• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
CrochetNCrafts
  • Home
  • Free Crochet Patterns
  • Roundups
  • Crochet Tutorials
  • Crafts
  • Sewing
  • Subscribe
CrochetNCrafts

CrochetNCrafts

FREE Crochet Patterns & Crafts and Sew Much More

  • Home
  • Free Crochet Patterns
  • Roundups
  • Crochet Tutorials
  • Crafts
  • Sewing
  • Subscribe
Home / Crochet / Bags / Alternating Crochet Bag

Alternating Crochet Bag

June 26, 2015 · Rhelena · 2 Comments

I think it’s safe to say that this is my new favorite crochet bag or purse design. I love the colors, the stitch pattern and the size, although I think I may shrink it down a bit in the wash. It’s a great size though for books, a purse and other similar uses.

Alternating Bag ~ FREE Crochet Pattern
Alternating Bag ~ FREE Crochet Pattern

The top of the bag tapers off a bit, which in my opinion makes it better for a zipper if you want to insert one. If you don’t like this look, you can always work it in a straight pattern to the very top.

The Stitch Pattern

The stitch is the crunch stitch, with the half double crochet and slip stitch. BUT, instead of working your stitches into both loops of each stitch, they are alternated between the front and back loops. The half double crochet is worked into the front loops of the stitch, and the slip stitch is worked into the back loops. This creates a unique texture and color design.

The Construction

Bottom. The bag is worked from the bottom up. The bottom is worked in a rectangle with single crochets. You start off with a long chain, then crochet on both sides of the chains to create the first round for the rectangle. Here is a tutorial to help if you’ve not done this before: Working on Opposite Side of Chain

Body. The body is worked with the crunch stitch as outlined above. The second color of yarn is introduced here. The body is worked in an even pattern until you get to the top, where I tapered the last few rounds. It’s your call as to whether you want to work it as instructed or to continue to work it straight.

The Handles. As shown, the handles are worked separately from the bag, and then attached to the bag. This makes for a nice handbag, but you can also do the “tote” version by working the handles in one piece with the bag. Here is a tutorial on how to do that: How to Make Crochet Bag Handles

The Lining

A lining is essential in helping the bag to keep its shape when filled with heavy items. It also adds durability to the bag. The following tutorial shows how to add a zipper along with a lining with simple pockets to hold your keys, cell and wallet. Lining a Crochet Purse

Recommended Yarn

I used two colors of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton, a #4 worsted weight cotton yarn. I chose the off-white with the Country Red color combination, but any two colors would look great.

Other Patterns to Try

  • Moss Stitch Beginner Crochet Bag
  • Single Crochet Bag
  • Puffy Spike Stitch Crochet Tote Bag
  • Blossom Crochet Beach Bag Pattern
  • Crochet Bag Pattern – Lacy Textures

Purchase Your Printable PDF

Etsy
Ravelry
Alternating Bag ~ FREE Crochet Pattern

Alternating Crochet Bag

A beautifully textured crochet bag worked in two colors for a pretty color design.
No ratings yet
Pin Pattern Share on Facebook

Skill Level

  • Intermediate

Materials

  • Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton (2 colors) I worked off of 14oz balls and still had lots left over.
  • Crochet Hook: H/8-5.00mm
  • Other: Measuring Tape, Scissors, Yarn Needle.

Measurements

  • Gauge: 2" over 7 sc sts.
  • Finished Size: 11.75" wide by 12" high when laying flat. Bottom is 3.5" wide.

Abbreviations

  • CA = Color A
  • CB = Color B
  • RS = Right Side
  • WS = Wrong Side
  • Blsc = Back Loop Single Crochet
  • Blslst = Back Loop Slip Stitch
  • Ch/Chs = Chain/Chains
  • Flhdc = Front Loop Half Double Crochet
  • FO = Fasten Off
  • Lp/Lps = Loop/Loops
  • Rep = Repeat
  • Sc = Single Crochet
  • Sc2tog = Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together
  • Sl St = Slip Stitch
  • St/Sts = Stitch/Stitches

Notes

  • Use the Tight Slip Stitch Join to keep a straight seam, or whatever other method you may have.
  • All rounds are joined in both loops of first stitch made in round.
  • Color changes are made after the joining slip stitch when working in the rounds. When working in rows for the handle, the color change is made at the last yarn over in last stitch in the row.
  • If you experience difficulties making the first flhdc and blslst in each round, try wiggling the hook and keeping the stitches loose, but not too loose.
  • The stitches are alternated with the half double crochet worked into the front loop only of the slip stitch, and the slip stitch is worked into the back loop only of the half double crochet.

