Looking for a bag that’s both comfortable and chic? This crocheted shoulder bag is a wonderful project. The open-lace diamond stitch creates a flexible, lightweight fabric that drapes beautifully, while the solid base provides a sturdy foundation. The pattern is a simple repeat that’s easy to memorize, making it a great on-the-go project.
This pattern is worked from the bottom up, starting with a flat, rectangular base. The body is worked in continuous rounds, with the strap being a seamless extension of the bag’s body.
What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10 ply) cotton yarn is highly recommended for its excellent drape and durability.
- Color: A single color for the entire bag (the light blue in the example). Approximately 250-300 yards.
- Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm (or hook size needed to achieve a fabric with a nice drape without being too loose).
- 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
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd: round
- FO: fasten off
- [ ]: repeat instructions in brackets
- ( ): stitch count at the end of the round
Special Stitch: Diamond Mesh
This stitch is a two-round repeat that creates the open, diamond-shaped pattern.
- Round A: A round of
(dc, ch 2, dc)clusters. - Round B: A round of
(dc, ch 2, dc)clusters worked in the ch-2 spaces from the previous round, offset to create the diamond.
Gauge:
For the base, a firm stitch is desired. The finished rectangle should be approximately 28 cm x 10 cm (11 inches x 4 inches).
Part 1: The Base
We will create a flat, rectangular base by working in the round.
- Ch 25.
- Rnd 1: 3 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. Sc in the next 22 ch. 3 sc in the last ch. Working along the other side of the foundation chain, sc in the next 22 ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (50 sc)
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st. Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st. Sc in the next 22 sts. 2 sc in the next st. Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st. Sc in the next 22 sts. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (56 sc)
- Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (56 sc)
- Repeat Rnd 3 for 2 more rounds, for a total of 5 rounds of single crochet, or until your base measures approximately 28 cm x 10 cm.
Part 2: The Body (Diamond Mesh)
We will now build the sides of the bag using the Diamond Mesh stitch. You will be working in continuous rounds, without joining at the end of each. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round to keep track.
- Rnd 1 (Setup): Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and ch-2). Dc in the same st. Skip 2 sts. [ (dc, ch 2, dc) in the next st, skip 2 sts ] around. (Approx. 18
(dc, ch 2, dc)clusters). - Rnd 2: Sl st into the ch-2 sp of the first cluster. Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and ch-2). Dc in the same ch-2 sp. [ (dc, ch 2, dc) in the next ch-2 sp ] around. (Approx. 18
(dc, ch 2, dc)clusters). - Repeat Rnd 2 until your bag reaches the desired height (about 15-20 rounds total).
Part 3: The Top Edge & Strap
We will now create a sturdy top edge and the wide, comfortable strap.
- Top Edge: Ch 1, sc in each st around. (Work 1 sc in each dc and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp). Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Rnd 3 (Strap): You will now create the wide strap. Ch 1, sc in the first 8 stitches. Ch 50 (or to your desired strap length). Skip the next 20 stitches. Sc in the next 16 stitches (this is the back of the bag). Ch 50. Skip the last 20 stitches. Sl st into the first sc.
- Rnd 4 (Securing Strap): Ch 1, sc in each of the 8 sc. Sc in each of the 50 chains. Sc in the next 16 sc. Sc in each of the 50 chains. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- FO and weave in all ends.
Video tutorial
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining ends securely.
- Blocking (optional): To help your bag hold its shape and drape correctly, gently steam or spritz it with water, then stuff it with a towel and shape it as it air dries.
You’ve now created a beautiful and unique bag that’s perfect for your next outing! Enjoy it.
