Crochet Tote-Style Carry Bag for a Pet Chicken

This pattern is a functional, plain-stitch tote designed to safely carry an adult chicken or a bantam. It uses plain single crochet (US) for a dense, sturdy fabric. Two leg holes are built into the lower sides so the chicken’s feet can dangle comfortably. The top closes with a secure flap and strap; shoulder straps make it a tote. Follow the safety notes and measure your bird before starting.

Safety Notes

• Measure the chicken’s chest circumference, back height (from base of neck to base of tail), and the spacing of the legs before using this bag.
• Leg holes must be large enough to avoid pressure on the legs; make adjustments if needed.
• Avoid leaving the chicken unattended for long periods. Ensure airflow and visibility when in use.
• Use soft, smooth yarn (cotton or cotton blend) and finish seams and ends so there are no loose fibers or knots near the bird.

Materials

• Yarn: Sturdy worsted/aran weight yarn (Category 4). Recommended fiber: cotton or a cotton/acrylic blend for strength and washability.
  • Standard (average hen): 250 yards / 228 meters — about 8 oz / 227 g.
  • Bantam (small): 200 yards / 183 meters — about 6 oz / 170 g.
• Crochet hooks (choose based on desired fabric density): US H-8 – UK 6 – Metric 5.0 mm (recommended); optional tighter fabric: US G-6 – UK 8 – Metric 4.0 mm; optional looser/drapier fabric: US I-9 – UK 5 – Metric 5.5 mm.
• Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, measuring tape, scissors, sturdy button or D-ring (1 large button or small buckle), short strip of hook-and-loop Velcro (optional) or fabric strap for reinforcement.
• Optional: lightweight breathable fabric for a washable lining; small cushion pad for comfort if needed.

Gauge

Approximately 12 sc x 14 rows = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) with 5.0 mm hook. Gauge is not critical but affects final size; adjust hook or stitch counts to match sizing.

Finished Dimensions (approximate)

• Standard hen bag: Width 14” (36 cm) across front, Height 12” (30 cm) body, Depth 6” (15 cm).
• Bantam bag: Width 12” (30 cm), Height 10” (25 cm), Depth 5” (13 cm).

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sl st = slip stitch
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side; WS = wrong side

Pattern Overview

Make two flat panels (Front and Back) and one long strip that becomes the Bottom & Sides. Seam them together, leaving two leg openings at the lower sides. Add reinforced rounds around leg holes, attach straps, and make a top flap with strap/button closure.

STITCH PATTERN

All pieces are worked in single crochet (sc). Work with consistent tension.

Instructions

1. Measure and decide size

Before beginning, measure your chicken’s chest circumference and back height. Use the finished dimensions above as a guide and adjust stitch counts proportionally if needed.

2. Front panel (make 1) — Standard

1. With 5.0 mm hook and worsted yarn, ch 36. (This creates ~14” width; adjust ch in multiples of 1 to change width.)
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (35 sc)
3. Rows 2–30: ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (30 rows; adjust to reach ~12” height from base of bag to top.)
4. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Front panel — Bantam

1. Ch 30. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Work 26 rows or until piece measures ~10” tall. Fasten off.

3. Back panel (make 1)

Work same as Front panel. For the back you will later create the flap: when you reach the top edge, do not fasten off if you plan to create a centered flap; instead work the flap from the center of the top edge as described below.

4. Side & Bottom strip (make 1)

This long strip sews to the front and back to create the depth.

1. Chain length to equal the combined edge length of bottom + both sides. For Standard: ch 44. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across (43 sc). Rows 2–24: ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. Adjust rows to reach ~6” depth (24 rows approximate).
2. For Bantam: ch 40, work 20–22 rows to reach ~5” depth.

5. Assembly and leg hole placement

Layout the pieces RS facing out. The Side strip will be attached along the perimeter of the Front and Back panels. Standard bag circumference = front width + back width + 2 edges of strip; because we matched widths, the strip should fit. Use stitch markers to align.

