Crochet Purse / Clutch Bag: Step by Step Video Tutorial
There is something deeply satisfying about finishing a crochet project you can actually carry into the world. A purse or clutch bag is one of those projects that sits at the sweet spot between beginner-friendly and genuinely impressive — the kind of thing a friend notices across a coffee shop and immediately asks, “Did you make that yourself?” If you have been looking for a step-by-step guide to crocheting your own purse or clutch bag, you have landed in the right place. This tutorial walks you through everything from choosing your yarn and hook to finishing touches that make your bag look polished and professional.
Whether you are a complete beginner picking up a hook for the first time or an experienced crocheter looking for a fresh pattern, this project has something for you. The instructions are written to be as clear and accessible as possible, and the companion video tutorial (linked below) shows each step in real time so you can follow along at your own pace.
Why Crochet Your Own Purse?
Before we dive into the pattern, let’s talk about why this project is worth your time. Buying a purse from a store is easy enough, but there are so many reasons to make your own.
First, the customization is unmatched. You can choose exactly the colors, textures, and dimensions that suit your style. Want a tiny evening clutch in gold metallic yarn? Done. Need a roomy everyday bag in a neutral cotton? Absolutely. When you crochet your own bag, you are the designer.
Second, handmade bags are genuinely durable when made correctly. Cotton yarn, in particular, is tough and washable — far more practical than it might sound. A well-made crochet purse can last for years with minimal maintenance.
Third, this project makes a wonderful gift. A handmade clutch bag feels luxurious and personal in a way that store-bought gifts rarely do. Whether you make it for a birthday, a bridal shower, or just because, the recipient will likely treasure it.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it is fun. Few things are more satisfying than watching a flat piece of fabric transform into a three-dimensional, functional object over the course of a few evenings.
Materials You Will Need
Getting the right materials makes a big difference in how your finished bag looks and how enjoyable the process is. Here is a complete list of what you will need before you start.
Yarn: For a sturdy clutch bag, cotton yarn is the gold standard. It holds its shape well, comes in an enormous range of colors, and is easy to care for. A medium weight (worsted weight, also called size 4) cotton yarn works well for most bag patterns. You will need approximately 200 to 300 yards depending on the size of bag you are making. Some popular choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK, and Drops Safran. If you want a more textured or bohemian look, a jute or raffia-style yarn can give you that woven, natural feel.
Crochet Hook: A size 5.0 mm hook (US size H/8) pairs well with worsted weight cotton yarn. If you prefer a tighter stitch for a stiffer bag, go down a hook size. If you want something airier and more lightweight, go up a size.
Lining Fabric (Optional but Recommended): Adding a fabric lining to your crochet purse gives it structure, hides any loose ends, and prevents small items from slipping through the stitches. A quarter yard of cotton or canvas fabric is more than enough. Choose a color that complements your yarn.
Magnetic Snap Closure or Zipper: A magnetic snap is the easiest closure option for beginners and gives the bag a clean, professional look. Zippers are slightly more involved to install but offer a more secure closure, which is great for a bag you plan to use daily.
Lining Needle and Thread: If you decide to line your bag, you will need a basic sewing needle and thread in a matching color.
Yarn Needle: For weaving in your ends and seaming if needed.
Stitch Markers: These are helpful for marking the beginning of rounds when working in the round.
Scissors: Any pair will do.
Optional Embellishments: Buttons, beads, tassels, pom-poms, and embroidered flowers can all be added after the bag is finished to personalize it further.
Understanding the Stitches
This pattern uses a handful of very common crochet stitches. If you are a beginner, take a few minutes to practice these before starting the bag. If you are more experienced, this is just a quick refresher.
Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects. You pull a loop through another loop repeatedly to create a chain of stitches.
Single Crochet (sc): The most basic stitch. You insert your hook into a stitch, pull up a loop, then pull through both loops on your hook.
Half Double Crochet (hdc): Slightly taller than single crochet. You yarn over, insert your hook, pull up a loop, then pull through all three loops on your hook.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds or move your yarn without adding height. You insert your hook, pull up a loop, and pull that loop through the loop already on your hook.
