Looking for a cozy, seasonal crochet bag with a playful touch? This warm burnt-orange shoulder bag features a dense textured fabric and adorable dimensional pumpkin appliqués in cream and green with little brown stems. It’s the perfect size for everyday essentials and brings a cheerful autumn vibe to any outfit.
A charming handmade accessory that makes a lovely seasonal gift or a fun addition to your own wardrobe.
Description
The bag is worked in a solid burnt-orange color using a dense stitch that creates a firm yet flexible fabric. The body has a clean rectangular shape with short sturdy handles. Multiple small pumpkin motifs (cream and green) are crocheted separately and sewn onto the front and sides for a raised, dimensional look. The overall design is playful yet practical.
Suitable for confident beginners who know basic stitches and feel comfortable sewing on appliqués.
Finished Size (approximate)
- Width: 26–30 cm / 10–12 in
- Height (excluding handles): 18–22 cm / 7–8.75 in
- Handle drop: about 10–12 cm / 4–4.75 in
Size can vary depending on yarn, hook size, and tension.
Materials
- Worsted-weight or aran-weight cotton or acrylic yarn
- Color A: Burnt orange / rust – approximately 180–220 g
- Color B: Cream / off-white – small amount (for cream pumpkins)
- Color C: Sage or forest green – small amount (for green pumpkins)
- Color D: Brown – small amount (for stems)
- 4.0 mm or 4.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Optional: fabric lining, magnetic snap or zipper
Abbreviations (US terms)
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
inc – increase (2 stitches in same stitch)
MR – magic ring
Pattern Notes
- The bag body is worked from the bottom up in continuous rounds or flat and seamed.
- Pumpkins are made as separate appliqués and sewn on after the bag is finished.
- A dense stitch (single crochet) gives excellent structure.
- Keep tension even for a smooth, professional finish.
Complete Crochet Instructions
1. Bag Body (Color A – Burnt orange)
Make a magic ring (or ch 4 and join).
Round 1: Ch 1, 8 sc into the ring. Do not join — work in continuous spiral (place a stitch marker). (8 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (16 sc)
Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (24 sc)
Round 4: 2 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (32 sc)
Round 5: 3 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (40 sc)
Continue increasing until the base measures approximately 26–30 cm / 10–12 in across.
Work even in single crochet until the bag reaches approximately 18–22 cm / 7–8.75 in in height.
Last Round: Work a final round of sc, then slip stitch to finish. Fasten off.
2. Handles (make 2)
With Color A, ch 50–60 (or desired length).
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Rows 2–5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (creates a firm strap).
For a more rounded handle, fold the strip in half lengthwise and slip-stitch the long edges together.
Sew the ends of each handle securely to the top edges of the bag, spacing them evenly.
3. Pumpkin Appliqués (make 8–12 total)
Cream Pumpkins (Color B) and Green Pumpkins (Color C) – make a mix:
Make a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, 8 sc into the ring. Join with sl st. (8 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sc)
Round 3: Ch 1, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. Join. (24 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Stem (Color D – Brown)
Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2 ch. Fasten off.
Sew the stem to the top of each pumpkin.
4. Attach the Pumpkins
- Arrange the pumpkins evenly across the front and sides of the bag (refer to the photo for placement inspiration).
- Pin them in place.
- Using the long tails or matching yarn, sew each pumpkin securely to the bag, stitching around the edges so they sit flat and raised.
5. Optional Finishing
- Work one round of single crochet around the top opening for a clean edge.
- Add a fabric lining and a magnetic snap or zipper if desired.
- Weave in all remaining ends carefully.
Tips and Variations
Change the Colors
- Classic burnt orange with cream & green pumpkins (as shown)
- Soft sage green bag with orange pumpkins
- Cream bag with pastel pumpkins
- Deep burgundy bag with cream pumpkins
- All-neutral version with beige and taupe pumpkins
Make It Larger
Continue increasing the base and add more height rounds for a bigger tote.
Make It Smaller
Stop increasing earlier and work fewer body rounds for a compact crossbody or mini bag.
Different Motifs
- Replace pumpkins with flowers, hearts, or stars
- Make all pumpkins one color
- Add embroidered faces for jack-o’-lantern style
Strengthen the Bag
Use cotton yarn and a slightly tighter tension. Lining the inside with fabric adds durability and helps the bag keep its shape.
FAQs
Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes — the bag body uses basic single crochet. The pumpkins are simple circles and are very repetitive once you make the first one.
What can I carry inside?
Phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, a small notebook, or other everyday essentials. Perfect as a seasonal everyday bag.
Can I wash the finished bag?
Yes, if made with cotton or acrylic yarn. Gentle hand wash in cool water is recommended. Reshape and lay flat to dry.
My pumpkins look uneven.
Make sure each pumpkin has the same number of stitches and block them lightly before sewing if needed. Pin them carefully before attaching so the arrangement looks balanced.
Conclusion
This Crochet Pumpkin Appliqué Shoulder Bag is a fun, seasonal project that combines simple construction with cheerful dimensional details. The warm burnt-orange background and cute cream-and-green pumpkins create a cozy, handmade look that feels perfect for autumn (or any time you want a playful touch).
It’s enjoyable to make, easy to customize with different colors or motifs, and perfect as a handmade gift or a festive addition to your own wardrobe. Whether you carry it for everyday errands or seasonal outings, this bag is sure to bring a smile.
Happy crocheting!