1. Mark leg hole positions on the lower sides of the Front and Back panels before seaming. To find leg hole positions: measure up 1.5”–2.0” (3.8–6 cm) from the bottom edge and measure in from each side edge approximately 2.5” (6.5 cm). These are starting guides; adjust for your chicken’s leg spacing. Mark the width of the hole as 1.5”–2.0” (3.8–6 cm) horizontally. The hole will be cut/opened later by leaving that section unseamed.
2. Begin seaming: With RS facing out, whipstitch or single crochet the strip to the Front panel along the bottom and sides, stopping at the first leg hole marker. Skip the marked section (leave it unseamed for the leg) then continue seaming until you reach the back and repeat on the back panel, again skipping the second leg hole section. The final seam completes the perimeter leaving two openings at the lower sides. Alternatively, use sl st to join edges in crochet as you go for a tidy edge.

6. Reinforce leg holes

1. Using the hook, join yarn at one edge of the left leg opening. Work continuous rounds of sc around the opening for 4–6 rounds to create a cuff. On each round, place 2 sc in corner turns as needed to keep the work flat. Repeat for the right leg hole.
2. Make sure the cuff fits comfortably over the chicken’s leg with no constriction. If too tight, add another round or two and block slightly; if too loose, decrease one or two stitches per round to tighten.

7. Bottom finish

If the bottom seam is bulky, flatten and work 1 round of sc around the inside bottom seam to neaten. Ensure the bottom is even and strong since weight rests here.

8. Shoulder straps

Make 2 straps.

1. Ch 8. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across (7 sc). Ch 1, turn.
2. Work sc rows until strap length reaches 22–24” (56–60 cm) for a shoulder tote for Standard; for Bantam, 18–20” (46–50 cm). Adjust length for wearer comfort. Recommended strap width is 7 sc; feel free to increase to 9 sc for more comfort.
3. Fasten off leaving long tails to sew. Fold ends over the top edge of the bag and sew firmly to the inside of the top edge, about 2–4 stitches from each side seam for balance. Reinforce with extra sewing and a small strip of fabric or webbing if desired.

9. Top flap and closure

Flap option A: simple flap with strap and button.

1. On Back panel center top, attach yarn and ch to create a flap that will fold over the front. Work sc rows across a width of about 8” (20 cm) centered on the back panel. Work until flap length is ~5–6” (12–15 cm). Taper the flap by decreasing 1 sc at the start and end of every 2nd row for a neat point, or keep a square flap.
2. Sew a sturdy button to the front panel centered where the flap will land. On the flap create a reinforced loop using ch 6–8 and sc back along the chain to create a button loop, or sew a small strap with a D-ring/buckle. Alternatively, sew a small strip of Velcro to secure the flap for easier one-handed operation.

Flap option B: strap with D-ring or buckled strap. Sew one half of the fastener to the flap and the other to the front body for stronger, adjustable closure.

10. Finishing touches

• Weave in all ends and trim excess yarns. Turn bag right side out and check seams.
• Edge: work 1 round of sc around the top opening for stability.
• Optional lining: cut a lightweight breathable fabric to the bag interior and hand-sew it in, leaving openings at leg holes. Lining helps protect feathers and makes cleaning easier.

Adjustments & Fitting Tips

• To make the bag wider or narrower, change the starting chain of the panels in multiples of 1 and make the side strip length equal to the sum of edges you’re joining.
• To change height, work more or fewer rows on the panels.
• Always place leg holes where the bird’s legs sit naturally. If unsure, temporarily pin the bird into a soft cloth and measure the spacing before finalizing placement.

Care Instructions

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle if yarn allows; lay flat to dry. Cotton is easier to launder; some acrylics may be machine-dried but check the yarn label.
• Inspect straps and seams before each use for wear and repair any weak spots immediately.

Troubleshooting

• If bag is too loose: switch to a smaller hook or add a lining to reduce stretch.
• If fabric is too stiff: switch to a slightly larger hook or a softer yarn.
• Leg holes causing irritation: enlarge gently and soften the edge with extra rounds or a fabric cuff.

Pattern variations: omit the flap and use a looser drawstring top (but ensure safety), or add a padded panel for extra comfort under the chicken’s body. Keep all modifications focused on safety and comfort.

Website: https://purljam.verde.uk Support: team@verde.uk Social: #purljam

Created by purlJam with the help of magic AI dust. Shop Verde for patterns and yarn.

Disclaimer: Enjoy the fun! Accuracy of patterns cannot be guaranteed. Remember to use and share content responsibly when engaging with this AI-powered app.