Crafting a beautiful, multi-color crochet handbag is a rewarding project that allows you to express your creativity through vibrant color combinations and unique textures. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step to create a sturdy and stylish handbag with an oval base, striking horizontal stripes, and comfortable, securely attached handles.
.jpg)
Crochet Handbag Tutorial: Multicolor Design
Project Overview: This pattern creates a medium-sized, structured handbag, starting with a durable oval base. The bag body is built up using dense half double crochet stitches, featuring bold horizontal stripes in multiple colors. The project is completed with two sturdy, crocheted handles sewn securely to the bag.
Skill Level: Intermediate (Requires a comfortable understanding of basic crochet stitches, working in the round, increasing, managing color changes neatly, and basic assembly techniques).
Finished Bag Dimensions (Approximate):
- Base: 12 inches (30 cm) long x 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide
- Bag Height: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
- Handle Length (each): Approximately 18-20 inches (45-50 cm)
Materials You'll Need:
- Yarn:
- Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Sturdy Acrylic Yarn: Approximately 500-600 yards (457-550 meters) total.
- Color A (Main/Base): Approx. 200-250 yards (e.g., Cream, Black, Dark Grey).
- Color B (Stripe 1): Approx. 100-120 yards (e.g., Mustard Yellow, Teal).
- Color C (Stripe 2): Approx. 100-120 yards (e.g., Berry Pink, Olive Green).
- Color D (Stripe 3/Optional): Approx. 50-80 yards (e.g., Dusty Blue, Rust Orange).
- Why these yarns? Cotton is excellent for bags due to its durability, good stitch definition, and minimal stretch. Sturdy acrylic yarns are also a great, affordable alternative, offering a wide range of colors. Avoid very soft, fuzzy, or overly stretchy yarns if you want your bag to hold its shape well.
- Crochet Hook:
- Size H/5.0mm (or the hook size that helps you achieve the recommended gauge, ensuring a dense and sturdy fabric suitable for a bag).
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in all loose yarn ends and for securely sewing the handles to the bag.
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker (Highly Recommended): To mark the beginning of each round, especially important when working in continuous spirals.
- Optional:
- Fabric for lining (about 1/2 to 1 yard, depending on bag size).
- Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle and matching thread (if adding a lining).
- Magnetic snap closure, button, or zipper for the bag opening.
- Purse feet (small metal studs for the bottom).
- D-rings or O-rings if you prefer removable or different style handles.
Gauge (Crucial for Consistent Bag Size!):
Achieving the correct gauge is very important for the final size and structure of your handbag.
With Color A and your H/5.0mm hook, working in half double crochet (hdc):
- 14 hdc = 4 inches (10 cm) wide
- 11 hdc rows = 4 inches (10 cm) high
Your fabric should feel firm and dense. If your swatch is larger than the specified measurements, try going down a hook size. If it's smaller, try going up a hook size.
Abbreviations Used:
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- st(s):: stitch(es)
- inc: increase (work 2 stitches into the same stitch)
- BLO: back loop only
- FO: fasten off
Understanding Bag Construction & Multicolor Stripes:
- Bag Base: We'll start by crocheting a flat, oval shape. This forms the strong foundation for the bottom of your handbag.
- Bag Body: The sides of the bag are then built upwards from this base. We'll primarily use the half double crochet stitch, which creates a solid, durable fabric.
- Multicolor Stripes: To achieve the vibrant multicolor design, you'll change yarn colors at the end of specific rounds.
- Handles: We'll crochet two separate, sturdy handle pieces that will then be securely sewn to the top edges of the bag.
How to make neat Color Changes for Stripes:
- When you are working the very last stitch of the round with the current color, stop when you have 2 loops left on your hook.
- Drop the current color.
- Pick up the new color, yarn over with the new color, and pull it through the remaining 2 loops on your hook to complete the stitch.
- Continue working the next round with the new color.
- After completing the color change, you can cut the old color yarn, leaving a tail of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) to weave in securely. Avoid carrying unused yarns up the side of the bag, as they can show through the stitches and make the edges bulky.
Let's Start Crocheting Your Multicolor Handbag!
.jpg)
Part 1: The Bag Base (Color A)
We'll begin by creating the oval base of your handbag. For this section, we'll work in continuous rounds (meaning you won't join with a slip stitch at the end of each round). Remember to use your stitch marker to indicate the first stitch of every round.
