Crochet Bag Patterns

The Nomad's Knot Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Modern Hobo Bag

Anonymous • July 30, 2026

The Nomad's Knot Tote: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Modern Hobo Bag

Embrace effortless style with this free crochet pattern for a generously sized hobo bag, featuring a unique combination of linked double crochet and a braided faux-leather strap. The soft, textured fabric and earthy color palette create a sophisticated accessory that's perfect for everyday adventures. This pattern is designed for adventurous beginners and intermediate crocheters who want to create a modern, boho-chic bag that stands out from the crowd.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Shown in: Color A (Main): 300g (approx 600 yds) of a warm taupe/oatmeal. Color B (Accent): 100g (approx 200 yds) of a deep rust or burnt orange.
Hook/Needle: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook, plus a 4.0 mm (G-6) hook for the strap attachment.
Gauge: 14 linked double crochet stitches x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) on 5.0 mm hook. Exact gauge is not critical, but consistency is key for the bag's shape.
Additional: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and seaming, scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes on the Linked Double Crochet (LDC) Stitch

The bag is worked in one piece from the bottom up, then folded and seamed. The linked double crochet (LDC) creates a dense, woven-like fabric. To make an LDC: Insert hook into the horizontal bar between the posts of the stitch below (the 'link'), yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through one loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through remaining two loops. The first LDC of each row is worked into the 3rd chain from the hook.

BAG BODY (worked flat)

With Color A and 5.0mm hook, chain 41.

Row 1: LDC in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (40 LDC) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first LDC), LDC in each stitch across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 14 inches (35.5 cm) from the beginning, ending with a wrong-side row. Do not fasten off.

SHAPING THE TOP EDGE

This section creates the gentle, asymmetric curve at the top of the bag.

Next Row (Right Side): Ch 2, LDC in next 10 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, LDC in next 18 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, LDC in last 10 stitches. Turn. (38 LDC, 2 ch-1 spaces)
Next Row: Ch 2, LDC in next 10 stitches, 1 LDC in ch-1 space, LDC in next 18 stitches, 1 LDC in ch-1 space, LDC in last 10 stitches. Turn. (40 LDC)
Next Row: Ch 2, LDC in next 9 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, LDC in next 20 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, LDC in last 9 stitches. Turn. (38 LDC, 2 ch-1 spaces)
Next Row: Ch 2, LDC in next 9 stitches, 1 LDC in ch-1 space, LDC in next 20 stitches, 1 LDC in ch-1 space, LDC in last 9 stitches. Turn. (40 LDC)
Next Row: Ch 2, LDC in next 8 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, LDC in next 22 stitches, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, LDC in last 8 stitches. Turn. (38 LDC, 2 ch-1 spaces)
Next Row: Ch 2, LDC in next 8 stitches, 1 LDC in ch-1 space, LDC in next 22 stitches, 1 LDC in ch-1 space, LDC in last 8 stitches. Turn. (40 LDC)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

ASSEMBLY

Fold the piece in half with right sides together, matching the cast-on edge to the last row. Using the long tail and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the side seams together, starting from the bottom and working up to the top edge. Turn the bag right side out.

STRAP (worked in two halves)

With Color B and 5.0mm hook, chain 6.

Row 1: LDC in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (4 LDC) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, LDC in each stitch across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until strap measures 18 inches (45.5 cm) from the beginning. Fasten off. Make a second identical strap piece.

STRAP BRAIDING & ATTACHMENT

Lay the two strap pieces parallel to each other. Braid them together by crossing the left piece over the middle, then the right piece over the new middle, continuing until the entire length is braided. Secure the ends with a stitch.

Using the 4.0mm hook and Color A, attach the braided strap to the bag. Position the strap ends on the inside of the bag, about 4 inches (10 cm) from the top edge and 2 inches (5 cm) from the side seams. Slip stitch or single crochet the strap ends securely to the bag fabric, working through both layers of the strap and the bag. Repeat for the other side.