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Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern

Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern
4.1★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
2.2K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

✨

Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern

This pattern creates a flat tote bag featuring a large black cat intarsia/tapestry motif across the front. You will work the front panel in rows using single crochet color changes and a detailed chart for placement. The pattern also includes a plain back panel, long reinforced handles, and finishing instructions for a professional look.

Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Designed for DK weight yarn and a 2.5 mm hook, the bag measures approximately 29 cm tall by 32 cm wide. Full row-by-row color counts, tips for changing colors, and photos of the process are included.

Why You'll Love This Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because the bold cat silhouette feels modern yet cozy and makes a striking bag anyone would want to carry. I enjoy the rhythm of single crochet tapestry work and the satisfying way the graphic comes together row by row. The project teaches useful color-change and bobbin techniques that I use in many other designs. I also love that the finished bag is functional and makes a beautiful handmade gift.

Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to adapt this design by changing the color palette — try pastels for a softer look or monochrome for a chic, modern bag.

I sometimes make a mini version by using fingering yarn and a smaller hook to create a cute coin pouch or keychain-sized version.

I recommend experimenting with different handle lengths: make short handles for a tote you carry by hand or longer crossbody straps for hands-free wear.

I often add an inner lining for extra durability and to prevent small items from catching on the wrong side floats; sew a cotton lining to match the bag dimensions.

I sometimes embroider additional details or add a small pocket to the inside for keys and phone — it’s an easy customization that increases utility.

I like to use complementary yarn textures for the motif to give a subtle contrast — try a slightly shimmery cotton for the orange band for a luxe finish.

I recommend blocking each panel lightly before assembly to even stitches and align edges, which makes sewing the seams much easier.

I occasionally swap the single crochet fabric for a half double crochet row gauge and adjust the chain count for a different texture and drape.

I encourage you to try slip stitching around the top edge or adding an optional button closure for a finished look and extra security.

I enjoy creating matching accessories, like a small pouch or coin purse using the same cat motif, which makes a lovely coordinated gift set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to keep all tails on the wrong side during WS rows; keep and manage tails on the wrong side to avoid messy fronts. ✗ Pulling the new color yarn too tightly when changing colors; leave a small even tension and gently snug floats to avoid puckering. ✗ Not preparing bobbins ahead of time for colorwork; wind multiple small bobbins so you can change colors smoothly without knots. ✗ Forgetting to count stitches at the start and end of rows which may misplace the chart; always count stitches after each row and mark your position on the chart. ✗ Overstuffing or stretching handles when attaching; pin handles in place and sew securely without pulling the fabric to keep shape intact.

Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern

Make a stylish Black Cat tote bag with colorwork crochet using DK yarn and a clear stitch-by-stitch chart. This pattern guides you through tapestry color changes, hiding tails, and assembling a neat, wearable bag. Suitable for crocheters who want a fun, graphic project to gift or keep. Follow the included photos and row-by-row instructions for precise results.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Black Cat Bag Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    DK weight / size #3 yarn
  • 02
    Gazzal Baby Bamboo (50% acrylic/50% bamboo), 50g (1.76oz) / 115m (125yd) — orange (95202)
  • 03
    Gazzal Baby Bamboo (50% acrylic/50% bamboo), 50g (1.76oz) / 115m (125yd) — white (95227)
  • 04
    Gazzal Baby Love (45% acrylic/55% modal), 50g (1.76oz) / 115m (125yd) — black (1629)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.5mm
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Tapestry needle for hiding ends and sewing handles

Progress Tracker

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— The required materials and tools :

Info :

DK weight/ size #3 yarn. Recommended: Gazzal Baby Bamboo (50% acrylic/50% bamboo) 50g/115m for orange (95202) and white (95227). Gazzal Baby Love (45% acrylic/55% modal) 50g/115m for black (1629). Crochet hook 2.5 mm. Scissors. Tapestry needle.

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

Ch - chain. Sc - single crochet. RS - right side. WS - wrong side. The ch1 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.

— Tips before starting :

Info :

The front and back parts of the bag are crocheted in single crochet. Each square in the pattern indicates one single crochet. The front is crocheted according to the chart from bottom to top; the first row is crocheted from right to left. Crochet the front and back parts in back and forth rows (turn as you complete each row). Begin each new row with a turning chain. Use bobbins (or a piece of cardboard) to wrap yarn for colored blocks and keep ALL tails on the wrong side while crocheting.

— Front :

Info :

Start crocheting the front side of the bag. Chain 85 with white yarn. Start working in the second chain from the hook as follows in the chart below. After the end of each row turn and ch 1. The ch 1 does not count as a stitch.

