Puff stitch circle bag with easy handles

• LevelIntermediate
• Time4-6 hours
• Hook4 mm
• YarnWorsted

About This Pattern

On the desk

Stitch shorthand

• DC — double crochet
• SC — single crochet
• HDC — half double crochet
• TR — treble crochet
• ch — chain
• sl st — slip stitch

Puff stitch circle bag with easy handles

Main Pattern

1. Round 1(16)

   Magic Circle Foundation Start with a magic circle; Work 16 double crochets (DC) into the circle; Join with a slip stitch to the first DC.

2. Round 2

   Increasing the Circle In the same stitch as the join, work 2 DC; Next stitch: 2 DC, then 1 DC in the following stitch; Repeat this sequence all the way around; Join with a slip stitch to close the round.

3. Round 3

   Expanding the Base Begin with 2 DC in the same stitch; Next two stitches: 1 DC in each; Repeat pattern: 2 DC, 1 DC, 1 DC across the round; Join with a slip stitch.

4. Round 4

   Puff Stitch Round Create a puff stitch by yarning over and pulling through three times in the same stitch; Pull through all loops on the hook; Chain 2; Skip two stitches, then make another puff stitch; Repeat this puff-chain pattern around; Join with a slip stitch between puff stitches.

5. Round 5

   Second Puff Stitch Round Slip stitch into the gap between puff stitches; In each gap, make a new puff stitch; Chain 2 after each puff stitch; Repeat around and join.

6. Round 6

   Single Crochet Round Single crochet into each gap between puff stitches; Also, single crochet directly into each puff stitch; Continue around and join.

7. Round 7

   Base for Bag Body In the next stitch, work 1 DC, then chain 1; Skip the next stitch and repeat the pattern: 1 DC, chain 1; Continue this around and join.

8. Round 8

   Bag Design Round In each gap: work 1 SC, 1 HDC, 1 DC, 1 TR; In the next gap: work 1 TR, 1 DC, 1 HDC, 1 SC; Alternate this pattern around to form the design; Continue repeating this round until the bag reaches desired height.

More shots

Where it goes

• Carry it as a market bag for a loaf of bread, a bunch of herbs, and a couple of tomatoes.
• Use it as a beach or pool tote, paired with a striped towel and a paperback.
• Let it double as a project bag for a smaller crochet or knitting work in progress.
• Style it as an everyday shoulder bag over a simple cotton dress or jeans and a tee.

Color ideas

• Tonal Neutral Work the base rounds and puff stitch rounds all in the same oatmeal or stone shade, then use a slightly darker version of that color for the handles so they read as a quiet accent.

Care

Hand wash the bag in cool water with a gentle soap, since worsted weight yarn can felt or shrink if it's agitated too roughly.

Lay it flat on a towel to dry and reshape the base and puff stitch rounds by hand while damp, rather than hanging it up wet.

Store it stuffed lightly with tissue paper or a soft cloth so the round base and puff texture keep their shape between uses.

Assembly

1. Step 1 Drawstring: Chain a length long enough to go around the top of the bag; weave the chain through the top openings to create a drawstring closure.
2. Step 2 Handles: Create desired-length chains for handles; attach the handles securely to the top edges of the bag using slip stitches or sewing with a yarn needle; ensure both handles are even and firmly secured.

Easy to get wrong

Between the songs

• The real satisfaction here is contrast. You get the meditative, almost automatic rhythm of the increasing base rounds, then you hit the puff stitch rounds and everything slows down, three yarn overs pulled through together, a chain gap, repeat. That texture shift is the whole personality of this bag. Building the base flat and round from a magic circle also teaches you to read your increases by feel, not just by counting, which pays off in plenty of other projects. And because the drawstring and handles are worked separately, you get to finish the fussy textured part first, then coast through the simpler chains at the end. It's a project that rewards you early and lets you cruise to the finish.

Listener questions

• Why does my base look ruffled instead of flat?

  A ruffled base usually means too many increases have snuck in across the rounds. Check that you're following the 2 DC, 1 DC spacing exactly as each round calls for it.

• How do I keep the puff stitch rounds from looking messy?

  Messy puffs almost always come from uneven tension on the three yarn overs before you pull through. Slow down on that pull-through step and keep your loops relaxed but consistent.

• Do the handles need to match the body of the bag in color?

  Not at all, this is a great spot for a contrast color if you want the handles to stand out. Just make sure whatever yarn you choose is sturdy enough to hold up under regular carrying.

• Can I make the drawstring longer if I want to wear the bag differently?

  Yes, the drawstring chain length is entirely up to how you plan to close and carry the bag. Chain it longer if you want extra length to tie a bow or loop it twice.

Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/gorgeous-crochet-bag-with-puff-stitch-stylish-handles-pattern/

About the Author

Marisol QuinteroWho runs Crochet Obsessed, why a stitch count sits at the end of every round, how a pattern gets written here, and the things this site will never do.