-
With Color A and your H/5.0mm hook, ch 41. (This chain length determines the primary length of your bag. You can adjust it to make your bag longer or shorter, but be mindful that it will affect the total stitch count in subsequent rounds.)
-
Round 1: Work 2 hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook. (This counts as your first increase at one end of the oval). Work 1 hdc in each of the next 38 chains. Now, work 4 hdc in the very last chain. (This creates the smooth curve for the other end of your oval). Next, working down the opposite side of your foundation chain, work 1 hdc in each of the next 38 chains. Finally, work 2 hdc in the very last chain. (This is the same chain where you worked your initial 2 hdc, completing the oval). (You should now have a total of 84 hdc).
- Place your stitch marker in the very first hdc of this round.
-
Round 2: Work 2 hdc in the first stitch. Work 1 hdc in the next stitch. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 38 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in the next stitch. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in the next stitch. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 38 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in the next stitch. (Total: 92 hdc).
-
Round 3: Work 2 hdc in the first stitch. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 40 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 40 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches. (Total: 100 hdc).
- At this point, your base should be a sturdy oval, roughly 12 inches (30 cm) long and 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide. It might curl slightly upwards, which is normal as it will form the bottom of your bag.
Part 2: The Bag Body (Multicolor Stripes)
Now that the base is complete, we'll build the sides of the bag straight upwards. The first round in this section creates a sharp, defined edge where the bottom of the bag meets the sides.
-
Round 4 (Creating the base edge): Work 1 sc in the BLO (back loop only) of each stitch around. (Total: 100 sc).
- Working into the back loop only creates a distinct horizontal ridge around the base, making the bag's bottom stand out and encouraging the sides to stand up straight. Remove your stitch marker from the previous round and place it in the first sc of this current round.
-
Round 5 (Start Body - Color A): Work 1 hdc in each stitch around. (Total: 100 hdc).
- Remove your stitch marker and place it in the first hdc of this round.
- On the very last hdc of this round, remember to change to Color B on the last pull-through for a neat color transition.
-
Rounds 6-7 (Color B): Work 1 hdc in each stitch around. (Total: 100 hdc per round).
- On the very last hdc of Round 7, change to Color C.
-
Rounds 8-9 (Color C): Work 1 hdc in each stitch around. (Total: 100 hdc per round).
- On the very last hdc of Round 9, change to Color D (if using).
-
Rounds 10-11 (Color D - Optional): Work 1 hdc in each stitch around. (Total: 100 hdc per round).
- On the very last hdc of Round 11, change to Color A.
-
Rounds 12-13 (Color A): Work 1 hdc in each stitch around. (Total: 100 hdc per round).
- On the very last hdc of Round 13, change to Color B.
-
Repeat Rounds 6-13 (continuing the stripe sequence of 2 rounds each of B, C, D (optional), A) until the bag body reaches your desired height (e.g., 10-11 inches / 25-28 cm tall from the base edge).
- Aim to end on a Color A round (or the color you prefer for the top edge of your bag).
- On the very last hdc of the final body round, sl st (slip stitch) to the first hdc of the round to join cleanly. This creates a neat, even top edge for your bag.
- FO (Fasten Off), leaving a tail for weaving in.
Part 3: The Handles (Main Color / Color A - Make 2)
We'll crochet two separate, sturdy handles that will be sewn onto the bag. Using the main color (Color A) for the handles provides a cohesive look.
-
With Color A and your H/5.0mm hook, ch 61. (This chain length will result in a handle approximately 18-20 inches (45-50 cm) long when completed. Adjust this length for shorter or longer handles as desired.)
-
Row 1: Work 1 sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (Total: 60 sc).
- Ch 1, turn.
-
Row 2: Work 1 sc in each sc across. (Total: 60 sc).
- Ch 1, turn.
-
Repeat Row 2 for 2-4 more rows (for a total of 4-6 rows of single crochet), depending on how wide and sturdy you want your handles to be. A wider strap is generally more comfortable for a handbag.
-
FO (Fasten Off), leaving a very long tail (approximately 20-30 inches / 50-75 cm) on both ends of the handle for securely sewing it to the bag.
-
Repeat steps 1-5 to create the second handle.
