Crochet Purse / Shoulder Bag Pattern

Quick and easy, this simple but very effective crochet purse pattern requires no sewing up as the edges are crocheted together.

Leave it plain or add an edging and a motif as shown in the photograph.

It is made in a double thickness of yarn with a relatively small hook for the thickness to give tightness, body and strength.

Do note that you will need quite strong fingers to make this crochet purse as the resulting fabric is fairly thick.

Instructions for the Crochet Purse

SKILLS NEEDED

Chain stitch

single crochet (UK double crochet)

For embellished option (as shown in the photo)you will also need to know how to work double crochet (UK trebles) and slip stitch.

MATERIALS

About 100g, maybe a little more, of acrylic aran weight or worsted yarn. Allow more for heavier yarns such as wool or cotton.

6mm and 5mm hooks

large blunt needle for darning in loose ends

One button for fastening. choose this button after you have made the item so you can check that it fits through the crochet fabric.

For the embellished option you will also need a matching button and contrast yarn. Also the button you choose for the fastening should match the contrast yarn.

ABBREVIATIONS

ch = chain

st = stitch

sts = stitches

sl st = slip stitch

sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)

dc = double crochet (UK treble)

INSTRUCTIONS

For main body of the crochet purse:

With 2 strands of yarn and a 6mm hook make 16 chain

Row 1. Work 1 sc into 2nd chain from hook. Work 1sc into each of all remaining ch. i ch, turn

Row 2. Work 1 sc into every st. 1 ch, turn

Repeat row 2 until you have worked 45 rows in total. Do not work the ch at the end of the last row.

fasten off one strand of the yarn.

Continue working with 1 strand of yarn and a 5mm hook.

Working down the side edge of the piece make 9 sc over the first 9 rows.

Fold the bottom edge up to where you have just finished the 9 sc.

Continue working through both layers of the fabric, joining them together with 18 sc down remaining length of the side edge.

Total 27 sts down side edge

Make 1 sc in corner

Work 15 sc along folded edge

Work 1 sc into corner.

Work 27 sts up second side edge to match the first side, joining the double layer as before.

1 ch, turn

Work another row of sc all around purse working 3 sc into each of the corner stitches.

For the basic purse, fasten off and go straight to the instructions for the shoulder strap.

If you have more advanced crochet skills you can add a fringe, embellishments, or an edging.

SIMPLE SHELL EDGING

If you would like a pretty shell edge for your crochet purse follow these instructions carefully. It would be best to print them off then tick off each stage as you go along so you don't lose your place.

make 1 ch, turn.

Make 1 sc into first st.

* Miss 2 sts, 5 dc into next st, miss 2 sts, 1 sc into next st **

Repeat form * to ** 3 more times

Miss 2 sts, 5 dc into nest st, miss 1 st, 1 dc into next (corner) st,

~ miss 1 st, 5 dc into nest st, miss 2 sts, 1 sc into next st

[Miss 1 st, 5 dc into next st, miss 1 st 1 sc into next st] x 2

Miss 2 5 dc into next st ~~

Miss 1 st, 1 sc into next (corner) st

work form * to ** again, 4 times

Work along top edge by repeating from ~ to ~~

You should now have come round full circle and reached the beginning of the shell st row.

Miss 1 st, make 1 sl st into first stitch of shell st row

SHOULDER STRAP

Make a slip knot and insert the hook into the loop

Fold down the flap and on the back of the bag very near the top and close to the edge (or where the edging meets the side if you have done one) insert your hook into the fabric and pull the yarn through, then pull the yarn through both loops on hook.

Make 120 ch

Insert the hook again into the crochet fabric next to where you first joined onto the bag. Pull yarn through. Pull yarn through both loops on hook. fasten off.

Repeat this on the other side of the bag, but before you make your second insertion into the bag's fabric, pass the whole hook + ball of yarn through the first long chain loop. This will cause the 2 long loops of chain to hook together.

That is your crochet purse finished!

If you want to add the crochet flower click here for instructions

Further Reading

Highly recommended books from Amazon rated 5 star by most readers:

For US residents

Hooked Bags: 20 Easy Crochet Projects

and for UK residents

Easy Crochet Bags

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