There is something incredibly satisfying about crocheting your own accessories, and this classic black round evening bag might just be my favorite project of the year. The moment I finished mine and attached that gold chain strap, I knew I had created something special. This bag looks expensive and boutique-worthy, but I promise you can absolutely make it yourself.
If you have mastered basic crochet stitches and worked in the round before, you are ready for this project. The construction is straightforward, the stitch pattern creates a gorgeous woven texture, and the finished bag pairs beautifully with everything from jeans to little black dresses.
Let me walk you through exactly how I made this elegant crochet evening bag, step by step.
Why This Crochet Pattern Works So Well
This round crossbody bag combines several elements that make it both beautiful and practical. The body uses a waistcoat stitch (sometimes called center post single crochet) that creates a tight, structured fabric with a knit-like appearance. The flap features a stunning herringbone stitch that adds visual interest and designer appeal.
Working with t-shirt yarn (also called trapillo or jersey yarn) means your bag will hold its shape without additional stiffening. The thick yarn also means this project works up surprisingly fast. I finished my bag in a single weekend.
The gold hardware elevates the whole design. A push lock clasp, chain strap, and lobster claw attachment for the tassel give this handmade bag a professional finish that rivals store-bought pieces.
Materials You Will Need
Before we dive into the crochet tutorial, gather these supplies:
Yarn:
Hook:
Hardware:
Tools:
Optional:
Stitch Abbreviations and Definitions
Let me explain each stitch before we begin. Read through these carefully so the instructions make complete sense.
Chain (ch): The foundation stitch. Yarn over, pull through loop. For example, “ch 6” means create 6 chain stitches.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops at once. Used for joining rounds.
Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
Waistcoat Stitch (ws): This is a single crochet worked into the center V of the stitch below, rather than under the top two loops. Insert your hook between the two vertical posts (the “legs”) of the stitch below, right through the center. This creates a tight, knit-like fabric. Some patterns call this center post single crochet.
Herringbone Half Double Crochet (hhdc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through first loop on hook, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. This creates a distinctive braided appearance.
Increase (inc): Work 2 stitches into the same stitch.
Gauge Information
With t-shirt yarn and an 8.0mm hook:
Your gauge may vary based on your tension and specific yarn. The finished bag measures approximately 18cm (7 inches) in diameter and 6cm (2.5 inches) deep. Adjust your hook size if your circle is significantly larger or smaller after completing the base.
Step by Step Crochet Pattern for the Round Evening Bag
Part 1: The Circular Base
We start with a magic ring. If magic rings intimidate you, feel free to chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring instead.
Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch throughout). Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull ring closed. Join with sl st to first sc. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1. *1 sc in first st, 2 sc in next st.* Repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1. *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st.* Repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (24 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1. *1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st.* Repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (30 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1. *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st.* Repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (36 sts)
Round 7: Ch 1. *1 sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st.* Repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (42 sts)
At this point, your circle should lay flat and measure approximately 14-16cm across. If it is cupping or ruffling, adjust your tension or hook size.
Part 2: Building the Sides
Now we stop increasing and begin working in continuous rounds to build the bag walls. This is where we switch to the waistcoat stitch for that beautiful textured look.
Round 8: Working in the back loop only (this creates a defined edge at the base), work 1 sc in each st around. Do not join. Place stitch marker in first st and move it up each round. (42 sts)
Rounds 9-14: Switch to waistcoat stitch. Insert hook into the center V of each stitch below (between the two legs, not under the top loops). Work 1 ws in each st around. Continue moving your stitch marker. (42 sts each round)
After Round 14, your bag sides should measure approximately 6cm tall. Work additional rounds if you prefer a deeper bag.
Tip: The waistcoat stitch can feel awkward at first. Take your time finding that center V. After a few stitches, it becomes second nature.
Part 3: Creating the Flap Opening
We need to create the opening and begin shaping the flap. This section requires some counting, so use stitch markers liberally.
Round 15: Work 21 ws (halfway around the bag). Ch 1, turn your work.
