Sundown Shoulder Bag - Free Crochet Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Recycled Crafty Pots by Paintbox Yarns

Sundown Shoulder Bag – Free Crochet Pattern by Paintbox Yarns

The Sundown Shoulder Bag is a free, beginner-friendly crochet pattern designed by Paintbox Yarns. This stylish everyday bag is worked flat and then seamed together to create a finished piece measuring 8 inches wide by 8 inches tall (20cm × 20cm) — a compact, practical square silhouette ideal for carrying daily essentials. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and uses US crochet terminology, with UK equivalents provided throughout.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a crocheted shoulder bag for women. The finished bag is a neat, square-shaped tote-style purse with a shoulder strap, making it a versatile accessory suitable for casual outings. Its compact dimensions keep it lightweight while still offering practical carrying capacity.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Recycled Crafty Pots in Berry Swirl — a chunky weight yarn sold in 8¾oz / 250g balls. The pattern requires 2 balls.
• Crochet Hook: H-8 (5mm) crochet hook
• Notions: 1 darning needle for weaving in ends

Paintbox Yarns Recycled Crafty Pots is an eco-conscious chunky yarn exclusively available at LoveCrafts. Its recycled composition gives the finished bag a pleasingly textured, slightly rustic character that suits the casual, handcrafted aesthetic of this design. The Berry Swirl colorway brings warm, rich tones to the finished piece, and the pattern notes that stripe placement may vary naturally due to the yarn's self-striping or variegated nature.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat: The panels of the bag are crocheted in flat rows rather than in the round, making this an accessible construction method for beginners who are still building confidence with crochet.
• Seamed construction: Once the flat pieces are completed, they are joined together using a seaming technique. Seaming in crochet typically involves using a darning needle or slip stitching pieces together to create neat, sturdy joins — a fundamental finishing skill for any crocheter to develop.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): The foundational stitch used to start rows and create chain spaces within the fabric.
• Double crochet (US) / Treble crochet (UK) — abbreviated dc/tr: This is the primary stitch used throughout the bag. Double crochet is a tall, open stitch that works up quickly, making it ideal for chunky yarn projects. It creates a fabric with good drape and visible stitch definition.

The gauge for this pattern is 13 stitches and 7 rows to 4 inches (10cm) in double crochet using the H-8 (5mm) hook. Achieving the correct gauge ensures the finished bag matches the stated dimensions of 8in × 8in.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated easy / beginner, making it an excellent project for those who have learned basic crochet stitches and are ready to complete their first functional accessory. The straightforward flat construction, simple stitch repeat, and chunky yarn weight all contribute to a fast, satisfying make. Because the pieces are worked flat and then seamed, beginners also get valuable practice with finishing techniques that will serve them in future, more complex projects.

Pattern Availability

The Sundown Shoulder Bag pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF. Paintbox Yarns notes that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements, and that they cannot accept responsibility for the finished item if a yarn other than Paintbox Yarns Recycled Crafty Pots is used.