Instructions

  • Rnd 1: With CA, ch 24, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 21 chs, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of starting chains, sc in free lps of next 21 chs, 2 sc in last ch; join with sl st to first sc. (48 sts)
  • Rnd 2: Ch 1, 3 sc in same st as join, *sc in next 21 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next st*, 3 sc in next st; rep from * to * once; join with sl st to first sc. (56 sts)
  • Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st as join, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 23 sts, 3 sc in next st*, sc in next 3 sts; rep from * to * once, then sc in last 2 sts; join with sl st to first sc. (64 sts)
  • Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st as join and in next st, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 25 sts, 3 sc in next st*, sc in next 5 sts; rep from * to * once, then sc in last 3 sts; join with sl st to first sc. (72 sts)
  • Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in same st as join and in next 2 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 27 sts, 3 sc in next st*, sc in next 7 sts; rep from * to * once, then sc in last 4 sts; join with sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
  • Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in same st as join and in next 3 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 29 sts, 3 sc in next st*, sc in next 9 sts; rep from * to * once, then sc in last 5 sts; join with sl st to first sc. (88 sts)
  • Rnd 7: Ch 1, sc in same st as join and in next 4 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 31 sts, 3 sc in next st*, sc in next 11 sts; rep from * to * once, then sc in last 6 sts; join with sl st to first sc. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 8: Ch 1, blsc in same st as join and in each st around; join with sl st to first blsc. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 9: With CB, ch 1, flhdc in same st as join, blslst in next st, *flhdc in next st, blslst in next st; rep from * around; join with sl st in both lps of first flhdc. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 10: With CA, blslst in same st as join, flhdc in next st, *blslst in next st, flhdc in next st; rep from * around; join with sl st in both lps of first blslst.
  • Rnds11-42: Rep rnds 9 & 10.
  • Rnd 43: Continue with CA, ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts; rep from * around; join with sl st in first sc2tog. (80 sts)
  • Rnds 44-45: With CA, ch 1, sc in same st as join and into each st around; join with sl st in first sc. FO at last rnd.

Handle

  • Note: Make the color change at last yarn over in last stitch of row. Fasten Off at end of each row after color change.
  • Row 1: (WS) With CA, ch 81 (or any number you like), working into back bumps, sc in 2nd ch from hk and in each ch across. (80 sts) Turn.
  • Row 2: (RS) With CB, *sc in first st and into each st across.
  • Row 3: With CA, rep row 2 from *.
  • Row 4: With CB, rep row 2.
  • Row 5: With CA, Leave a 6-8" tail for sewing and rep row 2 from *. Leave another 6-8" tail for sewing.
  • Use tail ends to sew handle to bag as shown. The edge is tapered in a bit, making it great for a zipper.

And did you know Crochet Pattern Bonanza has lots more FREE Bag Crochet Patterns.

Alternating Bag ~ FREE Crochet Pattern
4350 shares
  • 512

Bags, Crochet

Previous Post: « Small Bullion Stitch Doily
Next Post: Chain Loops Hair Scrunchie Pattern »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Alexandra says

    August 14, 2015 at 1:20 am

    Hello! I really appreciate you sharing at our Yarn Fanatic Party! Since our current party is a long one, I decided to put together a collection to share. This is my first round up, and includes Purses, Bags and Cases shared out our previous Yarn Fanatic Parties. Thank you for your support, and for being a part! You can find it here: http://eyeloveknots.blogspot.com/2015/08/20-yarn-tastic-purses-bags-cases-yarn.html.

    Reply
    • Rhelena says

      August 19, 2015 at 7:05 pm

      Thanks so much Alexandra!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Solid Shell Stitch Crochet Hat

Crocheters Favorites!

  • Crochet Tote Bag Pattern
  • Bouncy Bubbly Crochet Tote
  • Eyelet Rows Super Bulky Yarn Throw Pattern
  • Open Stitch Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern
  • Pretty Simple Free Crochet Soap Cozy Pattern
  • Simple Crochet Lace Baby Blanket
  • Cross-Over Long DC Free Crochet Newsboy Hat Pattern
  • Crochet Granny Stitch Square Poncho
  • Lacy Round Crochet Blanket Pattern
  • Super Bulky Easy Crochet Lapghan

Purchase Your PDF Patterns

Visit My Etsy Store
Visit My Ravelry Store

Footer

Crochet Brim Hats Shown in Multiple Sizes
  • About
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Guest Posts

Copyright © 2023 · CrochetnCrafts

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We use cookies to 1.) Identify your location and browser, 2.) To help us to display relevant advertisements, 3.) To help us analyze the use and performance of our website. See Our Privacy Policy to Learn More.Cookie settingsACCEPTReject
Privacy & Cookies

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT