Open Free Crochet Cord Purse Pattern with easy stitches and smooth steps to form a cute small purse that carries daily items with simple handmade charm.
A small handmade purse can make everyday life feel more organized and stylish. The Free Crochet Cord Purse Pattern shows how to make a compact purse using a strong cord-like yarn that creates a firm and durable shape. It is made step by step with simple stitches that form a tight texture, helping the purse hold its shape well. A drawstring or cord closure is often added at the top, making it easy to open and close while keeping small items safe inside.
Simple Free Crochet Cord Purse Pattern for Quick Handmade Bag
This purse has a very neat and charming appearance with its compact size, smooth finish, and clean stitch design. It can be made in many colors, from soft natural tones to bright and bold shades, so each purse can match different styles and moods. Small details like tassels or beads can also be added to make it more attractive and unique.
It is very useful for carrying coins, keys, lip balm, or other small essentials when going out. It also works well as a gift or a cute accessory for daily use. This crochet purse is simple, stylish, and practical, making it a lovely handmade item for all ages.
Crochet Cord Purse with Romanian Lace Strap
Materials
- Yarn: Craft twine (approx. 2 mm thickness) or any similar stiff cord material.
- Amount: ~150 meters (approximately one spool of twine).
- Hook Sizes:
- Primary: 5.0 mm
- Secondary (for tighter sections): 3.75 mm
- Notions:
- Scissors
- Darning needle (for sewing seams and weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Button (large enough to fit through a chain-3 hole for flap closure)
Skill Level
- Intermediate to Advanced: The pattern includes working with a stiff material (twine), slip stitching, single crochet decreases, and the Romanian Point Lace Cord technique.
Key Abbreviations
(All terms are based on US Crochet Terminology.)
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc2tog: Single Crochet Decrease (Single Crochet 2 Together)
- st: Stitch(es)
Special Notes
- Stiffness of Twine: Craft twine is harder on the hands than regular yarn. Take breaks and, if necessary, switch to smaller sections.
- Hook Recommendation: Start with a 5.0 mm hook and switch to a 3.75 mm for tighter areas like the flap and strap.
- Gauge: Approximately 4 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet, but exact gauge is less crucial.
- Seams and Edges: Working in the outside loops of stitches creates a neater closure for side seams.
- Romanian Cord Technique: Ensure consistent tension and take your time. This technique creates a sturdy, decorative strap.
Pattern Instructions
1. Main Body (Purse Base)
Step 1: Foundation Chain
- Leave a 12" (30 cm) tail for sewing.
- Make a slip knot and chain 30. Try to keep it loose.
- Approximate measurement: 9 inches (23 cm).
- Approximate measurement: 9 inches (23 cm).
Step 2: Row 1 (Set-Up Row)
- Work in the back loop of each chain.
- Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 1 sc in each chain across.
- Stitch count = 29 sc.
Step 3: Row 2 (First Increase Row)
- Ch 1, turn.
- Work in the back loop only for this row:
- 13 sc.
- 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches (increase section).
- 13 sc to finish the row.
- Stitch count = 32 sc.
Step 4: Row 3
- Ch 1, turn.
- Work 1 sc in the back loop only of each stitch across.
- Stitch count = 32 sc.
Step 5: Row 4 (Next Increase Row)
- Ch 1, turn.
- Work in the back loop only:
- 14 sc.
- (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in the next 2 stitches) x 2.
- 14 sc.
- Stitch count = 34 sc.
Step 6: Row 5 (Even Row)
- Ch 1, turn.
- Work 1 sc in each stitch across.
- Stitch count = 34 sc.
Row Progression Summary
| Row | Action | Stitch Count |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Increase: 15 sc, 2 increases, 15 sc | 36 |
| 7 | Even: 1 sc in each stitch | 36 |
| 8 | Increase: 17 sc, 2 increases, 17 sc | 38 |
| 9-22 | Even: 1 sc in each stitch | 38 |
By Row 22, your purse base will be a rectangular shape, ready to fold into a bag.
2. Shaping the Top (Decreasing Rows)
Here, you'll gradually reduce row widths to shape the top of the bag.
- Row 23:
- Ch 1, turn.
- Back loop only: 17 sc, 2 sc2tog, 17 sc.
- Stitch count = 36 sc.
- Row 24:
- Work 1 sc in each stitch.
- Stitch count = 36 sc.
- Continue decreasing:
| Row | Action | Stitch Count |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 15 sc, 1 sc2tog, 2 sc, 1 sc2tog, 15 sc | 34 |
| 26 | Even: 1 sc in each stitch | 34 |
| 27 | 14 sc, 1 sc2tog, 2 sc, 14 sc | 32 |
| 28 | Even: 1 sc in each stitch | 32 |
| 29 | 13 sc, 3 sc2tog, 13 sc | 29 |
| 30 | Even: 1 sc in each stitch | 29 |
3. Side Seams
- Fold the rectangle in half so the decreases form the bag's top edge.
- Using the 12" (30 cm) starting tail, sew the side seams closed:
- Use a darning needle and work into the outer loops of each edge for a neat seam.
- Repeat for both sides, knot securely, and weave in ends.
4. Flap
- Attach Yarn: Start at one edge of the back top.
- Work across 28 stitches (place markers to mark boundaries).
Flap Rows
- Row 1: Ch 1, 1 sc in each stitch. Stitch count = 28 sc.
- Row 2: Ch 1, skip 1 st (decrease), work 27 sc.
- Each row decreases by 1 sc until Row 14, where it narrows.
Row 15 (Buttonhole):
- Ch 1, turn.
- Work 6 sc, ch 3 (button loop), skip 2 st, 6 sc.
5. Edging and Button
- Work 1 sc around the flap edge, including 3 sc in the button loop.
- Attach the button to the front panel, ensuring a snug fit through the buttonhole.
6. Romanian Point Lace Strap
- Attach Yarn: Leave 12" for sewing strap ends.
- Foundation: Ch 3.
- Cord Steps:
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch, sl st in 1st ch.
- Turn, find back loop, sc, and sl st in the next loop.
- Repeat, turning and alternating sc and sl st until the strap is the desired length.
Tip: Check the strap length against your bag style (handheld or shoulder).
- Sew strap ends securely to the purse sides.
Conclusion
You've completed a stylish and durable crochet purse with a beautiful Romanian lace strap! Perfect for casual outings or as a handmade gift, this project proves that even humble materials like craft twine can create something uniquely elegant.
Pattern Corrections / Tips
- Twine Adjustments: If the twine is too stiff or hurts your hands, substitute with macrame cord or sturdy yarn.
- Hook Adjustments: Switching between 5.0 mm and 3.75 mm hooks ensures the best tension for various sections.
- Romanian Lace Cord: Practice this technique beforehand to build confidence.
Care Advice
- Spot-clean or gently hand wash if necessary.
- Avoid overloading the bag to prevent overstretching the flap or strap.