Let's make an adorable and super easy crochet mini purse bag! This project is perfect for beginners, as it primarily uses basic stitches and is worked in simple rows to create a quick and satisfying little bag.
How to Make a Super Easy Crochet Mini Purse Bag
This detailed guide will walk you through creating a charming and practical mini purse. We'll use a basic stitch for a dense fabric and keep the construction straightforward for a quick and fun project.
Skill Level: Beginner
This project is perfectly suited for you if you're comfortable with (or ready to learn!):
Holding your hook and yarn: The fundamental grip.
Making a slip knot: The starting point for most crochet projects.
Chain (ch): The most basic stitch, forming your foundation.
Single Crochet (sc): A short, dense stitch, excellent for sturdy bags.
Working in rows: Crocheting back and forth across your work.
Fastening off: Securing your work.
Weaving in ends: The essential finishing touch.
Basic seaming (optional but recommended): Joining two edges with a yarn needle or slip stitches.
Finished Mini Purse Dimensions (Approximate):
Using worsted weight yarn and the suggested hook, your finished mini purse will typically measure about 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) tall when folded, not including the strap. This size is perfect for small essentials.
Materials You'll Need:
Gathering your materials before you start makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Yarn: Approximately 30-50 yards (27-45 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Acrylic Yarn.
Why Worsted Weight? It's easy to work with for beginners and creates a nice, sturdy fabric for a small bag. Cotton or cotton blend yarns are excellent for bags as they hold their shape well and are durable.
Acrylic is also fine and comes in a huge array of colors! Color Choice: Pick a fun color! This is a great project for using up yarn scraps.
Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This hook size works well with worsted weight yarn to create a dense fabric, which is ideal for a bag that needs to hold its shape.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): This is essential for neatly weaving in all your loose yarn tails and for seaming the sides of your bag. It has a blunt tip and a large eye, making it easy to thread yarn through.
Scissors: Any pair of sharp scissors will do for cutting your yarn.
Button (Optional): One small (approx. 0.5 - 1 inch / 1.25 - 2.5 cm) button for a closure. Choose one that matches or contrasts nicely with your yarn.
Small Embellishment (Optional): A small charm, bead, or a tiny crocheted flower to sew onto the flap for extra cuteness.
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Understanding the Mini Purse Construction: Simple Fold and Sew
This mini purse is built in a very straightforward manner:
Rectangular Strip: You'll crochet one long, flat rectangle.
Folding: This rectangle is then folded in a specific way to create the body and flap of the purse.
Seaming: The sides of the folded rectangle are sewn together.
Strap: A simple chain or crocheted strap is added.
Finishing: Optional button, button loop, and embellishments.
Let's Crochet Your Super Easy Mini Purse Bag!
Follow these steps carefully. The key is to maintain consistent tension for a neat-looking bag.
Part 1: Crocheting the Main Rectangle
This forms the entire body and flap of your purse.
Starting Chain:
Begin by making a slip knot with your yarn and placing it onto your H/5.0mm crochet hook.
Chain (ch) 16. (This will determine the width of your bag.
For a wider bag, chain more; for a narrower bag, chain less. Just remember to adjust the length of your rows accordingly to maintain the desired proportions.)
Row 1:
Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from your hook. (Remember, don't count the loop directly on your hook; count the first actual chain stitch after that.)
Continue to work 1 sc into each remaining chain across the entire row. You should end up with a total of 15 single crochet stitches.
Chain 1 (ch 1) (this turning chain does NOT count as a stitch; it just gives height for the next row).
Turn your work. This means flipping your crochet piece over, like turning a page in a book, so your hook is ready to work into the first stitch of the new row.
Rows 2-25 (or until desired length):
Work 1 sc into the first single crochet stitch of the previous row (this will be the very first stitch of the row you just turned).
Work 1 sc into each remaining sc stitch across the row. You should still have 15 sc stitches in each row.
Chain 1, turn your work at the end of each row.
Repeat this pattern for a total of 25 rows. This will create a rectangle that's roughly 4 inches wide and 10-12 inches long.
Tip: The length of this rectangle determines the height of your bag and the length of the flap. You want enough length to fold up for the bag body and then have a nice flap. For a 4-inch tall bag with a 3-inch flap, you'll need roughly 7 inches of length for the body plus enough for folding. 25 rows should give you a good dimension. You can always hold it up and test the fold as you go!
Fasten Off:
After completing your last row (Row 25), cut your yarn, leaving a tail about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long.
Yarn over with your hook, pull the cut tail completely through the loop left on your hook, and gently tug to secure the knot. This is called "fastening off."
Part 2: Assembling the Mini Purse
This is where your flat rectangle transforms into a 3D bag!
Folding the Rectangle:
Lay your crocheted rectangle flat.
Take one end of the rectangle and fold it up towards the center. This will form the body of your purse. The fold should cover about 12 rows (roughly 4 inches) of your rectangle.
The remaining portion of the rectangle (the un-folded part, about 13 rows) will be your purse flap.
Seaming the Sides:
Thread the long yarn tail you left from fastening off onto your yarn needle.
Align the side edges of the folded-up body section. You're going to sew up the two sides of the purse.
Starting from the bottom corner (where the fold is), stitch up one side of the bag, going through both layers of fabric. Use a simple whip stitch or a mattress stitch for a neat seam. Stitch all the way to the top of the folded-up body section.
Secure the end of your seam and weave in the remaining tail neatly into the fabric.
Re-thread your yarn needle with a new yarn tail (about 12 inches / 30 cm long) from your main yarn ball.
Sew up the second side of the bag in the same manner. Secure and weave in this tail as well.
Alternative Seaming (with crochet hook): You can also use slip stitches (sl st) to seam the sides. With a new yarn tail, join yarn to a bottom corner, then
sl stthrough both loops of both layers all the way up the side. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 3: Adding the Strap
A simple chain strap is perfect for a mini purse!
Attaching the Strap:
Decide which side of your purse will be the front.
With your yarn still attached (or by joining a new piece of yarn with a slip knot) to one of the top corners of the purse body (next to where the flap starts), chain (ch) 80-100 (or until your strap reaches the desired length. For a wristlet, make it shorter; for a shoulder bag, much longer).
Fasten off this chain, leaving a tail about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long.
Take the end of the chain (with the tail) and, using your yarn needle, firmly stitch it to the opposite top corner of the purse body. Go through multiple times to make sure it's secure.
Weave in all remaining tails neatly into the strap and bag.
Part 4: Adding the Closure (Optional)
A button adds charm and keeps your bag closed!
Creating a Button Loop:
Position your flap over the purse body. Note where you want your button to sit.
With a new yarn tail (about 8-10 inches / 20-25 cm long), join it to the center of the end of your purse flap.
Chain 6-8 (or enough chains to create a loop that will comfortably go over your button). Test it with your actual button.
Sl st into the same stitch where you started the chain to form a loop.
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave in both tails neatly into the flap.
Attaching the Button:
Place your button loop over your button to determine the exact spot on the purse body where the button should be sewn. Mark this spot with a stitch marker or pin.
Using your yarn needle and a new yarn tail (or matching sewing thread), sew the button securely onto the marked spot on the purse body. Go through multiple times for a firm attachment.
Weave in any remaining yarn tails.
Tips for Success and Customization:
Tension: Consistent tension is key for a neatly shaped bag. If your work is too loose, your bag might be floppy. If it's too tight, it might be too small or stiff.
Counting Stitches: Always count your 15 stitches at the end of each row to ensure your sides are straight and even.
Embellishments: Get creative! You can add:
A small crocheted flower or motif.
Beads sewn onto the flap.
A decorative charm attached to the strap.
Simple embroidery on the front.
Strap Variations: Instead of a simple chain, you could make a short, single crochet strap for a wristlet, or a longer one for a shoulder bag. For a sturdier strap, you can sc back down the chain, or make two rows of sc.
Lining (Advanced Optional): For extra durability and to prevent items from falling through stitches, you could sew a simple fabric lining for your mini purse. This involves measuring the inside, cutting and sewing fabric pieces, and then hand-stitching the lining into the bag.
Congratulations! You've successfully crocheted a super easy and adorable mini purse bag! This quick project is perfect for carrying your tiny treasures or for a thoughtful handmade gift. Enjoy your cute new creation!
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