Hello hello everyone!
Meet the Nollie Bag, part of the same cozy family as the Nollie Scarf & Cowl (we’re keeping that same beautiful stitch!).
This fun little crochet pouch is about to become your new favourite way to store all your notions. It’s quick, easy, and so satisfying to make, trust me, you’ll want one in every colour!
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Where to begin… this pouch came to life after making a few quilted pouches (because yes, I love sewing), and I couldn’t help but wonder, why not recreate that same construction style, but with crochet?
Turns out, you absolutely can! I made the two main fabric panels using this simple, textured stitch, then followed the same steps I’d use for sewing when it came time to assemble the bag, and voilà! The result? A beautiful crochet pouch that you can use for SO many different things.
Not ready to crochet yet? Pin this image and crochet later!
About the yarn 🧶
For this project, I used 24/7 Cotton by Lion Brand Yarn, holding two strands together, and honestly, it’s perfect for this type of project.
This yarn has such a beautiful, smooth finish that gives your stitches amazing definition, and when you hold two strands, it creates a sturdy, structured fabric that still feels soft to the touch. It’s exactly what you want for a pouch that needs a little strength but still looks handmade and polished.
I love that 24/7 Cotton is mercerized, which means it has a subtle sheen and holds up beautifully over time, no pilling, no fuzz, just clean texture and great durability. Plus, the colour range is stunning, so it’s easy to mix and match tones (or go neutral, like I usually do 😉).
If you’ve never tried working with cotton held double, this is the project to do it, it’s quick, satisfying, and gives such a professional look to your finished piece.
Knowing you basic stitches
This project is all about the basics, and that’s exactly what makes it so fun! You’ll only need a few simple stitches, but the way they’re combined gives the bag that beautiful, textured finish.
If you’re comfortable with your chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you’re good to go! The stitches repeat throughout, so once you find your rhythm, it becomes super relaxing and easy to follow.
It’s the kind of project that lets you enjoy the process. No complicated counting or tricky techniques, just you, your yarn, and that satisfying “one more row” feeling. Perfect for beginners or anyone who loves a quick, mindful make.
Two ways of closing
There are two ways to close your Nollie Bag, and both give it a beautiful, finished look, it just depends on what you prefer!
The first option is to add a zipper, which gives your bag a clean, professional finish and keeps everything safely inside. If you want the most secure closure (especially if you plan to carry small notions or everyday items), the zipper is definitely the way to go.
The second option is to use buttons with button loops, a great alternative if you’re not too comfortable working with zippers. It still looks adorable and works perfectly for larger items that won’t fall out of the bag..
No matter which option you choose, both versions include a fabric lining inside, which not only gives the bag structure but also helps protect the crochet fabric and keeps everything looking neat and tidy.
Lining your bag 🪡
Adding a lining to your Nollie Bag makes a huge difference, not just in how it looks, but also in how it holds up over time. A lining gives your bag more structure, helps it keep its shape, and prevents smaller items from poking through or getting caught between stitches. It also adds that clean, finished touch that makes your handmade piece look extra professional.
Now, you can definitely make the bag without a lining if you prefer a simpler version, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Without a lining:
- The weight of the items inside might cause the bag to stretch over time.
- Smaller objects could slip through the stitch gaps, especially if you’re carrying things like hooks, pens, needles or small notions.
- The inside might feel a little less structured, and your bag won’t hold its shape as neatly.
So while the lining isn’t absolutely required, it’s highly recommended if you want your bag to last, keep its shape, and look beautifully finished inside and out.
If you would like the ad-free printable pattern PDF, you can get it from Etsy or My Shop. If you would like to purchase the kit (yarn+pattern) you can do so from the Lion Brand Website.
Check out more crochet patterns
Follow along with the video tutorial on YouTube!
Stitches you should know
- Chain
- Slip Stitch
- Single Crochet
- Double Crochet
Yarn
Worsted Weight Yarn #4: I used 24/7 Cotton by Lion Brand Yarn in the colour Beechnut. You will need 130g/221m.
Notions
Others
Gauge
Pattern Stitch 4″ x 4″= 11 sts x 10 rows. Using a chain of even numbers and a 6.5 mm hook..
Abbreviations
This pattern uses US standard terms
- ch(s) – Chain(s)
- sl st – Slip Stitch
- sc – Single Crochet
- dc – Double Crochet
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- [] – Repeat the sequence in the brackets
General Notes
- I highly recommend adding a lining to this bag. You can definitely use it without one, but keep in mind that the weight of the items inside might cause it to stretch over time.
- You don’t need to add a zipper, see page 4 for other closing options. However, a zipper is the best choice if you want to make sure nothing falls out of your bag.
- You don’t need a sewing machine, the lining part requires very little sewing and it can be done by hand!
- You will be crocheting holding 2 strands of yarn at all times.
Pattern
Bag panels (make 2)
Holding 2 strands of yarn together, chain 27.
Note: Once you finish the foundation chain, work row 1 by inserting your hook into the back bump of each chain. (PHOTO 1)
Row 1: sc into the second ch from the hook, then dc into the next ch, [sc, dc], repeat the sequence across. Ch 1 and turn. (26 sts in total)
Row 2: [sc, dc], repeat the sequence across. Ch 1 and turn.
Repeat row 2 for another 15 rows (17 in total).
