# Midnight Black Boho Shell Bag Free Crochet Pattern
A black crochet bag is the hardest-working accessory in my closet — it goes with everything, hides everything, and always looks intentional. This one gets the boho treatment: rows of lacy shells in deep midnight black, a sturdy round base, wooden bead accents on the drawstring-free open top, and a long crossbody strap. It’s the bag I grab when I want to look put-together with zero effort.
The shell stitch does all the visual heavy lifting here, and it’s just double crochets fanning out — very rhythmic, very relaxing. The black yarn can be hard on the eyes in dim light, so this is officially a daylight project. Your eyes will thank you, and the shells will look crisp and dramatic.
What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn: approximately 450 yards black
- Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- 4 large wooden beads (optional, for strap accents)
- Tapestry needle and stitch markers
Finished size:
- Approximately 11 inches wide, 10 inches tall
- Strap drop 22 inches (crossbody length, adjustable)
The Pattern
Shell pattern (worked over a multiple of 6 stitches): [Skip 2 stitches, 5 DC in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, SC in next stitch] repeat around.
Bag Base
With black yarn, magic ring and work 12 DC into the ring, join. (12 DC)
Round 2: Chain 3, 2 DC in each stitch around, join. (24 DC)
Round 3: Chain 3, [DC in next stitch, 2 DC in next stitch] repeat around, join. (36 DC)
Round 4: Chain 3, [DC in next 2 stitches, 2 DC in next stitch] repeat around, join. (48 DC)
Round 5: Chain 3, [DC in next 3 stitches, 2 DC in next stitch] repeat around, join. (60 DC)
The base should measure about 8 inches across and lie flat. (60 is a multiple of 6 — perfect for the shell pattern.)
Bag Body
Round 6: Chain 1, SC in each stitch around, join. (60 SC)
Rounds 7–24: Work the shell pattern around. Each round has 10 shells. Join each round with a slip stitch to the first SC.
Round 25 (top edging): Chain 1, SC in each stitch around — work 1 SC in each DC of the shells and 1 SC in each SC between shells (60 SC), join. Fasten off.
Strap
With black yarn, chain 150 (about 50 inches — adjust to your preferred drop).
Row 1: SC in second chain from hook and across. (149 SC)
Row 2: Chain 1, SC in each stitch across, turn. (149 SC)
Fasten off, leaving long tails.
Thread 2 wooden beads onto each end of the strap before sewing (optional but very boho). Sew each strap end to the inside top edge of the bag, anchoring over a 3-inch span with firm backstitches.
Drawstring Ties (optional)
Chain 80, thread through the top SC round, weaving in and out every 6 stitches. Tie in a bow. The wooden beads look lovely threaded on the tie ends.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. If the shells need definition, a light steam helps them pop against the black. Line with fabric if you carry small items — shells are lacy and keys love to escape.
Sophie’s Tips
- Black yarn + evening lighting = frustration. Work this one near a window or with a good lamp, and put a white cloth on your lap so you can see your stitches.
- Cotton keeps the shells crisp; acrylic softens them. For a structured boho bag, cotton wins — mine stands up on its own.
- The strap is the first thing to wear out on any bag. Work it in single crochet (dense!) and anchor the ends wide — this one will last for years.
Your new everyday bag — enjoy looking effortlessly put-together!
