Lichen Circle Crossbody Pouch Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Lichen Circle Crossbody Pouch is a sweet, simple round bag that anyone can make — even if you've only just learned single crochet. It's built from two flat striped circles joined around the edge, with a long narrow strap for easy hands-free crossbody wear. The moss green and pale lichen colorway gives it a soft, natural, earthy look that pairs with everything from denim to linen. It works up quickly in worsted weight yarn, feels light and flat against the body, and makes a lovely first "real" bag project or a fast handmade gift.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton yarn, approx. 150 yds total — 80 yds moss green (A), 70 yds pale lichen (B)
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure
• Finished size: Approx. 7.5 inches (19 cm) diameter; strap length 44 inches (112 cm) for crossbody wear

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
• inc — increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook
• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start a circle
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• rnd — round
• WS — wrong side (the inside of the fabric)
• [ ] x6 — repeat the instructions inside the brackets six times

Gauge

16 sc x 18 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Work a small flat swatch in sc and measure the center of it; if you have more stitches than 16 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Each circle is worked in a continuous spiral — do not join or turn at the end of rounds. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you always know where you are.
• Keep your tension even and slightly firm; loose circles will ripple and the bag will lose its flat, crisp shape.
• Count your stitches at the end of every round. Each round of the circle adds exactly 6 stitches, so the totals should climb 6, 12, 18, 24… up to 72.
• When you change from A to B at Rnd 13, change color on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of Rnd 12 so the new color starts cleanly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Front Circle (yarn A, then B)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts). Pull the ring closed.

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).

Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts).

Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts).

Rnd 11: [9 sc, inc] x6 (66 sts).

Rnd 12: [10 sc, inc] x6 (72 sts). Change to yarn B.

Rnd 13: sc in each st around (72 sts). Fasten off.

Back Circle (yarn A, then B)

Work exactly as for the front circle through Rnd 13 (72 sts). Do not fasten off.

Joining the Circles (yarn B)

Hold the two circles with wrong sides together, aligning the stitches. Join B with a sl st in any stitch.

Rnd 14: sc in each st around through both layers, working 3 sc in each corner to shape the join (approx. 72 sc). Fasten off.

Edging (yarn B)

Join B with a sl st in any stitch along the joined edge.

Rnd 15: sc in each st around, join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off.

Strap (yarn A)

Setup: With A, ch 2.

Row 1: 2 sc in the second ch from hook (2 sts).

Row 2: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in each sc (4 sts).

Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc (4 sts).

Rows 4–end: Repeat Row 3 until the strap measures 44 inches (112 cm). Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Lay the bag flat and decide where you want the strap to sit — opposite sides at the top edge works well. Using yarn A and the tapestry needle, sew each strap end securely to the bag, going through the edging and both circle layers several times so it holds firm. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, then gently block the bag: mist it lightly, shape the circles flat and round, and let it dry fully. Blocking smooths the rim and helps the pouch keep its crisp shape.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Add a closure: Sew a small button to the front circle and crochet a short chain loop on the back circle to keep the pouch shut.
• Change the stripes: Work the last two rounds of each circle in B, or alternate colors every few rounds for a bolder striped look.
• Adjust the strap: Shorten the strap to about 24 inches (61 cm) for a shoulder bag, or make it longer for a roomier crossbody fit — just keep the 4-stitch width.