How I made my Crochet, Macrame Waist/Leg Bag for Everyday Use

I’m so excited to share that I’ve just finished the last stitch on my leg/hip bag today! It wasn’t the easiest project, especially toward the end when I had to do some serious pulling and pushing. I purposely made the stitches tighter than usual and chose a sturdy 3mm cord instead of yarn, which made it a bit more challenging. But after all the hard work, I now have a durable, long-lasting bag that’s exactly what I wanted—something that frees up my hands while I’m on the go, whether it’s at festivals, during photography sessions, or out in the woods. It’s especially perfect for foraging, as I often need an extra place to put my stuff when my basket is full.

Here’s how I made it: This was an entirely on-the-spot crafting project, mixing macrame, amigurumi, and crochet. I’ve put the pattern together, but if you want to make one yourself, feel free to adjust or suggest.

Materials

Macramé cord: 3mm
Macramé rings: 4 (for D-ring closures)
Scissors
Tape or clips: To hold cords in place while knotting
Measuring tape
Candle wax or beeswax

I learned that Running the cord through beeswax or candle wax can give it a smoother, more slippery texture, making it easier to work with.

Pattern Overview
Crochet the Bottle Holder Base (Rounds 1–5)
Crochet the Bag Base (Rounds 1–5)
Create the Macramé Belt
Add the Square Knot Loop for the Attachment

Bottle Holder 🧵
Round 1:

Start with a magic ring.
Work 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring.
Pull tight and join with a slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc.
(6 stitches total)

Round 2:

Work 2 sc into each stitch around.
(12 stitches total)
Round 3:

Work 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next. Repeat around.
(18 stitches total)
Round 4:

Work 1 sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next. Repeat around.
(24 stitches total)

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Sc all through until you achieved the height you want.

Bag Base 🧵

Follow the exact instructions as for the Bottle Holder Base, working up to Round 5 (30 stitches total).

Round 5:
Work 1 sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next. Repeat around.
(30 stitches total)

For the body, I have added 3 rounds of the slide stitches as a decorative

And adds a sturdy structure.

And holds its shape when you collapse it.

I also reinforced the edges with different colour cords.

Then, I made knots to secure the ends.

I attached them, bottle holder higher than the bag.

Macramé Belt 🧵

Cut 6 cords, each 4 times the desired belt length.

Take 2 macramé rings and align them. I fixed them together with gathering knot for extra security.

Fold each cord in half, creating a loop.
Pass the folded end through both rings, then pull the loose ends through the loop to secure with a lark’s head knot.

Separate the cords into 3 groups (4 strands per group).

Braid tightly until you reach the desired length.

Tie a gathering knot at the end of the braid.

Trim the excess cord and seal the ends.

Square Knot Loop for Attachment 🧵

Cut 2 cords, each 4 times the desired loop length.
Use lark’s head knots to secure the cords to the bag.

Create a series of square knots until the loop reaches the desired length.

Tie the ends together securely on the inside or outside of the bag, using another cord to secure it. (It is very tricky securing it from inside).

Slide the braided belt through the square knot loop on the bag and bottle holder.

I found that the loop placement keeps the bottle holder and bag secure—one belt for the hip and one for the leg to stabilize the bag.

The bag can also be expanded to provide more space!

This project was quite tricky for a beginner like me, but it’s so satisfying to have made the bag I wanted!

—perfect for holding my phone, keys, and foraging tools while keeping my hands free.

Sturdy and stable.

And easy access.

It’s functional and stylish. It’s also great for everyday use!

Sometimes the more challenging projects are the best because they teach me the most.

Have a lovely day. Happy Needle working Monday!

Mariah 😊💗