Intermediate
What the pattern's own author called it. Nothing here is graded again.
Crochet handbag and accessory 8 Laid out for paper No account, no download
Crochet bow tote bag with handle and gusset
Easy crochet bow tote: two 34-row panels, a 34-in gusset, 4mm hook. Flat seamed construction.
- Skill
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4-6 hours
- Yarn weight
- Worsted
- Hook
- 4 mm
- Rounds
- 8
Worsted
What the sample was worked in. Any weight works; the size moves with it.
8
Each one is typed out whole and gets its own line.
This bag is built from four flat single crochet pieces that are joined after the fact rather than worked in the round: two identical 44-stitch panels for front and back, a long narrow gusset strip that wraps the bottom and sides, a 69-stitch handle, and an oversized bow worked separately and sewn to the front. Before casting on, have worsted weight cotton on hand, a 4 mm hook, stitch markers for lining up seams, and either a magnetic snap, zipper, or fabric lining ready for the finishing stage. Firm, even tension throughout keeps the finished handbag from stretching once it carries everyday items.
Common mistakes and their fixes
- Bag feels floppy
- Use a smaller hook or add interfacing or lining.
- Panels do not match
- Count stitches at the end of every row.
- Handle stretches
- Reinforce the attachment points with extra stitches.
- Bow looks uneven
- Adjust the center wrap until both sides are balanced.
The materials list
- Worsted weight cotton yarn, approximately 500 yards (457 meters)
- 4 mm (US G-6) crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
Optional
- magnetic snap or zipper closure
Optional
- lightweight fabric lining
Listed by the pattern's own author, in their words.
Key to this pattern, 9 short forms
Front Panel
Ch 45.
Row 1
Sc in second ch from hook and across. (44 sts)
Row 2
Ch 1, turn, sc across. (44 sts) Repeat Row 2 until you have completed 34 rows. Fasten off.Make a second identical panel for the back of the bag.
Side and Bottom Gusset
Ch 11.
Row 1
Sc in second ch from hook and across. (10 sts)
Row 2
Ch 1, turn, sc across. (10 sts) Repeat Row 2 until the strip measures approximately 34 inches (86 cm).Fasten off.
This strip creates the bottom and side depth of the handbag.
Handle
Ch 70.
Row 1
Sc in second ch from hook and across. (69 sts)
Row 2
Ch 1, turn, sc across. (69 sts) Repeat Row 2 for 4 total rows. Fasten off and prepare for attachment.
Crochet Bow Accent
Ch 32.
Row 1
Sc in second ch from hook and across. (31 sts)
Rows 2–12
Ch 1, turn, sc across. (31 sts) Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail. Fold the rectangle accordion-style in the center and wrap yarn around the middle several times to create the bow shape.Secure the bow tightly and sew onto the front panel.
Assembly, in order
Step 1Place the front and back panels together with the right sides facing outward.
Step 2Pin the gusset strip around the bottom and sides.
Step 3Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch to sew the gusset to both panels.
Step 4Attach each end of the handle securely to the inside top edges of the bag.
Step 5Sew the bow firmly onto the center front of the handbag.
Step 6Add an optional closure or lining if desired.
Check these before you start
- The turning chain does not count as a stitch in any part of this pattern, so count only the worked single crochets when checking the 44, 10, or 69 stitch totals.
- If the fabric feels at all loose after the swatch, drop to a smaller hook rather than adding more rows, since the stitch counts are fixed by the chain lengths given.
- Gauge: 18 single crochet stitches x 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Swatch before starting to confirm your finished bag will reach the intended size.
- Finished size is approximately 10 x 7 x 3 inches (25.5 x 18 x 7.5 cm).
- The bag works beautifully in sage green, cream, dusty pink, beige, or other earthy neutral yarn colors. A smooth cotton yarn is suggested because it holds its shape well, creates clean stitches, and gives the finished handbag a polished handmade appearance.
- This pattern is written using US crochet terms.
On one line
| Rounds | 8 |
|---|---|
| Parts | 4 |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Time | 4-6 hours |
| Hook | 4 mm |
| Yarn | Worsted |
Set-up
- Check yarn yardage against the 500-yard estimate before dividing it between the two panels, gusset, handle, and bow so no single piece runs short.
- Work a small swatch in single crochet with the 4 mm hook to confirm the fabric feels dense and firm rather than loose, since this pattern relies on tight stitches for structure.
- Set out stitch markers in advance to mark the gusset's matching points along the panel edges before seaming begins.
- Read through the Front Panel row counts once before starting, since both panels must match exactly at 34 rows for the side seams to sit level.
Finishing
- Weave in all loose ends with a yarn needle.
- Lightly steam block the panels if needed.
- Shape the bag while damp and allow it to dry completely.
- Check seams and handle attachment points before use.
- the best results, gently shape the finished crochet handbag after assembly. Cotton yarn usually responds well to light blocking, helping seams relax and giving the bag a neat silhouette.
- Hand wash the bag with mild soap and reshape while damp. Allow it to dry flat away from direct heat to help maintain its structure.
Construction
Both panels are worked flat in straight rows of 44 stitches with no shaping, which keeps the front and back identical and lets the gusset do all the dimensional work.
The gusset is a single long strip rather than two separate side pieces, so one continuous seam around its length forms the bottom corners and both sides at once.
Time per section
| Front and back panels | about 2 hours total because each panel runs 34 rows and both must match exactly |
|---|---|
| Side and bottom gusset | about 1.5 hours because the strip must reach 34 inches in plain single crochet |
| Handle and bow, plus assembly | about 1.5 to 2 hours because the bow and handle are quick to work but seaming four pieces together and attaching the closure takes care |
Common questions
These answers came from whoever first published the pattern, kept word for word.