Scholar's Satchel Tunisian Bag Free Pattern – Textured Back-to-School Tote
The Scholar's Satchel: A Textured Tunisian Crochet Bag for the New School Year
There's something deeply satisfying about carrying your daily essentials in a bag you've crafted with your own hands. The Scholar's Satchel is more than just a tote—it's a statement of creativity, patience, and style. This Tunisian crochet pattern combines the meditative rhythm of the Tunisian Simple Stitch with a warm autumn palette of rust, cream, and forest green, resulting in a structured, durable satchel that's perfect for books, tablets, or everyday treasures.
Whether you're a seasoned Tunisian crocheter or a curious beginner ready to try something new, this pattern offers a rewarding project with a professional finish. The clever felted base provides structure, while the fold-over flap and wooden button closure keep your belongings secure. Let's dive into this step-by-step guide and create a bag that's as functional as it is beautiful.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crafting session smooth and enjoyable.
Yarn
- Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in three colors:
- Color A (Rust/Copper): Approximately 200g
- Color B (Cream/Oat): Approximately 150g
- Color C (Deep Forest Green): Approximately 150g
- Total yarn needed: approximately 500g
Hooks and Notions
- 6.0mm Tunisian crochet hook with a 12-inch (30cm) cord
- 5.5mm standard crochet hook (for edging, button loop, and felted base)
- Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- Large wooden button (approximately 1.5 inches / 4cm in diameter)
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
Gauge
14 Tunisian Simple Stitches x 12 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) using the 6.0mm hook. Always check your gauge before starting to ensure your bag turns out the correct size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This bag is worked flat in panels and then seamed together. The main body uses the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) with color blocks, while the base is created separately and wet-felted for structure. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful satchel in no time.
Abbreviations
- TSS = Tunisian Simple Stitch
- TKS = Tunisian Knit Stitch
- ch = chain
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- yo = yarn over
Important Tunisian Technique
Each Tunisian row consists of two passes:
- Forward Pass: Insert hook under the front vertical bar of each stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You'll have multiple loops on your hook.
- Return Pass: Yarn over and pull through the first loop on your hook, then *yarn over and pull through two loops* repeat across until only one loop remains on your hook. This loop counts as the first stitch of the next row.
Main Body Panel (Make 2)
Row 1 (Foundation): With Color A, chain 36. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Repeat this across the entire chain until you have 36 loops on your hook. Return pass: Yarn over and pull through the first loop, then *yarn over and pull through two loops* repeat across until one loop remains.
Rows 2-10: Work TSS across all 36 stitches. Forward pass: Insert your hook under the front vertical bar of each stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Return pass: As described above. Complete 9 more rows in Color A (10 rows total).
Rows 11-20: Switch to Color B. Work TSS for 10 rows. To change colors neatly, pull the new color through the last two loops of the return pass of the previous row.
Rows 21-30: Switch to Color C. Work TSS for 10 rows.
Rows 31-40: Switch to Color A. Work TSS for 10 rows.
Rows 41-50: Switch to Color B. Work TSS for 10 rows.
Rows 51-60: Switch to Color C. Work TSS for 10 rows.
Bind Off: Work a slip stitch in each stitch across the row (forward pass only, no return pass). Fasten off and weave in the end.
Repeat the entire process to create a second identical panel.
Felted Base
The felted base gives your satchel its sturdy, structured shape. This is a simple single crochet rectangle that you'll wet-felt to firm it up.
Step 1: With Color A and the 5.5mm standard hook, chain 20.
Step 2: Single crochet in each chain across (20 sc). Chain 1 and turn.
Step 3: Single crochet in each single crochet across for a total of 30 rows. Fasten off.
Step 4 (Wet Felting): Soak the rectangle in hot water with a small amount of mild soap. Agitate it vigorously with your hands—rub, squeeze, and roll it—until it shrinks and firms up. This usually takes 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in cold water, squeeze out excess moisture, and lay flat to dry completely. The result will be a dense, stiff piece that will hold the bag's shape.
Assembly
Now it's time to bring all the pieces together. Take your time with this section to ensure a clean, professional finish.
Step 1: Seaming the Panels
Place the two main panels together with right sides facing out (the color blocks should be visible on the outside). Using Color A and the 5.5mm hook, single crochet through both layers along the bottom edge and up both side edges, leaving the top open. Important: Before closing the last few stitches along the bottom, insert the felted base inside the bag so it sits flat against the bottom. Continue seaming to close the opening completely.
Step 2: Creating the Flap
With Color C, chain 36. Work TSS for 20 rows using your 6.0mm Tunisian hook. Bind off as you did for the main panels. To attach the flap, use Color C and the 5.5mm hook to single crochet across the top edge of the back panel, catching the flap's foundation chain as you go. This creates a seamless fold-over flap that drapes naturally over the front of the bag.
Step 3: Button Loop
On the front panel, at the center top edge, attach Color A with a slip stitch. Chain 12, then slip stitch back into the bag edge to form a loop. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Make sure the loop is large enough to fit over your wooden button comfortably.
Step 4: Attaching the Button
Using a yarn needle and matching thread, sew the large wooden button onto the center of the flap. Position it so it aligns perfectly with the button loop on the front panel when the flap is folded over. Secure it firmly with several stitches.
Step 5: Making the Strap
With Color A and the 5.5mm hook, chain 120. Single crochet in each chain across (120 sc). Chain 1 and turn. Single crochet in each single crochet for 3 more rows (4 rows total). Fasten off. This creates a sturdy, wide strap that will sit comfortably on your shoulder.
Step 6: Attaching the Strap
Using a yarn needle, attach the strap ends to the inside of the bag at the side seams. Position them about 2 inches (5cm) down from the top opening. Reinforce with a few extra stitches to ensure the strap can bear the weight of your belongings.
Step 7: Finishing Edging
To give the bag a polished look, work a round of single crochet around the top opening of the bag, including the flap edge, using Color B. This neatens the raw edges and adds a lovely contrasting trim. Slip stitch to join, fasten off, and weave in all remaining ends.
Final Touches
Once all your ends are woven in, give your bag a gentle steam block (optional) to even out the stitches. Fold the flap over, thread the button through the loop, and your Scholar's Satchel is complete!
This bag is as practical as it is beautiful—perfect for carrying books, a tablet, or your daily essentials. The rich autumn colors and textured Tunisian stitch make it a standout accessory that will be admired wherever you go. Happy crocheting!
