Velour, velvet, plush, or chenille—there are so many names for it! This incredibly soft yarn is absolutely everywhere right now. While it is normally saved for amigurumi and handmade toys, I personally love using it for bold statement bags and cozy blankets. There is something so fun about the rich texture and depth this plush yarn brings to both knitted and crocheted items.
The season of tote bags is almost upon us! While cotton and linen are the usual go-to choices for summer accessories, if you are looking for something uniquely soft, touchable, and eye-catching, you are going to love this roomy project.
Don’t say it too loud, but this might just be your new favorite tote bag! Suitable for confident beginners and bursting with texture, the Dumpette Bag is the perfect everyday carry-all. Its cute, pudgy shape is sweet and playful, yet easily large enough to hold all of your essentials. Featuring a trendy drawstring closure, it’s a quick, deeply satisfying make that you’ll love to wear out and about.
Table of Contents
| At A Glance: The Dumpette Bag Confident Beginner | |
|---|---|
| Materials & Tools |
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| Terminology | US Terms |
| Finished Size | One Size (13″ x 14″) |
| Construction | Continuous spiral base with flat accents |
| Key Stitches | hdcblo, hdcbpo (between posts), sc, sl st |
| Hook Note Please note the double-hook setup for this project! You will use the larger 7 mm hook to keep your chenille stitches plush and open for the bag body, and switch to a 4 mm hook with your acrylic accent yarn held double for a strong, zero-stretch strap. | |
Fancy crocheting up even more fabulous bags? Check out my free pattern for The Sunbloom Granny Square Tote here.
| Pattern Specifications & Guide | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Size: One Size | Finished: Approx. 13″ × 14″ (33 cm × 35 cm) |
| Gauge | 9 sts × 9 rows = 10 cm × 10 cm (4″ × 4″) in hdcbpo |
| Abbreviations | ch, sl st, sc, hdc, hdcblo, hdcbpo |
| Stitch Focus: hdcbpo The Half Double Crochet Between the Posts (hdcbpo) creates a structured, tactile fabric. Instead of working under the top loops, insert your hook between the vertical posts of the stitches from the previous row. This stitch works up quickly and adds a modern, professional look to your bag. | |
| Quick Customization You can easily adjust the strap and drawstring closure lengths to your personal preference by adding or removing chain stitches. | |
Dumpette Bag · Crochet Pattern
Main Bag Body
Using Yarn 1 (Honey Bunny) and your 7 mm crochet hook.
Round 1: Chain 6 and sl st into the first ch to join (or make a magic ring). Ch 2 (counts as first hdc). Work 11 hdc into the center of the ring; sl st into the top of the beginning ch-2 to join. (12 sts). Ch 2.
Round 2: Make 2 hdc sts into each st around. (24 sts). Sl st into the top of the ch-2, ch 2.
Round 3: Make 2 hdc sts into the same st, 1 hdc; repeat from * to * around. (36 sts). Sl st into the top of the ch-2, ch 2.
Round 4: Make 2 hdc sts into the same st, 2 hdc; repeat from * to * around. (48 sts). Sl st into the top of the ch-2, ch 2.
Round 5: Make 2 hdc sts into the same st, 3 hdc; repeat from * to * around. (60 sts). Sl st into the top of the ch-2, ch 2.
Round 6: Make 2 hdc sts into the same st, 4 hdc; repeat from * to * around. (72 sts). Sl st into the top of the ch-2, ch 2.
Round 7: Make one hdcblo into every st around.
Working Note: From this point onwards, do not ch 2 at the beginning of each round. Instead, work in a continuous spiral. Mark the first st of each round with a stitch marker, moving it up as you progress.
Rounds 8 – 21: Work hdcbpo in every stitch around.
Rounds 22 – 24: Work sc in every stitch around.
Break your yarn and weave in all ends securely.
Finishing & Accessories
Making the Bag Strap
Using Yarn 2 (Kind Feather) held double (pulling one end from the center and one from the outside of the skein) and your 4 mm hook.
Row 1: Ch 80. Skip 1st ch and work one sl st into each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 2 – 3: Work one sc into each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4: Work one final row of sl st all the way across to finish.
Bind off and weave in your ends. Sew the strap ends securely to either side of the bag’s interior rim.
Making the Drawstring Closure
Using Yarn 2 held double (as styled above) and your 4 mm hook.
Row 1: Ch 154. Work one sl st into each ch st across.
Break the yarn and weave the loose ends carefully back into the drawstring cord. Weave the finished drawstring smoothly through the top of the bag, just underneath the single crochet texture of Round 22. Tie a clean knot at each end of the drawstring to finish!
Enjoy your brand new bag, and don’t forget to share your gorgeous work on social media by tagging me—I absolutely love to see your color choices!
Enjoy your bag and don’t forget to share your work on social media by tagging me – I love to see all your creations!
If you loved this tutorial and want to help me carry on offering you even more fantastic free projects, it’s be lovely if you could donate to me on Ko-fi! Thank you so much and happy crafting.
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