Bag Pattern
4.2★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.6K 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 colorful, zippered project bag made from eight granny squares joined to form a tube with a crocheted top edge. The bag is fully lined with fabric and finished with a sewn-in zipper and a playful pompom. It is a great scrap-busting project that combines crochet and basic sewing skills for a professional finish.

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

You will learn how to make and join granny squares, crochet the top edging, draft and sew a simple lining, and attach a zipper. The finished bag is approximately 7" tall x 15" wide x 5" deep.

Why You'll Love This Bonita Project Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns leftover scrap yarn into a vibrant, useful accessory that is both practical and joyful. I enjoy the meditative rhythm of making granny squares and the excitement of seeing the colors come together in a coordinated layout. The added sewing and zipper steps give the bag a polished, professional finish that makes me proud to gift or use. It is versatile and forgiving, so I often customize colors and linings to suit the recipient or my current stash.

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 choosing different color palettes; try monochrome shades for a chic look or jewel tones for a vibrant finish.

To make the bag larger or smaller, change your yarn weight and hook size and adjust the number of granny squares accordingly; using bulky yarn will create a chunkier, bigger bag.

I often replace the zipper with a magnetic snap or buttoned flap for an alternative closure that still looks polished.

Try lining the bag with a patterned fabric to add a surprise pop of color inside that complements your granny square palette.

For an even sturdier bag, add a lightweight interfacing between the lining and crochet or use a slightly heavier woven fabric such as canvas or denim.

I sometimes add internal pockets to the lining for organization—measure and sew small pockets onto the lining before inserting it into the bag.

Swap the pompom for a tassel or a beaded zipper pull for a different decorative finish that matches your personal style.

If you want a travel-friendly option, consider adding a fabric strap to one side or sewing in D-rings to attach a detachable strap.

I also enjoy embroidering small motifs or initials onto one granny square before assembly to personalize the bag for gifting.

To create a set, make multiple smaller bags by using minis of the granny square or create a matching project-mat using the same color scheme for a coordinated crafting kit.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping checking gauge for the granny square can result in a bag that is too large or too small; make one granny square to confirm it measures 5" x 5" before proceeding. ✗ Finishing the bottom-side seams before making the lining makes it difficult to draft the lining piece accurately; leave the bottom side seams open until the lining is complete. ✗ Not tightening color joins can create loose loops that snag during use; pull the color tail snug when anchoring a new color and weave in ends securely. ✗ Forgetting to leave a long yarn tail for seaming the squares makes assembly harder; leave an 18" [46 cm] tail of color F for seaming as instructed. ✗ Placing the zipper too close to crocheted stitches may cause snags on the teeth; pin zipper tape to the inside and ensure teeth are far enough away from crochet fabric before stitching.

Bonita Project Bag Pattern

Make a colorful, zippered project bag using eight granny squares and simple single crochet edging. This pattern is perfect for using scrap worsted-weight yarn and teaches basic seaming, adding a zipper, and drafting a simple fabric lining. You will end up with a sturdy, lined pouch that holds your small-scale projects neatly.

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 (ball about the size of a medium apple)
  • 02
    Red Heart Super Saver (worsted weight, 100% Acrylic): 364 yards [198 grams] full skein used for sample colors listed (partial skeins used for each color)
  • 03
    Color A: Cornmeal #0320 (partial skein)
  • 04
    Color B: Shocking Pink #0718 (partial skein)
  • 05
    Color C: Spring Green #0672 (partial skein)
  • 06
    Color D: Turqua #0512 (partial skein)
  • 07
    Color E: Real Teal #0656 (partial skein)
  • 08
    Color F: Black #0312 (partial skein for join/edging and tails)
  • 09
    Piece of woven fabric for lining approximately 22" [56 cm] long x 18" [46 cm] wide (heavier woven fabric like twill, bull denim, canvas works well)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size US H (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 02
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  • 03
    Removable stitch markers
  • 04
    Sewing needle and matching thread
  • 05
    Sewing machine (optional) for lining assembly
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Pins for assembly
  • 08
    Measuring tape or ruler
  • 09
    Pencil, chalk, or silver sharpie for marking fabric
  • 10
    One 16" [41 cm] zipper (will likely need to be shortened to 15" [38.5 cm])

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. 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.

— Granny Square :

Info :

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.)

Round 1 :

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.

Info :

Do not finish seaming bottom-sides of bag until after lining has been made!

— Crocheting Top Edging of Bag :

Rnd 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.

Rnd 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.

Rnd 3 :

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

Rnd 4 :

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

Rnd 5 :

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

Rnd 6 :

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

Rnd 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".

— Seam Bottom of Crocheted Bag :

Info :

Whip stitch remaining 2 seams on bottom of bag.

— Zipper :

Info :

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 :

Info :

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 :

Info :

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.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the sides of granny squares 1-6 together with a whip-stitch to form one long strip, then sew the strip end-to-end to create a tube.
  • Whip-stitch the remaining two granny squares to each other to form the bottom panel, align the bottom panel under the tube and whip-stitch the bottom panel to the tube, pinning and aligning seams carefully.
  • Fold and pin the bottom lengthwise so opposite bottom edges align with the opposite side of the tube, then whip-stitch to secure shape; do not finish bottom-side seams until after lining is inserted.
  • Crochet the joined rounds of single crochet around the top edge (Rnd 1–7) changing colors as instructed and weaving in ends; steam block if desired.
  • Measure, trim, and pin the zipper into the top opening, stitch zipper tape to the inside of crocheted fabric ensuring zipper teeth are clear of crochet, then sew the folded lining edge over zipper tape and slip-stitch in place.
  • Attach the pompom by threading the pompom loop through the zipper tab hole and securing the loop around itself; trim and fluff pompom to finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Do not finish seaming the bottom-side seams of the bag until after the fabric lining has been made and fitted for a precise fit.
  • 💡Leave the color F yarn tail of 18" [46 cm] on each square for seaming rather than weaving it in immediately so you have enough length for assembly.
  • 💡Pin pieces in place before stitching and use removable stitch markers to match granny square corners for even alignment.
  • 💡When installing the zipper, ensure the zipper teeth are far enough from crochet stitches to avoid snagging; adjust zipper placement before stitching.
  • 💡Steam block granny squares before assembly to flatten and square them for more accurate seaming and a neater finished bag.

This cheerful Bonita Project Bag turns scraps into a perfectly useful and stylish pouch you will reach for again and again. Bright granny squares, a neat crocheted edging, and a sewn lining give you a polished, gift-ready finish. Make one for yourself or a friend and enjoy a splash of color with every project. 🧶✨

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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 x 5" [13 cm] deep when made with the recommended yarn and hook size.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but using a different yarn weight will change the finished size and require an appropriate hook size; make a gauge square to adjust placement and lining measurements accordingly.

Do I need a sewing machine to make the lining?

No, the lining can be seamed by hand with a sewing needle and matching thread, though a sewing machine will speed up the process and produce a very neat seam.

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 use a sewing machine for the lining.