Mistakes when crocheting bags vertically and how to avoid them

Bags crocheted vertically (from the bottom up, usually in the round or by building walls from a base) are very rewarding… but they also have their “critical points.” Sometimes the bag opens up, twists, develops a wavy edge, or the handles eventually sag under the weight.

The good news is that they are almost always easy-to-spot and easy-to-correct mistakes if you know where to look. Here are the most common mistakes when crocheting bags vertically with T-shirt yarn or cord, and, above all, how to avoid them so the result is firm and has a clean finish.

Table of contents

1. What it means to crochet a bag “vertically”
2. Error 1: a wavy or oddly shaped base
3. Error 2: failing to mark the base/wall transition
4. Mistake 3: invisible increases (or unintended decreases)
5. Mistake 4: uneven tension (the most noticeable issue)
6. Mistake 5: twisted spiral or untidy join
7. Mistake 6: loose or wavy top edge
8. Mistake 7: handles that sag or lose their shape
9. Error 8: proportions that don’t work
10. Error 9: poorly hidden ends and yarn tails
11. Final checklist (before considering it finished)
12. Recommended materials

What it means to crochet a bag “vertically”

In this context, “vertically” usually means:

• Work a base (circular or oval) and then build the walls upward.
• Build the body of the bag round by round (in a spiral or by joining rounds).

It’s an ideal method for drawstring bags, sack-style bags, round shoppers, and simple structured bags without side seams.

Error 1: a wavy or oddly shaped base

If the base is already rippled, the rest of the bag will inherit that distortion.

Signs

• The circle/oval does not stay flat.
• The edge “waves” or curls.

Why it happens

• Too many increases.
• Tension that is too loose.
• Uncontrolled stitch count.

How to avoid it

• Count the stitches at the end of each base round (especially the first few).
• Use a stitch marker at the beginning and, if the base is large, mark every 20 stitches as well.
• If it ripples, reduce the increases or work a little more tightly.

Error 2: failing to mark the base/wall transition

It’s the classic issue: you finish the base and, as you build upward, the fabric tries to stay flat, creating a “hat” effect.

How to avoid it

• Work a transition round to mark the break (for example, work one round through the back loop only/BLO).
• Another option is a round of slip stitches (without tightening) if you want a more subtle break.

Mistake 3: invisible increases (or unintended decreases)

When working vertically, it is very common to add increases without realizing it (or skip stitches), especially with thick materials.

Signs

• The bag gradually widens.
• Or the opposite: it narrows without you intending it to.

How to avoid it

• Beginning-of-round marker ALWAYS.
• Count every 2–3 rounds when starting the sides.
• If you change stitches, check the stitch count again: some stitches can be visually misleading.

Mistake 4: uneven tension (the most noticeable issue)

In bags, tension accounts for 80% of the final appearance. With T-shirt yarn and cord, even a small change is very noticeable.

Signs

• Viewed at a glance, some areas are more open and others tighter.
• The bag has “bellies” or areas that sink.

How to avoid it

• Work in similar sessions (if you crochet very quickly today and with different tension tomorrow, it will show).
• Before continuing, work 10–15 “test” stitches and adjust your hand (looser or tighter).
• If your gauge swatch does not match, adjust the tension manually or change the hook size until you achieve the measurement.

Mistake 5: twisted spiral or untidy join

In a spiral, the beginning of the round shifts; in joined rounds, the step can be noticeable. Both can be fixed.

How to avoid it

• If you work in a spiral, expect the beginning to shift and plan color changes carefully (so there is no step).
• If you work in joined rounds, try to keep the join discreet (relaxed slip stitch and consistent tension).
• For minimalist bags, many people prefer working in a spiral for a more uniform result.

Mistake 6: loose or wavy top edge

The top edge is an area under tension (it opens, closes, supports the handles…). If it is loose, the bag loses its shape.

How to avoid it

• Make a firm finish: 1–2 rounds of compact single crochet or one round of slip stitch without tightening.
• If the bag will carry weight, reinforce it more (an extra round + lining).

Mistake 7: handles that sag or lose their shape

The handles are the critical point of the bag. Even if the body is perfect, if the handles give way, the bag loses its finish.

Common mistakes

• Anchor the handle at a single point.
• Not reinforcing the inside area.
• Choosing a stitch that is not compact enough for the crocheted handle.

How to avoid it

• Distribute the anchoring across several points.
• Reinforce it from the inside (ideally if it has a lining).
• If the bag will carry weight, consider ribbon, faux-leather, or rigid-piece handles to distribute the load.

Error 8: proportions that don’t work

Sometimes the bag is well crocheted… but it doesn’t “work” when you use it: it opens too much at the top, is too tall for its base, or feels uncomfortable on your shoulder.

How to avoid it

• Test it as you go: once you have reached half the height, place markers where the handles will go and “simulate” using it.
• If the bag is tall, compensate with a wider base or internal reinforcement.
• For everyday bags, prioritize a firm top edge and well-designed handles.

Error 9: poorly hidden ends and yarn tails

On bags, finished ends are very noticeable. And because they are subject to friction, they may show if they are not secured properly.

How to avoid it

• Weave in ends in several directions (not along just one straight line).
• Reinforce stress points (beginning/end of a color, handle joins, closure).
• If you are going to add a lining, take advantage of it: the lining hides and protects the finished ends.

Final checklist (before considering it finished)

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Most “flaws” in vertical bags can be solved with two habits: marker + counting (to avoid altering stitches) and consistent tension (for a neat finish). If you also reinforce the edge and handles, your bag will be attractive and durable from the very first use.