The “Cosmic Bloom” 3D Crochet Bag: A Detailed Tutorial

There’s something truly magical about a crochet stitch that brings a flat fabric to life with three-dimensional texture. The “Cosmic Bloom” 3D Crochet Bag is a perfect project to showcase this technique, featuring a stunning raised motif that resembles blossoming flowers or shimmering stars. This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating a stylish and eye-catching bag that is as fun to make as it is beautiful to carry.

This pattern is an excellent choice for an intermediate crocheter or an adventurous beginner who wants to learn a new, impressive stitch. The repetitive pattern is easy to memorize once you get the hang of it, and the finished result is a sturdy, unique bag with a high-end, handcrafted feel.

Why Crochet the Cosmic Bloom Bag?

• Unique 3D Texture: The raised stitches create a captivating, tactile surface that sets this bag apart.
• Sturdy Construction: The dense nature of the stitch makes the bag strong and helps it hold its shape.
• Impressive Look: The finished bag looks much more complicated than it actually is, making it a great conversation starter.
• Skill Building: Learn how to create post stitches and manage your tension to make the 3D effect pop.
• Customizable: Easily change the size, colors, or add a different handle to make it your own.

1. Planning Your Bag: Size & Materials

• Finished Size: The pattern is designed for a versatile handbag, approximately 10 inches (25 cm) wide and 7 inches (18 cm) tall. You can easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain and the number of pattern repeats.
• Yarn Choice: Choose a yarn that has excellent stitch definition to make the 3D effect stand out.
  • Fiber: A smooth, worsted weight acrylic, cotton, or wool is recommended. Avoid highly textured or fuzzy yarns, as they can obscure the beautiful stitch pattern.
  • Weight: Worsted Weight (#4) is ideal for this project, as it provides a good balance of durability and drape.
  • Color: A single, solid color will best highlight the raised texture of the pattern.
• Quantity: You will need approximately 200-300 yards (180-275 meters) of worsted weight yarn.

2. Materials You’ll Need

• Yarn: One or two skeins of Worsted Weight (#4) yarn.
• Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6 US) or a hook size that gives you a dense but flexible fabric with your yarn.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends.
• Stitch Markers (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds and pattern repeats.
• Fabric Lining (Optional): For a more professional finish.
• Bag Handles or Chain: A pre-made leather or metal chain strap, or you can crochet them.

3. Essential Crochet Stitches & Techniques

• Slip Knot
• Chain (ch)
• Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining and neatening.
• Single Crochet (sc)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC): This is the key stitch for the 3D effect. Yarn over, insert hook from front to back, going around the post of the specified stitch in the previous row, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 2 times.
• Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front, going around the post of the specified stitch in the previous row, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 2 times.
• Working in Rows and in the Round: The base is worked in rows, and the body of the bag is worked in the round.

4. Let’s Crochet the Cosmic Bloom Bag!

We’ll start with the base, then work up the body in a beautiful 3D pattern, and finish with the handle and lining.

Part 1: The Base (Worked in Oval Rounds)

This creates a flat, sturdy foundation for your bag.

1. Foundation Chain: Ch 21.
2. Round 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each of the next 18 chs. Work 3 sc in the last ch. Now, working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in each of the next 19 stitches. Work 2 sc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
   • [44 stitches]
3. Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 hdc in the first stitch. Hdc in each of the next 19 stitches. Work 2 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches. Hdc in each of the next 19 stitches. Work 2 hdc in each of the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st to the first hdc of the round.
   • [50 stitches]
   • The base should now be a nice, flat oval shape.

Part 2: The Body (Worked in the Round)

This is where you’ll create the height and the beautiful 3D pattern.

1. Round 1 (Defining the Edge): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
   • Working in the BLO creates a defined ridge, marking the transition from the base to the body of the bag.
2. Round 2 (Pattern Start): Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3.
3. Round 3 (3D Effect): Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the first dc. BPDC in the next dc, FPDC in the next dc. Repeat from * to * around. End with a BPDC in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3.
   • This round starts to create the raised 3D effect. The BPDC pulls the stitch backward, and the FPDC pushes it forward, creating a beautiful contrast.
4. Round 4 (Pattern Continue): Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the first dc. FPDC in the next stitch (around the previous BPDC), BPDC in the next stitch (around the previous FPDC). Repeat from * to * around. End with an FPDC in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3.
   • You are essentially reversing the post stitches from the previous round, creating a new set of raised stitches.
5. Repeat Rounds 3 and 4: Continue alternating these two rounds until the bag reaches your desired height (for this pattern, about 10-12 rounds total for the body).
   • Watch your tension to ensure the post stitches pop!
6. Finishing Round: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off, leaving a tail to weave in.

Part 3: The Handles and Lining

These final steps ensure a polished and professional look.

1. Attach Handles:
   • Use your yarn needle to securely attach pre-made handles to the top edges of the bag.
   • Alternatively, you can crochet a long chain of stitches and then work sc stitches back down the chain to create a strong, solid strap.
2. Add a Fabric Lining (Recommended for Stability):
   • Measure the perimeter of your bag and its height. Cut a rectangular piece of fabric and a circular piece for the bottom.
   • Sew the side seam of the fabric rectangle to create a tube. Sew the circular base to the bottom of the tube.
   • Insert the fabric lining into your bag and fold the top edge of the fabric over the top edge of the crochet.
   • Hand-sew the fabric lining to the top edge of the bag using a thread that matches your yarn.
3. Weave in All Ends: Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in any remaining loose yarn tails.

Enjoy your beautiful and unique “Cosmic Bloom” 3D Crochet Bag. Its elegant design and handmade charm are sure to be a conversation starter!

Video tutorial: