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Structured Moss Stitch Crossbody Bag

A textured, structured worsted-weight bag with adjustable strap and interior pocket for everyday carry.

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Difficulty
🟡 Intermediate
Time
⏱️ 12-15 hours
Hook
🪡 H / 5mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 400 yards
Finished Size
📏 9 inches wide × 10 inches tall (excluding strap)
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Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
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At a Glance

The Structured Moss Stitch Crossbody Bag is a free Intermediate-level accessory pattern using Worsted weight yarn with a H / 5mm hook . Estimated time: 12-15 hours. Finished size: 9 inches wide × 10 inches tall (excluding strap). You'll need approximately approximately 400 yards of yarn.

20 steps across 5 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

Worsted weight yarn, main color
300 yards, acrylic or acrylic-blend (durable, machine-washable, holds shape well for structured bag)
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Worsted weight yarn, contrast color (optional)
50 yards for accent stripe or pattern detail
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Crochet hook
H / 5mm
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7-inch zipper
Metal or plastic, color to match or contrast
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Tapestry needle
For weaving in ends and sewing zipper
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Stitch marker or scrap yarn
To mark beginning of rounds
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📖 Abbreviations

View full dictionary →
sc — single crochet → ch — chain → sl st — slip stitch → dc — double crochet → st(s) — stitch(es) → inc — increase → moss st — alternate sc and ch-1, skip 1 st pattern →

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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Bag is constructed with two identical rectangular panels seamed together with a gusset bottom for structure.

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Moss stitch creates an attractive, textured fabric that resists curling.

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Interior pocket is sewn in before seaming bag panels together.

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Adjustable strap is crocheted separately and attached at top corners.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Keep pocket edges straight by checking stitch count each row. Weave in ends before attaching to bag interior. The ch-6 opening allows room for a 7-inch zipper.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 19 with main color. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (18 sts)
  2. Rows 2-10
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (18 sts) Repeat until piece measures approximately 4 inches tall.
  3. Row 11 - Create zipper opening
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 3 sts. Ch 6, skip next 12 sts (this creates opening for zipper), sc in last 3 sts. (6 sts + 6 ch space + 6 sts)
  4. Row 12
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st and ch space across. (18 sts)
  5. Finishing pocket
    Cut yarn, pull through last st. Set aside. This pocket will be sewn inside bag before seaming.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Moss stitch can look confusing at first—remember ch-1 and skip creates the texture. Consistent tension keeps edges even for easier seaming. Each row is 18 stitches (16 moss st pairs + 2 edge sts).
  1. Row 1
    Ch 33 with main color. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch. Repeat across, ending with sc in last ch. (16 moss st + 1 edge sc)
  2. Row 2
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st. *Ch 1, skip next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * across. (16 moss st + 1 edge sc)
  3. Rows 3-45
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st. *Ch 1, skip next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * across. (16 moss st + 1 edge sc) Repeat this row 43 times. Total: 45 rows, measuring approximately 10 inches tall from cast-on edge at gauge of 18 rows = 4 inches.
  4. Finishing panels
    Cut yarn, pull through last st. Weave in ends. Press lightly to block if desired.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Gusset in single crochet (not moss stitch) provides stability and prevents stretching at the bottom of the bag. Height matches gauge conversion: 5 inches × 18 rows per 4 inches = 22.5 rows, rounded to 23.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 19 with main color. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (18 sts)
  2. Rows 2-23
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (18 sts) Repeat 22 times for total of 23 rows (approximately 5 inches tall at gauge of 18 rows = 4 inches).
  3. Finishing gusset
    Cut yarn, pull through last st. Weave in ends.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: If strap is too long, adjust by crocheting fewer or more rows. Strap should hang comfortably across body with bag resting at hip when worn.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 11 with main color. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (10 sts)
  2. Rows 2-80
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (10 sts) Repeat until strap measures approximately 60 inches (adjustable length). This creates a strap suitable for crossbody wear.
  3. Finishing strap
    Cut yarn, pull through last st. Weave in ends. Block strap lightly to even out edges if needed.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Assembly can take 1-2 hours. Take breaks to avoid hand fatigue. Double-check all seams are secure before considering bag complete. Use whip stitch throughout for neat, flexible seams that won't split yarn.
  1. Step 1: Attach pocket
    Position pocket piece on wrong side (inside) of one front panel, centered horizontally, approximately 1 inch from top edge. Using tapestry needle and yarn, sew pocket in place with whip stitch around three sides (bottom and both sides), leaving top edge open for inserting items and zipper.
  2. Step 2: Prepare zipper
    Position zipper in the ch-6 opening created in Row 11 of pocket. Using tapestry needle and matching yarn, carefully hand-stitch zipper into pocket opening with whip stitch, catching both zipper tape edges and pocket fabric. Zipper pull should face downward (inside bag).
  3. Step 3: Attach gusset to panels
    Place one front panel wrong-side up. Position gusset piece along bottom edge, aligning corners. Using tapestry needle and yarn, sew gusset to front panel with whip stitch, working through edge sts. Repeat with back panel on other side of gusset. Ensure gusset sits flat and creates a box-like bottom. Do not turn inside-out yet.
  4. Step 4: Seam side edges
    With panels and gusset attached and bag still inside-out, use tapestry needle and yarn to sew left edge of front panel to left edge of back panel with whip stitch, catching both layers and gusset corner stitches. Repeat for right edge. Be careful to catch gusset corners neatly for secure seams.
  5. Step 5: Attach strap
    Turn bag right-side out through gusset opening. Thread one end of strap through top inner corner of front panel. Fold strap end back against interior for 1 inch and secure with whip stitch using tapestry needle and yarn, catching strap firmly to bag interior. Repeat with other end of strap at top inner corner of back panel. This creates adjustable crossbody strap that exits from inside top edges of bag.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends using tapestry needle. Check all seams are secure, especially around gusset corners and zipper attachment. If desired, apply fabric stiffener to interior following product instructions for extra structure. Allow to dry completely. Trim any excess yarn from seams with scissors.

🎁 Ways to Use This

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Perfect everyday crossbody bag for carrying phone, wallet, keys, and small essentials while keeping hands free for shopping, travel, or commuting.

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Structured design and interior pocket make it ideal for organizing small items; give as a gift to a college student, commuter, or busy professional.

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Use for carrying crafting supplies, yarn samples, or small notions to crochet circles and markets.

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Durable acrylic makes it suitable for outdoor activities—hiking, farmers market trips, or casual day outings without worry of wear or weather.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Do not wring. Lay flat or hang to dry. Do not bleach. Iron on low heat if needed. Zipper can be spot-cleaned with damp cloth. Acrylic yarn is durable and suitable for regular use; colors may lighten slightly over time with frequent washing.

🤖 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 (Worsted). You'll need about approximately 800 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
This intermediate pattern assumes you're comfortable with basic stitches. You'll use sc, ch, sl st, dc and a few more (see the Abbreviations section above). If increases and decreases are new to you, a quick 10-minute tutorial on YouTube before you start will make the pattern much smoother.
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 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet". 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.
Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Do not wring. Lay flat or hang to dry. Do not bleach. Iron on low heat if needed. Zipper can be spot-cleaned with damp cloth. Acrylic yarn is durable and suitable for regular use; colors may lighten slightly over time with frequent washing. 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.
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