Looking for a stylish and practical crochet bag pattern that works up quickly and uses less than one skein of yarn? The Kate Wristlet combines elegant cable-inspired texture with simple construction to create a beautiful accessory you’ll reach for again and again.

Perfect for confident beginners, this free crochet bag pattern includes helpful video tutorials and can easily be customised to suit your style.

Free Crochet Bag Pattern: The Kate Wristlet

Sometimes the best crochet projects are the ones that look far more complicated than they really are.

The Kate Wristlet is one of those patterns. Can you believe that I originally designed it at the beginning of 2021? Until now it has not been a free pattern on the blog … Time to fix that!

With its beautiful cabled texture, practical size, and simple construction, this little crochet bag pattern is perfect for carrying your essentials while adding a handmade touch to your outfit. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, meeting friends for coffee, or simply need somewhere stylish to stash your phone and keys, this project has you covered.

Best of all, this crochet bag pattern is suitable for confident beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to try a few front and back post stitches. Don’t worry if you’ve never worked them before—I have video tutorials available to walk you through the stitch combination step by step.

Part of the Kate Collection

The Kate Wristlet is part of my much-loved Kate Collection, a coordinating range of crochet patterns featuring the same gorgeous textured stitch combination.

The collection currently includes:

• Kate Wrap – a free pattern on the blog.
• Kate Scarf – another great pattern that is free on the blog post, and the pattern which form the basis of the video tutorials for the Kate stitch combination.
• Kate Hat – this one is not yet a free pattern on the blog but gosh, is it pretty!!
• Kate Mug Cozy – free pattern on the blog post.
• Kate Cup Cozy – another free pattern on the blog.
• Kate Baby Bonnet and blanket – the preemie sized bonnet is a free pattern on the blog post.
• Kate Basket – this one uses super chunky yarn and is a great all purpose basket for everyday use around the home, or a gift basket!

The signature texture is created using front and back post stitches that mimic the look of crochet cables without the complexity often associated with traditional cable work. The result is a timeless design that feels elegant, modern, and wonderfully squishy all at the same time.

The Inspiration Behind the Kate Wristlet

The original Kate Collection began with a desire to create crochet projects that looked sophisticated and textured while still being accessible to everyday crocheters.

I have always loved the appearance of crochet cables. They add depth, movement, and visual interest to a project, but many crocheters assume cables are difficult or reserved for advanced patterns. I wanted to challenge that idea by creating a collection that introduced cable-style textures in a beginner-friendly way.

When designing this crochet bag pattern, I wanted something that showcased the texture beautifully while also being practical. A wristlet felt like the perfect choice. It’s large enough to hold your essentials but small enough to remain lightweight and comfortable to carry.

Another thing I love about this design is how versatile it is. Dress it up for a special occasion, make one to match your favourite outfit, or use it as a handy project bag for a small crochet project. The possibilities are endless, and because it uses less than one skein of yarn, it’s also a fantastic stash-busting project.

Construction of the Design

The Kate Wristlet is worked in the round from the bottom up.

Once the base is complete, the textured stitch pattern is repeated to create the body of the bag. The construction is straightforward, making it an enjoyable project for crocheters looking to build confidence with front post stitches.

One of my favourite things about this design is how easy it is to customise:

• Add colour changes wherever you’d like.
• Increase the height by working additional rounds.
• Make the bag wider by adjusting the size of the base.
• Use stash yarn and leftover skeins.
• Create coordinating accessories from the Kate Collection.

Because the pattern uses less than one skein of #3 weight yarn, it’s an excellent project for those yarn balls that are too large to throw away but too small for larger projects.

Purchase the Printable PDF

If you’d prefer an ad-free, printable version of this pattern, you can find the PDF in all of my shops:

Purchasing the PDF helps support my designs and allows me to keep creating free patterns for you.

The PDF version is perfect for crocheting on the go or keeping in your pattern library.

Helpful Video Tutorials

The stitch combination used throughout the Kate Collection is featured in my scarf tutorials.

Although the tutorial demonstrates the Kate Scarf, the stitch placement and techniques are exactly the same as those used in this wristlet pattern.

Right-Handed Tutorial – https://youtu.be/QM_Ibt3SMyA

Left-Handed Tutorial – https://youtu.be/VnFjdeSfa-s

Pattern Specifics

Skill Level

Confident Beginner

Gauge

Not important as long as you are consistent. For the base using a swatch of sc 1’’x 1’’ is 6 sts by 7 rows

Yarn and Materials

• Requires less than 1 skein of DK (#3 weight) yarn – approximately 120 yards of DK (#3 weight) yarn
• 4mm hook
• Stitch markers to mark first and last stitches (optional)
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Abbreviations

• MR – magic ring
• Ch(s)–chain(s)
• St(s)–stitch(es)
• Sp – space
• sk—skip
• sc–single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• BLO – back loop only
• FPDC – front post double crochet
• BPDC – Back post double crochet
• Ch1sp – chain 1 space
• Rep – Repeat

Pattern Notes

• Read through the pattern before beginning.
• Written in US terms
• Ch1 will count in all rounds as a stitch unless specifically stated otherwise.
• Join rounds with a slip stitch unless otherwise indicated.
• The wristlet is worked from the bottom up.
• Colour changes may be added at any point.
• The height and width can easily be adjusted.

