Free Raffia Crochet Bag Pattern (Step by Step Tutorial)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Circle bags are everywhere this summer, so why not make your own with this free raffia crochet bag pattern?
I love that this bag is made of green/brown raffia, has a tassel with pretty beads, and has a unique bag strap.
Please scroll down to view the free pattern or purchase a printer-friendly, ad-free PDF pattern in my shop here.
About This Easy Level Crochet Pattern
This pattern is for anyone who is an advanced beginner.
The purse has been made in a really easy circle crochet pattern, with simple stitches and a panel that connects them both.
It has a bit of a boho look which makes it perfect to wear down to your local tiki bar or to the beach.
This crochet purse is great for the summer and would make a great gift for family and friends.
How To Crochet A Circle
Crocheting circles can sometimes run into problems, but if you keep count of your rounds, they should stay flat.
Depending on the materials you use and your tension, they can sometimes curl and flute, so you may need to block and stretch them into shape.
Please note—the raffia likes to curl up and may need blocking. The pattern notes below provide more detail about this.
You can see more about crocheting circles here –
How To Crochet With Raffia
- If you have never crocheted with raffia, it is quite easy to work with.
- The raffia I used came from Love Crafts and is by King Cole (made from 100% cellulose rayon) at only $6.20 per ball.
- I used two balls and made the bag in a couple of days.
- The raffia is strong and durable, so it’s perfect for making summer handbags with.
- This bag is made from 2 main pieces, two circles extended to make a base and then connected.
- The bag’s strap is made of a chain that I had from a vintage bag, but you can use any chain.
How To Make The Tassel
If you want to add a tassel to your crochet raffia bag, look at this post – How To Make Tassels {Photo + Video Tutorial}.
Or check out this Video tutorial.
For this tassel, I created it in the same color raffia as used for the bag, wrapped it with gold thread, then added beads and a woven square.
I bought a few bits and pieces from my local craft store, which has so many pretty beads for jewelry making.
Alternatively, you could add pom poms if you don’t want to use beads.
Make A Crochet Purse Perfect For Your Vacation!
Whether you are planning a vacation this summer or not, a crochet circle bag will go with any of your summer outfits.
These photographs were taken at the beach in Ipsos, Corfu, Greece, where we like to swim in the summer.
There is a fun little Tiki bar there called Passoa, so we had a cocktail and took a few photos.
Raffia Crochet Bag Pattern
Purchase the inexpensive, ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
Notes
Skill Level – Easy (advanced beginner)
- Do not turn at the end of the round, but continue working in a spiral, with the right side (RS) always facing.
- Keep count of the sts by placing a marker (PM) on the last st of each round.
- There are no turning chains in this pattern.
Blocking
- Pulling and stretching the raffia out a little when the circle begins to grow can help to keep it flat when working.
- The bag may require light steam blocking when finished.
- Do not allow the iron to touch the raffia, steam from above through a thin cotton towel.
- Alternatively, you can flatten by stacking books on top and leaving for a couple of days.
Copyright Info
- Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
- If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
- You may sell items produced using this pattern.
- Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.
Measurements
- The circle bag measures – diameter = 16 inches
- Strap = 42 inches/107cm
- Tassel length = 10 inches
Gauge = 15 stitches, 19 rows to 10cm/4″
The Supplies You Need
Yarn
- 2 x King Cole Raffia in Woodland – 1458
- You can also use Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and the Gang.
Hook
Size 5.5 mm Crochet Hook (US 9/I)
Notions
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Tape measure
- Darning needle
Other Materials
- 2 x Gold rings – 1-inch diameter
- Chain bag strap – 42 inches / 107 cm
For the tassel –
- 1 ring clip 1 inch / 1 ring 1-inch diameter
- Leather thong – 1/4 meter
- Gold sewing thread
- Beads
For the bag lining –
- Half a meter of calico fabric.
White thread.
Sewing machine.
Pins.
Sewing needle/tapestry needle.
Scissors.
Iron.
Bag press stud or magnetic snap.
Abbreviations
The pattern is written using US crochet terms and abbreviations.
You can find a free PDF of both US and UK terms and abbreviations here.- Crochet Abbreviations And Terms (US + UK)
- CH – Chain
- PM – Place marker
- SC – Single crochet
- Sl St – Slip stitch
- RS – Right side
Pattern Instructions
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make your own bag.