Row 16: Skip first st. Work 1 ws in each of the next 20 sts. Ch 1, turn. (20 sts)
This creates the back portion of the bag. The front half remains open for the flap to cover.
Part 4: The Herringbone Flap
Now we work rows back and forth to create the decorative flap. The herringbone stitch gives this section its distinctive braided appearance.
Row 17: Work 1 hhdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (20 sts)
Row 18: Skip first st. Work 1 hhdc in each st to last st. Skip last st. Ch 1, turn. (18 sts)
Row 19: Work 1 hhdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (18 sts)
Row 20: Skip first st. Work 1 hhdc in each st to last st. Skip last st. Ch 1, turn. (16 sts)
Row 21: Work 1 hhdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (16 sts)
Row 22: Skip first st. Work 1 hhdc in each st to last st. Skip last st. Ch 1, turn. (14 sts)
Row 23: Work 1 hhdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (14 sts)
Row 24: Skip first st. Work 1 hhdc in each st to last st. Skip last st. (12 sts)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 5: Flap Edging
To create a polished edge around the flap:
Join yarn at the corner where the flap meets the bag body. Work sl st evenly along the side of the flap, across the bottom curved edge, and up the other side. This creates a neat border and prevents stretching.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 6: The Chain Strap Tab (Make 2)
These small tabs connect the chain strap to your bag using D-rings.
Row 1: Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (7 sts)
Rows 2-4: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (7 sts)
After Row 4, fold the tab in half over a D-ring. Using your tapestry needle, sew the ends together to secure the D-ring inside.
Attach one tab to each side of the bag at the point where the sides meet the flap. Sew securely using matching yarn.
Part 7: The Tassel
Cut 15-20 strips of t-shirt yarn, each approximately 25cm long. Fold them in half. Take a small piece of yarn and wrap it tightly around the folded bundle, about 2cm from the top, creating the tassel head. Secure with a knot.
Attach a lobster claw clasp to the top loop of the tassel. This allows you to clip it onto one of the D-rings.
Part 8: Hardware Installation
Push Lock Clasp:
Position the push lock on the front center of the bag body, approximately 2cm below where the flap will rest. Use a small screwdriver to attach the back plate through the crochet fabric. Most push locks come with washers and screws.
Attach the corresponding latch portion to the flap, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the lock below. Test the closure several times before fully tightening.
Chain Strap:
Clip the chain strap to both D-rings using the attached lobster claws (most pre-made chain straps include these). If your chain does not have clips, use additional jump rings and lobster claws.
Part 9: Optional Lining
For a truly professional finish, consider adding a fabric lining. Cut a circle of fabric slightly smaller than your bag base. Cut a rectangle to line the sides. Hand sew these pieces together, then whip stitch the lining to the inside of your bag along the top edge.
A lining protects the inside of your bag, hides any visible stitching, and prevents small items from poking through the crochet fabric.
Helpful Tips for Success
Working with t-shirt yarn: This yarn can be inconsistent in thickness. If you notice a thin section, try to position it at the base of your bag where it will be less visible.
Maintaining tension: T-shirt yarn stretches. Keep your tension firm and consistent, especially during the side rounds. If your bag seems floppy, try a smaller hook.
Counting stitches: With waistcoat stitch, counting can be tricky. Use multiple stitch markers and count frequently.
Blocking: You can gently steam block your finished bag to even out stitches. Hold your iron several inches away and let the steam relax the fabric.
Customization Ideas
This crochet pattern works beautifully in countless variations:
Final Thoughts on This Evening Bag Crochet Pattern
I absolutely love how this project turned out, and I hope you feel inspired to make your own. The combination of the structured waistcoat stitch body, the decorative herringbone flap, and those gorgeous gold accents creates something truly special.
This bag proves that handmade accessories can look every bit as polished as store-bought pieces. Actually, I think they look better because they carry the story of your creativity and effort.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next project. I genuinely appreciate you being here and trusting me to guide you through the process.
When you finish your bag, I would absolutely love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in our Facebook community. Seeing your creations is honestly the best part of sharing these patterns.
Happy crocheting, friend. You have got this.