A handmade handbag is a beautiful and personal accessory, and one made with a simple, yet elegant design is even better. Inspired by the durability and modern look of t-shirt yarn projects, the “Urban Tote” Crochet Handbag is a perfect project for any crocheter. This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating a chic and functional handbag that is perfect for carrying your daily essentials.
This project is an excellent choice for a confident beginner who wants to create a beautiful, practical item or for an experienced crocheter wanting a fast and fun project. The handbag is worked in the round from the bottom up, which makes it a seamless project that is easy to try on as you go.
Why Crochet the Urban Tote?
- Chic & Modern: The clean lines and sturdy fabric of t-shirt yarn create a classic, modern aesthetic that is perfect for everyday use.
- Sturdy & Functional: The dense nature of the stitch creates a fabric that is stiff enough to hold its shape while still being flexible.
- Skill Building: You’ll master the art of working in the round and learn how to create a structured bag with a comfortable handle.
- Impressive Look: The finished handbag looks much more complicated than it actually is, making it a great conversation starter.
- Customizable: Easily change the size, colors, or add a different handle to make it your own.
1. Planning Your Handbag: Size & Materials
- Finished Size: The pattern is designed for a versatile handbag, approximately 10 inches (25 cm) wide and 8 inches (20 cm) tall. You can easily adjust the size by changing your hook size or the number of increase rounds.
- Yarn Choice: Choose a yarn that is durable and holds its shape well.
- Fiber: A sturdy, thick yarn like T-shirt yarn, Macrame cord, or a durable Worsted Weight (#4) Cotton is a great choice.
- Color: A single, solid color will best highlight the simple stitch pattern, but a variegated yarn could also create a beautiful effect.
- Quantity: You will need approximately 200-300 yards (180-275 meters) of yarn in total.
2. Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Your chosen quantity of sturdy, medium-weight yarn.
- Crochet Hook: 8.0 mm (L-11 US) or a 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.
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 the Round: The handbag is worked in continuous rounds from the top down.
4. Let’s Crochet the Urban Tote!
We’ll start with the base, then work up the body, and finish with the top and handle.
Part 1: The Base (Worked in Rounds)
This creates a flat, sturdy foundation for your handbag.
- Foundation Chain: Ch 16.
- Round 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each of the next 13 ch. Work 3 sc in the last ch. Rotate your work to work along the other side of the chain. Sc in each of the next 14 ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the first stitch. Sc in each of the next 14 stitches. Work 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches. Sc in each of the next 13 stitches. Work 2 sc in the last 2 stitches. Join with a sl st.
- Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around, working 2 sc in the 3 sc stitches on each end. Join with a sl st.
- Continue increasing in this manner until the base of the pouch is large enough to be your desired size.
Part 2: The Body (Waistcoat Stitch)
This is where you’ll create the height and the beautiful, textured pattern.
- Round 1: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Round 2: Ch 1. Work a single crochet stitch in the center of the ‘V’ of the stitch below (this is the waistcoat stitch). Continue in this manner all the way around. Join with a sl st.
- You will be working your sc stitches into the ‘V’ of the previous row’s stitches.
- Repeat Round 2: Continue repeating this round until the handbag reaches your desired height (for this pattern, about 8 inches / 20 cm tall).
Part 3: The Handle
- Row 1: Ch 1. Sc in the first 10 stitches. Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 2-20: Sc in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.
- You are now creating a flat strap. You can make it longer or shorter as you wish.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Attach the Handle: Using your yarn needle, sew the handle to the opposite side of the bag. Weave in all ends securely.
Enjoy your beautiful, handmade “Urban Tote” Crochet Handbag. Its elegant design and handmade charm are sure to be a conversation starter!
Video tutorial:
