Donut Crochet Bag Patterns Are Trending — Here’s Where To Find The Patterns, Videos And Tutorials – Crochet

Donut crochet bags are one of those trends that sneak up quietly and then suddenly appear everywhere. One minute you are minding your own business with a sensible tote bag on your hook, and the next minute everyone is searching for a chunky round crochet bag that looks like it belongs in a very stylish bakery window.

And honestly? I get it.

They are cute, sculptural, a little bit quirky, and surprisingly wearable when made in the right colours. The donut shape gives the bag instant personality, but it does not have to look like a frosted novelty purse unless you want it to. In cherry red, chocolate brown, cream, black, olive, caramel or blush pink, a donut crochet bag can feel more like a modern handmade handbag than a novelty accessory.

The problem, of course, is that when a crochet trend takes off, everyone starts looking for the same thing at once: the pattern.

Some donut crochet bag patterns are paid PDFs. Some are free YouTube tutorials. Some are true donut-shaped handbags with a centre opening, while others are donut-inspired round bags, mesh bags, or novelty purses. So I’ve pulled together the best places to start if you want to try this trending crochet bag for yourself.

If you love crochet bags in general, you may also want to browse the free crochet bag patterns over on CraftBits or this chunky bag idea from CraftGossip, Chunky Crochet Tote Bag – Free Pattern. They are not donut bags, but they are useful internal links for readers who came here looking for handmade bag inspiration.

What Is A Donut Crochet Bag?

A donut crochet bag is usually a round or curved crochet handbag with a centre opening or sculptural handle area that gives it a doughnut-like shape. Some are made with chunky t-shirt yarn or tube yarn so they hold their shape beautifully, while others are made with cotton yarn for a softer purse-style finish.

The trending style is usually more fashion handbag than toy purse. Think thick crochet texture, rounded shape, short handle, and a compact shoulder bag or handbag size.

Depending on the pattern, you may see them called:

donut crochet bag
doughnut crochet bag
crochet donut purse
round crochet shoulder bag
chunky crochet hobo bag
crochet circle bag
crochet bakery bag

That matters for search, because not everyone is calling the same shape by the same name yet. If you are hunting for inspiration, try searching a few of those variations.

Are Donut Crochet Bags Beginner Friendly?

Some are, but I would call most donut crochet bags better for confident beginners rather than absolute first-project beginners.

You do not usually need complicated stitches, but you do need fairly even tension. With a bag like this, the shape is the whole point. Loose, uneven stitches can make the finished bag flop or twist, especially if the pattern is worked in a firm yarn.

You should be comfortable with basic crochet stitches, counting rows or rounds, joining pieces neatly, weaving in ends securely, and possibly adding a lining, clasp, strap or handle detail.

If you have already made a granny square bag, tote bag, bucket bag or crossbody pouch, this is a fun next step.

Best Yarn For A Donut Crochet Bag

The best yarn for a donut crochet bag is usually something with structure. This is not the time for very soft, floppy yarn unless the pattern specifically calls for it.

Good options include:

T-shirt yarn
Tube yarn
Macrame cord
Sturdy cotton yarn
Raffia-style yarn
Bulky or super bulky yarn
Recycled cotton cord

T-shirt yarn is especially popular for this style because it creates a firm, chunky, modern finish. Macrame cord can also work beautifully if you want the bag to feel more structured.

Cotton yarn is a nice option for a softer everyday purse, but choose a pattern designed for that yarn weight. If you substitute a much softer yarn into a chunky structured pattern, your finished bag may look a little sad and pancake-like. Ask me how I know.

You may also need bag hardware, a magnetic snap, stitch markers, a yarn needle, lining fabric, a chain strap or a leather-look strap depending on the pattern you choose.

Free Donut Crochet Bag Video Tutorials

How to Crochet a Donut Bag – Easy Crochet Shoulder Bag Tutorial

This free video tutorial is a good place to start if you want to understand the basic shape and construction of a trendy donut-style crochet shoulder bag. It is especially helpful for visual crocheters who like watching each stage before attempting the project themselves.

I would suggest watching the whole video once before you start. Donut bags rely heavily on shaping, and it is much easier to follow along when you already know where the project is heading.

This one is a nice option if you want to test the look before buying a paid PDF pattern.

