Crochet Pattern: Perfect Fit Hobo Bag
By Claire Ortega-Reyes – 91 Comments| Tired of purses that slide down your arms as you move? This classic hobo bag drapes over your shoulder perfectly–the strap won’t slip from your shoulder because of the bag’s shape and construction. It is also sturdy because the bag is made in one go (yes, no separate pieces to sew together!). Using worsted weight yarn makes it a fast project, too. |  |
| Skill Level: |  |
Finished Size:
Purse: 9″ tall x 12″ wide (when laid flat, not including straps)
Strap: 18″ long x 2″ wide
| Materials: 280 yards (250 m) Medium Weight Yarn Crochet Hook H (5.00 mm) 1″-diameter Button (for closure) |
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Gauge: 7 dc stitches & 4 dc rows = 2 inches
Need help understanding the abbreviations and symbols? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart!
Crochet Pattern: Perfect Fit Hobo Bag
Front:
Ch 3, sl st in first ch to make a loop,
Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), 9 dc in ring, turn: 10 dc
Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each of next 8 dc, dc in last dc, turn: 18 dc
Row 3: Ch 3, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 26 dc
Row 4: Ch 3, (dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 34 dc
Row 5: Ch 3, (dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 42 dc
Row 6: Ch 3, (dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 50 dc
Row 7: Ch 3, (dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 58 dc
Row 8: Ch 3, (dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 66 dc
Row 9: Ch 3, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 74 dc
Row 10: Ch 3, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, dc in last dc, do not turn, do not fasten off: 82 dc
Strap and Base:
Chain 50, sl st in first dc of row 10, making sure to not twist the chain,
(Work proceeds in rounds for this part of the hobo bag.)
Round 1: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as a stitch and throughout), sc in each stitch around, sl st in first sc: 132 sc
Rounds 2-4: Â Ch 3, dc in next stitch and in each stitch around, sl st in top of first dc: 132 dc
Round 5: Repeat row 1: 132 sc
Back:
(Work proceeds in rows from this point on.)
Row 1: Ch 3, (dc in next 8 sc, dc2tog) 8 times, dc in next sc, turn: 74 dc
Row 2: Ch 3, (dc in next 7 dc, dc2tog) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 66 dc
Row 3: Ch 3, (dc in next 6 dc, dc2tog) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 58 dc
Row 4: Ch 3, (dc in next 5 dc, dc2tog) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 50 dc
Row 5: Ch 3, (dc in next 4 dc, dc2tog) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 42 dc
Row 6: Ch 3, (dc in next 3 dc, dc2tog) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 34 dc
Row 7: Ch 3, (dc in next 2 dc, dc2tog) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 26 dc
Row 8: Ch 3, (dc in next dc, dc2tog) 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 18 dc
Row 9: Ch 3, dc2tog 8 times, dc in last dc, turn: 10 dc
Row 10: Ch 3, dc8tog, dc: 3 dc
Loop:
Ch 11, sl st in first dc of row 10 to make loop, finish off.
Finishing:
Sew button to center front of hobo bag, making sure to match the location of the loop in order to close hobo bag properly. Weave in ends and enjoy!
If you need any help, just let me know by leaving comments below.
Rachel,
I love this pattern. I am currently home recovering from foot re-constructive surgery, came across this pattern today, and made three of them!!! I was amazed with the small amount of yarn it required to make this pattern. Have to stop for the day, hands are cramping!! ha ha Thank you for sharing!!!
I just finished the front, now I’m confused about the strap and base is that crochet separately or still attached after row 10, not sure how to start or do this secton,
A video will be alot more clear,
The strap and back part you said confused on did you ever get it done and if so could u help me I stuck on the back part at row 1
Hi Blue! I’m not sure if she will see your comment, but I can try and help you if you’d like. Were you able to get the strap and base part? When you are done the strap and base part, it should look like a purse with just the front (semi circle shape) and the strap on it. Like a real purse shape that you can put over your shoulder, just missing the back side.
not separately, all in one piece
Cannot thank you enough for this wonderful pattern! I have now made 8 of these darling hobo bags to use for Christmas gifts for all the gals in my extended family. It is super fast and easy to do – and so darn cute.
I figured out how to make a lining, (it was pretty simple, just traced the shape of the bag, and made the lining a little smaller.) Then I put an inner pocket on the lining, and added a magnetic snap. I’m using a big wooden button on the outside.
The purse looks terrific in lots of colors – I’ve made black, teal blue, deep purple, and spruce green. I’ve had so much fun finding bright, whimsical lining fabrics for the bag.
It changes personality, depending on the lining. On one of the black bags, I lined it with an elegant black, white and beige print. The next black bag, I used a hot pink and black zebra stripe, for my teen aged niece.
Thank you again for sharing this.
hi in your pattern it says at the end ( 9 dc in ring, turn: 10 dc) dose 10 dc mean i need to dc 10 stitches or is it telling me that i should have double crochet 10 stitches thank you .
Hello! The 10 dc is the stitch count, so you should have 10 double crochets total.
hi , i don’t know how to get the handle right . i keep getting more st on the chain at the end , taken it apart counted the st’s and chain and still not right ive increased some where but cant finger out where without taking it all apart . HELP !!!!
Hi Sian,
Try counting the number of stitches you have on row 10, you should have 82 sts. Then when you add the 50 sts for the handle, you’ll have a total of 132 sts. If for some reason the stitches aren’t adding up but you don’t want to take everything apart, you can try and a decrease or increase to get the correct number of stitches.
I LOVE this purse pattern!! I’ve been eyeing it for months because it is a style I’m particularly fond of, yet have had trouble finding in stores. As a new crocheter I was a bit shy about trying it, but, I finally did yesterday, and it’s great! Well written, easy, and so clever! Works up quickly, too! Now I want to make more! It’s just a wonderful pattern and a good looking purse! Thank you for sharing this, Crochet Spot!! I am so impressed and happy!
How cute!
Hi…I have just finished this bag, and really love it. Is there a way I can increase the size?
My granddaughter likes large purses. I will keep the one I just made for myself. All the rest of my kids are boys! Thanks for the pattern.
Hello!
Yes, you can add more rows after row 10, before working the strap section, to make the bag as big as you want it. If you add rows after row 10, you will also have to add the same amount of rows on the back side. If you need a longer strap, due to the increase size of the bag, you can chain more than 50 if needed.
Thank you for answering so promptly. I love the purse, but just too small for my granddaughter.
She’ll be so pleased
Thank you so much for this fun-to-make bag…I have made four of them, now.
Theyre just right for designing new colors, and I always make a flower to pin on the front.
You’re probably tired of hearing from me, but wanted to thank you again. You’re so clever to have thought of this pattern.
How do i dc8tog? Looked on youtube but couldnt find it.
Hi Kate! Here is the link to the double crochet decrease tutorial: http://www.crochetspot.com/how-to-crochet-double-crochet-decrease/
It shows the dc2tog, so for dc8tog you will repeat steps 7 – 12 until you have worked the decrease over 8 stitches.
If I were to use chunky (5) yarn what hook size would you suggest? Sticking with the one stated or moving up/down a size? I’m fine with this adjusting the size of bag
Hi Katy, I would suggest starting with the hook size that’s stated on the packaging. If you find that it’s turning out too loose or tight for your liking, you can adjust it.
Thanks for sharing this pattern. Finished a bag today… easy to follow instructions !!
Thanks a lot for the bag pattern. It is easy to understand… have made a few bags for friends and family. Posted on my Facebook page “Calming Crafts “.