Crochet your own clutch bag – step by step
Crocheting your own clutch bag is a fun and rewarding project that is both stylish and practical. In this guide, we use our yarn Alma, which is perfect for bags and baskets thanks to its stability and durability. Together with our clutch handle and our ergonomic crochet hook 6.0 mm. If you want to use a double strand, we recommend a 10mm crochet hook.
If you want to see the process in video, you can watch our TikTok here.
❯ Materials
- Alma, our stretchy tape yarn that provides stability
- Clutch handle
- Ergonomic crochet hook 6.0 mm
- Stitch marker
- Blunt metal needle
- Scissors
❯ Abbreviations
- SLP ST - Slip stitch
- CH - Chain
- SL ST - Slip stitch
- ST - Stitch
Step 1: The Base
Start with a slip knot (LÖ) and make a chain of chain stitches (LM) that is as wide as the handle. (Image 1) Alma is a stretchy yarn, so make sure to measure the chain when it's slightly taut; if it's too loose, the base might become larger than planned as you continue crocheting. The last stitch in the chain will be your turning chain, which ensures the second row starts at the correct height. Then, begin crocheting into the second stitch (M) from the crochet hook on the next row.
For the first row, single crochet (FM) along the chain, and when you reach the end, make a new chain stitch (LM) as a turning chain and turn your work. Then continue to crochet in this manner back and forth until the base is as large as the opened handle. (Image 2) Take your time to ensure the shape is even – the base is the foundation for the rest of the bag, and it's important that it's correct.
Step 2: Crocheting the height of the bag
Note: The height of the bag is crocheted in individual rows and not in a spiral. This means that you start each row by making a CH to reach the correct height. Then, to close the row, you make a SL ST in the first stitch you made in that row. (Image 9)
Important: CH and SL ST are never counted as actual stitches; they are only there to help close and start a new row. If you find it difficult to distinguish the stitches, we recommend marking them to see them clearly.
Once the base is complete, it's time to start crocheting the sides of the bag. To begin the first row of the sides, make a chain stitch (LM) to get to the correct height.
Then single crochet (FM) around the entire base: on the sides where you have crocheted back and forth, crochet into each stitch just as you did before, and on the two remaining edges, crochet into each chain stitch hole and the first stitch from the row. (Image 3) Always mark the start and end point of the row with a stitch marker so you can easily keep track.
Once you have crocheted all the way around the base and returned to the first single crochet you made, make a slip stitch (SM) in the first stitch to close the row. Then make a chain stitch (LM) and crochet your first single crochet (FM) in the same stitch (M) where the slip stitch is located. Both the chain stitch (LM) and slip stitch (SM) are "invisible" stitches and are therefore not counted as regular stitches in the project.
Continue in this manner until the bag reaches the desired height. Remember that the sides where the handle will close should be able to meet without the bottom bending upwards; this is the minimum height, but you can always make the bag taller if you wish. (Image 4)
Step 3: Prepare the handle (optional)
If you want the handle to blend in with the bag and not show through the yarn, you can prepare it before crocheting it in. Cut a piece of yarn and wrap it around the handle. (Image 5) Pay attention to the break points so that the yarn doesn't get caught between the screws or in the edges of the metal. This step is optional and mainly about creating a smoother finish.
Step 4: Crochet the handle in place
Now it's time to crochet the handle into the bag. Many find it easier to tie the handle in place with a piece of yarn before starting to crochet. (Image 6) When you single crochet (FM), you pick up the yarn so that the handle is inside the yarn – this way, the handle is "captured" in the stitch and crocheted into the work. Continue around the entire row.
Opened handle - Optional: Do you want handles on the side of the bag? On the sides where the bag will open and close, start by marking out how large you want the handles to be. (Image 7) Make sure both sides are equal before continuing.
When you then reach the marked stitch, continue to single crochet (FM) only around the handle. Make the same number of single crochets around the handle as the number of stitches you skip from the work (Image 8) Then continue to crochet the handle in the same way as before.
Step 5: Finishing
Once the handle is in place, it's time to fasten all loose ends. Use a blunt metal needle and make sure the threads are secure before cutting them. Once this is done, your clutch bag is complete!
