Despite April’s constant thunderstorms, this month is still warmer than March. Considering that there may be sunnier, more enjoyable days to come, it may be necessary to have an alternative way of carrying essential items–especially since we will no longer be wearing coats. I personally encountered this dilemma while on vacation over spring break. I forgot to pack pants with pockets and had to carry my phone around in my hand like a loser. The moral of this story is to either wear something with pockets, or instead make this handy crochet bag. One option is clearly superior.
This pattern is beginner friendly, but it requires keeping a (relatively) close track of your rows. A stitch marker may be handy for those who do not want to mentally count everything. Additionally, the bag will be rather stretchy, and I would recommend either choosing a very stiff yarn, or adding a sewn lining if you prefer a more structured purse.
The body of the bag is about the size of a rectangular tissue box.
Materials:
- Fine weight yarn (1-1.5 skein depending on size)
- 4mm crochet hook
- Darning needle*
- Button (optional)
- Stitch marker (optional)
*Only use is for sewing. If you are not planning on adding buttons and you choose to crochet the panels together instead of traditionally sewing, you do not need a darning needle.
Abbreviation Key:
- r = row
- st = stitch
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- inc = increase
- dec = decrease
- sl st = slip stitch
Body Panels: (Make 2)
– ch 40 and then sc into the 38th ch to start row 1
r1 – sc whole row
r2-9 – inc in first and last st of row, sc the rest
r10 – sc whole row
r11-12 – inc in first and last st of row, sc the rest
r13-14 – dec in first and last st of row, sc the rest
r15-19 – sc whole row
r20 – dec in first and last st of row, sc the rest
r21-22 – sc whole row
r23 – dec in first and last st of row, sc the rest
r24 – sc whole row
r25 – dec in first and last st of row, sc the rest
r26-30 – sc whole row
r31 – dec in first and last st of row, sc the rest
r32-37 – sc whole row
r38 – 7dc and 2hdc on both sides, sc in between
r39 – 3dc and 3hc on both sides, sc in between, sl st and tie off ends
Strap/Sides:
– ch12
r1-50 – sc whole row
r56 – inc in first and last st of row, sc the rest
The next 96 rows: sc whole row
r152 – dec in first and last st of row, sc the rest
r153-203 – sc whole row
– sl st and tie off ends.
Sew Together:
Sew the two body panels on either side of the strap, making sure the widest part of the sides are at the base of the purse. Once the panels are sewn to the sides, sew the ends of the strap together.
Optional: add button for closure or other decorations
