Embrace your feline fondness with the delightful Cat Lady Bag crochet pattern! This charming design transforms simple crochet squares into a uniquely shaped bag adorned with adorable cat motifs. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or looking for a fun intermediate project, this “Cat In Bag” pattern from Divine Debris offers a rewarding and creative experience.
This isn’t just any bag; it’s a statement piece that celebrates your love for cats in a fun and fashionable way. Inspired by the popular square bag shape, this design elevates the concept with playful cat-themed squares. Imagine carrying a handmade bag that sparks conversations and showcases your crafting skills and passion for all things feline.
Close-up of the right side of a Cat Lady Bag crochet square showing yarn carrying technique
What is the Cat Lady Bag?
The Cat Lady Bag is a unique crochet bag pattern constructed from thirteen individual squares. What sets it apart are the three distinct cat-themed square designs, each contributing to the bag’s overall charm. These squares, when assembled, create a stylish, almost hourglass shape that folds in half to form the body of the bag. Sturdy straps are then crocheted directly onto the bag, completing this eye-catching accessory.
Designed for customization, you can arrange the cat squares in any order you like, making each bag a personal expression of your style. The pattern uses colorwork within the squares to create the cat designs, offering a fantastic opportunity to play with color combinations and yarn choices. It’s a fantastic project for using up yarn scraps and creating a truly one-of-a-kind “cat in bag” masterpiece.
Materials You’ll Need to Crochet Your Cat in Bag
To bring this adorable cat bag to life, gather the following materials:
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Crochet Hook: US G (4.00 mm) crochet hook. This is a standard size for worsted weight yarn and will help create a fabric with good drape and structure.
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Worsted Weight Yarn (Size #4):
- Color A: 5 oz / 242 yards (Main Color – Linen/Off White in the original pattern)
- Color B: 3.2 oz / 155 yards (Contrast Color for Cat Motifs – Chocolate Brown in the original pattern)
- Color C: 2.5 oz / 121 yards (Border and Straps – Fisherman Gold in the original pattern)
The original pattern used Vanna’s Choice by Lion Brand Yarn, a soft and versatile worsted weight yarn that’s perfect for bags. Feel free to substitute with your favorite worsted weight yarn, keeping in mind yardage and gauge. You can purchase a convenient kit for this pattern directly from Lion Brand’s Website.
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Notions:
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
Crochet Basics for Your Cat Lady Bag
Before diving into the squares, let’s cover some essential details for crocheting this “cat in bag”:
- Gauge: 17 single crochet stitches x 17 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) square, blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is crucial to ensure your squares and bag are the intended size. Always crochet a gauge swatch and adjust your hook size if needed.
- Terms/Stitches Used (US Crochet Terms):
- St: Stitch
- Ch: Chain
- Rnd: Round
- Slip st: Slip Stitch
- Sc: Single crochet
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
- Pattern Notes:
- The full, printer-friendly PDF pattern is available for purchase in the Ravelry shop if you prefer an ad-free and easily printable version.
- The pattern is worked in three sections: Squares, Assembly, and Straps, making it manageable and fun to work on in stages.
- You’ll crochet 13 squares in total, consisting of 5 of Square 1, 4 of Square 2, and 4 of Square 3.
- Squares are worked from the bottom up in rows. Each row starts with “ch 1, turn.” The initial chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
- A border is added to each square after completion, which is used for seaming the squares together.
- Yarn Carrying Technique: Color A (background color) is carried behind Color B (cat motif color) within the squares. This technique is explained visually in the original pattern and helps manage yarn and create clean colorwork. Refer to the provided images for a clear understanding of how to carry yarn.
- Blocking: Blocking is highly recommended for this project, especially for the squares. Steam blocking helps to even out stitch tension, ensure squares are the correct size, and enhance the overall look of your finished “cat in bag”.
Close-up of the wrong side of a Cat Lady Bag crochet square showing yarn carrying technique
Crochet Pattern Squares: Three Cute Cat Designs
The heart of the Cat Lady Bag lies in its charming square designs. You’ll be making three different squares, each featuring a unique cat element.
Cat Lady Bag Square 1
Make 5
This square features a full cat face design.
Key: Color A (white), Color B (brown)
Crochet graph for Cat Lady Bag Square 1
Instructions:
- Foundation Chain: With Color A, chain 22. Turn, and single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across (21 sc).
- Rows 1-21: Follow the graph for Square 1, working in single crochet and changing colors as indicated. Remember to carry Color A behind Color B. Each row begins with “ch 1, turn” and has 21 single crochet stitches.
Border:
- With the Right Side facing, join Color C in any stitch on the edge of Square 1.
- Round 1 (Color C): Chain 1, single crochet evenly around the square, working (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner to create defined corners. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (84 sc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
- Fasten off and weave in ends. Block the square to measure 5.4″ x 5.4″.
