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Crochet Bento Bag: Fast, Easy, Weekend Project

This crochet bento bag is one of the best quick projects you’ve ever enjoyed. You’ll make super simple half double crochet granny squares. Join those squares together to create a stylish bag to use as a market bag, project bag, diaper bag, or just a boho bag. You can easily finish this quick crochet bag project on a weekend. Besides the free pattern, I’ve got a video tutorial that will make this crochet bento bag super easy!

Crochet Bento Box Bag in text, marly bird logo, hand holding a sample of the crochet bag pattern to view. Bag is gray and white - Marly Bird
Read more: Crochet Bento Bag: Fast, Easy, Weekend Project

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What is a Bento Bag?

Bento bags are a popular Japanese style of bag. Tied closed, they stuff easily into any other bag. Opened wide, they sit squarely on their flat bottoms. Folded flat, they take up so little space you can’t imagine they’d hold much at all. It’s almost like you take the idea of origami, apply it to fabric, and use it to create a super functional, flexible, versatile crochet purse. Making a bag like this is a lot of fun because it gives you the chance to try a simple, yet probably new, construction.

Making A Crochet Bento Bag

Bento bags typically consist of two triangle pieces stitched together. Therefore, you can easily modify your bag depending on your triangle size. For this pattern, we will make three squares and sew them together to construct the bag. It’s slightly different from a basic bento bag, but I think it offers some benefits.

This construction method will allow your crochet bento bag to sit flat on the bottom. Therefore, this is a great project bag or market bag. Sitting flat, your items inside won’t fall out. Because we don’t have the points of the two triangles for this bag, as we would with a classic crochet bento bag. Instead, we’ll add a handle section to two of the squares. Be sure to watch my video tutorial below to learn how to do this for your own bag. But first, get the free crochet bento bag pattern:

Bento Box Crochet tote bag in gray and white held out from a hand, text reads Crochet Bento Box Bag, Click Here for Free Pattern - Marly Bird

What size is this bag?

One of the great things about bento bags is that, like crochet market bags, they come in various sizes. The dimensions of a crochet market bag can range from as small as 7″ x 9″ to as large as 11″ x 13″ or even larger. The same goes for bento bags – they come in sizes to fit your needs. Some bento bags are smaller, more compact versions that are perfect for carrying a lunch box or a few small items, while others are larger and can handle everything from groceries to beach towels.

It’s important to note that when considering the dimensions of a crochet tote bag or bento bag, the measurements typically do not include the straps. The straps are additional length and should be considered when deciding the bag’s overall size.

What crochet stitch is used for crochet bags?

Crochet bags are a fun way to experiment with different crochet stitches and textures. When it comes to choosing the perfect stitch for a crochet bag, consider the weight and durability of your yarn and the desired overall look and feel of the bag. One popular stitch for crochet bags is the single crochet stitch.

In addition to the single crochet stitch, other popular crochet stitches for bags include the half double crochet (used in the Boxy Bento Bag Pattern linked below) double crochet stitch, treble crochet stitch, and even more complex stitches such as the bobble stitch. You can work in rows of stitches with increases or decreases, or in rounds like crochet motifs or crochet granny squared. Ultimately, the choice of stitch will depend on the specific design and use of the bag. Experimenting with different crochet stitches and textures is always a good idea to find the perfect combination for your crochet bag project.

FREE Crochet Bento Bag pattern from Yarnspirations - Marly Bird

Using your Crochet Bag

Are you struggling to find a clever way to carry all of your favorite produce? Consider using a bento bag! The great thing about bento bags is that there are so many practical ways that you can use them. Here are just a few suggestions on how you can make use of this new bag as soon as you’ve made it:

  • bulk shopping
  • gift wrapping
  • a lunch box
  • market tote bag
  • project bag
  • tote bag
  • shopping bag
  • diaper bag
  • just a boho bag

Bento bags are becoming increasingly popular as an eco-friendly, versatile, and stylish alternative to traditional plastic bags. They can be made in various colors, patterns, fabrics, and sizes and are designed to hold anything from groceries and books to clothes and toys. The great thing about bento bags is that there are so many ways that you can use them, making them an ideal addition to your everyday life.

Bento bags are not just for shopping at your local farmers market. They make great organizers as well. Do you have a drawer full of gadgets and cables that always seem to get tangled up? Use a bento bag to keep everything in place. Not only will this make your drawer much tidier, but it’s also a great way to keep everything easily accessible. When traveling, you can even use bento bags to store books, toiletries, and other small items. Overall, bento bags are an economical and practical solution for keeping your life organized and sustainable.

Crochet Bento Pattern Details

Skill Level: Easy

Project Type: Accessory

For this free crochet motif bag pattern, you need the following supplies

Yarn: Red Heart® Super Saver® (7 oz/198 g; 364 yds/333 m) Contrast A Dusty Gray (0340) Contrast B Soft White (0316) 1 ball 1 ball

TAB: a nice cotton yarn would be great, like Lily Sugar n’ Cream

Crochet Hook: Size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 12 hdc and 10 rows = 4″ [10 cm]

Notions: yarn needle or tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors.

Crochet Stitches You Need to Know

  • Approx = Approximately
  • Ch = Chain(s)
  • Hdc = Half double crochet
  • St(s) = Stitch(es)
  • Sl St = Slip Stitch

📌 Note: The bag pattern is made up of half double crochet motifs (crochet squares made w/ hdc & ch 2)

Learn more about these stitches and others here in the Crochet Definitions: comprehensive crochet abbreviations, definitions, and stitch diagram resource.

Free Crochet Bag Pattern 🔗 Get the free Boxy Bento Bag pattern by Quayln Stark here

Crochet Bento Video Tutorials

Download the FREE Boxy Bento Bag and work along with me to make your own crochet bento bag. FREE PATTERN LINK

Lunch and Learn live event video for the Crochet Boxy Bento Bag

More Crochet Bag Patterns

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Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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