Craft your own stylish and practical handbag with this incredibly easy and economical crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design utilizes soft T-shirt yarn (trapillo pluma) to create a structured bag with a unique braided flap and a trendy chain handle. It’s a fantastic project for anyone looking to make a fashionable and functional accessory without breaking the bank.
Skill Level: Easy
Finished Size (Approximate):
- Base: Approximately 7 inches (18 cm) long x 3 inches (8 cm) wide
- Bag Height: Approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm)
- Size can vary based on yarn, hook, and tension.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn/Cord: Approximately 450g of T-shirt yarn (trapillo pluma is ideal for its lightness and drape).
- If you cannot find trapillo pluma, you can substitute with regular T-shirt yarn or a very bulky/super bulky weight yarn, but the final weight and drape will differ.
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
- Choose a hook size that creates a firm, dense fabric with no gaps when working with your chosen yarn/cord.
- Tapestry Needle: For seaming, weaving in ends, and creating the braided flap design.
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds.
- Chain: 60 cm (approx. 23.6 inches) long decorative chain for the handle.
- Carabiner Rings: Two 3 cm (approx. 1.2 inches) carabiner rings (or D-rings) to attach the chain.
- Carabiner/Lobster Clasp: One additional carabiner or lobster clasp for the chain.
- Clasp: One magnetic snap clasp for the bag closure.
- Sliders (Optional): Two sliders for the chain (if you want to make it adjustable).
Gauge (Crucial for Bag Structure!):
Achieving a very firm, dense fabric is crucial for this bag to hold its elegant shape. Work a swatch to ensure your stitches are tight with no visible gaps. If your fabric is too loose, go down a hook size.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Crochet Your Chic & Economical Handbag!
This bag is constructed in three main parts: the base, the body, and the flap, with a unique handle and finishing touches.
Part 1: The Bag Base (Main Yarn Color)
The base is worked in oval rounds.
- Ch 14.
- Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in next 11 ch. 3 sc in last ch.
- Now working on the opposite side of the chain: Sc in next 11 ch. 2 sc in last ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (28 sc)
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Inc in first sc. Sc in next 11 sc. Inc in next 3 sc. Sc in next 11 sc. Inc in last 2 sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (34 sc)
- Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in first 2 sc. Inc in next sc. Sc in next 11 sc. Sc in next sc, inc in next sc. Repeat from * to * 2 more times (3 times total). Sc in next 11 sc. Sc in next sc, inc in next sc. Repeat from * to * 1 more time (2 times total). Join with a sl st to the first sc. (42 sc)
- The video shows a base that measures 18 cm long and 8 cm wide. Continue increasing evenly at the ends of the oval until your base reaches these approximate dimensions.
Part 2: Bag Body – Centered Single Crochet (Main Yarn Color)
Now, we will work straight rounds to build the height of the bag using the centered single crochet stitch.
- Round X (First Body Round): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 centered sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st to the first centered sc.
- To work a centered sc (also known as waistcoat stitch or knit stitch): Insert your hook into the center of the ‘V’ of the stitch below, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
- Working in centered sc creates a dense, sturdy, and knit-like fabric.
- Round X+1 – X+15 (Body Height): Ch 1. Work 1 centered sc in each centered sc around. Join with a sl st to the first centered sc.
- Continue working 15 rounds of centered sc to achieve a bag height of approximately 14 cm (5.5 inches).
FO, leaving a long tail for weaving in.
Part 3: The Flap (Main Yarn Color)
The flap is worked in rows and includes a decorative braided pattern.
- Ch 13.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (12 sc)
- Row 2 – 15: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn. (12 sc)
- Work 15 rows to create the flap. The video then adds a decorative braided pattern using a yarn needle and a final border.
- Braided Pattern (Optional): Using a separate strand of yarn and your tapestry needle, create a decorative braided pattern on the surface of the flap. The video demonstrates a simple weaving technique.
- Flap Border: Attach yarn to one corner of the flap. Work sl st evenly around all four sides of the flap. This gives the flap a firm, neat edge.
FO, leaving a long tail for weaving in and attaching the flap.
Part 4: Assembly
- Attach Flap to Bag Body:
- Position the flap on the back top edge of the bag body.
- Using your tapestry needle and the long tail from the flap, securely sew the flap to the back of the bag. Ensure it is centered and firmly attached.
- Install Magnetic Clasp:
- Determine the position for your magnetic clasp. One half will be on the underside of the flap, and the other half will be on the front of the bag body.
- Following the instructions for your magnetic clasp, sew one half to the underside of the flap and the other half to the front of the bag body. Ensure they align perfectly when the flap is closed.
- Create & Attach Handle:
- The video shows a unique handle created by folding and twisting the yarn and integrating a chain.
- Take a long strand of T-shirt yarn (e.g., 2-3 times the desired handle length). Fold it in half.
- Thread the 60 cm chain through the folded yarn.
- Begin twisting the yarn around the chain, creating a sturdy and decorative handle.
- Attach a 3 cm carabiner ring to each end of the handle using the long ends of the yarn, securing them firmly.
- Attach the additional carabiner (or lobster clasp) to one of the carabiner rings on the handle.
- Clip the carabiner rings to the top sides of your bag.
Part 5: Finishing Touches & Embellishments (Optional)
- Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining loose yarn tails. For trapillo, you might carefully melt the very tip of the yarn with a lighter (briefly!) to prevent fraying and then press it flat to secure, but do this with extreme caution and in a well-ventilated area.
- Decorative Bells (Optional): Attach small bells to the carabiner rings or the additional carabiner for a subtle jingle.
Video tutorial
Versatile Uses for Your Chic Handbag:
- Everyday Carryall: Perfect for your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials.
- Evening Bag: The elegant design makes it suitable for dressier occasions.
- Gift: A thoughtful and impressive handmade gift.
Customization & Tips:
- Yarn Choice: Experiment with different colors of T-shirt yarn. The “trapillo pluma” is recommended for its lightness.
- Size Adjustment:
- Larger Bag: Increase the initial chain count for the base and the number of increase rounds. Add more straight rounds for height. Increase the flap dimensions accordingly.
- Smaller Bag: Decrease the initial chain count for the base and the number of increase rounds. Reduce the number of straight rounds.
- Handle Style: You can use a simple crocheted strap (sc in BLO for a sturdy strap) or pre-made handles if you prefer.
- Lining (Optional): For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through stitches, you can sew a fabric lining inside the bag.
Enjoy crocheting your own beautiful, easy, and economical handbag! It’s a fantastic way to create a unique and functional accessory that’s sure to turn heads.