Cat Lady Bag Square 2
Make 4
This square features a playful cat tail design.
Key: Color A (white), Color B (brown)
Crochet graph for Cat Lady Bag Square 2
Instructions:
- Foundation Chain: With Color A, chain 22. Turn, and single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across (21 sc).
- Rows 1-21: Follow the graph for Square 2, working in single crochet and changing colors as indicated. Remember to carry Color A behind Color B. Each row begins with “ch 1, turn” and has 21 single crochet stitches.
Border:
- With the Right Side facing, join Color C in any stitch on the edge of Square 2.
- Round 1 (Color C): Chain 1, single crochet evenly around the square, working (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (84 sc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
- Fasten off and weave in ends. Block the square to measure 5.4″ x 5.4″.
Cat Lady Bag Square 3
Make 4
This square features adorable cat ears.
Key: Color A (white), Color B (brown)
Crochet graph for Cat Lady Bag Square 3
Instructions:
- Foundation Chain: With Color A, chain 22. Turn, and single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across (21 sc).
- Rows 1-21: Follow the graph for Square 3, working in single crochet and changing colors as indicated. Remember to carry Color A behind Color B. Each row begins with “ch 1, turn” and has 21 single crochet stitches.
Border:
- With the Right Side facing, join Color C in any stitch on the edge of Square 3.
- Round 1 (Color C): Chain 1, single crochet evenly around the square, working (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (84 sc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
- Fasten off and weave in ends. Block the square to measure 5.4″ x 5.4″.
Assembling Your Cat Bag: From Squares to Shape
Once you’ve crocheted and blocked all 13 squares, it’s time to assemble your “cat in bag”!
- Layout: Arrange your squares according to the assembly diagram or your preferred layout. The original pattern suggests rows of 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 2, with the first three rows of “cup” squares (Square 3) upside down.
Cat Lady Bag assembly layout showing all 13 squares seamed together
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Seaming: Seam the squares together using your preferred method. The pattern recommends a back loop only slip stitch seam for a neat finish. Ensure you seam through the borders, including the chain-1 corner spaces. Fasten off and weave in ends after each seam for a secure hold.
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Folding and Side Seams:
- Fold the assembled piece in half along the center row of squares, with the wrong side facing out.
- Seam the side edges together as indicated in the diagram, matching the green edges to teal edges on one side and pink edges to yellow edges on the other.
Cat Lady Bag assembly diagram with color-coded seaming instructions
Cat Lady Bag assembly showing bag folded in half for side seaming
Cat Lady Bag assembly showing close-up of right side folding for seaming
Cat Lady Bag assembly showing close-up of left side folding for seaming
After completing the side seams, your bag body will be formed! Weave in all remaining ends and block the seams if desired.
Completed body of the Cat Lady Bag after assembly
Adding the Straps for Your Cat in Bag
The final step is to add the sturdy and stylish straps to your “cat in bag”.
- Strap Placement: Refer to the images to identify the strap starting points on either side of the bag opening.
Cat Lady Bag strap placement showing where to start crocheting straps
Cat Lady Bag strap placement close-up on strap starting point
- Round 1 (Color C): Join Color C at the indicated stitch. Single crochet across the top edge of the square, chain 75 for the strap, skip the designated space, single crochet across the next square edge, repeat on the other side of the bag to create the second strap, chain 75, skip space, and single crochet to join the round. (84 sc, 2 ch-75 spaces)
Diagram showing strap construction around the top of the bag
- Rounds 2-4 (Color C): Chain 1, turn, single crochet around in each stitch, including the chain spaces of the straps. Join with a slip stitch. (234 sc)
- Round 5 (Color B): Change to Color B. Chain 1, turn, single crochet around. Join with a slip stitch. (234 sc)
- Fasten off and weave in all ends. Block the strap section if desired.
Optional: For added durability and a touch of contrast, you can add a round of slip stitches in Color B to Round 3 of the straps.
Finished Cat Lady Bag with straps
Why You’ll Love This Cat in Bag Crochet Pattern
The Cat Lady Bag is more than just a crochet project; it’s a fun and rewarding experience for several reasons:
- Unique and Adorable Design: The cat-themed squares and the bag’s shape create a truly distinctive accessory that stands out.
- Customizable: Arrange the squares to your liking and choose your own color combinations to personalize your “cat in bag”.
- Perfect Gift for Cat Lovers: Handmade gifts are always special, and this cat bag is the ideal present for any cat enthusiast in your life.
- Free Pattern: The base pattern is free and readily accessible, making it an affordable and enjoyable craft project.
- Designed by Divine Debris: You’re using a pattern from a reputable crochet designer known for clear instructions and creative designs.
Get ready to show off your feline flair with your new Cat Lady Bag! Share your finished creations using #DivineDebris on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique “cat in bag” masterpieces!
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