Purple Crochet Handbag For Stylish Everyday Outfits
Finished Size: Approximately 11 inches (28 cm) tall and 9 inches (23 cm) wide
Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Hook Size: 8 mm
Yarn: bulky yarn
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, button (optional)
Gauge: Approximately 9 sc x 11 rounds = 4 inches with 8 mm hook
The Best Things About This Pattern
There is something quietly satisfying about finishing a project that fits exactly under your arm and still holds everything you need for a long afternoon out. This purple crochet handbag, worked in bulky yarn with an 8 mm hook, comes in at roughly 11 inches (28 cm) tall and 9 inches (23 cm) wide, which makes it roomy enough for a wallet, phone, small notebook, and a pair of sunglasses without ever feeling bulky against your hip. The dense, cushioned fabric you get from a heavy yarn on a larger hook gives the bag a soft structure, so it stands on its own on a café table rather than slumping flat like a tote.
The pattern is written at an Intermediate skill level, so you can expect a few techniques that go beyond the most basic stitches. You will work a firm single crochet base, shape the body with simple increases and decreases, and use the decreases to keep the side seams crisp and free of gaps. A the stitch detail round trims the top edge for a clean, finished line, and the strap is worked in slightly taller stitches to give it the strength a handbag needs. None of the steps require color work or complex stitch patterns, but the rhythm does ask you to keep your tension even and to count your stitches carefully so the sides stay straight.
Because the yarn is bulky, the bag works up faster than you might expect, which is one of the real rewards of this kind of project. You can finish the body in a relaxed weekend and still have time to block it, sew the lining, and attach the strap before the week is out. The deep purple shade reads as rich and grown-up rather than bright, so the bag slips easily into a dinner setting, a museum visit, or a weekend market stroll, and the textured surface hides small signs of daily use.
If you are looking for a project that teaches a handful of useful new techniques while producing something
Quick Notes for Success
This bag is a satisfying weekend project for crocheters who want a finished accessory they can actually carry, not just admire on a shelf. The structure is straightforward enough to keep momentum, but the shaping and finishing steps give intermediate makers room to practice decreases, the stitch detail for the strap join, and clean seaming. It suits anyone who likes a bold, saturated piece in their wardrobe, and it makes a confident gift because the purple shade reads as intentional rather than neutral. If you have made a basic tote before and want to push your finishing skills, this is a comfortable next step.
For the body and strap, choose a worsted weight or aran yarn with good stitch definition, since the pattern relies on even, readable rows of single crochet. Cotton blends hold their shape well under the weight of daily contents, while acrylic gives a softer drape if you prefer a slouchier hand. A single skein in a deep plum or violet will produce the finished size of approximately 11 inches (28 cm) tall and 9 inches (23 cm) wide when worked at the recommended gauge. If you want contrast, work the base and strap in a coordinating charcoal or cream, or split the skein for a two-tone body. Plan on roughly 250 to 300 yards total so you are not caught short during the final rounds.
The most common pitfall is letting the side seams pull tight when joining the panels, which narrows the opening and throws off the strap placement. To avoid this, slip stitch the seams with the panels held flat and a needle sized for your yarn, keeping tension loose enough that the seam lies flush without gathering the fabric. Block the panels before seaming so the edges match cleanly, and pin the strap ends before surface-crocheting them down so the weight sits evenly across the top.
Your Supply List
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | bulky yarn in purple, gold |
| Hook | 8 mm crochet hook |
| Closure | Button, snap, or zipper (optional) |
| Extras | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors |
Gauge: Approximately 9 sc x 11 rounds = 4 inches with 8 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if the case feels loose, go down one hook size.
Abbreviations You'll Need to Know
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms. All rounds are worked in bottom-up unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| ch | Chain |
Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions
body, purple yarn
Rnd 1: Ch 35, join with sl st to form ring, sc in each ch around (34)
Rnd 2: sc around (34)
Rnd 3: sc around (34)
Rnd 4: sc around (34)
Rnd 5: sc around (34)
Rnd 6: sc around (34)
Rnd 7: sc around (34)
Rnd 8: sc around (34)
Rnd 9: sc around (34)
Rnd 10: sc around (34)
Rnd 11: sc around (34)
Rnd 12: sc around (34)
Rnd 13: sc around (34)
Rnd 14: sc around (34)
Rnd 15: sc around (34)
Fasten off. Do not stuff.
handle, purple yarn
Rnd 1: Ch 15, join with sl st to form ring, sc in each ch around (14)
Rnd 2: sc around (14)
Rnd 3: sc around (14)
Rnd 4: sc around (14)
Rnd 5: sc around (14)
Fasten off. Do not stuff.