Back Loop Only (BLO): Working into the back loop of a stitch creates a nice ridge and gives the bag more texture and structure.
If you are unfamiliar with any of these stitches, the video tutorial linked below shows each one demonstrated slowly and clearly before they appear in the pattern.
Pattern Instructions: The Classic Crochet Clutch Bag
This pattern creates a rectangular clutch bag measuring approximately 10 inches wide and 6 inches tall when finished. You can easily adjust the dimensions by changing the starting chain length or adding more rows.
Step 1: Creating the Foundation Chain
Begin with a slip knot on your hook. Chain 31. This gives you 30 usable stitches plus one turning chain.
Turn your work.
Step 2: Working the Body of the Bag (Rows 1–30)
Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 30 single crochet stitches. Chain 1 and turn.
Row 2: Working in the back loop only, single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1 and turn.
Repeat Row 2 until your work measures approximately 12 to 13 inches long. This will fold in half to form the clutch, so you want it to be about twice the height of your finished bag plus a little extra for the flap.
The back loop only technique gives the fabric a beautiful ribbed texture that looks far more complex than it actually is. It also gives the bag a slight stiffness that helps it hold its shape.
When you reach the desired length, do not fasten off. You will continue directly into the flap.
Step 3: Creating the Flap
The flap is the overlapping front piece that closes the bag. You will continue working in the same direction, but you will decrease the stitch count slightly to create a slightly narrower flap that tucks nicely over the front of the bag.
Continue working in rows of single crochet in the back loop only. Work 10 to 12 more rows without any decreases first. Then, to create a shaped edge, decrease one stitch at each end of the next row by working two single crochets together (sc2tog) at the beginning and end of the row. Repeat this decrease row every other row two more times. You should have about 24 stitches remaining.
Work 3 more rows even, then fasten off and weave in your end.
Alternatively, if you prefer a straight-edged flap rather than a shaped one, simply work 15 rows even and fasten off. Both versions look beautiful — it comes down to personal preference.
Step 4: Folding and Seaming the Bag
Lay your finished piece flat with the right side facing down. Fold the bottom third up to meet roughly the middle of your piece. This folded section forms the main body of the clutch. The remaining top portion becomes the flap.
Once you are happy with the fold, use a yarn needle and a length of your yarn to whip stitch or slip stitch along both side edges of the main body. You are seaming the front and back of the bag together along those two side seams. Keep your tension even and your stitches consistent for a clean finish.
When you are done, turn the bag right side out and gently press it into shape. The seams should be neat and nearly invisible.
Step 5: Attaching the Closure
If you are using a magnetic snap, now is the time to install it. Decide where you want the snap to sit on the flap and on the front of the bag. A centered placement about one inch from the edge of the flap looks best.
If you have added a lining, install the magnetic snap onto the lining fabric before you sew the lining into the bag — this gives the snap something firm to attach to and prevents it from pulling at the crochet stitches.
If you are using a button and loop instead of a magnetic snap, crochet a small chain loop at the center of the flap edge and sew a matching button to the front of the bag. A large decorative button can become a real focal point for the design.
Step 6: Adding the Lining (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Cut two pieces of lining fabric, each approximately the same size as the front panel of your bag plus a half-inch seam allowance on all sides. Sew the two pieces together along the bottom and both side edges with right sides facing each other. Fold the top edges down and press them, then slip the lining inside the bag.
Use a needle and thread to hand stitch the lining to the inside top edge of the bag, just below the flap fold line. Keep your stitches small and try not to let them show through to the outside of the bag.
The lining makes the bag look finished and intentional. It also provides a pocket for your phone, cards, or any small item you want easy access to.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
This is where you get to make the bag your own. A few ideas:
Adding a tassel to the center front of the flap is one of the quickest ways to elevate the look of the bag. You can make a tassel from the same yarn, a contrasting yarn, or even from leather cord.
Embroidery is another beautiful option. A few simple daisy stitches or a small floral motif worked onto the flap in contrasting thread can transform a simple clutch into something that looks genuinely artisan.
If you want to add a wrist strap, crochet a chain of about 40 stitches and work one or two rows of single crochet onto it. Attach both ends to the inside of one side seam. This turns your clutch into a wristlet, which is far more practical for evenings out when you want your hands free.
