A beautifully textured, ribbed crochet bag is the perfect accessory for any season. The “Coastal Ripple” Ribbed Crochet Bag is a fantastic project that showcases a simple yet elegant stitch, creating a sturdy and stylish tote with a beautiful, tactile surface. The repetitive ribbing is created by working in the back loop only, which not only gives the bag its signature look but also makes it strong enough to hold its shape and all your essentials.
This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating this gorgeous bag, from the flat, oval base to the clean, finished top. It’s an excellent project for any crocheter looking to create a durable and fashionable accessory with a touch of handmade charm.
Why Crochet the Coastal Ripple Bag?
- Stunning Texture: The ribbed stitch creates a classic, elegant texture that looks sophisticated and professional.
- Sturdy & Functional: The dense fabric created by the stitch makes the bag strong and helps it hold its shape without needing a separate lining.
- Beginner-Friendly: Uses only basic stitches, making it accessible for crocheters of all skill levels.
- Versatile & Timeless: The design is classic and can be used for everything from a market bag to an everyday purse.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the size, add a fabric lining, or change the handle style 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 10 inches (25 cm) tall. You can easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain and the number of rows.
- Yarn Choice: Choose a yarn that is durable and has good stitch definition.
- Fiber: A smooth, worsted weight Cotton, Cotton blend, or a sturdy Acrylic is recommended. T-shirt yarn or a chunky yarn would also work for a larger, more structured bag.
- 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 ribbed 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.
- Leather or Webbing Handles: A pair of pre-made handles to complete the bag.
3. Essential Crochet Stitches & Techniques
- Slip Knot
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining and neatening.
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- Working in Back Loop Only (BLO): This is the key technique for creating the ribbed effect. You will insert your hook into only the back loop of the stitch, leaving the front loop unworked.
- Working in Rows and in the Round: The base is worked in rows to create a flat oval, and the body of the bag is worked in the round.
4. Let’s Crochet the Coastal Ripple Bag!
We’ll start with the base, then work the body in a beautiful ribbed pattern, and finish with the handles.
Part 1: The Base (Worked in Oval Rounds)
This creates a flat, sturdy foundation for your bag.
- Foundation Chain: Ch 21.
- Round 1: Hdc in the 2nd ch from hook. Hdc in each of the next 18 chs. Work 3 hdc in the last ch (this is the corner). Now, working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, hdc in each of the next 19 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the first hdc of the round.
- [44 stitches]
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 sc in the first stitch. Sc in each of the next 19 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches (the corner). Sc in each of the next 19 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc 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 ribbed pattern.
- Round 1 (Defining the Ribs): 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.
- Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- The pattern is created by alternating these two rounds.
- Repeat Rounds 2 and 3: Continue alternating these two rounds until the bag reaches your desired height (for this pattern, about 15-20 rounds total for the body).
- Keep your tension consistent to ensure the ribbed pattern is uniform.
Part 3: The Top Edge and Handles
These final steps ensure a polished and professional look.
- Top Edge: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work a round of slip stitches evenly around the top of the bag. This creates a beautifully neat and sturdy finish.
- Attach Handles: Use your yarn needle and a strong thread that matches your yarn to securely attach pre-made handles to the top edges of the bag.
- Weave in All Ends: Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in any remaining loose yarn tails.
Enjoy your beautiful and unique “Coastal Ripple” Ribbed Crochet Bag. Its elegant texture and timeless design are sure to make it a go-to accessory for any occasion!
Video tutorial:
