Meet Marina Rossi, a 35-year-old textile designer from the beautiful coastal town of Cinque Terre, Italy. Every morning, Marina would walk along the azure coastline with her handmade crochet creations, drawing inspiration from the endless blue sky that seemed to merge with the Mediterranean Sea.
One particularly serene morning, as the gentle waves lapped against the shore and seagulls danced overhead, Marina felt compelled to create something that would capture the essence of those perfect summer days. She envisioned a beach bag that would embody the tranquil beauty of the sky meeting the sea - a piece that would make every beach day feel like a dream.
Working with her favorite sky-blue yarn, Marina spent weeks perfecting the pattern for what would become her signature "Blue Sky Dreams" beach bag. The intricate marine-inspired details remind her of the delicate shells and coral formations she discovered during her childhood explorations along the Italian coast. Each stitch was crafted with love, carrying the warmth of Mediterranean summers and the peaceful rhythm of ocean waves.
Today, Marina shares this beloved pattern with fellow crafters around the world, hoping that every person who creates their own Blue Sky Dreams bag will feel that same sense of coastal serenity and endless possibility that inspired its creation. Whether you're heading to a sandy beach or simply dreaming of your next seaside adventure, this bag will be your perfect companion for capturing those precious summer moments.
Complete Pattern
BASE (Bottom of bag)
Using Sky Blue yarn:
Rnd 1: Ch 32, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 29 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of foundation chain, sc in next 29 ch, 2 sc in last ch. Join with sl st to first sc. (64 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 29 sts, 2 sc in each of next 3 sts, sc in next 29 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts. Join with sl st to first sc. (70 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st*, rep from * to * once, sc in next 28 sts, *2 sc in next st, sc in next st*, rep from * to * twice, sc in next 28 sts, *2 sc in next st, sc in next st*, rep from * to * once. Join with sl st to first sc. (76 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (76 sc)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, working in back loops only, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (76 sc)
SIDES (Main body of bag)
Continue with Sky Blue yarn:
Rnd 6-20: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (76 sc)
Rnd 21: Ch 1, *sc in next 36 sts, dec*, rep from * to * once, sc in next 2 sts. Join with sl st to first sc. (74 sc)
Rnd 22-25: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (74 sc)
Change to Cream White yarn:
Rnd 26-27: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (74 sc)
Change to Sky Blue yarn:
Rnd 28-30: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (74 sc)
TOP BORDER
Using Navy Blue yarn:
Rnd 31: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts*, rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc.
Rnd 32: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in ch-2 space*, rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc. (74 sc)
Rnd 33: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (74 sc)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
HANDLES (Make 2)
Using Sky Blue yarn:
Ch 8.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (7 sc)
Rep Row 2 for 40 more rows.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Note: These fabric handles will be sewn around the wooden handles for a comfortable grip.
MARINE DECORATIVE ELEMENTS
SMALL SHELLS (Make 6):
Using Cream White yarn:
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st*, rep from * to * around. (9 sc)
Rnd 3: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st*, rep from * to * around. (12 sc)
Rnd 4: Working in back loops only, *sc in next st, dec*, rep from * to * around. (8 sc)
Rnd 5: Dec around until opening closes. (4 sc)
Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.
WAVE TRIM (Make 2 strips):
Using Cream White yarn:
Ch 25.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, *ch 2, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch*, rep from * to * across.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn, *2 dc in ch-2 space, ch 1*, rep from * to * across, dc in last st.
Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.
Assembly Instructions
1
Prepare the wooden handles: Wrap each crocheted handle strip around a wooden handle, overlapping the ends by 1 inch. Stitch securely in place using matching thread, ensuring the fabric is taut and smooth around the wood.
2
Attach handles to bag: Position the handles 8 stitches in from each side seam on both the front and back of the bag. The handles should be centered and symmetrical. Stitch securely through the top border using strong thread, reinforcing with multiple passes.
3
Add wave trim: Sew one wave trim strip along the cream white band on the front of the bag, and the other on the back. The waves should flow naturally and be evenly spaced across the width of the bag.
4
Attach shell decorations: Sew 3 small shells along each wave trim, spacing them evenly. If using shell buttons, attach them to the center of each crocheted shell for added dimension and beach-themed appeal.
5
Final touches: Weave in all remaining ends securely. Gently steam the bag to help it maintain its shape. Check all connections and reinforce any areas that may experience extra stress during use.
6
Quality check: Ensure the bag stands properly, handles are securely attached, and all decorative elements are firmly in place. Your Blue Sky Dreams beach bag is now ready to accompany you on countless seaside adventures!
