This is a free crochet pattern and video tutorial showing how to crochet the Remi Cosmetic Bag or Hook Pouch, a fun ripple crochet pattern perfect for running errands or a night out on the town, or if you’re like me, holding your crochet supplies!
This post contains affiliate links for Etsy, Lion Brand Yarn, Amazon and WeCrochet. If you make a purchase by clicking on them, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a printer-friendly, ad-free PDF on Ravelry by clicking here.
In a hurry? Pin this for later when you have more time!
My first published pattern here on Cre8tion Crochet was the Remi Clutch, which is a larger ripple stitch clutch bag – back in September of 2022. I worked up this cosmetic bag right after I finished the clutch, and it has been sitting in my WIP bin ever since!
You may remember in my video What’s in WIP Bin #1, I showed it to you, and talked about my plans to make some matching plastic canvas ice cream cone earrings. After I worked these colors up together, I couldn’t help but think of Neapolitan Ice Cream!
I played with a couple ice cream designs, but just not the vision I had hoped for so I decided to treat myself to a new pair of earrings instead where the clay looks like it’s been scooped onto a cone. I found the perfect ones from SweetheartCraftsCo on Etsy. They were a little pricier so they stayed on my wish list for a while, but when I finally ordered them…
… they were the biggest disappointment – they looked nothing like the picture!! And instead of coming from Canada as advertised, they came from Oregon, which I definitely found to be a bit odd. I messaged the seller with a photo and asked for a replacement. The seller responded immediately to my message letting me know she unable to take on any earring replacement requests (another thing I found odd), cancelled my order and initiated a refund so a quick resolution but I was so bummed because of all the earrings I looked at – those were the perfect ones that made my heart happy!
I went back on my Neopolitan Ice Cream Earrings Etsy search, and discovered one that was clay with all 3 flavors scooped into one from Clayittybitties, which is a new shop that opened in January so when I did my initial search last year, it wasn’t available. I told Dayana what I was looking for, and she responded right away. That was last Sunday. On Wednesday, I received the photo I shared above, and I purchased the custom listing. Today on Sunday, I got the Etsy message that they had arrived to my PO box. I can’t wait to go pick them up in a bit! I will be sure to update this post to let you know. Dayana was such a pleasure to work with, and I’m so pleased!
Going back to this beauty, I wanted to match the bottom in brown to the larger Remi Clutch so I grabbed WeCrochet Dishie in the Mushroom colorway to get started. After I added the creamy color (Swan), I had immediately got an ice cream vibe, and HAD to search my stash for a matching strawberry color. How fun is this?!
What is the best yarn to use to crochet a cosmetic bag?
I really like to use cotton yarn when I crochet a bag because it is durable and absorbent, which not only applies to the wear and tear it sees either being handled by you as a clutch, or being put into and taken out of a larger bag for smaller items, like make up or toiletries, but also in case anything spills and sweat and oils from your hands. I live in Florida where it is hot so much of the time, and I have noticed that with other yarns, my bags tend to fuzz up faster so I prefer WeCrochet Dishie or Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton. Lily Sugar n Cream is also a great cotton yarn for bags – my only issue with it is that it isn’t colorfast so if it gets wet or washed, the colors fade and bleed. If you do use Lily Sugar n Cream, you might need to go down a hook size as it’s a touch thicker.
With that said, you absolutely could use your favorite worsted weight yarn for making bags. I know a lot of makers like to use Red Heart Super Saver, and Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn, and have great results. If you do decide to go with a synthetic yarn like these, I would suggest going up a hook size as the fiber produces tighter stitches than cotton.
Should you line a crochet bag?
I always line my crochet bags, and I always recommend doing the same. I have made so many bags over the years, and love using them, especially my Plarn Handbag, which oddly enough is the only material I don’t line. Everything else regardless of whether it’s cotton or acrylic… lightweight or heavyweight… one stitch or another… it always stretches out as soon as you put anything in it, and if you are hanging it by a strap, the weight of the items will not only stretch the body of the bag out, but also the strap, and while this is super annoying, it also will permanently affect a 100% cotton bag as it does not have any other fibers within it to help it bounce back to shape after the items are removed.
For my cosmetic bag lining, I like to use a pre-made bag from Hobby Lobby that I stick inside and then sew in place. It measures 9″ wide by 6″ tall – here is a similar one on Amazon. I like to use Silamide thread for sewing, which is a durable, waxy 2-ply nylon thread. If you use this, you will only need to cut 1 strand, and double. If you use a regular sewing thread, like an all-purpose one, you should cut 2 strands, and double.
Now, I know a lot of makers like to hot glue the linings in too. I am the first to admit that sewing and I aren’t the best of friends, but I do prefer sewing as opposed to hot glue for two reasons: 1.) It could gum up if machine washed; 2.) While it holds really well for a while, eventually, the Florida heat and humidity do take it’s toll on it and I’ve had hot glued pieces come apart. You may have some better luck with something like Titebond Quick & Thick for Multi-Surface, which I quite like for projects and dries pretty quickly, or a permanent fabric glue.
