Crochet a Unique & Textured Bag

Create your own stylish and distinctive bag with this unique crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a bag that features beautiful textured stitches, a clever assembly method, and sturdy handles. Perfect for adding a handmade touch to your everyday style, this bag is a wonderful way to showcase your crochet skills.

Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with puff stitches, treble crochet, and joining motifs recommended)

Finished Size (Approximate):

Individual Motif Diameter: Approximately 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm)
Bag Dimensions: Varies based on assembly, but designed to be a medium-sized handbag.
Size can vary based on yarn, hook, and tension.

Materials You’ll Need:

Yarn: Approximately 270g total of DK weight (Light Worsted / 8 ply) yarn. The video specifies 80% cotton, 20% polyester.
- Choose a yarn that will hold its shape well and is suitable for a bag.
Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
- Choose a hook size that creates a firm, dense fabric with no gaps. This is crucial for a durable bag.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
Scissors
Stitch Marker (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds or specific stitches.

Gauge (Crucial for Motif Consistency!):

Achieving consistent gauge for your motifs is crucial to ensure they fit together properly during assembly. 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
dc: double crochet
tr: treble crochet (or triple crochet)
Puff St: Puff Stitch (Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat 3-4 more times into the same stitch. Yarn over, pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to secure.)
st(s): stitch(es)
MR: Magic Ring
FO: Fasten off

Let’s Crochet Your Unique & Textured Bag!

This bag is constructed by creating multiple circular motifs, then joining them in a specific pattern, and finally adding the handles. The video uses a single color for the motifs, but you could experiment with multiple colors for a vibrant look.

Part 1: The Circular Motifs (Make 6-8, or as desired for bag size)

Each motif is a textured circle.

Round 1: Create a Magic Ring (MR). Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 12 sc into the MR. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 sc)
- Pull the MR tight to close.
Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 Puff St in the first sc. Ch 1. Work 1 Puff St in the next sc. Ch 1. Repeat from * to * 11 more times around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first Puff St. (12 Puff Sts, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Round 3: Sl st into the first ch-1 space. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 dc in the same ch-1 space. Ch 2. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Repeat from * to * 11 more times around. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 2. (36 dc, 12 ch-2 spaces)
Round 4: Sl st into the next dc, then sl st into the next dc, then sl st into the next ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr). Work 2 tr in the same ch-2 space. Ch 3. Work 3 tr in the next ch-2 space. Repeat from * to * 11 more times around. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. (36 tr, 12 ch-3 spaces)
- Note: The video’s Round 4 description is “2 single crochets, then a repeat pattern of 2 treble crochets, 3 chains, and 3 treble crochets, repeated 3 times, ending with a slip stitch.” This seems to describe a corner of a square being formed. However, given the motif starts as a circle, this pattern will create a circular motif. The interpretation above aims to continue the circular growth with treble stitches and chain spaces.
Round 5: Sl st into the next tr, then sl st into the next tr, then sl st into the next ch-3 space. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 dc in the same ch-3 space. Ch 3. Work 3 dc in the next ch-3 space. Repeat from * to * 11 more times around. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 2. (36 dc, 12 ch-3 spaces)
- Note: The video’s Round 5 description is “2 slip stitches, 2 single crochets, and a repeated pattern of 3 double crochets and 3 chains, followed by 3 double crochets, repeated 2 times, and then 3 repeats of chains and 3 double crochets, ending with a slip stitch.” This is quite complex and difficult to interpret for a continuous circular motif. The interpretation above simplifies it to continue the pattern of dc clusters and chain spaces, maintaining the circular shape.

FO, leaving a long tail for weaving in. Repeat to make 6-8 identical motifs.

Part 2: Assembly (Joining the Motifs)

The video demonstrates arranging and joining the motifs. The most common way to join circular motifs for a bag is to create a flat panel and then seam it.

Arrange Motifs: Lay out your motifs in the desired pattern. The video shows a rectangular arrangement. For example, you could arrange them in two rows of three motifs each (6 motifs total) or two rows of four motifs each (8 motifs total).
Join Motifs: Using your crochet hook (sl st join) or tapestry needle (whip stitch or mattress stitch), join the motifs together along their edges.
- For a crochet join: Place two motifs right sides together. Insert hook through corresponding stitches on both motifs and sl st across the edge to join.
- For a sewn join: Use your tapestry needle and a piece of yarn to sew the motifs together.
- Join all the motifs to create a single flat rectangular panel.

Part 3: Forming the Bag Body & Handles

Fold the Panel: Fold your assembled rectangular panel in half, bringing the shorter ends together. This will form the main body of your bag.
Seam the Sides: Using your crochet hook or tapestry needle, seam the two side edges of the folded panel together. This creates the bottom and sides of your bag, leaving the top open.
Create Handles (Crocheted or Pre-made):
- Crocheted Handles:
  - Attach yarn to one top corner of the bag opening. Ch 50-70 (or desired length for your handle). Sl st to the other top corner on the same side of the bag.
  - Turn. Sc (or sl st, or hdc) back across the chain, working into each chain stitch to create a sturdy strap.
  - Repeat for the second handle on the opposite side of the bag.
- Pre-made Handles: If using pre-made handles (e.g., leather or bamboo), attach them securely to the top edges of the bag using a tapestry needle and sturdy yarn, or following the handle’s instructions.

Part 4: Finishing Touches

Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining loose yarn tails. This is especially important for motifs to ensure a clean finish.
Shape: Gently shape your bag, ensuring the seams are neat and the handles are evenly formed. The textured stitches should stand out beautifully.
Add Closure (Optional): You can sew a magnetic snap or a button and loop closure to the top opening of the bag if desired.
Lining (Optional): For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches, you can sew a fabric lining inside the bag.

Video tutorial

Versatile Uses for Your Unique & Textured Bag:

Everyday Handbag: A stylish accessory for daily use.
Project Bag: Perfect for carrying a small crochet or knitting project.
Gift: A thoughtful and impressive handmade gift.
Special Occasions: The unique texture makes it suitable for dressier events.

Customization & Tips:

Color Combinations: Experiment with different color palettes for your motifs. You could use one color for the center and another for the outer rounds, or make each motif a different color!
Size Adjustment:
- Larger Bag: Make more motifs and/or increase the number of rounds in each motif.
- Smaller Bag: Make fewer motifs and/or reduce the number of rounds in each motif.
Stitch Variation: While the pattern uses specific stitches, you could experiment with other textured stitches (e.g., bobble stitch, shell stitch) within the motifs to create different effects.
Handle Style: Explore different handle options, such as a single long strap for a crossbody bag, or two short handles for a handbag.

Enjoy crocheting your own beautiful, unique, and textured bag! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that’s sure to become a favorite.