Crochet handbags have become a favorite DIY project for crafters because they’re stylish, sturdy, and fully customizable. The bag in the image is a beautiful two-color handbag featuring a rich textured stitch at the bottom, a decorative stitch pattern at the top, and strong durable handles.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process. Even if you’re new to crochet, you can follow along easily.

✅ Materials You Will Need

Yarn

Color A (Body): Medium-weight yarn (e.g., burgundy)
Color B (Top and Handles): Medium-weight yarn (e.g., silver/gray)

Tools

Crochet hook size appropriate for your yarn (usually 4.0–5.0 mm)
Stitch markers
Yarn needle (for sewing ends)
Scissors
Optional: Bag lining fabric + sewing needle (if you want a lined interior)
Optional: Leather label/tag

🧵 Basic Crochet Stitches Used

Beginners only need to know these stitches:

Chain (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Single Crochet (sc)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Double Crochet (dc)
Cluster Stitch / Puff Stitch (for the textured body)
Shell Stitch (for the decorative light gray band)

Don’t worry if you haven’t used cluster or shell stitches—the steps will be explained.

✨ SECTION 1 — Crocheting the Base of the Bag

The bag begins with an oval-shaped base, which gives the handbag a flat bottom.

Step 1: Create a Foundation Chain

Using Color A, chain 36–40 chains depending on how wide you want the bag.

Step 2: Begin Working Around the Chain

You are going to crochet around the chain to form an oval.

Round 1
- Sc in the second chain from hook.
- Sc across all chains.
- Put 3 sc into the last chain to turn.
- Work back down the other side of the chain.
- Put 2 sc into the final chain to complete the oval.
- Join with a slip stitch.

This creates a long oval shape.

Step 3: Build Up the Base

Repeat rounds adding increases only at the curved ends.

Round 2–4
- Sc around the oval.
- Increase by making 2 sc in each corner stitch at both ends.

This widens and flattens the base.
Stop when the base is the size you want—typically 28–32 cm long.

✨ SECTION 2 — Crocheting the Textured Body (Burgundy)

The signature look of the bag comes from its textured cluster (or puff) stitch.

Step 4: Start the Sides of the Bag

Work 1 round of sc all the way around the base edge.
This helps the sides transition upward.

Step 5: Begin the Textured Stitch Pattern

Repeat the following rows for about 15–20 rows.

Cluster Stitch Pattern (Simple Version)

Chain 2, yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull up a loop
- Repeat this 3 times
Yarn over and pull through all loops
Chain 1 to secure
Skip next stitch
Make next cluster in next stitch

Go all around. Join with sl st.

This creates the bubble/pebble texture seen in the burgundy part.

Step 6: Continue Until Desired Height

Continue the cluster stitch until the burgundy section measures about 20–22 cm tall or your desired height.

Tie off Color A.

✨ SECTION 3 — Crocheting the Decorative Top Band (Silver/Gray)

Now switch to Color B.

Step 7: Basic Single Crochet Round

Make one round of sc to clean up the top of the textured section.

Step 8: Create the Decorative Shell Stitch Section

This stitch adds elegance and a nice transition to the handles.

Shell Stitch:

5 dc in one stitch
Skip 2 stitches
1 sc in next stitch
Skip 2 stitches
Repeat shell

Work 3–5 rounds of these shells.

Step 9: Add Straight Rows for Strength

Add 3–4 rows of hdc or sc after the shell section.
These straight rows help stabilize the handle area.

✨ SECTION 4 — Creating the Handles

The bag in the image has sturdy crocheted handles, made separately then attached.

Step 10: Making the Handles

Make 2 handles, each about 35–45 cm long.

Basic Handle Pattern

Chain 70–80
Row 1: Sc in each stitch
Row 2–5: Sc across
Tie off and make one more

This creates a strong, thick strap.

You can make the handles thicker by adding more rows if you want.

Step 11: Attach Handles to the Bag

Position each end about 8–10 cm from the bag’s side edges
Sew securely using a yarn needle
Reinforce the stitching multiple times for durability

Optional: Add metal rings or holder loops if you want a more professional look.

✨ SECTION 5 — Finishing Touches

Step 12: Weave in All Yarn Ends

Using a yarn needle, weave in all leftover yarn ends inside the bag.

Step 13: Optional — Add Lining

A fabric lining will:

Prevent stretching
Strengthen the bag
Stop small items from falling out

You can hand-sew or machine-sew a simple rectangle fabric inside.

Step 14: Add Tag or Label

Sew the leather tag on the lower right corner of the bag.

This adds a handmade, professional finish.

👜 Your Handmade Crochet Bag Is Complete!

You now have a beautifully crafted, stylish two-tone crochet handbag with a textured body and elegant patterned top. This project teaches you:

How to work an oval base
How to crochet textured stitches
How to shape and strengthen a handbag
How to make and attach handles
How to create clean finishing touches

Even if you’re a beginner, this structured guide helps you create a bag that looks advanced and professional.