Row 1 [RS] :

← Row 1 [RS]: (white) x 84

Row 2 [WS] :

→ Row 2 [WS]: (white) x 84

Row 3 [RS] :

← Row 3 [RS]: (white) x 84

Row 4 [WS] :

→ Row 4 [WS]: (white) x 72, (black) x 2, (white) x 10

Row 5 [RS] :

← Row 5 [RS]: (white) x 9, (black) x 4, (white) x 71

Row 6 [WS] :

→ Row 6 [WS]: (white) x 71, (black) x 4, (white) x 9

Row 7 [RS] :

← Row 7 [RS]: (white) x 9, (black) x 5, (white) x 70

Row 8 [WS] :

→ Row 8 [WS]: (white) x 70, (black) x 5, (white) x 9

Row 9 [RS] :

← Row 9 [RS]: (white) x 9, (black) x 5, (white) x 70

Row 10 [WS] :

→ Row 10 [WS]: (white) x 69, (black) x 5, (white) x 10

Row 11 [RS] :

← Row 11 [RS]: (white) x 10, (black) x 5, (white) x 69

Row 12 [WS] :

→ Row 12 [WS]: (white) x 69, (black) x 5, (white) x 10

Row 13 [RS] :

← Row 13 [RS]: (white) x 10, (black) x 5, (white) x 69

Row 14 [WS] :

→ Row 14 [WS]: (white) x 69, (black) x 5, (white) x 10

Row 15 [RS] :

← Row 15 [RS]: (white) x 10, (black) x 5, (white) x 69

Row 16 [WS] :

→ Row 16 [WS]: (white) x 69, (black) x 5, (white) x 10

Row 17 [RS] :

← Row 17 [RS]: (white) x 10, (black) x 5, (white) x 69

Row 18 [WS] :

→ Row 18 [WS]: (white) x 69, (black) x 5, (white) x 10

Row 19 [RS] :

← Row 19 [RS]: (white) x 10, (black) x 5, (white) x 69

Row 20 [WS] :

→ Row 20 [WS]: (white) x 69, (black) x 5, (white) x 10

Row 21 [RS] :

← Row 21 [RS]: (white) x 9, (black) x 5, (white) x 70

Row 22 [WS] :

→ Row 22 [WS]: (white) x 70, (black) x 5, (white) x 9

Row 23 [RS] :

← Row 23 [RS]: (white) x 9, (black) x 5, (white) x 70

Row 24 [WS] :

→ Row 24 [WS]: (white) x 70, (black) x 5, (white) x 9

Row 25 [RS] :

← Row 25 [RS]: (white) x 9, (black) x 5, (white) x 70

Row 26 [WS] :

→ Row 26 [WS]: (white) x 71, (black) x 5, (white) x 8

Row 27 [RS] :

← Row 27 [RS]: (white) x 8, (black) x 5, (white) x 71

Row 28 [WS] :

→ Row 28 [WS]: (white) x 37, (black) x 3, (white) x 15, (black) x 2, (white) x 14, (black) x 5, (white) x 8

Row 29 [RS] :

← Row 29 [RS]: (white) x 8, (black) x 5, (white) x 13, (black) x 4, (white) x 13, (black) x 5, (white) x 36

Row 30 [WS] :

→ Row 30 [WS]: (white) x 36, (black) x 5, (white) x 13, (black) x 4, (white) x 13, (black) x 5, (white) x 8

Row 31 [RS] :

← Row 31 [RS]: (white) x 7, (black) x 6, (white) x 12, (black) x 5, (white) x 14, (black) x 5, (white) x 35

Row 32 [WS] :

→ Row 32 [WS]: (white) x 35, (black) x 5, (white) x 15, (black) x 5, (white) x 12, (black) x 5, (white) x 7

Row 33 [RS] :

← Row 33 [RS]: (white) x 7, (black) x 5, (white) x 11, (black) x 6, (white) x 16, (black) x 5, (white) x 34

Row 34 [WS] :

→ Row 34 [WS]: (white) x 34, (black) x 5, (white) x 17, (black) x 6, (white) x 10, (black) x 5, (white) x 7

Row 35 [RS] :

← Row 35 [RS]: (white) x 7, (black) x 5, (white) x 9, (black) x 7, (white) x 17, (black) x 5, (white) x 34

Row 36 [WS] :

→ Row 36 [WS]: (white) x 33, (black) x 5, (white) x 19, (black) x 7, (white) x 8, (black) x 5, (white) x 7

Row 37 [RS] :

← Row 37 [RS]: (white) x 7, (black) x 5, (white) x 7, (black) x 7, (white) x 20, (black) x 5, (white) x 33

Row 38 [WS] :

→ Row 38 [WS]: (white) x 33, (black) x 5, (white) x 20, (black) x 8, (white) x 6, (black) x 5, (white) x 7

Row 39 [RS] :

← Row 39 [RS]: (white) x 7, (black) x 5, (white) x 5, (black) x 10, (white) x 20, (black) x 4, (white) x 33

Row 40 [WS] :

→ Row 40 [WS]: (white) x 32, (black) x 5, (white) x 19, (black) x 12, (white) x 4, (black) x 5, (white) x 7

Row 41 [RS] :

← Row 41 [RS]: (white) x 7, (black) x 5, (white) x 3, (black) x 14, (white) x 18, (black) x 5, (white) x 32

Row 42 [WS] :

→ Row 42 [WS]: (white) x 32, (black) x 5, (white) x 18, (black) x 15, (white) x 2, (black) x 5, (white) x 7

Row 43 [RS] :

← Row 43 [RS]: (white) x 7, (black) x 23, (white) x 17, (black) x 5, (white) x 32

Row 44 [WS] :

→ Row 44 [WS]: (orange) x 8, (black) x 23, (white) x 1, (black) x 21, (white) x 1, (black) x 23, (orange) x 7

Row 45 [RS] :

← Row 45 [RS]: (orange) x 7, (black) x 23, (white) x 1, (black) x 21, (white) x 1, (black) x 21, (orange) x 10

Row 46 [WS] :

→ Row 46 [WS]: (orange) x 12, (black) x 19, (white) x 1, (black) x 20, (white) x 2, (black) x 23, (orange) x 7

Row 47 [RS] :

← Row 47 [RS]: (orange) x 7, (black) x 24, (white) x 1, (black) x 20, (white) x 1, (black) x 18, (orange) x 13

Row 48 [WS] :

→ Row 48 [WS]: (orange) x 13, (black) x 39, (white) x 1, (black) x 24, (orange) x 7

Row 49 [RS] :

← Row 49 [RS]: (orange) x 8, (black) x 23, (white) x 1, (black) x 39, (orange) x 13

Row 50 [WS] :

→ Row 50 [WS]: (orange) x 13, (black) x 39, (white) x 1, (black) x 23, (orange) x 8

Row 51 [RS] :

← Row 51 [RS]: (orange) x 8, (black) x 23, (white) x 1, (black) x 39, (orange) x 13

Row 52 [WS] :

→ Row 52 [WS]: (orange) x 13, (black) x 39, (white) x 1, (black) x 23, (orange) x 8

Row 53 [RS] :

← Row 53 [RS]: (orange) x 9, (black) x 21, (white) x 2, (black) x 39, (orange) x 13

Row 54 [WS] :

→ Row 54 [WS]: (orange) x 13, (black) x 40, (white) x 1, (black) x 21, (orange) x 9

Row 55 [RS] :

← Row 55 [RS]: (orange) x 9, (black) x 21, (white) x 1, (black) x 40, (orange) x 13

Row 56 [WS] :

→ Row 56 [WS]: (orange) x 13, (black) x 40, (white) x 2, (black) x 19, (orange) x 10

Row 57 [RS] :

← Row 57 [RS]: (orange) x 10, (black) x 19, (white) x 1, (black) x 42, (orange) x 12

Row 58 [WS] :

→ Row 58 [WS]: (orange) x 10, (black) x 63, (orange) x 11

Row 59 [RS] :

← Row 59 [RS]: (orange) x 11, (black) x 65, (orange) x 8

Row 60 [WS] :

→ Row 60 [WS]: (orange) x 7, (black) x 65, (orange) x 12

Row 61 [RS] :

← Row 61 [RS]: (orange) x 12, (black) x 52, (orange) x 20

Row 62 [WS] :

→ Row 62 [WS]: (orange) x 24, (black) x 47, (orange) x 13

Row 63 [RS] :

← Row 63 [RS]: (orange) x 14, (black) x 42, (orange) x 28

Row 64 [WS] :

→ Row 64 [WS]: (orange) x 31, (black) x 38, (orange) x 15

Row 65 [RS] :

← Row 65 [RS]: (orange) x 16, (black) x 35, (orange) x 33

Row 66 [WS] :

→ Row 66 [WS]: (orange) x 35, (black) x 32, (orange) x 17

Row 67 [RS] :

← Row 67 [RS]: (orange) x 19, (black) x 27, (orange) x 38

Row 68 [WS] :

→ Row 68 [WS]: (orange) x 40, (black) x 23, (orange) x 21

Row 69 [RS] :

← Row 69 [RS]: (orange) x 24, (black) x 17, (orange) x 43

Row 70 [WS] :

→ Row 70 [WS]: (orange) x 84

Row 71 [RS] :

← Row 71 [RS]: (orange) x 84

Row 72 [WS] :

→ Row 72 [WS]: (orange) x 84

Row 73 [RS] :

← Row 73 [RS]: (orange) x 84

Row 74 [WS] :

→ Row 74 [WS]: (orange) x 84

Row 75 [RS] :

← Row 75 [RS]: (orange) x 84

Row 76 [WS] :

→ Row 76 [WS]: (orange) x 84

Row 77 [RS] :

← Row 77 [RS]: (orange) x 84

Row 78 [WS] :

→ Row 78 [WS]: (orange) x 84

Row 79 [RS] :

← Row 79 [RS]: (orange) x 84

Row 80 [WS] :

→ Row 80 [WS]: (orange) x 84

Row 81 [RS] :

← Row 81 [RS]: (orange) x 84

Row 82 [WS] :

→ Row 82 [WS]: (orange) x 84

Row 83 [RS] :

← Row 83 [RS]: (orange) x 84

Row 84 [WS] :

→ Row 84 [WS]: (orange) x 84

Info :

Once the last row is finished, fasten off, and hide the yarn tail.

— Back part of the bag :

Info :

White color yarn: Chain 85, and start working in the second chain from the hook.

Row 1 :

Row 1: 84 sc, turn

Rows 2-43 :

Rows 2-43: ch, 84 sc, turn

Orange color yarn :

Rows 44-83: ch, 84 sc, turn

Row 84 :

Row 84: ch, 84 sc

Info :

Cut yarn, and hide the tail.

— Handle of the bag (make 2) :

Info :

Leave a long tail for sewing at the beginning and end of the row. Chain 6 with orange yarn. Start working in the second chain from the hook.

Row 1 :

1 row: 5 sc, turn

Rows 2-159 :

2-159 rows: ch, 5 sc, turn

Row 160 :

160 row: ch, 5 sc

Info :

Do not cut yarn and crochet one circle round of sc around all handle. The handle using the materials stated in this pattern is ~24 inches / 61 cm in length. Make the length of the handle as desired.

— Assembly :

Item Name (P1) :

Embroider the eyes on the head with white color yarn (I used Gazzal Baby Bamboo white (95227) color). Hide all yarn tails on the wrong side with the help of the needle.

Info :

Fold the right sides of the parts facing each other. Sew the front and back sides with a running stitch. Turn the bag inside out and sew the handles in place. Sew handles securely using the long tails left at the handle ends.

Assembly Instructions

  • Embroider the eye details on the front panel using white yarn (use the chart photo for placement) and secure all yarn tails on the wrong side with a tapestry needle.
  • Fold the front and back panels with right sides facing each other and align edges carefully before sewing.
  • Sew the front and back panels together along the sides and bottom using a running stitch or mattress stitch for an invisible seam.
  • Turn the bag right side out and position the handles; sew each handle end to the top edge with reinforced stitches using the long tail.
  • Weave in and hide any remaining yarn tails on the wrong side and check seams and handles for secure attachment before use.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use bobbins or short lengths of yarn for each color block to keep color changes tidy and reduce tangles.
  • 💡Keep all yarn tails on the wrong side while working WS rows so the front remains clean and neat.
  • 💡Begin each row with a turning chain (ch1) which does not count as a stitch for accurate stitch counts.
  • 💡Count stitches at the end of each row, especially when following the chart, to ensure correct placement of color blocks.
  • 💡When attaching handles, pin and sew securely, then reinforce with backstitching to prevent strain on the bag edges.

This Black Cat Bag pattern combines playful graphic style with practical construction to create a handmade tote you will love to use. The step-by-step row chart and photos make colorwork approachable even if it is new to you. Make one in seasonal colors or keep it classic — either way it makes a special gift. 🐱🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag using the materials stated in this pattern is approximately 11.4 inches / 29 cm in height and 12.6 inches / 32 cm in width.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but the final size and drape will change; match the hook to your yarn and expect to alter stitch counts or chain length for best results.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses single crochet colorwork (tapestry/intarsia techniques) and requires managing multiple bobbins and reading a chart, so basic experience is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters will spend around 12-15 hours on this detailed colorwork bag, though time varies depending on experience, color changes, and finishing steps.