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Structured Moss Stitch Acrylic Crossbody Bag

An advanced rectangular crossbody bag with textured moss stitch construction, worked in the round with an adjustable D-ring strap.

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Difficulty
🔴 Advanced
Time
⏱️ 12-16 hours
Hook
🪡 D / 3.25mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 650 yards
Est. Cost
💰 $17–$28
Finished Size
📏 8 inches wide × 10 inches tall (excluding strap)
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Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 16 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches in moss stitch
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
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At a Glance

The Structured Moss Stitch Acrylic Crossbody Bag is a free Advanced-level accessory pattern using Dk weight yarn with a D / 3.25mm hook . Estimated time: 12-16 hours. Finished size: 8 inches wide × 10 inches tall (excluding strap). You'll need approximately approximately 650 yards of yarn.

14 steps across 4 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: The reinforced base prevents sagging and gives the bag structure for holding contents.
  1. Round 1
    With main color, ch 16. Work 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 13 ch, 3 sc in last ch, rotate and sc in return side of chain in next 13 ch, 2 sc in last ch, st">sl st to join. (32 sts)
  2. Round 2
    Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st, st">sl st to join. (36 sts)
  3. Round 3
    Ch 1, sc in each st around, st">sl st to join. (36 sts)
  4. Round 4
    Ch 1, sc in each st around, st">sl st to join. This creates a reinforced double-layer base. (36 sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Moss stitch is rhythmic—once you establish the pattern, it becomes meditative. Count your stitches every 2-3 rounds to catch mistakes early. Each round should consist of 18 single crochets worked into the ch-1 spaces from the previous round, with 18 chain-1 stitches separating them.
  1. Round 5
    Ch 2, sc in next st, *ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st, repeat from * around, st">sl st to join. (18 sc + 18 ch-1 spaces = 36 sts total)
  2. Rounds 6-20
    Ch 2, *sc in next ch-1 space from previous round, ch 1, sk 1 st, repeat from * around, st">sl st to join. Repeat for 15 rounds total. This creates the textured moss stitch pattern. Continue working into the ch-1 spaces and skipping the sts between them. (36 sts per round: 18 sc + 18 ch-1 spaces)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Sew D-rings to the inside top to keep the exterior clean. Test the strap attachment before cutting yarn.
  1. Round 21
    Ch 1, sc in each st and in each ch-1 space around, st">sl st to join. (36 sts)
  2. Round 22
    Ch 1, sc in each st around, st">sl st to join. (36 sts)
  3. Step: Attach D-Rings
    Fasten off with a 6-inch tail. Using tapestry needle, whip-stitch one D-ring to the inside of the bag at st 6, and the second D-ring at st 30. This positions them symmetrically on the top edges for balanced strap attachment. Secure each ring with 3-4 passes of yarn through the ring eye and the bag fabric.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Make the strap adjustable by looping both ends; this lets you wear the bag comfortably at different heights. Test the adjustment before securing to ensure the strap slides smoothly through the D-rings.
  1. Strap Foundation
    With contrasting color (or main color), ch 121. This creates a strap approximately 48 inches long when relaxed. (121 sts)
  2. Row 1
    Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, ch 1, turn. (120 sts)
  3. Row 2
    Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (120 sts)
  4. Row 3
    Sc in each st across. (120 sts) Fasten off with an 8-inch tail.
  5. Strap Attachment
    Thread both ends of the strap through the D-rings from underneath. Fold the first strap end back on itself by 1 inch and whip-stitch it securely to the main strap body using the tapestry needle, creating a small loop. The looped end remains threaded through the D-ring, allowing the strap to slide and adjust in length. Repeat with the second end. To use: pull both looped ends through the rings in opposite directions to tighten or loosen the strap. Secure each folded end with 4-5 stitches to the strap body.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all yarn tails using the tapestry needle, working them through the moss stitch texture so they disappear. Block the bag gently by laying it flat on a towel and misting lightly with water; let dry completely (approximately 4-6 hours). This relaxes the moss stitch and evens the texture. Once dry, test the D-ring attachment and strap adjustment one final time. If desired, add a fabric lining by hand-stitching a rectangle of cotton canvas or linen to the interior walls; this adds structure and hides any messy construction.

🛒 Materials

DK weight acrylic yarn, main color
500 yards, acrylic, high-quality workhorse fiber like Red Heart Super Saver or Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
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DK weight acrylic yarn, contrasting color (optional)
150 yards, acrylic, for strap or accent
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D-rings or magnetic clips
2 metal D-rings 0.75 inches, or magnetic purse closures
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Stitch markers
3-4 lockable markers for tracking rounds
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Tapestry needle
Size 16 for weaving in ends and seaming
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📖 Abbreviations

View full dictionary →
ch — chain → sc — single crochet → sl st — slip stitch → st(s) — stitch(es) → rnd — round → inc — increase (2 sc in 1 st) → moss st — alternating sc and ch-1 (sk 1 st, ch 1, sc in next st) →

Tap any abbreviation to look it up. Start a free 7-day Maker trial for full stitch details.

📌 Before You Begin

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This pattern uses continuous rounds. Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round.

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Moss stitch creates a textured fabric with a looser drape; tension should be consistent and firm for structure.

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The base is reinforced with a double layer of sc for durability; this is intentional.

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D-rings are sewn to the inside top of the bag for strap attachment; ensure they are secure before using.

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Note: The gauge of 16 sc x 16 rows per 4 inches represents a moderately tight tension appropriate for DK weight on a D hook and provides the structure needed for this bag design.

🎁 Ways to Use This

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Perfect for farmers market runs—the structured rectangular shape holds groceries securely and the adjustable strap distributes weight evenly across your shoulder

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A practical gift for students or commuters who need a durable bag for books, laptops, or daily essentials without splurging on expensive hardware

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Use as a weekend travel bag for short trips, packing light layers and toiletries while keeping your hands free

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An ideal first advanced crochet project for someone ready to master garment construction, shaping, and hardware integration in one functional piece

🧺 Care Instructions

Machine wash on delicate cycle in cold water with mild detergent. Lay flat or hang to dry. Acrylic yarn is durable and easy-care—this bag is suitable for frequent washing. Do not bleach or dry-clean. The D-rings are stainless steel and machine-washable; the strap may be adjusted before washing to accommodate water expansion.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Dk). You'll need about approximately 650 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
This pattern uses techniques that require precision and experience. Expect stitches like ch, sc, sl st, st(s) and potentially complex shaping. If you're newer to crochet, try a few intermediate patterns first to build confidence with stitch counts and tension before tackling this one.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "16 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches in moss stitch". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Machine wash on delicate cycle in cold water with mild detergent. Lay flat or hang to dry. Acrylic yarn is durable and easy-care—this bag is suitable for frequent washing. Do not bleach or dry-clean. The D-rings are stainless steel and machine-washable; the strap may be adjusted before washing to accommodate water expansion. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.