Pleats Wrinkle Bag Crochet Pattern Free Tutorial

Crocheting bags is one of the most rewarding ways to mix functionality and fashion in one beautiful project. The Pleats Wrinkle Bag stands out for its architectural structure and clever shaping that mimics pleated fabric giving you the best of both worlds: texture and style. This crochet bag isn’t just useful—it’s a showstopper.

Originally launched as a premium pattern, the Pleats Wrinkle Bag gained tremendous popularity due to its modern look and high-quality feel. Now, we’re excited to share the complete tutorial for free! Whether you’re heading out for a casual day or need a unique accessory to elevate your outfit, this bag is the perfect handmade addition to your wardrobe. Its clean fold lines, vibrant stripes, and drawstring closure make it both practical and fun to make.

If you’ve been searching for a bag pattern that offers both structure and creative flair, the Pleats Wrinkle Bag is the perfect choice. Its layered construction, achieved through a clever folding and joining technique, creates eye-catching pleats that mimic high-end fabric bags. Despite its intricate appearance, the bag is constructed using simple stitches making it a satisfying project for adventurous beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.

Pleats Wrinkle Bag Crochet Pattern Free Tutorial

Materials

• Yarn:

• 100g ball of gray (accent color)
  Five 50g balls in various colors (stripes)
  1 pack of ivory yarn (background color)

Tip: The yarn used in the original project is a mercerized 100% cotton with a subtle sheen (e.g., 247 Cotton). Choose something durable and smooth for best results.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain

• sc = single crochet

• sl st = slip stitch

• st(s) = stitch(es)

Construction Overview

The bag is made up of 12 horizontal panels (called “lines”), alternating between body stripes and base color stripes. Each line is crocheted separately, and most are joined during the final row using a unique folding technique that creates the signature accordion pleats.

Pleats Wrinkle Bag Crochet Pattern Free Tutorial

Instructions

1. Base Foundation – Line 1

Yarn: Gray
Foundation: 4 meters of extra yarn (used for the double chain technique)

1. Using the double chain method, create a foundation chain of 251 stitches.

   • This method gives you a neat edge that looks the same on both sides.

2. Work 6 rows of sc, one stitch in each chain (251 sc per row).

3. Finish the 6th row with a sl st and leave a short tail for weaving in.

Mark the 60th stitch from each side to indicate where the strap sections will begin and end.

2. Line 2 (Color Stripe)

Yarn: Color A
Foundation: Leave 2 meters of extra yarn for the double chain

1. Make a double chain foundation of 131 stitches.

2. Work 5 rows of sc (131 sc per row).

3. In Row 6, begin joining this line to Line 1:

   • Align Row 6 of Line 2 with Line 1 starting at stitch #61.

   • sc 60 stitches through both layers.

   • Stop, fold Line 1 forward, and pull the working yarn to the front.

   • Fold Line 2 back and sc 11 stitches, catching the back loop of the lower line (to create a reverse pleat).

   • Fold Line 2 forward again and finish sc 60 stitches to the end.

This folding technique is what forms the pleat that gives the bag its accordion effect.

3. Line 3 (Base Color – Ivory)

Repeat the same steps as Line 2 using the base color:

1. 2 meters tail

2. 131 dc foundation chain

3. 5 rows of sc

4. Attach the 6th row to the previous layer with no fold (no pleat), sc through 131 stitches flat.

4. Continue Lines 4 to 11

Repeat the sequence as follows:

• Odd-numbered lines (Color stripes): Work as in Line 2 (60-pleat-60).

• Even-numbered lines (Ivory): Work flat as in Line 3 (131 sc join).

Total: 6 color stripes and 5 ivory stripes, for a total of 11 joined lines.

5. Line 12 – Final Line and Second Strap

Yarn: Gray (same as Line 1)

1. Create a 251 double chain foundation

2. Work 5 rows of sc

3. In Row 6:

   • sc 60 stitches flat (strap section)

   • Then join 131 stitches to the final ivory row using the pleat method

   • sc 60 stitches flat for the second strap

6. Add Final Row (7th Row on Back Panel)

To balance the layering due to the fold, add 1 extra row of 131 sc to the final ivory panel (just the body section, not the strap ends).

7. Assembly – Side Seams

1. Fold the bag in half with the wrong side (ivory rows showing the chain heads) facing out.

2. Use a tapestry needle and leftover yarn (about 80cm) to whipstitch the sides together neatly.

3. Reinforce the strap by sewing 20 stitches from each end onto the sides of the bag, using matching yarn color.

8. Drawstring

1. Fold the top of the bag inward.

2. Using a yarn needle, thread the leather cords through the top row — 15 stitches in from each edge.

3. Make a knot at each end or add a decorative stopper.

Finishing Touches

• Gently steam the pleats for sharper folds.

• Adjust the drawstring and fluff the bag into its final shape.

• When not in use, fold it flat and tie it closed.

PDF Pattern:

FREE PDF HERE

Video Tutorial:

The Pleats Wrinkle Bag Crochet Pattern is an eye-catching project that blends structure and creativity. The clever fold and join technique gives it a designer look, while the color combinations make it endlessly customizable. Once you’ve finished the large size, feel free to try the small version by adjusting the stitch count from the included chart.

Happy crocheting! 🧶