Easy Crochet Donut Bag Tutorial For Beginners

This tutorial is aimed at beginners and gives you a clear look at how a round donut-style bag can come together. It is a good “learn the shape” option if you are curious about the trend but not quite ready to commit to a paid designer pattern.

For best results, use a yarn with enough body to hold the shape. A very soft acrylic may work for practice, but a sturdier yarn will give the bag a more polished finish.

This is the kind of tutorial I would keep open while crocheting, pausing often and checking my stitch count as I go.

How To Crochet A Donut Bag – Easy Tutorial

This is another free tutorial option for makers who prefer step-by-step video support. It has a simple handmade feel, which can be useful when you are trying a newer shape and want to see the actual process rather than just a styled finished bag.

You can customise this style easily with yarn colour. A cream or tan version will lean into the bakery look, while a red, black or chocolate brown version will feel more like a modern handmade accessory.

This would be a fun project for crocheters who already enjoy bag-making and want to try something a little different.

How To Crochet A Donut Bag – Easy Shoulder Bag Tutorial

This tutorial uses a thicker yarn style, which works well for the current chunky crochet bag trend. If you like bags that have structure and shape rather than soft slouch, this is the type of tutorial worth watching.

Chunkier yarn also means the project should work up faster than a fine cotton version. That is always a small mercy when your brain has already decided you need to make the bag immediately.

I would recommend this one for makers who want a more sculptural, fashion-style donut bag.

Paid Donut Crochet Bag Patterns And Etsy Finds

The Original Donut Bag By Bygalk

This is one of the most recognisable patterns connected to the current donut crochet bag trend. The listing describes it as a beginner-friendly crochet bag pattern with two sizes, a full video tutorial and step-by-step photo guides.

That combination is useful if you like having both written instructions and visual support. A sculptural bag is much easier to make when you can check the photos and confirm that your shape is behaving itself.

This is a paid digital pattern, so it is best for crocheters who want a polished designer version rather than piecing together a version from free videos.

The Donut Bag By Bygalk

This is the designer’s own listing for The Donut Bag. It includes two sizes and is presented as a beginner-friendly digital pattern with video support.

I like this option for anyone who wants to go straight to the original pattern source. If you are making the bag as a gift or for yourself and want the neatest finish, buying the proper pattern can save a lot of guessing.

It is also a good reminder that trending crochet shapes often look simple, but the designer work is in the shaping, sizing and finishing details.

Brunch Bag Bundle By Bygalk

If the donut bag caught your eye because you love quirky food-inspired crochet accessories, this bundle includes the Donut Bag along with other bestselling crochet bag patterns by the same designer.

This would suit crocheters who like making statement pieces or want a small collection of unusual bag patterns rather than just one. It could also be useful for market makers, though always check the designer’s finished-item selling terms before making bags to sell.

Bundles can be a good value if you know you are going to make more than one design. We all say we are only buying one pattern, but then the yarn stash starts whispering.

Free vs Paid Donut Crochet Bag Patterns

At the moment, most of the free donut crochet bag options are video tutorials rather than polished written PDF patterns. That is not a bad thing, especially if you are a visual learner.

Free videos are great if you want to test the idea, learn the general construction, or make a casual version without buying a pattern first.

Paid patterns are better if you want clear sizing, printable instructions, step-by-step photos, designer support, or a more refined finished result.

For a trend-driven project like this, I would probably watch a free video first to understand the shape, then buy a paid pattern if I wanted the best-looking version.

Donut Crochet Bag Colour Ideas

The easiest way to make this trend feel fresh is to choose colours carefully.

For a bakery-inspired bag, try:

Caramel and cream
Chocolate brown and white
Strawberry pink and tan
Vanilla with pastel sprinkles
Cinnamon brown
Glazed icing white

For a more wearable fashion version, try:

Cherry red
Black
Deep chocolate brown
Warm caramel
Olive green
Cream
Denim blue
Blush pink
Burgundy
Pistachio green

A red donut bag has a completely different feel from a frosted sprinkle bag. One looks like a playful statement purse, the other looks like a cute novelty gift. Both are fun, but they will attract different makers.

If you are making one for yourself, choose the colour you would actually wear, not just the colour that looks most like a doughnut.

Should You Line A Donut Crochet Bag?

If you plan to use your donut crochet bag regularly, I would absolutely consider adding a lining.