Special Stitches:

You may prefer to watch the videos above to dee how the stitch combination works together for the main body of the bag.

Front and Back Post stitches: You can find a video tutorial on the fpdc at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mawHHZyaWpI

For the bpdc visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWdevHEtSk0

Alt Ch3: This is a way of starting the row without using the ch3 which can look gappy at the edges. To do the alt ch3 turn your work, sc into the first st and then ch2. This counts as a stitch.

Fhdc: You can find my video tutorial for working the foundation stitches at these links at 14:21 into the videos:

Right handed – https://youtu.be/wPHOG4VIi_Q

Left handed – https://youtu.be/UqkTFzCja-A

Camel Stitch: The camel stitch is done by inserting your hook into the 3rd loop of an HDC stitch, which, for this pattern, is in the inside of the work (since we’re working in the round).  This pushes the top 2 V’s to face more outward, thus creating a “knit stitch” look.  Complete an HDC in the 3rd loop of the HDC from the previous row. You can find our you tube tutorial on this at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUuktGH7tmw&t=25s

Free Crochet Bag Pattern

** This is a free pattern on the Sunflower Cottage Crochet blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn allow me to continue to create free content for you!**

Pattern Instructions

For the Base:

Round 1 – In a MR ch1 and make 5sc. Ss to join (6)

Round 2 – Ch1, 1sc in the same st, 2sc in each remaining st. Ss to join. (12)

Round 3 – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in next st, *2sc in next st, sc in next st* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (18)

Round 4 – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 2 sts, *2sc in the next st, sc in the next 2 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (24)

Round 5 – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 3 sts, *2sc in the next st, sc in the next 3 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (30)

Round 6 – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 4 sts, *2sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (36)

Round 7 – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 5 sts, *2sc in the next st, sc in the next 5 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (42)

Round 8  – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 6 sts, *2sc in the next st, sc in the next 6 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (48)

Round 9 – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 7 sts, *2sc in the next st, sc in the next 7 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (54)

Round 10 – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 8 sts, *2sc in the next st, sc in the next 8 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (60)

Round 11 – Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next 9 sts, *2sc in the next st, sc in the next 9 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (66)

Round 12 – Ch1, hdc in the same st, hdc in the next 10 sts, *2hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 10 sts* Rep from * to * around. Ss to join (72)

Main Body:

Round 13 – Ch1, camel st in the first st and each st around. Ss to join. (72)

Round 14 – Ch1 (doesn’t count), fpdc around the first st, sk2, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in the next st, sk2, *fpdc around the next st, sk2, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in the next st, sk2* Rep from * to * around. SS to join. (12 fpdc, 12 (2dc, ch1, 2dc))

Round 15  – Ch1 (doesn’t count), fpdc around the first fpdc from the previous round, sk2, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in the ch1sp, sk2, *fpdc around the next fpdc from the previous round, sk2, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in the next ch1sp, sk2* Rep from * to * around. SS to join. (12 fpdc, 12 (2dc, ch1, 2dc))

Rounds 16 – 24.  Repeat round 15.       

Round 25  – Ch1 (doesn’t count). Hdc in each st around (72)      

Round 26 – Ch4 (counts as a dc and a ch1). sk1, *dc in next st, ch1, sk1* Rep from * to * around.  SS to join (36 dc’s, 36 ch1)

Round 27 – Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in next st and each st around.  SS to join (72)

Round 28  – Ch1 (doesn’t count), fpdc around the first st from the previous round, sk2, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next st, sk2, *fpdc around the next st, sk2, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next st, sk2* Rep from * to * around. SS to join (12 fpdc, 12 (2dc, ch1, 2dc))

Fasten off, weave in ends.

The tie:

Ch50, sc in second ch from hook and each st along. Fasten off and weave in ends if you are not making tassels.

Weave tie through the ch1 spaces in round 26.

Add tassels if desired.

Wrist handle   

 Ch42, sc in second ch from hook and each ch across.

 Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing to the bag.

 Attach the chain to the dc opposite the stitch where the tie meets at the front. Weave in ends

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making the Kate Wristlet as much as I enjoyed designing it.

Whether you make one for yourself, gift it to a friend, or create a matching set from the Kate Collection, I’d absolutely love to see your finished project.

Be sure to tag me on social media so I can admire your beautiful work:

📘 Facebook: Sunflower Cottage Crochet Facebook Page

📸 Instagram: @sunflowercottagecrochet

And if you enjoy this crochet bag pattern, don’t forget to browse the rest of the Kate Collection for even more coordinating projects.

Happy crocheting! 🧶🌻