Intermediate
What the pattern's own author called it. Nothing here is graded again.
Bags & Accessories 4 Laid out for paper No account, no download
Structured crochet handbag with chain strap and clasp
Single 64-stitch back-loop body, two decrease-shaped side panels, 4.5mm hook, magnetic clasp, chain strap finish.
- Skill
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4-6 hours
- Yarn weight
- Worsted
- Hook
- 4.5 mm
- Rounds
- 4
Worsted
What the sample was worked in. Any weight works; the size moves with it.
4
Each one is typed out whole and gets its own line.
This structured handbag offers a stylish and functional design perfect for everyday use, whether heading to brunch or running errands. The main body is a single flat panel started with 65 chains, working 8 split stitches, 48 single crochets, and 8 split stitches across the first row (64 stitches total), then repeating that row in back loops only so the front loops stand up into a textured ridge, continuing until the piece measures approximately 31 cm. Two separate side panels are shaped with a quadruple decrease and then a decrease of 5 stitches at once before being sewn to the main body. With clear rows and step-by-step guidance, it's a good project for intermediate crocheters. Before starting, have worsted weight yarn, a 4.5 mm hook, a magnetic clasp, a chain strap, a handmade tag, a yarn needle, and scissors on hand.
Common mistakes and their fixes
- Crocheting into both loops
- Check each stitch before pulling up; working into both loops instead of the back loop only erases the textured ridge the main body is built on.
- Split stitch count drifting
- Count the 8 stitches at each edge every row; gaining or losing even one throws off alignment where the side panels are sewn to the main body.
- Rushing the side panel decreases
- Work the quadruple decrease and the five-stitch decrease exactly as written, since they shape the side panels before they are sewn to the main body.
The materials list
- Worsted weight yarn
- 4.5 mm crochet hook
- Magnetic clasp
- Chain strap
- Handmade tag
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Listed by the pattern's own author, in their words.
Key to this pattern, 4 short forms
Main Body
Start with 65 chains.
Row 1
8 split stitches 48 single crochets 8 split stitches
Row 2
And all following rows Chain 1, turn Work in back loops only: 8 split stitches48 single crochets (with textured design) 8 split stitches. Repeat Row 2. Continue until the piece measures approximately 31 cm.
Side Panel (Make 2)
Side Panel (Make 2).
Row 1
30 split stitches (including initial 8) 1 quadruple decrease 30 split stitches
Row 2
28 split stitches Decrease 5 stitches at once 28 split stitches
Assembly, in order
Step 1Sew side panels to the main body
Step 2Attach a magnetic clasp to the inside of the bag
Step 3Attach the chain using loops at the corners where the side panels are sewn
Step 4Sew a handmade tag to the front of the bag
Check these before you start
- Working in back loops only across the Main Body leaves the front loop free, which is what raises the textured design on the 48 single crochets.
- Keep the 8 split stitches at each edge exact every row; they frame the panel and keep the seams straight once the side panels are sewn to the main body.
- Use the same 4.5 mm hook for the main body and both side panels so all pieces match in width and length before the clasp and chain are attached.
On one line
| Rounds | 4 |
|---|---|
| Parts | 2 |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Time | 4-6 hours |
| Hook | 4.5 mm |
| Yarn | Worsted |
Set-up
- Confirm there is enough worsted weight yarn to complete the main body, worked to approximately 31 cm, plus two side panels.
- Read through the main body's repeating row once before starting, since it runs unchanged for the length of the panel.
- Work a short swatch in back loops only to see how the textured single crochet section behaves before committing to the full panel.
- Check that the opening row sets 8 split stitches, 48 single crochets, and 8 split stitches cleanly, since this count carries through every repeat.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends on the main body and both side panels before assembly.
- Sew the two side panels to the main body, then attach the magnetic clasp to the inside of the bag.
- Attach the chain strap through the loops at the corners where the side panels are sewn, then sew the handmade tag to the front.
Construction
The Side Panel's two shaping rows, a quadruple decrease followed by a decrease of 5 stitches at once, taper each side panel's stitch count before it is sewn to the main body, giving the bag its structured sides.
Working the main body flat with a chain 1 turn at the start of every row, rather than in the round, keeps the back loop only texture and the split stitch edges facing the same direction throughout the panel, which matters once the side panels are sewn on.
Time per section
| Side panel shaping rows | about 20-30 minutes because only 2 rows are involved, but the quadruple decrease and five-stitch decrease need close attention |
|---|---|
| Main body | about 3-4 hours because the 64-stitch row repeats until the panel measures approximately 31 cm |
| Side panels and finishing | about 1-2 hours because two side panels are shaped and sewn to the main body before the clasp, chain strap, and handmade tag are attached |
Photographs of this one
Every one was taken by whoever published the pattern, in the order the source listed them.
Common questions
These answers came from whoever first published the pattern, kept word for word.