Cameo Rose Motif Hobo Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This slouchy hobo bag is built from twelve joined crocheted circles arranged in a lavender-and-cream checkerboard, then finished with a layered cameo-style rose appliqué for a romantic Victorian look. It's written for crocheters who are comfortable with double crochet and simple seaming, and it's a lovely project for anyone who enjoys motif work. The bag is soft and floppy, about 14 inches wide by 12 inches tall, with two long shoulder straps that let it hang comfortably at your side. The bumpy field of joined circles gives it wonderful texture, while the rose on the front makes it feel like a keepsake.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn, acrylic or cotton blend: lavender (A) 400 yards, cream (B) 200 yards, dark rose (C) 50 yards, light rose (D) 50 yards, green (E) 20 yards
• Hook: 6.5 mm (K/10.5)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors, blocking mats and pins
• Finished size: Approx 14 inches wide x 12 inches tall (excluding strap); strap length 40 inches

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sl st — slip stitch
• sc — single crochet
• dc — double crochet
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• sp(s) — space(s)
• sk — skip
• rep — repeat

Gauge

One circle motif measures 4.5 inches in diameter after blocking. Work one circle and block it, then measure across the center to check your gauge before starting the full set.

Tips Before You Start

• Block all twelve circles to exactly 4.5 inches before joining so the grid lines up neatly.
• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each circle round so you can join evenly without losing your place.
• When whipstitching circles together, work with matching yarn and keep your stitches small and even so the seams stay flat.
• Fold and pin the grid in half before seaming the sides so you can check the slouchy shape and strap placement first.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Circle Motif (make 12: 6 in A, 6 in B)

Rnd 1: With A or B, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc).

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join (24 dc).

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; rep from * around, join (36 dc). Fasten off.

Block all circles to 4.5 inches diameter.

Join Circles

Arrange the 12 circles in a 3x4 grid (3 columns, 4 rows), alternating colors: Row 1: A, B, A; Row 2: B, A, B; Row 3: A, B, A; Row 4: B, A, B. Whipstitch the circles edge to edge with matching yarn, leaving the top row open for the bag opening.

Fold the grid in half vertically so the 3 columns become front and back panels of 2 rows each, then seam the side edges, leaving the top open. This creates the slouchy hobo shape.

Top Edging

Rnd 1: With A, join yarn at top edge. Sc evenly around top opening (approx 60 sc), join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join. Fasten off.

Strap (make 2)

Row 1: With A, ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (5 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (5 sc).

Rows 3–end: Rep Row 2 until strap measures 40 inches. Fasten off.

Attach Straps

Sew one end of each strap to the front top edge, approx 3 inches from the side seam, and the other end to the back top edge correspondingly, forming shoulder straps.

Cameo Rose Appliqué

Rose center (C): Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join (6 sc).

Rnd 1: Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around, join (12 sc).

Rnd 2: Ch 1, [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (18 sc).

Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (24 sc). Fasten off.

Petals (D): Join D to any sc of Rnd 3, *ch 3, sk next sc, sl st in next sc; rep from * around (12 ch-3 sps). Fasten off.

Outer petals (C): Join C to any ch-3 sp, *ch 4, sl st in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around (12 ch-4 sps). Fasten off.

Leaves (E): Join E to any ch-4 sp, *ch 5, sl st in next ch-4 sp; rep from * around (12 ch-5 sps). Fasten off. Rose measures approx 4 inches diameter.

Attach Rose

Sew the rose appliqué to the center front of the bag.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side. Lightly block the finished bag to shape, pinning the base and top opening flat and letting the circles relax into an even grid. Allow it to dry completely before attaching the straps for the final wear.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the lavender and cream for dusty pink and ivory for a softer, more vintage palette.
• Add a fabric lining to the inside for extra structure and to keep small items from slipping through the seams.
• Make the straps wider or shorter to suit your preferred carry style, adjusting the length before sewing them on.