If the cosmetic bag (which I actually use for notions most of the time) is for me, then I usually don’t even sew it in place, which allows me to easily change out the cover whenever I want without needing to have a bunch of finished bags, but if I am gifting or selling, I do sew in the lining.
Can I put my crocheted makeup bag in the washing machine?
One reason while a yarn being colorfast is important to me is because I like being able to throw it into the washing machine if I need to because no way am I handwashing so I choose yarns that withstand machine washing, like the WeCrochet Dishie or Red Heart Super Saver, which I know machine wash and dry well. You can put the bag into a mesh lingerie bag to protect the zipper and prevent it from getting caught on anything else in the wash, and then wash in cold water on the gentle cycle, and dry on low heat. If it’s still wet after one cycle in the dryer, you can run it through again, or lay flat to finish drying.
Remi Ripple Stitch Free Crochet Patterns:
My Remi series features fun ripple patterns worked mainly in Double Crochet stitches – there are some other stitches that help form the shape for the ripple pattern. Find wearables and accessories here on Cre8tion Crochet, and home decor projects on EyeLoveKnots.
This Remi Soap Cozy or Small Gift Bag would make for a super cute change purse!
If you’d like a larger clutch to put your cosmetic bag in – or if you’re using this bag as a hook pouch, the larger clutch is perfect to house it and your notebook – then check out the Remi Clutch.
You Might Also Like:
Looking for another easy bag crochet pattern? The Shay Cosmetic Bag or Hook Pouch is worked in simple single crochet stitches.
Ad-Free Printer Friendly PDF:
Cre8tion Crochet newsletter subscribers get access to Exclusive Subscriber Content, like the free PDF of this pattern via the Free File Library – you’ll find the tab on the top menu. The library is password protected so sign up for my newsletter and you’ll receive a Welcome email containing this month’s password, or if you are already a blog subscriber, reference your latest newsletter for this month’s password. From the library, you’ll be able to access the PDFs via Google Drive – you do not need to have a Google Drive account to view and download the PDF.
Through 03/20/24 at 11:59pm EST, you can grab a free copy of the PDF for the Remi Cosmetic Bag on Ravelry using code FREECROCHET202409. I earn my income from the number of pageviews my blog sees, so please do not share the code, but instead share the link to this post so others can find it. Thank you!
After 03/20/24 or for non-subscribers, if you would like a PDF version of this post, you may get one through either my Etsy Shop, Ravelry Shop or LoveCrafts Shop for a small fee. This fee is to compensate for the views lost when you no longer need to return to the blog to for the information, as you will have your own copy.
In a hurry? Pin this for later when you have more time!
Save this to Your Favorites On: AllFreeCrochet, FaveCrafts, Crochet Pattern Bonanza, Cheap Thrifty Living, DIYideaCenter, AllFreeHolidayCrafts, Free Crochet Tutorials
What Supplies Do I Need to Crochet a Cosmetic Bag or Hook Pouch?
- About 140 Yards of Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn – I used WeCrochet Dishie; 45 Yards of Mushroom, 60 Yards of Swan and 35 Yards of Lilac Mist
- H8/5mm Crochet Hook
- Tapestry Needle
- Optional, Jewelry Pliers (I never need for Dishie, but always for Lily Sugar n Cream)
- Optional for Lining: Fabric, Zipper, Thread and Sewing Machine and/or a Pre-Made Bag
- Optional, Soft Tape Measure if Gauge is essential for your project
Material Notes:
Yarn Alternatives: Lily Sugar n Cream with G6/4.25mm Hook (because it’s a touch thicker)
Other Recommended Yarns (with I9/5.5mm Hook because it’s not as relaxed as cotton): Red Heart’s Super Saver, Caron’s One Pound, Bernat’s Super Value
I love my ergonomic clay hooks from SiennasBowtique and BronzeShepherdStudio! They both have so many fun designs – I have several from each shop because they’re so darn cute and nice to hold onto! We also have lots of beautiful, handcrafted crochet hooks in our Yarn Crafts and Coffee Yarn Shop as well!
Jewelry Pliers are an excellent tool to use to help weave in ends, as cotton yarn can be quite tough on the fingers when weaving in with just fingers and a tapestry needle.
For my lining, I like to use a pre-made bag from Hobby Lobby that I stick inside and then sew in place. It measures 9″ wide by 6″ tall – here is a similar one on Amazon. I like to use Silamide thread for sewing, which is a durable, waxy 2-ply nylon thread. If you use this, you will only need to cut 1 strands, and double. If you use a regular sewing thread, like an all-purpose one, you should cut 2 strands, and double.
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Cosmetic Bag or Hook Pouch?
Just over an hour and fifteen minutes.
Measurements:
- Crocheted Cosmetic Bag: 9 1/4″ Wide by 6 3/4″ Tall
- Fits a Pre-Made Bag: 9″ Wide by 6″ Tall
Gauge:
Gauge is only essential if the finished size of the bag is essential so if you are using a pre-made bag that is the same size as mine, then you’ll want to make sure you meet gauge so the bag will come out to the correct size. If you are making your own lining, or not lining, then gauge is not essential.
