This Crochet Cotton Rope Clutch Bag DIY Will Carry All Your Essentials

If you’re looking for a fun and funky weekend project, then look no further. Created by Emma Wright, a freelance knit and crochet designer based in the UK, this crochet bag is a great addition to your #MeMade wardrobe and can easily be adapted by changing the colours to ones that will match your favourite go-to outfit!

This project is an edited extract from CIY: Crochet-It-Yourself by Emma Wright, published by Quadrille / Hardie Grant. With 15 beautiful designs, this book takes you through all the steps and techniques needed to master and refine your crochet skills. Master the basics, build on your technique and enter the wonderful world of crochet, whether you are new to the craft or already have a couple of projects under your belt.

CIY: Crochet-It-Yourself is available in stores nationally or online at Hardie Grant. Grab your crochet hook and get making!

photos KIM LIGHTBODY

MAE Cotton Rope Clutch

Size

One size

Width                    10 ⅝ in                  27 cm

Height                  10 ⅝ in                  27 cm

Yarn

Super bulky (super chunky)

Sample made in:

Bobbiny Braided Cord 5 mm (100% recycled cotton, 109 yd/100 m per 17. oz/500 g skein/hank)

1 skein of Golden Natural (A)

1 skein of Black (B)

Hook and Equipment

US 15 (10 mm) crochet hook

Stitch marker

Yarn needle

Gauge (Tension)

6.5 sts x 8 rounds to 4 x 4 in (10 x 10 cm) working single crochet, using US 15 (10 mm) crochet hook or size to obtain stated gauge.

Bag Face (make 2)

Using A, ch 3, sl st into first ch to create ring.

Round 1: 5 sc into ring, Work in a continuous spiral.

Round 2: 2 sc in every st. 10 sts

Round 3: *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * to end. 15 sts

Round 4: *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * to end. 20 sts

Round 5: *1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * to end. 25 sts

Round 6: *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * to end, turn. 30 sts

Beg working in rows.

Next row: Ch 1, [2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 5 sts] 4 times, 2 sc in last st, turn. 30 sts

Next row: Ch 1, [2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 6 sts] 4 times, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in last st, turn. 35 sts

Ch 5, 1 sc in first st after gap/handle, [2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 7 sts] 4 times, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of 5 ch, 1 sc in first  st after gap.

Beg work in rounds again, PM to indicate beg/end of each round.

Next round: [2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 8 sts]  5 times, sl st in first sc of round to join.

Fasten off.

Side panel

Using B, ch 5.

Row 1: 1 sc in second ch from hook (skipped ch does not count as a st), 1 sc in next 3 ch,  turn. 4 sts

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 1 sc in every st, turn.

Rep Row 2 until work measures approx. 18½in (47 cm), ending with RS facing.

Fasten off.

Making up

Using A and a single crochet seam, join the side panel to the first bag face then repeat to add the second bag face to the other side of side panel, leaving the top of bag open across the handles.

Weave in any loose ends. Press/block garment referring to ball band for instructions.

Enjoy!