A Complete Step-by-Step Detailed Guide

Crocheting your own handbag is one of the most satisfying and practical projects you can make as a beginner. A crochet bag is stylish, customizable, eco-friendly, and surprisingly easy to create. Even if you only know basic stitches, you can complete a beautiful handmade handbag with confidence.

In this detailed beginner-friendly tutorial, you will learn:

Materials needed
Basic stitches required
Step-by-step handbag instructions
How to shape and assemble
How to add sturdy handles
Optional lining tips
Design variations
Common mistakes and fixes

Let’s begin your crochet handbag journey! 🧶✨

Why Crochet a Handbag?

A crochet handbag is perfect for beginners because:

It uses simple stitches
It doesn’t require complex shaping
It works up quickly
You can customize size and color
It makes a beautiful handmade gift
It can even become a small business product

Plus, handmade bags are trendy and unique — no one else will have the exact same one!

Materials You Will Need

🧶 Yarn

For handbags, choose strong yarn:

Medium weight (Worsted / Category 4)
Cotton yarn (recommended for durability)
250–400 grams depending on size

Why cotton?

Holds shape well
Less stretchy
Durable for daily use

🪡 Crochet Hook

4.5mm – 5.5mm (check yarn label)

Using a slightly smaller hook makes stitches tighter and stronger.

✂️ Other Supplies

Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch markers (optional)
Magnetic button or zipper (optional)
Fabric for lining (optional)

Basic Stitches You Need to Know

This beginner crochet handbag uses simple stitches:

Chain (ch)
Slip stitch (sl st)
Single crochet (sc)
Half double crochet (hdc)
Double crochet (dc)

If you know single crochet and double crochet, you can make this bag.

Choose Your Handbag Style

For beginners, we’ll make a simple rectangular handbag with:

Flat base
Straight sides
Two sturdy handles
Optional top border

Finished size example:

Width: 12 inches
Height: 10 inches
Depth: 3 inches

You can adjust measurements easily.

Step-by-Step: Crochet Handbag for Beginners

STEP 1: Create the Base

The base determines the width of your bag.

Make a slip knot.
Chain 31 stitches (or desired width).
Add 1 extra chain for turning.

Row 1:

Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook.
Single crochet across.
Chain 1 and turn.

Rows 2–10:

Single crochet across.
Chain 1 and turn.

Continue until the base measures about 3 inches (this forms bag depth).

Fasten off.

STEP 2: Build the Bag Body

Attach yarn at one corner of the base.

Round 1:

Single crochet evenly around the entire base.
Work 2 sc in each corner.
Slip stitch to join.

Now the sides begin to form.

STEP 3: Work Upward

Rounds 2–Desired Height:

Single crochet in each stitch around.
No increases.
Slip stitch to join each round.

Continue until height reaches about 10 inches.

Your handbag body is now complete.

Optional: Add Texture (Makes It Look Stylish)

Instead of plain single crochet, try:

Alternate rounds:

Round A: Single crochet
Round B: Half double crochet

Or:

Use back loop only single crochet for ribbed effect.

This gives your handbag a boutique-style finish.

STEP 4: Shape the Top Opening

To create a smooth opening:

Work 1 round of single crochet evenly around.

Then work 1 round of slip stitch for reinforcement.

Fasten off.

STEP 5: Make Strong Handles

Handles are important for durability.

Option 1: Simple Chain Strap

Attach yarn at one side.
Chain 60–80 stitches.
Attach to opposite side with slip stitch.
Turn and single crochet across chain.
Fasten off.

Repeat for second handle.

Option 2: Thick Reinforced Strap (Recommended)

Chain desired strap length.
Work 4–6 rows of single crochet.
Sew securely to bag using yarn needle.
Stitch multiple times for strength.

This makes your bag stronger and more professional.

Optional: Add a Lining

Lining prevents stretching and adds structure.

Simple lining steps:

Cut fabric matching bag size.
Sew sides and bottom.
Insert inside bag.
Hand stitch around top edge.

This instantly upgrades your handbag.

Optional: Add Closure

You can add:

Magnetic button
Zipper
Wooden button + loop
Drawstring

Magnetic buttons are easiest for beginners.

How to Make It Look Professional

✔ Keep tension consistent
✔ Count stitches in each round
✔ Reinforce handles well
✔ Weave in ends neatly
✔ Block lightly if needed
✔ Use cotton yarn

Small finishing details make a big difference.

Color Ideas for Crochet Handbags

🎨 Single neutral color for minimalist look
🌸 Two-tone body + handles
🖤 Black with gold button
🌿 Earth-tone combination
🌈 Striped pattern
🤍 White summer beach bag

Choose colors that match your wardrobe.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Bag Too Stretchy

Use cotton yarn and tighter tension.

Uneven Sides

Make sure no increases after first round.

Weak Handles

Reinforce with extra rows and sewing.

Curved Base

Count stitches carefully in foundation row.

How Long Does It Take?

Beginner: 5–7 hours
Experienced crocheter: 3–4 hours

It’s a perfect weekend project.

What Can You Use This Bag For?

This beginner crochet handbag is perfect for:

Everyday use
Market shopping
Beach trips
Casual outings
Handmade gifts
Selling online

Once you master the basic design, you can experiment with new shapes and textures.

Easy Variations to Try Later

After mastering this beginner bag, you can try:

Round crochet bag
Granny square handbag
Drawstring purse
Crossbody bag
Chunky yarn handbag
Crochet clutch

Each variation builds your confidence and skills.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to crochet a bag or crochet handbag for beginners is a rewarding and practical skill. With just basic stitches and simple shaping, you can create something stylish, durable, and completely handmade.

Start simple.
Focus on neat stitches.
Choose strong yarn.
Reinforce your handles.

Before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful crochet handbag that you can proudly carry — and maybe even sell!

If you’d like, I can also provide:

A printable PDF pattern
A small purse version
A video tutorial script
A step-by-step photo layout
A crochet handbag business guide

Happy crocheting! 🧶✨