Row 18: sl st into the next 6 sts, then ch 1 (PHOTO 2). Work [sc, dc] in the next 14 sts. You should have 6 sts remaining, leave them unworked (PHOTO 3). Ch 1 and turn. (14 sts in total)
Row 19: [sc, dc] across the 14 sts. Ch 1 and turn. (14 sts in total)
Rows 20 and 21: Repeat row 19. (14 sts in total) (PHOTO 4)
Fasten off leaving a 10″ tail to sew later on.
Crochet Diagram
Closing options
Buttons
2 or 3 buttons
Note: The length of the chains for each loop will depend on the size of your button and how low you’d like it to sit, adjust the number of chains as needed to fit your button perfectly.
Making the button loops
Grab one of the panels to create the button loops. Insert your hook into the corner stitch and pull up a loop, leaving a tail that’s about twice the length of the side of the bag (you’ll use this later to sew the sides together).
Sl st across the next 8 sts, then ch 10 and sl st back into the base of that ch to form a loop (PHOTO 5). Continue with sl st in the next 12 sts, ch 10 again (PHOTO 6), and sl st at the base to make your second loop. Finish by sl st in the remaining 7 sts.
Fasten off, leaving a tail about twice the length of the side of the bag.
Place both panels on top of each other to check the button placement (PHOTO 7 & 8). Once you’re happy with the positioning, use a strand of yarn to sew the buttons securely in place.
Sewing the bag together
Next, place both panels of the bag with the right sides facing each other. Using one of the yarn tails, sew along each side of the bag with a whip stitch (or your preferred sewing method) (PHOTO 9).
Repeat the same process to sew along the bottom of the bag (PHOTO 10).
Once the sides and bottom are sewn together, open up each corner to form the boxy shape (PHOTO 11). Align both seams in the centre and use another strand of yarn to sew it closed. Repeat on the other corner.
Once your bag is fully sewn, trim any excess yarn, but don’t cut too close to the knot, so the ends don’t poke through the other side. Then, turn your bag right side out.
Making and attaching the lining
Cut both pieces of fabric about half an inch larger than the actual bag. (PHOTO 12)
Place the right sides of the fabric together, then sew the lining the same way you did for the bag, this time stitching about ¼ inch from the edge. You can do this by hand or with your sewing machine.
Once your lining is finished, do not turn it right side out, it will be inserted into the bag just as it is. Before doing so, fold the top edge of the lining about ½ inch outward and press it flat with an iron to create a neat edge (PHOTO 13).
Next, insert the lining inside the bag with the wrong sides facing each other (PHOTO 14). Align the side seams and use pins or clips to hold everything in place (PHOTO 15). Sew around the top edge to secure the lining to the bag, you can do this either by hand or with your sewing machine.
And that’s it! Your bag is now ready to be used!
Zipper
First, cut both pieces of fabric about half an inch larger than the actual bag (PHOTO 16).
Place your zipper with the teeth facing the crochet panel (PHOTO 17). Then lay your lining piece on top, facing down, your zipper should now be sandwiched between the crochet piece and the lining (PHOTO 18). Pin everything in place and sew along the top edge to attach all three layers together.
Now turn all your layers right side out. Gently press the lining near the zipper with an iron to smooth it out, then topstitch along the edge using a thread colour that matches your crochet piece (PHOTO 19).
Repeat the same process for the next outer piece and lining.
Place your zipper (which is now attached to one side of the bag) facing down (PHOTO 20), then position the second lining piece on top with the right side facing down as well. Sew along the edge to attach them (PHOTO 21).
Next, open everything up, press the lining flat with an iron, and topstitch along the zipper, this will help keep the lining fabric from getting caught when you open and close the zipper (PHOTO 22).
Place both lining pieces with the right sides facing each other, and both outer (crochet) pieces with their right sides facing each other as well (PHOTO 23).
Pin everything in place and start by sewing along both sides of the lining using a ¼-inch seam allowance (or enough to align with the crochet pieces), making sure to keep the zipper folded in toward the lining.
Then, sew about ½ inch on each side of the bottom edge, make sure to reinforce these stitches, as this opening will be used to turn the bag right side out later (PHOTO 24),
Finally, fold each corner of the lining to create the boxy shape and sew them closed (PHOTO 25).
Repeat the same process for the crochet pieces, but this time use a strand of yarn to sew the sides together using the whip stitch (or your preferred method). Make sure to attach the yarn just below the zipper and tie a tight knot so the little end of the zipper doesn’t peek through on the outer side later on (PHOTO 26).
For this step, you’ll fully sew the bottom closed, no need to leave a gap (PHOTO 27). Then, close the corners to form the boxy shape (PHOTO 28).
Now it’s time to turn your bag right side out! Gently pull the bag through the opening until it’s completely turned. Once it’s out, check all your seams to make sure everything is secure, and double-check the zipper, make sure no part of it is poking through the corners. If it is, use a piece of yarn to secure it in place (refer to the video tutorial if this happens).
When everything looks good, sew the opening in the lining shut (PHOTO 29), your bag is now ready to use!
For the final touch, the zipper pull!
Cut 12 strands of yarn (adjust the number if your zipper pull hole is smaller), each strand should be about twice the length you want your braid to be.
Thread all the strands through the zipper pull hole, then place something heavy inside the bag to keep it steady while you braid. Split the yarn into three sections (8 strands per section) and start braiding.
Once your braid reaches the desired length, tie it off securely and trim any excess yarn.
Your bag is now completely finished and ready to use!
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