Woven Spice Satchel Gift Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Woven Spice Satchel is a sweet little gift bag that looks far more complicated than it is. Worked in plain single crochet with simple color changes, it builds up quickly in warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and saffron stripes that feel cozy and a little bit grunge. It's a wonderful project for an advanced beginner who has mastered single crochet and is ready to try color changes, a buttonhole, and a tassel. At about 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide, it's the perfect size for holding a small gift, jewelry, or a handful of treats.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — cinnamon (A) 80 yards, nutmeg (B) 60 yards, saffron (C) 40 yards
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, one 0.75-inch button, a ruler or measuring tape
• Finished size: 6 inches tall x 4 inches wide (excluding flap and tassel)

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• sp — space
• RS — right side: the front, outward-facing side of your work.

Gauge

16 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. To check, crochet a small swatch and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if your stitches are too tight or too loose.

Tips Before You Start

• Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a row so the new color begins cleanly at the start of the next row.
• Keep your turning chains loose and consistent so the side edges stay straight and easy to edge later.
• Carry the unused colors loosely up the side rather than cutting after every row — the edging will hide them.
• Count your 16 stitches at the end of every row; a dropped stitch will throw off the buttonhole placement.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Base (A)

Row 1: Ch 17, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (16 sts).

Rows 2–24: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (16 sts). Do not fasten off. Change to B.

Bag Sides and Top (B, C, A)

Work 24 rows in repeating 2-row color bands, cycling B, C, A. Each row is the same: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (16 sts).

Rows 1–2 (B): Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (16 sts).

Rows 3–4 (C): Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (16 sts).

Rows 5–6 (A): Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (16 sts).

Repeat these 6 rows (B, C, A bands) three more times, ending after Row 24 (16 sts). Fasten off.

Flap (A)

With RS facing, join A at the top right corner of the bag.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in each st across (16 sts).

Rows 2–8: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (16 sts).

Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc in next 6 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next 6 sts (16 sts; buttonhole made).

Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st and ch-2 sp across (16 sts). Fasten off.

Edging (C)

Join C at the bottom right corner of the bag. Sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the bag and flap, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Tassel (C)

Cut 20 strands of C, 6 inches long. Fold in half and attach to the bottom center of the bag with a lark's head knot. Wrap a 6-inch strand of C around the tassel neck several times, tie securely, and trim ends evenly.

Button

Sew the 0.75-inch button on the front of the bag, centered, opposite the buttonhole.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side, using the tapestry needle to hide them within the stitches. Block lightly to measurements by misting with water and pinning flat to dry. Check that the button lines up with the buttonhole and closes the flap snugly.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the button for a crocheted loop closure if you prefer a softer, no-hardware look.
• Try a different spice palette — paprika, cardamom, and turmeric — for a fresh take on the same stripe rhythm.
• Add a short crocheted chain handle in C to turn the satchel into a tiny shoulder bag.