Welcome to our crochet blog! Today, we’re making the perfect accessory for a night out or a casual outing. This Bubblegum Pouch is a chic, stylish handbag that works up quickly thanks to the chunky yarn and simple stitch. This pattern is designed to be long and detailed, making it perfect for an intermediate beginner looking to create a structured and unique bag. The bag is worked in the round, creating a seamless piece, and features a lovely handle that is part of the bag itself.
Materials Needed
- Approximately 300g-350g of T-shirt yarn or a bulky/super bulky weight yarn. The image shows a beautiful bright pink. T-shirt yarn provides excellent structure and a modern, minimalist look.
- A 9.0mm (M-13) or 10.0mm (N-15) crochet hook. The hook size will depend on your yarn thickness and desired tension. Use a large hook to ensure a smooth stitch and avoid a stiff fabric.
- Scissors.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Stitch marker (essential for working in continuous rounds).
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for a project like this, but a consistent tension will ensure your stitches are uniform and the bag holds its shape well.
- 6 single crochets (sc) and 6 rows = 4 inches (10 cm).
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- sc inc: single crochet increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- […]: repeat instructions within brackets
- (…): number of stitches at the end of the round or row
Construction Overview
This handbag is worked in continuous spiral rounds, starting with the base. You’ll then work straight up for the body and finish by shaping the handles directly from the top of the bag. The entire piece is worked in single crochet, making it a great project for practicing tension and creating a clean, professional finish.
Part 1: The Base
We will start with an oval-shaped base to give the bag a nice flat bottom.
Round 1: Ch 16. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. Sc in the next 13 chs. Work 3 sc in the last ch. Working down the other side of the starting chain, sc in the next 14 chs. Do not join, continue in a spiral. (32 sc)
Round 2: Sc in the first 14 sc. Work 2 sc in each of the next 3 sc. Sc in the next 14 sc. Work 2 sc in the last sc. Do not join. (36 sc)
Round 3: Sc in the first 15 sc. Work 2 sc in the next sc. Sc in the next sc. Work 2 sc in the next sc. Sc in the next 16 sc. Work 2 sc in the next sc. Do not join. (40 sc)
Round 4: Sc in the first 15 sc. Work 2 sc in the next 2 sc. Sc in the next 16 sc. Work 2 sc in the next 2 sc. Sc in the next 5 sc. Do not join. (44 sc)
Part 2: The Body of the Bag
Now we will work in continuous spiral rounds without increasing. This will create the upright sides of the bag.
Round 5: Working in the back loop only, sc in each stitch around. This creates a clean edge and helps the bag stand upright. Do not join, continue in a spiral. (44 sc)
Rounds 6-12: Sc in each stitch around. (44 sc) The number of rounds you work here will determine the height of your bag. The image shows a total of 8 rounds for the body.
Part 3: The Handle
Now, we’ll shape the handles directly from the body of the bag.
Round 13: Sc in the first 12 sc. Ch 15. Sk the next 10 sc. Sc in the next 12 sc. Ch 15. Sk the next 10 sc. Do not join. (24 sc + 30 chs)
Round 14: Sc in the first 12 sc. Sc in each of the 15 chs of the first handle. Sc in the next 12 sc. Sc in each of the 15 chs of the second handle. (54 sc)
Round 15: Sc in each sc around. (54 sc)
Round 16: Sc in each sc around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Fasten off and weave in all loose ends. The ends of the handles will have a more defined look by weaving in the loose ends very tightly.
Your Bubblegum Pouch is now complete! The structured base, the clean single crochet stitches, and the unique, integrated handles make this a beautiful and modern bag. Enjoy your new accessory!
