how to crochet a cute bag with the lace shell stitch | free pattern + video tutorial

Hi everyone! This is the written pattern to accompany my video tutorial on YouTube. You can use this made-to-measure pattern to crochet a bag of any size with adjustable straps. You can easily adjust the pattern by increasing/decreasing stitches and rounds to create a handbag, shoulder bag, tote bag, crossbody bag 

Abbreviations:

ss - slip stitch / dc - double crochet / sc - single crochet

You can find the yarn I used on my amazon storefront + you can create your dream website like I did with the Universe app :) use my link to download it for free and start creating!

Measurements of my mini shoulder bag:

Width - 7.5 inches (I chained 30 at the beginning)

Length - 6 inches (I did base + 10 rounds)

Part 1: Base

Make a slip knot and chain the desired width for the bag (please keep in mind that the bag's size might increase by 1/2 inch after the shell stitch round)

Skip 2 chains then insert 6 dc into the 3rd chain

Insert 1 dc into every chain until you reach the last chain

Insert 6 dc into the last chain while rotating your work so that the back loops of the chains are facing upwards

Insert 1 dc into the back loops of every chain

Ss into the 1st dc stitch to end the base round!

Part 2: Body of the bag (rounds of lace shell stitch)

Round 1 - chain 3 to start then insert 2 dc into the same space, repeat all the way around the base *skip 1 stitch, 1 dc, skip 1 stitch, 3 dc, chain 1, skip 1 stitch, 3 dc*, ss into the 3rd chain to end this round

Round 2 onwards - chqin 3 to start a new round, repeat all the way around *in the chain 1 space - 3 dc + chain 1 + 3dc, in the 4th stitch or single dc - insert 1 dc*, ss into the 3rd chain to end the round

Crochet rounds of the lace shell stitch until the bag is the desired size!

Part 3: Strap (sc variation of I-cord)

Make a slip knot and chain 2

Insert your hook into the 2nd chain then sc

Repeat until the strap is the desired length - insert your hook into the side loops then sc

Fasten off then insert the strap through the sides of the bag (in between the chain 1 spaces)

Sew the ends of the strap to join then fasten off (aaaand you're basically done!)

Part 4: Finishing touches

Tie ribbons into bows around the straps to make the bag look even cuter! You can also crochet a pretty flower charm and clip it onto your bag with following this tutorial.