Time needed: 1 day, 3 hours and 30 minutes
Crochet Raffia Bag Free Pattern
- Make The Bag Body – Round Panels – Make 2
Make a 4 ch and join with an ss in the first ch to form a ring.
Round 1: (RS) – 1 ch; 8 sc in ring (8 sts) PM (see notes).
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc. (16 sts)
Round 3: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (24 sts)
Round 4: 1 sc in each sc.
Round 5: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (36 sts)
Round 6: 1 sc in each sc.
Round 7: *1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (48 sts)
Round 8: 1 sc in each sc.
Round 9: *1 sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (60 sts)
Round 10: 1 sc in each sc.
Round 11: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 2 sc. (72 sts)
Round 12: 1 sc in each sc.
Round 13: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 3 sc. (84 sts)
Round 14: 1 sc in each sc.
Round 15: 1 sc in each of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. * 1 sc in each of next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to * ending with 1 sc in each of last 4 sc. (96 sts)
Round 16: 1 sc in each sc.
Leave the raffia yarn last stitch open, as you will come back to this later – to work into.
- Make The Side Panels
Do this next part of the pattern to both of the circles.
You will need to use two strands of raffia together for this next part of the pattern.
Round 1: With two strands together – where the marker is and the loop you left open on one of the circle panels, sc into 60 sts.
Cut one thread and continue with the other.
Round 2: 1 sc in each st – (60) in only the bottom half of the bag.
Round 3: Rep round 2.
Round 4: Rep round 2.
Weave in all of the loose ends on both panels before you stitch the sides together. - Join By Crocheting The Sides Together
If the round bag panels look like they need to be blocked – please read the notes below on how to do this.
Place the right sides of the bag together – and sc into each corresponding st – of the side panels. - Continue To Seam Leaving An Opening At The Top Of The Bag
They are crocheted together and you will see a seamed line on the inside of the bag (the wrong side).
Leave an opening at the top of the bag.
Weave in all loose ends and remove the stitch markers.
Turn the bag out to the right side.
This bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag depending on the length of the chain you use for the strap. - Make The Side Loops
On either side of the bag – you will crochet loops that will have the gold rings placed over them and are stitched down on either side.
This is for the bag strap to clip onto.
Row 1 – sc into 4 sts, ch1, turn, sc.
Rep for 8 rows.
Place the gold ring over the length and fold it over.
itch the end down into the side of the bag to make the loop.
weave in any loose ends.
Repeat on the other side of the bag for the second loop.
You can now attach your bag strap to the loops. - Make The Bag Lining
If you want your bag to have a fabric lining, please follow these instructions;
You will need:
Half a meter of calico fabric.
White thread.
Sewing machine.
Pins.
Sewing needle.
Scissors.
Iron.
Bag press stud or magnetic snap.
To make the lining you will need to stitch the inside panels together using a sewing machine (or by hand) and then hand stitch the lining to the inside of the bag.
Cut two circles from the fabric with a 10-inch diameter.
Cut one long length of fabric measuring 15.5 inches long and 3 inches wide. - Seam The Lining
Pin half of the first circle panel to the long length of the fabric.
Thread up the sewing machine and stitch the circle to the length.
Rep for the other circle, so that you have sewn a mini-circle bag.
Turn the right side out. - Fit into the bag
Iron a short seam allowance around the top edges of the circles and stitch it into place.
This creates a neat edge for the lining. - Stitch The Lining Into Place
Hand-stitch the lining into place around the edges of the bag, catching the stitches so they do not show on the outside of the bag.
You can also add a bag fastening/press stud to the lining if you wish. - Make A Tassel
If you want to add a tassel to your bag – you could do this in any yarn or leftovers you have in your stash or use raffia in the same color as the bag as I did.
I also added a woven square and beads, attached to a ring clip, which then clipped onto the bag handle.
Please see my tutorial on how to make a tassel. – How To Make Tassels {Photo + Video Tutorial}
Leave a long length of yarn for the top section of your tassel, so that you can thread the beads etc onto it, loop over the ring of your ring clip, and push back down through the beads, securing underneath and cutting the raffia.
This will hide any untidy loose ends and be hidden underneath the beads.
Push the bead down a little to hide the knot and your tassel charm should be ready to attach to your bag.
- Add The Bag Strap/Chain
Add the clips to your bag chain or if you are using a chain from another bag then attach it to the rings on either side of the bag that you attached in step 5.
The raffia crochet bag should now be ready to wear!
Could you share your work with us?
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making the raffia crochet bag, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme.
I’d love to see your work!
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