Are you ready to add a statement piece to your handmade wardrobe? Today, I’m sharing with you a beautiful and practical Beaded Crochet Handbag, inspired by a design I spotted on Pinterest but customized with my own unique twist. This bag is not only eye-catching but also sturdy enough for everyday use.
Whether you want to use it for casual outings, as a summer market bag, or simply to elevate your outfit with a handmade accessory, this project is for you! Plus, thanks to the combination of colorful beads and structured paper yarn, this bag has just the right mix of charm and durability.
This step-by-step guide is perfect for intermediate crocheters or ambitious beginners ready to learn new techniques like working with beads, creating a flat rectangular base, and making sturdy crochet handles.
🧶 Materials Needed: Paper yarn or sturdy cotton cord (choose thickness based on your preference) Beads of your choice (multi-colored or single color) 3 mm or 4 mm crochet hook (adjust based on yarn thickness) Stitch markers Scissors Tapestry needle (for weaving and sewing handles) Snap fasteners (optional, for the bag closure) Lining fabric (optional)
📏 Finished Size: Approx. 35 cm (height) × 35 cm (width when folded) Base measurement approx. 45 cm wide when laid flat You can easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain length and number of rows.
🪡 Crochet Abbreviations: ch = chain sc = single crochet dc = double crochet sl st = slip stitch fsc = false single crochet (described below) blo = back loop only (optional for certain steps)
🪢 Step 1: Creating the Rectangular Base
Foundation Chain: Start with 45 chains for a medium-sized bag (or 36 chains for a smaller version). Adjust according to your yarn thickness and desired bag size.
First Round: Work 1 sc into each chain until the end. In the last chain, make 3 sc into the same stitch (this creates the first corner). Place a stitch marker in the middle stitch of this 3-sc corner.
Work along the other side of the foundation chain: 1 sc in each stitch until the beginning. At the starting end, again make 3 sc into the same stitch (second corner). Place another marker.
Continue building the base: Work in a spiral pattern, without joining at the end of each round. Always increase by making 3 sc at each corner marker. Continue until you have 10 rounds (or until the base reaches your desired size).
Finishing the Base: After reaching size, fasten off neatly. Optionally, steam-iron the base from the inside for a flatter look.
🪡 Step 2: Building the Bag Body with Beads
Set up your first round: Start with a false single crochet (fsc) technique: Chain 2, then yarn over and pull through all loops in one go (similar to a half-finished dc but tighter). Place stitch markers at the starting point so you can keep track of your beginning.
Bead Pattern Rounds (Repeat this sequence): Row 1: False single crochets with beads:
Pattern: After every 4 false single crochets, thread a bead onto your yarn, then crochet the next stitch pulling the bead into place. Continue this 4 sc + 1 bead repeat around the round.
Row 2: Double crochet row: Make 1 dc into each stitch around (no beads this row).
Row 3: False single crochet row: 1 false single crochet into each stitch, no beads.
Row 4: Bead row (same as Row 1). Continue this 4-row sequence until you reach your desired bag height. (For reference: The creator did 10 bead rows total, but you can adjust.)
🧵 Step 3: Creating the Bag Mouth and Handle Holes
After finishing your bead rows: Do one more row of dc or skip if your desired height is reached.
Bag Mouth Edging: Do 2 rows of false single crochets around the top for edging. Use stitch markers to mark handle positions.
Creating Handle Holes: On the next round, when you reach your marker: Chain 2, skip 2 stitches, and continue with sc. Repeat this for each handle position (you’ll create 4 holes in total: 2 on front, 2 on back).
Finishing the Mouth Edge: After the hole row, do 2 more rounds of sc. For the final edge, work a reverse single crochet (crab stitch) all around to add firmness and decorative finish.
Beautiful Rose Petal Style Crochet Bag: Pattern and Tutorial
👜 Step 4: Crochet Handles (Long and Short)
For the Long Drawstring Handle: Foundation: Chain 130 cm worth of stitches.
Handle Method: Use the cording method: Insert hook into the back loops of the chain row, pull yarn through, and repeat for a thick, durable strap.
Installation: Thread the strap through the 4 handle holes, weaving front and back.
For the Short Side Handles (Optional): Foundation: Chain 8, then work 8 sc across.
Work in Spiral Rounds: Continue crocheting in a tube-like spiral, working 1 sc in each stitch, until the handle measures about 22 cm.
Finish and Attach: Fasten off, weave ends, and sew securely onto the bag sides.
✨ Optional: Lining and Closure
Lining: If you want to line the bag, measure the base and body, cut your fabric accordingly, and sew by hand or machine.
Closure: You can add snap buttons (press-studs) for added security at the mouth of the bag.
