Looking for a stylish and sturdy bag that you can make in a weekend? This simple striped handbag is a perfect project. Its clean lines and solid stitch work create a durable, structured bag that’s both functional and fashionable. The design is simple enough for a beginner to tackle and satisfying for a seasoned crocheter to whip up.
This pattern is worked from the bottom up, starting with a sturdy base and building the body with continuous rounds of stitches. The handles are worked directly from the top, creating a seamless and strong finish.
What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10 ply) cotton yarn is ideal for this project, as it creates a dense, sturdy fabric that holds its shape.
- Color A (Main): A dark color for the body (the dark teal/blue in the example). Approximately 250-300 yards.
- Color B (Stripe 1): A light accent color (light blue in the example). Approximately 30-40 yards.
- Color C (Stripe 2): A second accent color (white in the example). Approximately 30-40 yards.
- Color D (Stripe 3): A third accent color (teal in the example). Approximately 30-40 yards.
- Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm (or hook size to achieve a tight, firm fabric).
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker (optional): To mark the beginning of each round.
Abbreviations Used:
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd: round
- FO: fasten off
- [ ]: repeat instructions in brackets
- ( ): stitch count at the end of the round
Gauge:
For this project, a firm fabric is desired. The finished base should measure approximately 22 cm x 8 cm (8.5 inches x 3 inches). Adjust your hook size if your gauge is different.
Part 1: The Base (in Color A)
We will create a rectangular base by working in rows and then working in the round around the perimeter.
- Using Color A, ch 21.
- Row 1: Hdc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. (20 hdc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each st across. (20 hdc)
- Repeat Row 2 for a total of 8 rows, or until your rectangle measures approximately 8 cm (3 inches) wide.
- Now, we will work in the round around the perimeter of the rectangle.
- Without turning, ch 1, and work a round of hdc all the way around the rectangle. Work 1 hdc for each hdc along the long edges (working into the sides of the rows) and 1 hdc in each st along the short ends. Work 3 hdc in each of the four corners to make a neat turn.
- Join with a sl st to the first hdc of the round. (Approx. 56 hdc total)
Part 2: The Body (in Continuous Rounds)
We will now build the sides of the bag by working in continuous rounds. This creates a spiral effect without a visible seam.
- You will not be joining at the end of each round. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round to keep track.
- Rnds 1-10 (Main Body – in Color A): Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Continue to spiral upwards for 10 rounds.
- Rnd 11 (First Stripe – in Color B): Switch to Color B. Hdc in each st around for 1 round.
- Rnd 12 (Second Stripe – in Color C): Switch to Color C. Hdc in each st around for 1 round.
- Rnd 13 (Third Stripe – in Color D): Switch to Color D. Hdc in each st around for 1 round.
- Rnd 14 (Returning to Main Color – in Color A): Switch back to Color A. Hdc in each st around for 1 round.
- Rnds 15-20 (Top Section – in Color A): Hdc in each st around for 6 more rounds, or until your bag is the desired height. At the end of the last round, sl st into the next stitch to level off the spiral.
Part 3: The Handles
The handles are worked directly from the top of the bag.
- Preparation: This part requires some planning to ensure your handles are centered and evenly spaced. Count the total number of stitches around your bag’s top edge. Divide by two to find the front and back sections. Then, decide how many stitches to use for each handle. The handles in the photo are thick and short.
- Rnd 1 (Handles): You will now create the loops for the handles. Sc in the first 8 stitches. Ch 20 (or to your desired handle length). Skip the next 12 stitches. Sc in the next 16 stitches (this is the back of the bag). Ch 20. Skip the last 12 stitches.
- Rnd 2 (Securing Handles): You will now work in rounds again, working into the stitches and the chains to create a solid loop. Sc in each of the 8 sc. Sc in each of the 20 chains. Sc in each of the 16 sc. Sc in each of the 20 chains. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Rnd 3 (Finishing Handles): Ch 1, sc in each st around the entire bag (including the handles). Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Rnd 4 (Finishing Handles): Ch 1, sc in each st around the entire bag. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- FO and weave in all remaining ends.
Video tutorial
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining ends securely. This is a critical step for a clean and professional-looking finished bag.
- Blocking (optional): Lightly steam or spritz your bag with water, then stuff it with towels and shape it to help it hold its form while it air dries.
You’ve now created a beautiful and durable bag! Enjoy it on your next outing.
