How to Crochet Bag Bottoms

Hi, One of my favorite things to design are bags. Purses, clutches, soap sacks, market bags, pencil cases, totes – I love them all!

One of my favorite ways to begin a rectangular bottom bag is using the method I want to demonstrate for you – Bag Bottoms that go from Rows to Rounds!

While this is a pretty simple thing to do, it’s a hard thing to describe in words!

How to Crochet Bag Bottoms

When crafting a crochet bag, one of the most important parts is creating a strong and stable base that will support the weight of the bag’s contents.

A well-made crochet bag bottom adds durability, structure, and functionality, transforming your bag from simple fabric to a reliable accessory.

This guide will take you through the steps of crocheting various types of bag bottoms, offering tips, patterns, and advice to make your handmade bags both stylish and practical.

Popular Shapes for Crochet Bag Bottoms

Bag bottoms come in different shapes depending on the bag’s design and intended use. Here are some of the most popular shapes for bag bottoms and the types of bags they suit best.

1. Rectangular Bottom: Ideal for tote bags, market bags, and backpacks. It provides a large surface area and stable base.
2. Oval Bottom: Great for beach bags or soft slouchy bags, the oval shape is rounded yet roomy.
3. Circular Bottom: Often used for bucket bags or drawstring pouches, giving a rounded, compact base.
4. Square Bottom: Suitable for cube-shaped bags or structured bags that require symmetry.

How to Crochet a Rectangular Bag Bottom

The rectangular bottom is one of the most versatile shapes and is relatively easy to create.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Foundation Chain: Start by making a foundation chain as long as the desired width of your bag bottom.
2. Round 1: Begin by working along one side of the chain. Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Once you reach the last chain, work 3 sc into that chain to turn the corner.
3. Round 2: Continue working along the other side of the chain, making 1 sc in each stitch until you reach the beginning. In the last stitch, work 3 sc to complete the other corner.
4. Round 3: Continue working in rounds, making increases at each corner (3 sc in each corner stitch) to keep the bottom flat and rectangular. Repeat until the bottom is the desired size.
5. Finish: Fasten off and weave in any loose ends with a darning needle.

How to Crochet an Oval Bag Bottom

The oval bottom is smooth and ideal for bags that don’t need as much structure but still require a stable base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Foundation Chain: Make a foundation chain that’s slightly shorter than the desired length of the oval bottom.
2. Round 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook and continue along the chain, placing 1 sc in each stitch. When you reach the last chain, place 3 sc in the final stitch to create a rounded edge.
3. Round 2: Work along the opposite side of the foundation chain, placing 1 sc in each stitch. In the final stitch, work 3 sc to complete the other side of the oval.
4. Rounds 3-5: Continue working in the round, increasing in each corner stitch (place 2 sc in each of the first and last stitches) to maintain the oval shape.
5. Finish: Fasten off once the oval reaches the desired size, and weave in any loose ends.

How to Crochet a Circular Bag Bottom

The circular bottom is used for round-shaped bags and provides a stable, compact base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with a Magic Ring: Begin with a magic ring or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
2. Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight to close the ring.
3. Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around (12 stitches).
4. Round 3: Sc, inc around (18 stitches).
5. Round 4 and Beyond: Continue increasing in a consistent pattern (e.g., sc 2, inc around for Round 4; sc 3, inc around for Round 5) until the circle reaches the desired size.
6. Finish: Fasten off and weave in the ends.

How to Crochet a Square Bag Bottom

The square bottom is often used for cube or box-shaped bags and adds structure.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Foundation Chain: Start with a foundation chain that matches the desired width of one side of the square.
2. Row 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-10 (or until desired width): Sc in each stitch across, chain 1, and turn. Repeat until you have a square shape.
4. Finish: Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Design-wise, I love this method because it allows me to create exactly the stitch count I need to set up my pattern repeat for the rest of the bag.

And as a crocheter, it’s a lot easier to make than ovals with special stitch markers and increases and stitch counts that always seem to get lost.