Chic Crochet Handbag with Wooden Handles

The Free Crochet Pattern Chic Crochet Handbag with Wooden Handles makes up a very useful and stylish handbag for any crocheter. Use Chic Sheep Yarn by Marly Bird™ or any other scrap yarn in 4 complimentary colors to get this wonderful tote. The wooden handles are made by the wonderful Chappy Arts and Crafts. Did you notice the ball of yarn and crochet hook in the handle? absolutely perfect!

Easy Crochet Modern Granny Square Stocking by Marly Bird

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When making crochet bags I always start with the straps or the handles. In my opinion, that one thing can really make your piece look drastically different. When my friend Chappy gave me these purse handles and asked me to make a handbag for her, my mind began to swirl. Should I do crochet entrelac, should I do tapestry crochet, should I do cables? The possibilities were endless.
After taking some time to think about it I decided that I would let the handles be the star of the handbag. Therefore, I ended up choosing one of my favorite stitches to make a basic bag body. Then of course, I had to add some stripes with yarn from my own yarn line! I almost added extra details to the inside of the bag, like a pocket or a keychain with a lobster claw clasp to hold keys, but I figured the bag didn’t need it.  
What resulted is a very simple handbag with amazing wood handles that I am proud of. 

Free Crochet Pattern Chic Crochet Handbag with Wooden Handles by Marly Bird

I chose not to line the bag for display, but if I were to carry this bag around for use I definitely would line it with fabric to help prevent stretching. Maybe that is where I add the extra inside bits I was talking about earlier. When I get a chance, I will be sure to add a bit about lining this bag, but until then, here are some instructions for how to line a bag.
Okay, since the pattern is rather simple, so should be the into and the instructions 🙂

Materials

Yarn

  • Leather (color A)
  • Suede (color B)
  • Linen (color C)
  • Regal (color D)

Hook

Susan Bates® : H//8 (5mm)

Notions

Stitch Markers, Bent Tip Tapestry Needle, Wooden Handbag Handles by Purrfectly Catchy Designs (aka Chappy’s Arts and Crafts)

Sizing

Finished Measurements

12” tall (not including handles) x 15″ wide

Gauge

16 stitches = 4″ (10 cm)  CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needle to obtain the gauge. Exact gauge is not critical to this project.

Notes

Cut color each time, do not carry up on the inside.

Color Sequence

Color A — 6 rows
Color B — 16 rows
Color C — 3 rows
Color D — 6 rows
Color B — 3 rows
Color A — 6 rows
Color D — 3 rows
Color C — 6 rows
Color A — 3 rows


Free Crochet Pattern Chic Crochet Handbag with Wooden Handles by Marly Bird

Pattern

Griddle Stitch  multiple is even number of stitches.
Follow color sequence as listed above for body of bag.

Base of Bag

With Color A, chain 60 sts (this is the foundation chain

Round 1 (RS): 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to last ch, 3 sc in last ch, working on opposite side of foundation ch, sc each ch to end; do NOT join
but work in continuous rounds – 120 sc. Place marker in first st and move up each round.
Rounds 2-6: Sc around.

Body of Bag

Round 1: *Sc in first st, dc in next st; rep from * around to last st, sc in the same stitch as the last dc; do NOT join but work in continuous rounds — 121 sts.
Round 2: *Dc in first st, sc in next st; rep from * around to last st, dc in last st; do not join but work in continuous round.
Round 3: *Sc in first st, dc in next st; rep from * around to last st, sc in last st; do not join but work in continuous round.
Continue repeating rounds 2 and 3 for the full color sequence of the pattern.
Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Watch how Marly buries ends on YouTube.
Wooden Handles by Purrfectly Catchy Designs (aka Chappy)
The best way I can explain how to add the handles is to be a little vague and let you have some freedom to do what you wish. With that said…

  1. Once the body of the bag is complete lay it down flat with RS facing.
  2. Center the wooden purse handles along the top edge of the handbag.
  3. Using removable stitch markers, mark the stitches at the point where there needs to be more fabric made to go through the openings of the handles.
  4. Be sure to mark both sides.
  5. Set the handles aside and continue on making the fabric to go around the handles.

With Color A and RS facing
Row 1: Continue in established pattern (sc on top of dc, dc on top of sc) starting at the marked stitch. Join yarn with a standing sc or standing dc, work towards the other marker on the same side of the bag, letting the last stitch of the row land on the second marked stitch. Turn.
If your first stitch on the next row is a sc, then ch 1; if the first stitch on the next row is a dc, ch 3 and counts as a dc.
Row 2 – ?: Continue in established pattern for however many rows you need to make the fabric long enough to wrap around the handle opening.
Fasten off.
Do the same for both sides of the bag.
Then, wrap the fabric around the purse handle and sew with a whip stitch to the inside of the bag.
Weave in all ends again.
Line the bag if you wish.


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Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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