A lining helps the bag hold its shape, keeps small items from poking through the crochet stitches, and gives the finished piece a more professional feel. It is especially useful if you are using the bag for keys, lip balm, cards, coins or anything with edges.

You can use cotton fabric, quilting cotton, canvas, or a lightweight lining fabric depending on the style of the bag. A magnetic snap or small button closure can also make the bag more practical.

For a soft novelty purse, you might skip the lining. For a proper handbag, lining is worth the extra effort.

Can You Sell Finished Donut Crochet Bags?

Maybe, but you need to check the pattern terms.

Some designers allow finished items to be sold in small quantities as long as you credit the pattern designer. Others do not allow commercial use. Etsy listings and PDF patterns usually include this information somewhere in the description or inside the pattern file.

If you are following a free YouTube tutorial, check the video description and creator’s notes before selling finished bags.

The donut bag shape is trending, which makes it tempting for market tables and online shops, but it is always better to respect the designer’s pattern terms.

Tips For Making A Donut Crochet Bag Look Polished

Use firm yarn. The bag needs structure, especially if you want that modern round shape.

Keep your tension consistent. Uneven stitches are more noticeable on a shaped bag.

Use stitch markers. Round and curved bag pieces are much easier to manage when you mark key points.

Do not rush the joining. Messy seams can make the whole bag look lopsided.

Consider a lining. It makes the bag more usable and helps it feel finished.

Choose hardware carefully. A neat snap, chain strap or simple closure can lift the whole project.

Block or shape if needed. Some bags need a little help settling into their final form.

And if the first one comes out a little wonky, that is not failure. That is the practice pancake. The second one is usually much better.

More Crochet Bag Inspiration

If the donut crochet bag trend has sent you down a handmade bag rabbit hole, there are plenty of other crochet bag styles worth trying.

You might like the free patterns in the CraftBits crochet bag collection, especially if you enjoy practical bags and vintage-style crochet accessories. For a chunky everyday bag, this Chunky Crochet Tote Bag – Free Pattern is a good next project.

If you like shaped or novelty bags, you may also enjoy crochet fruit bags, granny square shoulder bags, raffia summer clutches, mini hobo bags, dumpling bags, moon bags and crochet crossbody purses.

The donut bag sits neatly in that space between useful and slightly ridiculous, which is probably why people love it so much.

Why Donut Crochet Bags Are Trending

Crochet bags have been popular for a while, but the donut bag has a few things going for it.

It photographs beautifully.
It works well in short-form video.
It looks handmade but still fashion-focused.
It can be made in bold trend colours.
It feels playful without being too childish.
It is small enough to finish without committing to a blanket-sized project.

And let’s be honest, a bag that looks like a donut is always going to stop the scroll.

For makers, it is also satisfying because it gives you a finished item you can wear, gift or photograph. It is not just another square in the unfinished pile. Not that any of us have those. Obviously.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donut Crochet Bags

Is there a free donut crochet bag pattern?

There are free donut crochet bag video tutorials available, but many of the more polished written PDF patterns are paid. If you prefer written instructions, a paid pattern may be easier to follow.

What yarn should I use for a donut crochet bag?

T-shirt yarn, tube yarn, macrame cord and sturdy cotton are good choices. The best yarn depends on the pattern, but structured yarn usually gives the best handbag shape.

Is a donut crochet bag hard to make?

Most donut crochet bags are suitable for confident beginners or intermediate crocheters. The stitches are often simple, but the shaping and joining need care.

Can I make a donut crochet bag with regular acrylic yarn?

You can, but the finished bag may be softer and less structured. For a firm handbag shape, choose a yarn with more body or hold multiple strands together if the pattern allows.

Do I need to line a crochet donut bag?

You do not have to, but lining the bag makes it stronger, neater and more practical for everyday use.

Can I sell finished donut crochet bags?

Check the pattern or tutorial terms before selling finished bags. Some designers allow small-batch sales and others do not.

Final Notes For Makers

The donut crochet bag trend is one of those fun little crochet moments that feels playful, wearable and very Pinterest-friendly. Whether you follow a free video tutorial, buy a polished PDF pattern, or use the trend as inspiration for your own version, it is a project that gives you plenty of room to play with colour and style.

Make it sweet and frosted if you love novelty crochet.

Make it red, black or chocolate brown if you want it to feel more like a fashion piece.

Either way, this is a trend worth jumping on while everyone is still searching for the pattern.