- Round 2 in Pattern: 14 HDC = 3 3/4″ Wide by 1″ Tall
- Round 4 in Pattern: 9 1/4″ Wide
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- HDC – Half Double Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
- DC – Double Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
- SC – Single Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
- TR – Treble Crochet (sometimes called a Triple Crochet)
- dc3tog – Double Crochet Three Stitches Together (Decrease)
- To dc3tog: Yarn over, insert hook into the first stitch of the decrease, yarn over and pull through (3 loops), yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through (4 loops), yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through (5 loops), yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Pattern Notes:
Beginning chain does not count as a stitch, except in the body of the bag, where it counts as a double crochet.
Join to the beginning chain for all rounds, except the first 2 rounds (half double crochets) and last 2 (single crochets), in which you’ll join to the first stitch of the round.
The way I work my color change for a seamless change while carrying up the yarn: I work all the way around up to the join. I insert my hook into the stitch to be joined to, but before completing the slip stitch, I tighten the other color/s tail, then pull it/them up and over my hook so it will be in a better position to switch to, then I complete my slip stitch with my current color. To complete the color change, I pull the new color through the loop on my hook, pull the previous color tight so it disappears and drop it. Now I’m ready to work with my new color.
Alternatively, you can fasten off at the end of each round, work an invisible join for a seamless color change, and join your new color into the first stitch, but this will create many ends to weave in. OR, you could work all of the bag in a solid color and not have to worry about color changes. Just join to the first stitch at the end of the round, and begin again.
Remi Cosmetic Bag or Hook Pouch Video Tutorial:
Remi Cosmetic Bag or Hook Pouch Written Pattern:
In Brown, chain 35. 2 HDC into the 2nd chain, HDC into each of the next 32 chains, 3 HDC into the last chain, HDC into each of the next 32 stitches along the opposite side of the foundation chain, HDC into the 1st stitch. Join. (70 HDC)
R2: Chain 1. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join with Cream, and fasten off Brown. (70 HDC)
R3: In Cream, chain 3. TC into the 1st stitch, DC into the next 2 stitches, HDC into the next stitch, SC into each of the next 3 stitches, HDC into the next stitch, DC into the next 2 stitches, (TC into the next stitch, DC into the next 2 stitches, HDC into the next stitch, SC into each of the next 3 stitches, HDC into the next stitch, DC into the next 2 stitches) 6x. Join with Purple. (70 stitches)
R4: In Purple, chain 2. DC into the 1st 4 stitches, dc3tog, DC into the next 3 stitches, (3 DC into the next stitch, DC into the next 3 stitches, dc3tog, DC into the next 3 stitches) 6x. DC into the 1st stitch. Join with Cream. (70 DCs)
R5: In Cream, chain 2. DC into the 1st 4 stitches, dc3tog, DC into the next 3 stitches, (3 DC into the next stitch, DC into the next 3 stitches, dc3tog, DC into the next 3 stitches) 6x. DC into the 1st stitch. Join with Brown. (70 DCs)
R6: In Brown, chain 2. DC into the 1st 4 stitches, dc3tog, DC into the next 3 stitches, (3 DC into the next stitch, DC into the next 3 stitches, dc3tog, DC into the next 3 stitches) 6x. DC into the 1st stitch. Join with Cream. (70 DCs)
R7: In Cream, chain 2. DC into the 1st 4 stitches, dc3tog, DC into the next 3 stitches, (3 DC into the next stitch, DC into the next 3 stitches, dc3tog, DC into the next 3 stitches) 6x. DC into the 1st stitch. Join with Purple. (70 DCs)
R8 – 11: Repeat Rounds 4 – 7.
R12: In Purple, chain 1. SC into the 1st 2 stitches, HDC into the next stitch, DC into each of the next 5 stitches, (HDC into the next stitch, SC into each of the next 3 stitches, HDC into the next stitch, DC into each of the next 5 stitches) 6x, SC into the last stitch. Join with Cream, and fasten off Purple. (70 stitches)
R13: In Cream, chain 1. SC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join with Brown, and fasten off Cream. (70 SC)
R14 – 15: In Brown, chain 1. SC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (70 SC)
Fasten Off, and weave in ends.
Feel free to use this information to make and sell your own items. When sharing, designer credit is appreciated, but not required. All Cre8tion Crochet Patterns, Photos and PDF’s are protected under copyright. They are not to be copied, distributed or sold – doing so is copyright infringement and stealing! DO NOT copy and paste my pattern anywhere, and DO NOT share the written pattern with others, share the link to the pattern instead so others can find it themselves.
Join one of our awesome Facebook groups to share your creations, and see what others are up to!
– Yarn Crafts & Coffee Community
– DIY Home On Rockwood Lane
– Alexandra Lane Lifestyle
Leave a Reply