by Let’s create a lovely and practical Crochet Purse Bag! This tutorial is designed to guide you through making a versatile small bag, perfect for carrying your essentials. We’ll focus on a sturdy base, a simple body stitch, and a comfortable strap, making it a great project for crocheters of all levels.
How to Make a Crochet Purse Bag (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
This detailed guide will walk you through crocheting a charming purse bag, from its foundation to its finishing touches. You’ll learn essential techniques for creating a structured bag that’s both beautiful and functional.
Skill Level: Beginner
This project is ideal if you’re comfortable with (or ready to learn!):
- Chain (ch): The basic foundation of crochet.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds.
- Single Crochet (sc): A dense and sturdy stitch, excellent for bags.
- Working in rounds: Crocheting in a circular fashion.
- Fastening off: Securing your yarn.
- Weaving in ends: The essential finishing touch for a neat project.
Finished Purse Bag Dimensions (Approximate):
Using worsted weight yarn and the suggested hook, your finished purse bag will typically measure around:
- Base: 8 inches (20 cm) wide by 2 inches (5 cm) deep oval
- Height: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) (excluding strap)
- Strap: 40-45 inches (100-115 cm) long (adjustable for crossbody wear)
You can easily adjust the size by changing the starting chain length for the base or the number of rounds for the body and strap.
Materials You’ll Need:
Gathering your materials beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable crocheting session.
- Yarn: Approximately 200-250 yards (180-230 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn.
- Why Cotton? Cotton yarn is highly recommended for bags due to its durability, good stitch definition, and minimal stretch, which helps the bag maintain its shape. Acrylic can also work, but cotton generally gives a sturdier result.
- Color Choice: Pick one main color you love for your purse. This tutorial is for a single-color bag, making it straightforward for beginners!
- Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This hook size works well with worsted weight cotton yarn to create a firm, dense fabric that will help your purse stand up nicely.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for seamlessly weaving in your loose yarn tails. It has a blunt tip and a large eye, making it easy to thread yarn through.
- Scissors: Any sharp pair of scissors.
- Stitch Marker (Optional but Recommended): This little tool helps you keep track of the first stitch in each round, which is especially helpful when working in continuous spirals for the base.
Let’s Crochet Your Purse Bag!
We’ll build this purse from the bottom up: starting with a strong oval base, then working the body of the bag upwards, and finally adding a comfortable strap.
Part 1: The Oval Base
You’ll start by creating a flat oval shape that forms the sturdy bottom of your purse. We’ll achieve this by working around a starting chain.
- Starting Chain:
- Make a slip knot with your yarn and place it onto your H/5.0mm crochet hook.
- Chain (ch) 17. (This length determines the initial width of your purse. If you want a wider or narrower bag, adjust this chain. It should be an odd number.)
- Round 1 (Working around the chain):
- Work 2 single crochet (sc) stitches into the 2nd chain from your hook.
- (Optional: Place a stitch marker in the first sc you just made. This will be the first stitch of your round for tracking.)
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 14 chains.
- In the last chain (the 17th chain from your hook): Work 4 sc into this single chain. This neatly turns the corner.
- Now, you’ll work back down the other side of your starting chain, into the bottom loops.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 14 stitches.
- In the last stitch (the same chain where you placed your first 2 sc): Work 2 sc into this chain. This turns the other corner.
- You should now have a total of 36 sc stitches (2+14+4+14+2). Do NOT join with a slip stitch yet. For the base, you’ll work in continuous rounds (spirals) to avoid a visible seam.
- Round 2 (Continuing the Oval Shape):
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch of the round (where your stitch marker is).
- (If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
- Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 14 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 14 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- You should now have 42 sc stitches. Continue working in continuous rounds.
- Round 3 (Final Base Round):
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch of the round (where your stitch marker is).
- (If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
- Work 1 sc into the next 2 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 14 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 14 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- You should now have 48 sc stitches.
- Stop here! When you finish the last sc of this round, remove your stitch marker.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of this round to join. This flattens the end of the round and prepares for working straight up the sides of the purse.
