Grunge Slouch Hobo Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Grunge Slouch Hobo Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This slouchy hobo bag is made for anyone who loves that lived-in, grunge-inspired look but still wants a project simple enough to work on while watching TV. It is crocheted in dark olive green worsted weight yarn with a relaxed half-double crochet fabric and a black braided strap that gives it just the right amount of edge. The larger hook keeps the stitches loose, so the bag drapes softly against your side instead of standing stiff like a tote. It feels sturdy but soft, and the tapered top adds a subtle shape that makes it look far more complicated than it really is.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or wool blend. Dark olive green (A): 300 yards. Black (B): 50 yards.
• Hook: 6.5 mm (K/10.5) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, stitch markers (optional).
• Finished size: Approx. 14 inches wide x 12 inches tall (excluding strap); strap length 40 inches.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops on the hook.
• hdc2tog – half double crochet two together (a decrease): yarn over, insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all five loops on the hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• R – row.

Gauge

12 hdc x 9 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). To check it, crochet a small swatch in hdc with your 6.5 mm hook and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 12, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your hdc tension loose and even. A relaxed fabric is what gives this bag its slouch, so do not pull your stitches tight.
• Count your stitches at the end of every decrease row. Each of Rows 25–30 removes exactly 2 stitches, so a quick count keeps the tapered top symmetrical.
• Work the side seam single crochet evenly and loosely so the seam does not pucker when you turn the bag right side out.
• Hold all three strands of black yarn together for the strap and keep them from twisting as you braid or chain for a smooth, even finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (Yarn A)

R1: Ch 43, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (42 sts).

R2: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (42 sts).

Rows 3–24: Repeat R2 (42 sts). Do not fasten off.

Shape Top (Yarn A, continued)

R25: Ch 1, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in next 38 sts, hdc2tog (40 sts).

R26: Ch 1, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in next 36 sts, hdc2tog (38 sts).

R27: Ch 1, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in next 34 sts, hdc2tog (36 sts).

R28: Ch 1, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in next 32 sts, hdc2tog (34 sts).

R29: Ch 1, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in next 30 sts, hdc2tog (32 sts).

R30: Ch 1, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in next 28 sts, hdc2tog (30 sts). Fasten off.

Side and Top Seam (Yarn A)

Fold the bag in half with right sides together. Join yarn A at the bottom corner. Working through both layers, sc evenly up one side, across the top, and down the other side. Fasten off, then turn the bag right side out.

Strap (Yarn B)

Hold 3 strands of black yarn together. Ch 3, then make a 3-strand braid approx 40 inches long. Alternatively, crochet a chain 40 inches long with all 3 strands held together. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Attach the strap ends to the inside of the bag at the side seams, 1 inch below the top edge, using yarn A and the tapestry needle. Sew each end securely with several passes so the strap will not pull loose. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, then gently block the bag by misting it lightly and shaping it flat to dry so the hdc fabric relaxes and the slouch sets in.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the black strap for a deep charcoal or burgundy braid to change the mood without changing the pattern.
• Add a simple fabric lining sewn in by hand for extra structure and to keep small items from slipping through the stitches.
• For a roomier bag, add 6 chains to the starting chain and work 6 extra rows before the shaping rows, keeping the same 2-stitch decrease per shaping row.