This easy crochet purse free pattern is perfect for beginners as it is quick and as it's made with T shirt yarn it really doesn't matter if the shape is slightly wonky!
This tutorial will help you create a beautiful boho style mini evening purse or you might find the Fringed Friend makes a great make up bag or container for all of your beach essentials this summer. If you're looking for free crochet purse and bag patterns check out my pinterest boards or Pin it for later here
Add it to your Ravelry queue for another day here
What Yarn Do I Need To Crochet My Purse?
You know I love my chunky patterns and I have found that t shirt yarn gives my crochet bag patterns that casual boho vibe but also is sturdy enough to help the purse hold it's shape. You will need approx 80-100m You will also need a 12mm (US size 17) crochet hook.
A small pair of scissors & a measuring tape.
What Size is The Crochet Purse?
This bag will work up in different sizes depending on the yarn used, bigger or wider yarn is always better in my book! Using typical t-shirt yarn such as HOOKD Zpaghetti it will be approximately 20x25cm.
Do I need To Check My Gauge?
Gauge is not important with this project but to give you an idea of whether your project will be the size you want then I recommend making a swatch that measures at least 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches using the stitch in the pattern the gauge is given for (see below).
Test your yarn against the gauge sizing below or check your yarn information label to check the typical gauge if you want to use an alternative.
Single Crochet = 8 stitches x 6 rows (10x10 cm)
If you have more stitches than this then swap to a larger hook, if you have fewer stitches then use a smaller size hook until the required gauge is reached.
How Do I Crochet The Bottom of My Purse?
Chain 18, this will be the base of your bag ROW1: SC into the second chain and into each of the chains, add 2 more SC into last chain (17).
Row2: SC along the opposite side of the chain, 3SC into last stitch (34). You may find it easier to crochet over the loose tail of yarn here so you don't have to weave it in at the end. Join to the first SC with a Slip Stitch. The base of your bag is now complete.
How To Crochet The Boho Evening Purse
Now we are going to work in the round which will give a uniform appearance to your bag and will mean there are no joins to weaken the fabric. Place a marker at the end of your row so you know where you started, SC in the round until you reach your stitch marker – this is one row. Repeat this 9 times until your bag measures approximately 17cm (6.5inches). If you would prefer a deeper bag then you can easily add further rows until you are happy with the size.
Of course you don't have to stick with Single Crochet, you could always mix it up a bit with other stitches, you can check out my Shell Stitch tutorial here.
Your bag should now be a rectangle shape with an obvious front and back.
How To Add A Flap To Your Crochet Purse
SC along one side only (18 stitches), this will become the fold over flap. CH1,turn your work. SC across all 18 stitches, Ch1 & turn.
Repeat this 10 times so you have 12 rows in total to create your flap (you can add more if you prefer a floppier look) Your bag is now complete, but if you’re wanting to add some pizazz with fringing then read on!
How To Add Fringe To Your Crochet Bag
Cut 18 lengths of yarn approximately twice the length of the tassels you would like to add (plus 2-3cm for the fold), I cut mine 15cm long Fold the length in half to create a loop.
Holding the two ends together push the loop from front to back through the gap between the posts of your stitches, pull partway through then feed the ends of the yarn through the loop you have created and pull tight. (the advantage of having a little bit of stretch in t shirt yarn is that you can pull it tight and as it contracts it will hold the tassel in place like magic!)
Repeat this to add tassels between each stitch Eh Voila! You’re ready to show off your new purse gather up those compliments. Don’t forget to send me a picture of your finished piece on social or to hello@kingandeye.co.uk, I love to see how you’ve got on :o) What's your favourite style of crochet bag? Let me know and I might create and name the pattern after you!