Switch to gold yarn for the zipper.
zipper, gold yarn
Row 1: Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (10)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
zipper pocket, gold yarn
Row 1: Ch 13, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (12)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
logo, gold yarn
Row 1: Ch 13, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (12)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc across (12)
Switch to purple yarn for the decorative flower.
decorative flower (make 2), purple yarn
Row 1: Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (10)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10)
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing
Final Stitch Counts
- body: 34 stitches at widest point
- handle: 14 stitches at widest point
- zipper: 10 stitches at widest point
- zipper pocket: 12 stitches at widest point
- logo: 12 stitches at widest point
- decorative flower (x 2): 10 stitches at widest point
Putting the Pieces Together
1. Sew decorative flower onto the head as shown in the reference photo, using the long tail for a discreet anchor. Pin first to try positions before committing.
2. Sew body in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
3. Sew handle in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
4. Sew zipper in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
5. Sew zipper pocket in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
6. Sew logo in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
7. Check all seams are secure. Gently tug each attached piece to test. Trim any loose yarn ends with sharp scissors. Weave in all remaining tails with a needle, passing through at least 3 stitches in each direction to prevent unraveling. Slip your phone or item into the case to check the fit, then shape the fabric gently with your hands.
Pro Tips and Care Advice
This intermediate crochet handbag is worked with an 8 mm hook, which gives the piece a soft, drapey fabric that holds its shape well when finished. The tips below focus on the techniques that matter most for a structured bag, from gauge to finishing, so your project comes out evenly sized, neatly seamed, and ready for every day use.
- Check your gauge carefully before starting the body panels, because a looser tension will make the bag stretch and sag under the weight of your belongings. Aim for a slightly firm tension with your 8 mm hook so the stitches stay compact.
- Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round and every increase or decrease point, since losing count on a large circular panel is one of the fastest ways to throw off the shape of the bag.
- Work decreases when shaping the gusset or the base curve, because they keep the seam line flat and prevent the bulky ridge that a standard decrease can leave in thicker yarn.
- Block each finished panel before joining, because blocking relaxes the stitches, evens out the edges, and lets you pin the panels into true rectangles or ovals for a cleaner seam.
- Join the panels with a whip stitch or a the stitch detail slip stitch along the edge, taking care to work through both layers evenly so the seam lies flat and does not pucker.
- When adding color changes for stripes or contrast bands, carry the yarn along the inside of the fabric and weave in the ends as you go, since this keeps the color transitions crisp and avoids a bulky seam.
- Reinforce the strap attachment points with extra stitches or a small leather patch, because straps pull hardest at the join and this is where the bag is most likely to stretch out over time.
- Stuff the bag temporarily with towels or pillow forms while sewing the lining in place, because this helps the lining
Common Questions About This Pattern
What skill level is required for the purple crochet handbag pattern?
The purple crochet handbag pattern is rated Intermediate, so some experience with techniques like decreases and the stitch detail is helpful. You should be comfortable reading stitch patterns and working in the round. If you have finished a few medium-complexity projects before, you should manage this design well.
How long does it take to crochet the purple crochet handbag?
Most crocheters complete the purple crochet handbag in 2-4 hours, depending on their stitch speed and how often they pause. The bulky yarn works up quickly, so the body of the bag usually takes the bulk of that time. Finishing touches like the strap and seaming add a little extra at the end.
What hook and yarn do I need for the purple crochet handbag?
You will need an 8 mm hook and a bulky weight yarn to match the gauge given in the pattern. Bulky yarn gives the purple crochet handbag its structured shape and soft drape. Always swatch first to confirm your tension before starting the main piece.
Can I sell finished purple crochet handbags made from this pattern?
Yes, you are welcome to sell finished purple crochet handbags made from this pattern, including at craft fairs and online shops. Please credit the designer when listing or sharing your work. Mass production or redistributing the written pattern itself is not permitted.
Can I resize the purple crochet handbag?
You can easily adjust the size of the purple crochet handbag by adding or removing rounds in the body before you start the decreases. For a taller bag, work more rounds before the shaping; for a wider bag, increase the foundation chain. Keep in mind that resizing will change your total yardage, so buy extra yarn just in case.More Patterns You Might Like
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