.jpg)
Part 4: Finishing & Assembly
-
Weave in All Bag Body Ends: This is a critical step for a clean, professional, and durable finish, especially with multiple color changes. Use your yarn needle to thoroughly weave in all loose yarn tails from the bag body. Ensure they are secured well on the inside of the bag to prevent them from unraveling or showing through the stitches.
-
Attach the Handles:
- Lay your bag flat and identify the two longer sides.
- On one long side, place stitch markers to denote where your handles will be attached. For example, measure 2 inches (5 cm) in from each side seam at the top edge of the bag. The handles will be attached between these markers.
- Position one end of a crocheted handle onto the marked area on the inside top edge of the bag.
- Using one of the long tails you left on the handle and your yarn needle, securely sew the handle end to the bag using strong, neat stitches (like whip stitches or mattress stitches). Go through both layers of the handle and through the dense top edge of the bag. Reinforce the attachment by sewing back and forth multiple times to ensure durability.
- Repeat this process for the other end of the same handle, attaching it to the opposite side of the bag, making sure the handle is not twisted.
- Repeat the entire process for the second handle on the remaining long side of the bag.
-
Optional: Add a Fabric Lining (Highly Recommended for Durability & Functionality):
- A fabric lining will protect your crocheted stitches from stretching or catching on items, prevent small items from slipping through any tiny gaps in the crochet work, and give your bag a more polished, professional finish.
- Measure: Measure the exact circumference of your crocheted bag at the top and the height of the crocheted bag body.
- Cut Fabric: Cut a piece of sturdy fabric (like cotton broadcloth, quilting cotton, or linen) that is 1 inch (2.5 cm) wider than the bag's circumference and 2 inches (5 cm) taller than the bag's height.
- Sew Lining: Fold the fabric in half (right sides together) and sew up the side seam and the bottom seam. If desired, create boxed corners on the bottom of the lining to match the bag's oval base (you can find tutorials for "boxed corners" online). Hem the top edge of the lining by folding it over twice (e.g., 1/2 inch then another 1/2 inch) and pressing or sewing it down.
- Insert & Attach: Carefully place the finished fabric lining inside your crocheted bag, ensuring it fits snugly. Hand-stitch the top hem of the lining to the inside top edge of your crocheted bag using small, neat stitches that don't show through to the outside.
-
Optional: Add a Closure:
- You can sew a magnetic snap closure (easily found at craft stores) to the top center of the bag (on the inside of the lining or directly to the crochet fabric).
- Alternatively, sew a decorative button onto the front center of the bag and create a simple crochet loop (using a chain and slip stitch) on the back for a button closure.
Tips for Success & Customization:
- Yarn Choice is Key: For a handbag that holds its shape and withstands daily use, choose a yarn that is durable and has minimal stretch. Cotton, mercerized cotton, or a sturdy acrylic are excellent choices.
- Consistent Tension: Maintaining even tension throughout your crocheting is crucial. This will ensure your stitches are uniform, your fabric is smooth, and your bag holds its shape well.
- Neat Color Changes: Take extra care when changing colors to ensure the transitions are crisp and clean, without visible bumps or gaps. Weave in ends as you go, or immediately after completing each stripe, to keep things tidy.
- Strap Reinforcement: For a handbag that might carry heavier items, you can sew a piece of sturdy webbing, a thin cord, or even a piece of firm fabric interfacing inside your crocheted strap for extra strength before sewing it to the bag.
- Sizing Up/Down:
- Base: Adjust your starting chain for the initial length. You can also add or remove increase rounds to change the base width, always maintaining the oval increase pattern.
- Body Height: Simply add or remove rounds in Part 2 until you reach your desired height.
- Handle Width: Adjust the number of single crochet rows in Part 3 to make your handles wider or narrower.
- Stripe Variations:
- Experiment with different stripe widths: change colors every 1 round for thinner stripes, or every 3-4 rounds for broader bands.
- Use more (or fewer) colors to create your unique palette.
- Try different color sequences for varied effects.
- Other Stitch Patterns: Once you're comfortable with this pattern, you could explore other dense stitches like single crochet (sc), moss stitch (sc, ch 1), or even a textured stitch like the seed stitch (alternating sc and dc). Always ensure the fabric remains firm for a handbag.
Enjoy creating and showcasing your beautiful, handmade, multicolor crochet handbag!
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment