by Let’s create a stunning blue crochet handbag! Crocheting your own bag is incredibly rewarding. It allows you to customize the size, shape, and style to perfectly match your preferences. This detailed guide will walk you through making a beautiful and functional bag using a sturdy stitch pattern, a comfortable handle, and a neat finish, all in your favorite shade of blue.
How to Make a Beautiful Crochet Handbag in Blue
This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through crafting a stylish and durable handbag. We’ll focus on a classic, versatile design that’s perfect for everyday use or as a chic accessory for special occasions. The use of a dense stitch pattern will ensure your bag holds its shape well and is robust enough for your essentials.
Skill Level: Intermediate
This project is suitable if you’re comfortable with:
- Chain (ch): The basic foundation.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds and neatening.
- Single Crochet (sc): A dense stitch, great for sturdy bag fabric.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): A versatile stitch for height.
- Working in rounds: Crocheting in a continuous or joined circular/oval manner.
- Working into specific stitches or chain spaces.
- Creating a strong, even tension.
- Weaving in ends securely.
Finished Bag Dimensions (Approximate):
This pattern creates a medium-sized handbag, typically around 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) wide and 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) tall (excluding the handle). You can easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain and the number of rounds.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 400-600 yards (365-550 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn in your chosen shade of blue.
- Why Cotton? Cotton yarn is highly recommended for bags because it’s exceptionally durable, has minimal stretch (which helps the bag maintain its shape and prevents sagging), and offers excellent stitch definition. It also washes well, which is a bonus for an everyday item.
- Color Choice: Dive into the world of blues! Consider a deep navy for sophistication, a vibrant royal blue for a pop of color, a calming sky blue for a casual look, or a variegated blue for a unique texture.
- Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This size creates a nice, dense fabric with worsted weight yarn, which is crucial for the structure and longevity of a bag.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for seamlessly weaving in all your loose yarn tails at the end of the project.
- Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
- Stitch Marker (Optional but Highly Recommended): Very helpful for marking the beginning of your rounds, especially when working in a spiral, to avoid losing your place.
- Fabric Lining (Optional but Recommended): About 0.5-1 yard (0.5-1 meter) of coordinating fabric, needle, and thread/sewing machine for a more professional finish and added durability.
- Magnetic Snap Closure or Zipper (Optional): For securing the bag’s opening.
- Bag Feet (Optional): Small metal feet for the bottom of the bag to protect it.
Understanding the Handbag Construction:
We’ll build this handbag in a seamless manner for a clean look and added durability. The process involves four main stages:
- Creating a Sturdy Oval Base: This foundation gives your bag stability and shape.
- Building the Body: Working upwards in rounds using a dense stitch pattern to form the main pouch.
- Adding the Top Border: Finishing the bag’s opening with a neat and firm edge.
- Crafting and Attaching the Handle(s): Creating a comfortable and secure way to carry your bag.
Let’s Crochet Your Beautiful Blue Handbag!
Part 1: Crocheting the Sturdy Oval Base
A solid, flat base is key for your handbag to sit nicely and hold its contents without sagging. We’ll use single crochet (sc) for a very dense and durable foundation.
- Starting Chain:
- Make a slip knot with your blue yarn and place it on your hook.
- Chain (ch) 31. (This chain forms the initial length of your bag’s base. If you want a wider or narrower bag, adjust this number. For an even stitch count in later rounds, keep this an odd number if you prefer a symmetrical design.)
- Round 1:
- Work 2 single crochet (sc) stitches into the 2nd chain from your hook.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 28 chains across.
- Work 3 sc into the very last chain. (This creates the first smooth, curved end of your oval, allowing you to turn your work around the corner.)
- Now, working down the opposite side of the foundation chain (into the bottom loops of the chains you just worked into): Work 1 sc into each of the next 28 chains across.
- Work 1 sc into the very first chain (the same chain where you placed the initial 2 sc).
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
- [Total: 62 sc] (This completes your first oval base round.)
- Round 2:
- Chain 1 (this chain does NOT count as a stitch, it just gives height).
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch (your first increase on the curve).
- Work 1 sc into the next 29 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches (increases evenly spaced around the curved end).
- Work 1 sc into the next 29 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the last 2 stitches (increases around the final curve).
- Sl st into the first sc to join.
- [Total: 68 sc]
- Round 3:
- Chain 1.
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch.
- Work 1 sc into the next 30 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into the next 30 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the last 2 stitches.
- Sl st into the first sc to join.
- [Total: 74 sc]
- Important Base Check: At this point, your base should be a flat oval that lies nicely without curling up or ruffling excessively. If it curls, you might need one more round of increases following a similar pattern. If it ruffles, you’ve likely increased too much in one spot. Adjust accordingly.
- Do not fasten off your yarn yet.
Part 2: Building the Bag Body
Now we’ll transition from the flat base to build the upright sides of your beautiful blue handbag. We’ll continue using single crochet or a variation for a sturdy, durable body.
- Transition to Body (Establishing Verticality):
- Chain 1 (does NOT count as a stitch).
- Work 1 single crochet in the Back Loop Only (BLO) of each stitch around. (This is a key step! By working only into the back loop, you create a sharp, defined ridge where the base seamlessly transitions into the bag’s upright sides. It helps the bag stand up nicely and creates a clear line between the base and body.)
- Sl st into the first sc to join.
- [Total: 74 sc] (Your stitch count remains exactly the same as your final base round).
- Body Rounds (Continuous Single Crochet):
- Chain 1.
- Work 1 single crochet (sc) into each stitch around (now working through both loops as you normally would for sc).
- Sl st into the first sc to join.
- Repeat this round (Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to join) for approximately 18-25 more rounds, or until your bag reaches the desired height (e.g., 8-10 inches / 20-25 cm).
- Maintain consistent tension: This is crucial for a smooth, even bag fabric that holds its shape.
- Do not fasten off your yarn yet.
Part 3: Adding the Top Border
A neat and firm border is essential for the bag’s opening. This will prevent stretching and provide a strong edge for attaching a handle or closure.
- Border Round 1 (Single Crochet):
- Chain 1.
- Work 1 sc into each stitch around.
- Sl st into the first sc to join.
- Repeat this round for 2-3 more times. This creates a very tight, dense, and firm top border for your bag. This firmness is crucial to preventing the top of your bag from stretching out over time and provides a solid base for securely attaching your handles.
- Border Round 2 (Optional – Crab Stitch/Reverse Single Crochet for extra firmness):
- If you want an even firmer, cord-like edge (excellent for bags), consider adding a round of Crab Stitch (Reverse Single Crochet).
- Chain 1.
- Instead of working to the left (forward), you will work to the right (backward).
- Insert your hook into the stitch to your right. Yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through both loops on your hook. (This is a single crochet worked in reverse.)
- Repeat this around each stitch until you reach the beginning.
- Sl st into the first crab stitch to join.
- Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail for weaving in.
Part 4: Crafting and Attaching the Handle(s)
There are several options for bag handles, ranging from simple crocheted straps to more elaborate designs. Here’s a sturdy, comfortable crocheted handle:
- Crocheted Handle (Make 2 identical straps, or one long one for a shoulder bag):
- With your blue yarn, chain (ch) 65 (for a short shoulder strap or handheld bag. For a longer cross-body strap, chain 120-150 or more, adjusting to your desired length).
- Row 1: Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from your hook. Work 1 sc into each remaining chain across. [Total: 64 sc]
- Chain 1, turn.
- Row 2: Work 1 sc into each sc across the row. [Total: 64 sc]
- Repeat Row 2 for 2-3 more rows until your handle reaches the desired width (e.g., 4-5 rows total for a sturdy handle).
- Fasten off, leaving a very long tail (at least 12-18 inches / 30-45 cm) at each end of the strap for sewing.
- Make a second identical strap if you want two handles, or leave it as one long strap for a single shoulder/cross-body bag.
- Attaching the Handle(s) to the Bag:
- Placement: Lay your bag flat. Determine where you want your handles to be. Typically, for a two-handle bag, they are attached to the front and back of the bag, roughly centered over the side curves. For a single strap, it attaches to the opposite sides of the bag’s opening.
- Securing: Thread one of the long tails from your handle onto your yarn needle.
- Position one end of your handle onto the inside of the bag’s top border. Pass your needle through the handle end and then through the stitches of the bag’s border repeatedly. Stitch firmly back and forth, creating a strong, secure attachment. Stitch over the same area multiple times to ensure durability.
- Repeat with the other end of the handle, and then with the second handle if you’re making two.
- Weave in any remaining handle tails very securely into the inside of the bag’s top border.
Part 5: Finishing Touches and Optional Additions
These final steps make your handbag look polished and professional.
- Weave in ALL Remaining Ends:
- This is crucial for a clean, neat, and durable bag. Use your yarn needle to meticulously weave in all loose tails (from your starting chain, where you joined new skeins if applicable, and all handle attachments).
- How to Weave Neatly: Weave the tails into the stitches of the same color as the tail. Weave in one direction for about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm), then subtly change direction and weave back through some of the same stitches. This “locks” the tail in place and prevents it from unraveling. Be patient and thorough; well-woven ends are practically invisible and ensure your bag’s longevity.
- Blocking (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- Blocking can significantly improve the shape, drape, and overall finish of your crocheted bag. It helps to even out stitches and makes the bag sit more squarely.
- Method (Wet Blocking – Ideal for Cotton/Acrylic):
- Gently stuff your bag with clean towels or crumpled paper to fill it to its desired shape. Avoid overstuffing.
- Using a spray bottle, lightly mist the entire bag evenly with water until it’s damp but not soaking wet.
- Gently shape the bag with your hands while it’s damp, ensuring the base is flat, the sides are even, and the handles are positioned correctly.
- Allow the bag to air dry completely and thoroughly in a well-ventilated area before removing the stuffing. This can take 24-48 hours, or even longer depending on humidity. Ensure it’s bone dry to prevent mildew.
- Add a Fabric Lining (Optional for Professional Finish):
- A fabric lining provides a smooth interior, hides all your yarn tails, prevents small items from slipping through stitches, and adds durability.
- Measure the inside dimensions of your finished bag (length, width, and height).
- Cut fabric pieces to create a pouch that matches these dimensions, adding a seam allowance (e.g., 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm) on all sides. You’ll typically need two main body pieces and one bottom piece.
- Sew the fabric pieces together on a sewing machine or by hand to create an inner lining bag.
- Insert the fabric lining into your crocheted bag.
- Fold over the top raw edge of the fabric lining and hand-stitch it neatly to the inside top border of your crocheted bag using a needle and matching thread.
- Add a Closure (Optional):
- Magnetic Snap: Sew a magnetic snap closure to the inside top edges of the bag, one half on each side, centered.
- Zipper: For a more advanced option, you can sew a zipper into the top of the fabric lining.
- Add Bag Feet (Optional):
- If desired, attach small metal bag feet to the bottom of the bag, usually at the four corners of the oval base, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Congratulations! You’ve now completed a truly beautiful and functional blue crochet handbag! This handmade creation is not just a bag; it’s a statement of your skill and creativity. Enjoy carrying your unique piece wherever you go!