You can also use stitch markers, decorative pins, or small brooches as embellishments — no sewing required.
Tips for a Professional Finish
Even if this is your first bag, a few simple techniques can make your finished project look like it came from a boutique rather than your living room floor.
Always block your crochet fabric before assembling the bag. Blocking means lightly dampening the finished piece and shaping it, then letting it dry flat. This evens out your tension and gives the fabric a smoother, more uniform appearance.
Weave in your ends carefully. Do not just pull them through a couple of stitches and cut. Weave the end back and forth through several stitches in different directions so it is truly secure. This is especially important for a bag that will be handled regularly.
Use a hook size that gives you a tight enough gauge. A loose, drapey fabric is lovely for shawls but not ideal for a bag that needs to hold its shape. If your stitches look too open, go down a hook size.
Press the seams gently with a cool iron (use a pressing cloth if your yarn is acrylic) after seaming to help them lie flat. This makes a noticeable difference in how professional the finished bag looks.
Variations to Try
Once you have made the basic clutch, you will likely find yourself wanting to experiment. Here are a few directions you can take this pattern.
A shell stitch version is stunning and not much harder than the basic pattern. Replace the rows of single crochet with rows of shell stitches (five double crochets worked into one stitch, then skip two stitches on either side) for a lacy, open texture. You will want to add a lining so nothing falls through the openwork.
A granny square clutch is another popular variation. Work a series of traditional granny squares or solid granny squares and join them together to form the body of the bag. The join-as-you-go method keeps the assembly clean and fast.
For a structured box clutch, insert a piece of thin plastic canvas or craft foam into the lining before sewing it in. This gives the bag rigid walls and a perfectly rectangular silhouette — a great option if you plan to use it as an evening bag.
A color blocked version using two or three contrasting yarn colors can be bold and modern. Simply change colors at regular intervals as you work the rows. Carry the unused yarn up the side of your work rather than cutting it each time to minimize ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this project take? Most crocheters finish the basic clutch in three to five hours. If you add a lining, an embellishment, or a zipper closure, budget a couple of extra hours.
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton? Yes, acrylic yarn works fine and comes in a wider range of colors. However, it does not hold its shape as well as cotton and may stretch with use. If you use acrylic, adding a lining is especially important for structure.
What if I want to make a larger bag? Simply increase your starting chain by multiples of the stitch pattern you are using (multiples of 1 for single crochet, so any number works), and add more rows to increase the height. Use a slightly larger hook and heavier yarn for a bag that holds up to more weight.
How do I wash a crochet bag? Cotton bags can generally be washed on a gentle cycle in cool water and laid flat to dry. Check the yarn label for specific care instructions. Bags with magnetic closures should be hand washed to protect the hardware.
Where can I find more crochet bag patterns? Ravelry is the largest free and paid pattern database for crochet and knitting. Etsy is another excellent source for affordable downloadable patterns. YouTube has thousands of free video tutorials as well, and this blog will continue to add new pattern tutorials regularly.
Watch the Video Tutorial
The written pattern above covers everything you need to complete this project, but watching a video tutorial alongside written instructions is one of the best ways to learn a new technique or pattern. The companion video to this tutorial walks through every step shown above in real time, demonstrating how the stitches look in progress and how to handle common trouble spots like even tension, clean seams, and installing a magnetic snap.
Watch the video, pause whenever you need to, rewind as many times as it takes, and do not be afraid to start over if something does not look right. Every experienced crocheter has a pile of frogged projects (that’s crochet slang for ripping out your work) hiding somewhere. It is all part of the process.
A Note on Making This Your Own
The most important thing about any creative project is that you put yourself into it. The pattern above is a starting point, not a rulebook. If you want to use a different stitch, change the dimensions, add a shoulder strap, swap out the closure, or use up a ball of yarn you already have at home, go for it. Crochet is wonderfully forgiving and endlessly flexible.
Share your finished bags in the comments below — nothing is more motivating than seeing the beautiful things this community creates. And if you have questions at any point in the process, drop them below as well. Happy crocheting!
