A handmade crossbody bag is the perfect accessory for a day out, and a bag with a unique, textured design is even better. The “Flutter-By” Butterfly Crossbody Bag is a perfect project for any crocheter, featuring a stunning, three-dimensional stitch that mimics the delicate wings of a butterfly. This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating a durable, stylish bag with a beautiful, tactile surface.
This project 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 Flutter-By Crossbody 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 a unique stitch pattern and a seamless, sturdy bag.
- 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 crossbody bag, approximately 8 inches (20 cm) wide and 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
- Yarn Choice: Choose a yarn that is durable and has good stitch definition to make the 3D effect stand out.
- Fiber: A smooth, worsted weight Cotton, Cotton blend, or a sturdy Acrylic 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 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.
- Magnetic Snap or Zipper (Optional): For a secure closure.
3. Essential Crochet Stitches & Techniques
- Slip Knot
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining and neatening.
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Butterfly Stitch: This is the key stitch for the 3D effect. It’s a combination of front post stitches and other stitches to create the raised motif.
4. Let’s Crochet the Flutter-By Crossbody Bag!
We’ll start with the base, then work up the body in the butterfly stitch, and finish with the flap and strap.
Part 1: The Base (Worked in Oval Rounds)
This creates a flat, sturdy foundation for your bag.
- Foundation Chain: Ch 26.
- Round 1: Hdc in the 2nd ch from hook. Hdc in each of the next 23 chs. Work 3 hdc in the last ch. Now, working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, hdc in each of the next 24 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the first hdc of the round.
- [52 stitches]
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 sc in the first stitch. Sc in each of the next 24 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches. Sc in each of the next 24 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
- [60 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 butterfly pattern.
- 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.
- 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.
- Round 3 (Butterfly Stitch): Ch 1. Sc in the first 2 stitches. Ch 3, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * across the row.
- Round 4: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the next stitch. Work 3 dc in the next ch-3 space. Repeat from * to * across the row.
- 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 stitches pop!
- 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 Flap and Strap
These final steps ensure a polished and professional look.
- Flap:
- Rejoin yarn to the top back edge of the bag.
- Ch 1. Sc evenly across the back edge (about 20 stitches).
- Work in rows of sc, decreasing at the ends of each row until the flap is your desired shape.
- Strap:
- Ch 120 (or your desired length for the strap).
- Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Securely sew the strap to the sides 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 “Flutter-By” Butterfly Crossbody Bag. Its elegant design and handmade charm are sure to be a conversation starter!
Video tutorial:
