Crochet Handle Bag Pattern

Materials

To crochet this charming and functional bag with a handle, gather the following essential supplies:

Medium weight yarn: A sturdy choice like cotton cord is recommended for a durable crochet bag.
4.0-5.0 mm crochet hook: Select the hook size that best suits your chosen yarn and desired fabric density.
Scissors
Yarn needle: Crucial for weaving in ends and neatly assembling your crochet project.

This crochet pattern uses standard US terms. Understanding these abbreviations will help you follow the instructions clearly:

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your cute crochet bag, from the base to the body and handles.

The foundation of your crochet bag begins with a sturdy rectangular base. Work carefully to establish the correct shape:

Starting Chain: Ch 14.
First Row (Double Crochet): Ch 2 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 1 dc into each of the 14 chains across (total 14 dc).
Edging the Base: Sc evenly around the entire rectangle. You should have a total of 74 single crochet stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc to close the round and create a clean edge for the bag body.

Now, build the main body of your crochet bag using a lovely openwork stitch pattern, working in rounds:

First Loop Row: Ch 4, skip 2 stitches, then sl st into the next stitch. Repeat this sequence around the entire base. Join with a sl st to the base of the first ch-4 loop to secure the round.
Second Loop Row: Ch 4, then sl st into the next ch-4 space from the previous round. Continue this sequence around. Join with a sl st to complete the round.
Defining Row: Ch 3, then sl st into the 4th stitch ahead. Repeat this sequence around the entire round. Join with a sl st.
Solid Row: Work 1 sc in every stitch and chain across the round. You should achieve a total of 102 single crochet stitches. Join with a sl st.

Craft two strong and comfortable handles to complete the functionality of your bag. You will make these separately:

Handle Chain: Ch 82.
Handle Row: Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 1 dc into each chain across. Each handle will have a total of 81 double crochet stitches.

Bring all the components together and give your crochet bag a polished, professional finish:

Attach Handles: Carefully sew both ends of each handle to the top edge of the bag. Ensure they are spaced evenly on opposite sides for balanced carrying and aesthetics.
Final Touches: Fasten off all yarn. Then, meticulously weave in all remaining loose ends using your yarn needle. This creates a neat appearance and prevents unraveling of your crochet work.

If you’re new to the world of crochet or tackling your first bag project, here are a few helpful pointers to ensure success:

Check Your Counts: Always double-check your stitch counts at the end of each round, especially for the bag base and the final body row. Accurate counts ensure your bag remains even and symmetrical.
Yarn Choice Matters: Using a medium-weight cotton cord or similar sturdy yarn is key for a bag that holds its shape well. Experiment with a small swatch to get comfortable with its tension.
Patience is Key: Crochet is a rewarding process that sometimes requires patience. If a step seems tricky, take a break, re-read the instructions, or look for a video tutorial on that specific stitch. You’ll master it!

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