Crocheted Macramé Cord Bag Tutorial – Stitches, Construction & Design Guide

This crocheted macramé cord bag tutorial is shared as a flexible construction guide rather than a fixed crochet pattern, with clear instructions, allowing you to easily adjust the size, shape, stitch density, and overall style of your handmade bag. By simply choosing between dense stitches and open mesh stitches, you can fully customize the bag to suit your everyday needs — from compact crossbody bags to larger statement designs.

Handmade crocheted macramé cord bag with metallic gold shimmer – a balance of texture, structure, and creative freedom.

The construction process is intentionally simple, beginner-friendly, and adaptable. The bag is formed by joining two identical crocheted rectangular panels with a single crochet connecting strip, which creates both the sides and base of the bag. A matching crocheted flap completes the structure, making resizing and reshaping effortless without altering the core design.

This approach makes the pattern ideal for creative improvisation, giving you full freedom to explore texture, transparency, and proportion — while still relying on a stable, functional crochet construction.

*I visited a local shop, always enjoying strolling through knitting yarn and craft supply stores.

Materials & Tools Used

  • Medium-weight macramé cord with metallic gold shimmer
  • Crochet hook: 3.5 mm, used for a firm and stable stitch definition

This combination gives the bag its structured shape, durability, and luminous character.

Selecting macramé cord with metallic gold shimmer for a structured yet luminous crocheted bag design.

This bag is created by altering a basic crocheted mesh pattern, allowing full freedom in shaping the texture and transparency of the fabric according to the desired density of the weave. Simply alternate stiches, using SC, DC, DC2TOG, chain 1, DC2TOG, DC, chain 1, skip 1, DC.

Don’t worry. More detailed instructions will follow, and it’s so easy that even a beginner can improvise to create a personalized bag to match their needs.


Front view of the completed crocheted macramé cord bag, showing balanced proportions and clean structural lines.

The bag body is constructed by joining two rectangular crochet panels with a single crochet strip for strength and durability.

For areas that require a denser and more structured fabric, the following stitch pattern is used:

DC2TOG – chain 1 – DC2TOG
(Double Crochet 2 Together)

For sections where a lighter, see-through texture is preferred, the pattern changes to:

DC – chain 1 – skip 1 – DC

By alternating between these stitch patterns, or choosing to inert rows of SC and/or DC to adjust density, the bag develops a visually rich surface that combines strength, transparency, and movement.

Customizable macramé cord crochet bag pattern using dense and open mesh stitches

Bag Body Construction

The bag is formed by crocheting two identical rectangular panels, which are later assembled using a long connecting strip of single crochet (SC).

  • The foundation chain is as long as the desired width of the bag (take the connecting SC part into consideration). Chain a multiple of 3+1+3 to begin.
  • I started with a few rows of single crochet and then dived into adjusting the pattern by choosing stiches.
  • This method provides excellent stability and durability.

Single crochet connector part

  • The connecting part begins with a foundation chain as long as the desired width of the bag.
  • It is then attached to both panels using single crochet stitches, shaping the sides and base.
  • This method provides excellent stability and durability.

Crochet Flap Design

The flap is constructed using a mix of:

  • DC2TOG
  • DC – chain 1 – DC
  • Rows of double crochet (DC)
  • Rows of single crochet (SC)

This combination creates subtle textural transitions while keeping the flap flexible yet sturdy.

At the lower edge of the flap, I worked single crochet rows with gradual decreases, forming a dense surface that will later be decorated with decorative embroidery and bead embroidery.

The strap is attached with metal hardware that adds refined details to this functional crochet macrame cord bag.

Strap & Metal Hardware

The strap consists of simple rows of triple crochet (TRC) to ensure both flexibility and strength.
Metal connectors are used to securely attach the strap to the bag while adding a refined, professional finish.

An interior pocket and a back external pocket can easily be added. The design is intentionally modular and adaptable, allowing endless creative variations.

Customization Options

This crochet bag design allows for multiple future modifications, including:

  • Space reserved for an interior divider
  • Possibility to add:
    • An inside pocket
    • A back exterior pocket
  • Adjustable stitch density depending on whether a compact or airy weave is preferred

This makes the design fully adaptable and modular for different uses and personal styles.

At the lower edge of the flap, I worked single crochet rows with gradual decreases, forming a dense surface that will later be decorated with decorative embroidery and bead embroidery.

Now let’s jump into the basic mesh crochet pattern to modify. I’ve used this stitch for other projects and experimented with it a bit. Follow the stitch descriptions and instructions after the pattern to choose whichever sequence of stitches best suits your needs.

Handmade crocheted macramé cord bag with metallic gold shimmer and textured, cutomizable stitch design
The basic crochet mesh pattern.

Crochet Along

I prepared an in detail explanation of the stiches and their uses, so that you have everything in place to create the bag. Wishing you lots of success!

Let’s go ahead and create this bag.

Crochet Stitch Guide – Techniques Used in This Bag

Below you will find instructions for all crochet stitches used in the construction of this crocheted macramé cord bag.


🧶 Chain Stitch (CH)

The chain stitch is the foundation of most crochet projects.

How to make it:

  • Yarn over
  • Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook

This stitch is used for:

  • Foundation chains
  • Creating open spaces in the pattern
  • Building see-through textures

🧶 Single Crochet (SC)

Single crochet creates a tight, compact, and sturdy fabric.

How to make it:

  1. Insert hook into stitch
  2. Yarn over and pull up a loop
  3. Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook

Used in this bag for:

  • Joining the panels
  • Constructing the side strip and base
  • Shaping the flap edge
  • Creating dense decorative areas

🧶 Double Crochet (DC)

Double crochet creates a taller, more flexible stitch.

How to make it:

  1. Yarn over
  2. Insert hook into stitch
  3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
  4. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops
  5. Yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops

Used for:

  • Textured rows
  • Structural balance between open and dense areas
  • Pattern variation

🧶 Double Crochet Two Together (DC2TOG)

This stitch joins two stitches into one, creating controlled decreases and denser texture.

How to make it:

  1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch
  2. Yarn over, pull up a loop
  3. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain)
  4. Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch
  5. Yarn over, pull up a loop
  6. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain)
  7. Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops

Used for:

  • Creating dense fabric
  • Shaping the flap
  • Pattern compression
  • Decorative texture areas

🧶 Triple Crochet (TRC)

Triple crochet creates a tall, flexible, and flowing stitch.

How to make it:

  1. Yarn over twice
  2. Insert hook into stitch
  3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
  4. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 remain)
  5. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 remain)
  6. Yarn over, pull through last 2 loops

Used for:

  • Strap construction
  • Adding flexibility and strength to the handle

🧶 Slip Stitch (SL ST) (for finishing and joining)

Slip stitches are used to join rounds or finish edges neatly.

How to make it:

  1. Insert hook into stitch
  2. Yarn over
  3. Pull directly through both the stitch and the loop on the hook

🧶 Stitch Pattern Combinations Used in This Design

▪ Dense Texture Pattern

DC2TOG – CH 1 – DC2TOG

Creates:

  • Compact mesh
  • Strong structure
  • Elegant texture

▪ Open / See-Through Texture Pattern

DC – CH 1 – skip 1 stitch – DC

Creates:

  • Light mesh
  • Transparency
  • Airy visual effect

🧶 Decreases (Used on the Flap Closure)

Decreases were created using:

  • DC2TOG
  • SC decreases

This allowed the flap to:

  • Taper naturally
  • Become denser toward the tip
  • Form a strong surface for future decorative embroidery and beadwork

This crocheted macramé cord bag project came to life somewhere between a shelf of shimmering yarns and a planned day trip to the forest. With the weather turning a bit cooler, it’s the perfect project to lose yourself in, with relaxing, easy-to-follow crochet stitches and the joy of creating something both functional and poetic. The texture adds style and sturdiness, while the design’s surface plays with light, density, and classic techniques, shifting between solid structure and delicate detail.

The handmade design thrives on flexibility, creativity, and personal expression. The project is meant to be shared, adapted, and reimagined. Use these guidelines as your foundation, adjust the size, play with stitch density, explore materials, and make this bag truly yours. If you create your own version of this crocheted macramé cord bag, tag me or share your work — I would be happy to feature your creations and celebrate your handmade journey together.

My Facebook Page as well as the Youtube Channel are also up and running. I will love to meet you there.

Thank you for visiting my page!


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