Crochet patterns for when you’re on-the-go
Crocheting on the beach. What a dream!
I’ve previously talked about portable knitting patterns, and in this post, I turned my focus to crochet projects! The ideas are similar, but there are some things that, personally, I find are more fun to crochet - you know granny squares are going to be featured in this list!
I’ve created an associated crochet project Pinterest board and Ravelry favourites page too, for those of us that need lots of beautiful, visual inspiration.
(Please note- any patterns linked to, that are not my own, have not been checked for quality. I have selected pins that i like the look of for inspiration, they are not necessarily a personal endorsement of the pattern).
Crochet enthusiasts know that the urge to create doesn't stop just because you're on the move. Whether you're commuting to work, waiting for an appointment, or embarking on a long journey, having a portable crochet project can keep your hands busy and your creativity flowing. This blog post suggests five crochet projects, and associated patterns that are perfect to make while on-the-go.
Going on a plane? Many airports and airlines allow crochet hooks and knitting needles on their flights. However, it is always good to check with each airline first, and you can get more tips for that in my previous blog post: Can you take your knitting needles and crochet hooks on an airplane?
This is one blog post in a series of crafting while travelling tips. If you want to know more, you might also be interested in:
7 packing essentials for knitters and crocheters
5 travel destinations for fibre artists
Small knitting projects that are perfect for travel
To get alerts to related blog posts, portable patterns and travel vlogs, you’ll want to subscribe to my newsletter to get the news straight to your inbox!
Prefer to watch and listen? I’ve also summarised the below blog post into a video, which you can find linked below.
Bags
Crochet bags are very practical for carrying your goods around town when you only want to take a small bag (or nothing else) with you.
Bottle bags in particular are very quick to make. These bags are typically worked in the round from the bottom up, using simple stitches like single crochet and double crochet. They're a fun and functional project that you can take with you wherever you go, whether you're running errands or lounging at the park. Not only that, it’ll be a great item to use once it’s finished!
My Salt Spring bags pattern collection contains 3 patterns in one pdf - a tote bag, bottle holder and phone holder. They’re crocheted with a worsted weight cotton, making them quick projects.
The Summer House crochet bag by Briana K Designs is a cross-body style bag. It’s crocheted in one piece (awesome!) and is available both paid for and free. It looks like the perfect bag for keeping your belongings close to you while exploring a new city.
Shawls and scarves
Shawl and scarf patterns can often be found as one-skein projects, perfect for on-the-go, when you might not want/have space to carry much.
The Be Like a Sunflower shawl by CJ Brady is the perfect example. A one skein project, using fingering weight yarn and a simple four row repeat. It sounds like the ultimate relaxing project to pass the time on a long train journey.
emPower people by BzyPeach, is another one skein project, this time it’s a cowl. Using one skein of DK weight yarn, it’s the perfect little cowl for neck coverage when the evenings get a little cooler.
Little scarves have been very on trend across 2024 and 2025, the Evergreen mini crochet scarf by Sarah Sterns, is a crochet mini scarf, the perfect summer accessory for any outfit. Depending on the size you make, it’s also a one skein project.
From top to bottom, left to right: Malibu Barbie bralette by Knitting Tipsy, Diamond lace bandana by Viv Crochets, emPower people by BzyPeach, Be Like a Sunflower by CJ Brady, Nelson top by me, Evergreen mini crochet scarf by Sarah Stearns, Cool granny square bandana by Swool Nordic design and Salt Spring bottle bag by me!
Headscarfs and Bandanas
One of the smaller projects you can do - headscarfs and bandanas wont use much yarn or take up much space! After researching bandana patterns for this blog, I quickly become obsessed with all the cute designs out there and want to start making one immediately!
emPower Bandana by Detroit Knits is a Tunisian crochet bandana designed to have multipurpose wear, from around the neck, to over the head.
In what I picture as the more traditional style bandana, the diamond lace bandana by Viv Crochets is very cottage core and a pretty summer wear. It’s crocheted with worsted weight, cotton yarn and uses less than one skein of yarn.
If you love to make granny squares, the Cool Granny square bandana by Swool Nordic design, might be the pattern for you.
Looking to do a bit of stash-busting on your trip? The Harlequin headscarf is a beautifully colourful headscarf designed by Jess Bennett. It also doubles up as a neck scarf too!
images from crochet projects I have taken with me on my travels, including an evening at the beach, a trip to the Rockies, and travelling to Cappadocia, Turkey.
Garments
The Nelson top , designed by me is slightly on the larger size of on-the-go project. However this top is constructed with four separate panels, so could just take one or two depending on length of trip and complete the rest another time. This is also something to look out for and consider with other patterns - ones you could make a part of without taking the whole thing and assemble when you’re home.
Malibu Barbie Bralette by Knitting Tipsy is a fun crop that looks perfect for a beach day. It’s crocheted with a fingering weight yarn, and depending on the size you make, you many only need 1-2 skeins on yarn.
Granny square projects
Of course granny squares had to be mentioned here! They are very versatile, with many different motifs that can be used to create a wide variety of projects, from blankets to bags and garments. The great thing about granny squares is that each one is relatively small and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go crafting.
Simply crochet individual squares and then join them together later to create the final project. Or you could work on a smaller project like a coaster or a patchwork bag. I’m current working on a stash-busting project, with an aim to make 1 to 2 granny squares a week using leftover yarn. Follow me on instagram to see my progress, and feel free to join me too!
Heather of HG Designs Crochet has some awesome granny square patterns. too.
Yay to crocheting at the beach!
In conclusion, there are plenty of crochet patterns that are perfect for taking on-the-go. Whether you prefer granny squares, bags, accessories, or garment, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your crochet hook and your favourite yarn, and get ready to crochet wherever life takes you! Happy crafting!
Don’t forget to check out my Crochet projects for on-the-go Pinterest board, and give me a follow there!
Tell me your favourite on-the-go projects in the comments below.
For more crochet project inspiration, visit my stash busting crochet patterns blog post.
This is one blog post in a series of crafting while travelling tips. If you want to know more, you might also be interested in:
7 packing essentials for knitters and crocheters
5 travel destinations for fibre artists
Small knitting projects that are perfect for travel
To get alerts to related blog posts, portable patterns and travel vlogs, you’ll want to subscribe to my newsletter to get the news straight to your inbox!