Part 2: Building the Body of the Purse
Now, you’ll work straight up the sides of the purse using a simple single crochet stitch. You’ll work in joined rounds to maintain a neat, vertical seam.
- Round 4 (First Side Round):
- Chain 1 (ch 1 – does NOT count as a stitch).
- Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around the entire round. (48 sc)
- Why BLO? Working into the back loop creates a nice, defined edge that helps the purse sides stand up straight from the base. It gives a crisp corner.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc to join the round.
- Rounds 5 and Onwards (Body Height):
- Chain 1.
- Work 1 sc into both loops of each stitch around the round. (48 sc)
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc to join the round.
- Repeat this round (working 1 sc in each stitch around) until your purse reaches your desired height. For the approximate dimensions given, this will be about 20-25 more rounds (for a total of 24-29 rounds, including Round 4).
- The height is a personal preference. Hold it up and see if you like the look!
- Fasten Off:
- After your last body round, cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.
- Yarn over with your hook, pull the cut tail completely through the loop left on your hook, and gently tug to secure the knot.
Part 3: Creating the Strap
We’ll make a long, sturdy strap separately and then attach it to the purse.
- Crocheting the Strap:
- Make a slip knot with your yarn and place it onto your H/5.0mm crochet hook.
- Chain (ch) 121. (This length makes a good crossbody strap. For a shorter shoulder strap, chain about 81-101. For a longer strap, add more chains. Make sure it’s an odd number + 1 for starting sc.)
- Row 1: Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from your hook, and 1 sc into each remaining chain across. (You’ll have 120 sc stitches if you chained 121).
- Row 2: Chain 1 (ch 1), turn your work. Work 1 sc into each sc across. (120 sc)
- Repeat Row 2 until your strap is about 0.75 – 1 inch (2-2.5 cm) wide (usually 2-3 rows total for sc). This makes a comfortable and durable strap.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches / 30 cm) at both ends of the strap for attaching.
Part 4: Attaching the Strap and Final Touches
Now, to bring your purse to life by attaching the strap and tidying up!
- Attaching the Strap:
- Thread one of the long tails from your strap onto your yarn needle.
- Flatten your purse bag and identify the center points on each side. The seam where you joined your rounds usually indicates the center back.
- Attach one end of the strap to the inside top edge of the bag, approximately 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in from the side corner. Use your yarn needle to stitch securely through the strap and the top edge of the bag. Go through multiple times in different directions to ensure it’s very strong.
- Repeat for the other end of the strap, attaching it to the opposite side of the bag. Make sure the strap isn’t twisted before you sew it down!
- Weave in All Remaining Ends:
- This is the most crucial step for a neat and professional-looking bag. You’ll have a few tails: from your starting chain of the base, the final fasten-off from the body, and the ends of your strap.
- Use your yarn needle to meticulously weave in every loose yarn tail.
- How to Weave Neatly: Thread the yarn tail onto your yarn needle. Weave the tail into the stitches of your bag. Go in one direction for at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). To truly secure it, subtly change direction (e.g., weave along a stitch, then turn and weave back through some of the same stitches diagonally or perpendicularly) to “lock” the tail in place and prevent it from unraveling. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut any of your actual stitches.
- Blocking (Optional):
- Blocking can significantly improve the shape, even out any tension inconsistencies, and give your bag a more polished, professional look. It helps the bag stand up nicely.
- Method: Gently mist the bag evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it’s damp but not soaking wet. You can stuff the bag lightly with tissue paper or a small towel to help it hold its intended shape while it dries. Allow the bag to air dry completely and thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. This might take a day or two.
- Optional: Add a Closure or Lining:
- For added security, you can sew a magnetic snap or a large decorative button with a crocheted loop closure to the top center of your bag.
- For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches, consider adding a fabric lining. This is a separate sewing step. Measure the finished dimensions of your crocheted bag. Cut fabric pieces slightly larger, sew them into a matching pouch, and then hand-stitch or machine-stitch it inside your crocheted bag.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully crocheted your very own DIY Crochet Purse Bag! This project is a fantastic accomplishment for any beginner, and you now have a unique, handmade accessory that you can use proudly. What will you carry in your beautiful new purse?
