in Crochet Patterns, Crochet Stitch

Crochet Shell Stitch Handbag Pattern

Materials:

  • Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar’n Cream or Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran) – approx. 200–250g

  • Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook

  • Notions:

    • Yarn needle

    • Scissors

    • Stitch markers (helpful for rounds)

    • Optional: fabric for lining, magnetic snap or button, leather straps, or wooden handles

Crochet Shell Stitch Handbag Pattern
Crochet Shell Stitch Handbag Pattern

🧵 Skill Level:

  • Beginner to Intermediate: Familiarity with basic stitches and working in the round is helpful.

📏 Finished Measurements (Adjustable):

  • Width: ~11 inches (28 cm)

  • Height (without handles): ~9 inches (23 cm)

  • Strap length: ~20 inches (51 cm) or adjustable

🔤 Abbreviations (US Terms):

  • ch – chain

  • sc – single crochet

  • dc – double crochet

  • sl st – slip stitch

  • st(s) – stitch(es)

  • shell – 5 dc in same stitch

  • rep – repeat

📘 Pattern Overview:

The bag consists of:

  1. A flat rectangular base worked in rows

  2. A body worked in a seamless shell stitch pattern in the round

  3. A stabilized top edge with single crochet

  4. Optional handles, lining, and closure

🔹 PART 1: Crocheting the Flat Base

Instructions:

  1. Ch 31 (for approx. 10″ base width – must be multiple of 6 + 1 for shell pattern).

  2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (30 sc)

  3. Rows 2–6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across.
    (After 6 rows, your rectangle should measure approximately. 10″ x 1.5″)

You can increase the row count for a deeper or more rectangular bag base.

🔹 PART 2: Working the Shell Stitch in Rounds

Now, begin working around the entire base:

Round 1 – Sc Foundation Round:

  1. Ch 1, then sc around all 4 sides of the rectangle:

    • 1 sc in each st along the long edges

    • 1 sc in the side of each row along the short edges

    • Place 3 sc in each corner

  2. Join with sl st to the first sc.
    Count your stitches and make sure the total is a multiple of 6.

Example:
If your base has 30 stitches along the long sides and 6 rows on each short end, you will have:
30 (long) × 2 = 60
6 (short rows) × 2 = 12
+12 corner increases = ~84 sts (adjust as needed to make it divisible by 6)

Round 2 – First Shell Row:

  1. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in the same st (beginning half shell)

  2. Skip 2 sts, sc in next st, skip 2 sts, shell (5 dc in next st)

  3. Continue from * around.

  4. End with 3 dc in last st (to complete shell).

  5. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.

Round 3 – Establishing Shell Pattern:

  1. Sl st into the 3rd dc of the previous shell to reach the center.

  2. Ch 1, sc in shell center.

  3. Shell in next sc, sc in next shell center – repeat around.

  4. Join with sl st to first sc.

Rounds 4 to 25 – Continue Shell Pattern:

  • Repeat Round 3.

  • You may increase or decrease the total rounds depending on how tall you want the bag.

💡 TIP: For a larger tote, go up to 30+ rounds. For a clutch-style bag, 15–18 may suffice.

🔹 PART 3: Creating the Top Edge

Stabilize the bag opening with a few rounds of single crochet:

  1. Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around, including each dc and sc from the shells.

  2. Join with SL St.

  3. Repeat for 2–3 rounds to strengthen the top edge.

🔹 PART 4: Creating the Straps

You can crochet your handles or use pre-made leather/wooden ones.

Crocheted Strap (Make 2):

  1. Ch 70 (or more for a longer strap).

  2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across.

  3. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across.

  4. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Attach straps:

  • Use a yarn needle to sew each end of the strap inside the top edge of the bag.

  • Place straps about 2 inches in from each side seam.

🔹 PART 5: Lining the Bag (Optional but Recommended)

Why line? The shell stitch has gaps; a lining adds structure and stops small items from poking through.

Simple Lining Instructions:

  1. Measure the width and height of your bag.

  2. Cut a fabric rectangle slightly larger than the measurement (~½ inch seam allowance).

  3. Fold the fabric in half (right sides facing), and sew the side seams.

  4. Fold over the top edge and iron it down.

  5. Place lining inside the bag and hand-sew around the top edge using a whip stitch or slip stitch.

🔹 PART 6: Adding a Closure (Optional)

Options:

  • Magnetic Snap: Sew snap pieces onto the lining before inserting.

  • Zipper: Hand-stitch to top edge between outer crochet and lining.

  • Button Loop: Crochet a loop on one side and sew a button to the other.

🌟 Customization Ideas:

  • 🎨 Color Blocking: Change colors every few rounds for stripes.

  • 🧶 Textured Yarn: Use tweed or variegated yarns for added interest.

  • 👜 Tote Style: Make the base longer and do more rounds for height.

  • 🧵 Decor: Add tassels, fringe, or embroidery.

Crochet Shell Stitch Handbag Pattern

✅ Finishing:

  • Weave in all yarn ends with a yarn needle.

  • Lightly block the bag to shape it.

  • If adding a lining or closure, complete those steps last.

  • Add any decorative elements.

📸 Would you like:

  • A PDF version of this pattern?

  • A photo tutorial or diagram for the shell stitch?

  • Printable checklist for each step?

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