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Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern

Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern
4.7★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
3.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive knitting.

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Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern

The Accordion Bag pattern features an innovative band-by-band construction method that creates a beautiful pleated effect. Each band is crocheted separately and joined together using a clever folding technique that forms the signature accordion structure. The pattern includes detailed instructions for creating 12 bands total, alternating between main and contrast colors for visual interest. The result is a functional, stylish bag with a unique textured appearance that stands out from typical crochet bag designs.

Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

This pattern offers flexibility with two size options and uses foundation cord technique for a sturdy base. The drawstring closure and adjustable straps make it practical for everyday use while the accordion pleats add dimensional style.

Why You'll Love This Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this accordion bag pattern because it teaches such a unique construction technique that you won't find in typical bag patterns. The way each band connects and folds to create that pleated accordion effect is so satisfying to watch come together. I also appreciate how the pattern gives you complete control over sizing and color combinations, making each bag truly one-of-a-kind. The foundation cord method creates such a professional, sturdy finish that makes your handmade bag look store-bought quality. Plus, the final product is incredibly functional with that drawstring closure and comfortable shoulder straps that make it perfect for daily use.

Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with different color combinations when making this accordion bag pattern. Instead of using just two colors, I've tried creating ombre effects by gradually transitioning through three or four shades from light to dark across the bands, which creates a stunning gradient accordion effect. You could also try using variegated yarn for the contrast bands while keeping the main bands solid, which adds visual interest without overwhelming the pleated structure.

For a more bohemian look, I sometimes add fringe to the bottom edge of the bag by leaving longer tails on the foundation cords and knotting them decoratively. Another fun variation is replacing the leather drawstring with a chunky braided yarn cord in a coordinating color, or even adding decorative beads to the drawstring ends for extra flair.

If you want to make the bag more structured, try working with two strands of yarn held together throughout the pattern, or even incorporating wire into the foundation cord for a bag that holds its accordion shape more rigidly. For a softer, slouchy version, use a lighter weight yarn with a larger hook size.

You can also customize the band count - adding more bands creates a wider bag with more dramatic accordion folds, while reducing bands creates a slimmer silhouette perfect for evening use.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not leaving long enough yarn tails at the beginning of each band which makes seaming difficult later in assembly ✗ Forgetting to place stitch markers at the 60th stitch on Band 01 and Band 12 causing confusion during strap construction ✗ Skipping the foundation cord technique and using regular chain stitch which results in a weaker less stable bag base ✗ Not aligning bands properly when joining them together creating uneven accordion folds and a lopsided finished bag appearance ✗ Pulling drawstring too tight during finishing which distorts the accordion pleats and prevents the bag from opening fully ✗ Rushing through the folding steps in Row 6 without carefully following inside-out fold instructions resulting in twisted seams

Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern

Create a stunning accordion-style bag with this detailed crochet pattern featuring a unique folded band construction. This versatile bag combines main color and contrast yarn to create beautiful pleated texture, complete with adjustable leather drawstring closure and comfortable shoulder straps. Available in both large and small sizes, this pattern offers a modern take on classic crochet bag designs with its distinctive accordion-fold structure that expands to hold all your essentials.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Accordion Bag Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight 100% Cotton yarn in main color
  • 02
    Worsted weight 100% Cotton yarn in contrast/highlight color
  • 03
    90cm/36inch leather drawstring for large bag
  • 04
    60cm/24inch leather drawstring for small bag

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 3.5mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— PART 1: BASE ROW - Foundation Cord

Step 1:

Create slip knot leaving a tail about 3 times longer than desired foundation length

Step 2:

Tail over hook from front to back, yarn over

Step 3:

Draw through tail loop

Info:

Leave markers on 60th stitch from both ends of Band 01 and Band 12 (indication of body part and strap)

— BAND 01 - Main Color Yarn

Base Row:

Leave 4m/158inch long tail and crochet Foundation cord 251, turn (251)

Row 1:

Ch 1, Sc from second ch from hook and work through foundation cord as shown in picture, turn (251)

Row 2-5:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (251)

Row 6:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, fasten off (251)

— BAND 02 - Contrast/Highlight Color Yarn

Base Row:

Leave 2m/79inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 131, turn (131)

Row 1:

Ch 1, Sc from second ch from hook and work through foundation cord, turn (131)

Row 2-5:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (131)

Row 6 - Part 1:

Place Band 01 (foundation row facing up) in front of Band 02, align 61st sc of Band 01 to first sc of Band 02, Sc 60

Row 6 - Part 2:

Draw long loop of 60th sc and remove hook, unfold bands and bring loop to front

Row 6 - Part 3:

Fold bands inside out (bands are now flipped over), Sc 11

Row 6 - Part 4:

Draw long loop of 11th sc and remove hook, unfold bands and bring loop to front

Row 6 - Part 5:

Fold bands inside out back to original, Sc 60, fasten off leaving tail about 5cm/2.5inch long

— BAND 03 - Main Color Yarn

Base Row:

Leave 2m/79inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 131, turn (131)

Row 1:

Ch 1, Sc from second ch from hook and work through back loop of foundation cord, turn (131)

Row 2-5:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (131)

Row 6:

Place Band 02 (foundation row facing up) in front of Band 03, Sc in each sc of these two bands together and fasten off

— BAND 04 to BAND 11

Info:

Repeat Band 02 for even numbered bands, repeat Band 03 for odd numbered bands

— BAND 12 - Contrast/Highlight Color Yarn

Base Row:

Leave 4m/158inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 251, turn (251)

Row 1:

Ch 1, Sc from second ch from hook and work through foundation cord, turn (251)

Row 2-5:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (251)

Row 6:

Sc 60, place Band 11 in front of Band 12 (align first sc of Band 11 to 61st sc of Band 12), Sc 60, fold inside out sc 11, fold back to original and sc 60, fasten off

Row 7:

Work through top row of Band 12, skip first 60 sc (bag strap), sc 131 across (bag body) and fasten off leaving tail 80cm/32inch long

— SMALL SIZE - BAND 01

Base Row:

Leave 2.4m/95inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 169, turn (169)

Info:

Leave markers on 40th stitch from end on both sides

Row 1:

Ch 1, Sc from second ch from hook and work through foundation cord, turn (169)

Row 2-4:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (169)

Row 5:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, fasten off (169)

— SMALL SIZE - BAND 02

Base Row:

Leave 1.3m/51inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 89, turn (89)

Row 2-4:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (89)

Row 5:

Place Band 01 (foundation row facing up) in front of Band 02, align 41st sc of Band 01 to first sc of Band 02, Sc 40, fold inside out sc 9 and fold back to original sc 40, fasten off (89)

— SMALL SIZE - BAND 03

Base Row:

Leave 1.3m/51inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 89, turn (89)

Row 2-4:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (89)

Row 5:

Place Band 02 in front of Band 03, sc these two bands together, fasten off (89)

— SMALL SIZE - BAND 04 to 11

Info:

Repeat Band 02 for even numbered bands and repeat Band 03 for odd numbered bands

— SMALL SIZE - BAND 12

Base Row:

Leave 2.4m/95inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 169, turn (169)

Info:

Leave markers on 40th stitch from end on both sides

Row 1:

Ch 1, Sc from second ch from hook and work through foundation cord, turn (169)

Row 2-4:

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (169)

Row 5:

Sc 40, place Band 11 in front of Band 12 (align first sc of Band 11 to 41st sc of Band 12), Sc 40, fold inside out sc 9, fold back to original and sc 40, fasten off

Row 6:

Work through top row of Band 12, skip first 40 sc (bag strap), sc 89 across (bag body) leaving 60cm/24inch long tail (169)

Assembly Instructions

  • Fold the completed bag in half with inside facing out to prepare for seaming
  • Using same color yarn as Band 01 (80cm/32inch long), seam the edge of the body part starting from Band 01 side
  • Using the long tail left at the end of Band 12, seam the edge of the body part from Band 12 side
  • Weave in all loose ends using yarn needle, tucking them securely inside the bag structure
  • Shape the bag by folding along the accordion pleats as shown in pattern photos to create dimensional texture
  • Place both strap ends overlapping by 20 sc length and seam both sides of the edge to create continuous shoulder strap
  • Thread the leather drawstring through the top opening of the bag following the natural channel created by the construction, tie ends and adjust to desired closure tightness

Important Notes

  • 💡Measure and cut yarn tails accurately before starting each band to ensure you have enough length for seaming without waste
  • 💡Keep consistent tension throughout all bands to ensure even accordion folds and professional finished appearance
  • 💡Use different colored stitch markers for the 60th stitch markings to easily distinguish strap sections from body sections
  • 💡When folding bands inside out during Row 6 joining process take time to align edges precisely before continuing with stitches
  • 💡Foundation cord technique creates stronger base than regular chain so do not substitute this method for best structural results
  • 💡For small size bag reduce leather drawstring length proportionally and adjust yarn tail lengths according to pattern specifications
  • 💡Block finished bag gently if needed to enhance accordion folds and even out any tension inconsistencies from construction process

This innovative Accordion Bag pattern brings architectural style to your crochet projects with its unique band-by-band construction technique. The clever folding method creates stunning pleated texture that's both eye-catching and functional, while the foundation cord base ensures long-lasting durability. Whether you choose the large size for daily essentials or the small size for a cute crossbody option, this pattern offers endless color combination possibilities to match your personal style. The leather drawstring closure adds a professional finishing touch that elevates this handmade piece to boutique quality. 🧶 Happy crocheting! 🧵✨

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FAQs

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of 100% cotton for this accordion bag?

Yes, you can substitute acrylic yarn, but cotton is recommended because it provides better structure and hold for bags. Cotton yarn has less stretch and creates a sturdier finished product that will maintain the accordion fold shape better over time. If using acrylic, choose a worsted weight with minimal stretch for best results.

What is foundation cord and why can't I just use regular chain stitch?

Foundation cord is a special technique that creates a stronger, more stable base than regular chain stitch by incorporating the tail yarn into the foundation. This creates a reinforced edge that's essential for bag construction as it bears weight and stress. Regular chain stitch would create a weaker base that could stretch or break with use.

How do I know which bands to make in main color versus contrast color?

The pattern alternates colors: Band 01, Band 12, and all odd-numbered bands (3, 5, 7, 9, 11) use main color yarn. Band 02 and all even-numbered bands (4, 6, 8, 10) use contrast/highlight color yarn. This creates the alternating stripe pattern in the finished accordion bag.

What does it mean to fold the bands inside out during Row 6?

This folding technique creates the accordion pleat effect. When you fold inside out, you're temporarily flipping the work so the wrong side faces out, work the stitches, then fold back. This creates a dimensional fold that connects the bands at specific points while leaving other sections free to accordion fold open.

Can I adjust the strap length if I want a longer or shorter shoulder strap?

Yes, you can adjust strap length by changing where you place the stitch markers on Band 01 and Band 12. The pattern uses 60 stitches on each side for the large bag and 40 stitches for the small bag. Moving markers further from center creates longer straps, moving them closer creates shorter straps.

Why do some bands require different tail lengths at the beginning?

Different tail lengths are needed because some bands require seaming while others don't. Band 01 and Band 12 need longer tails (4m/158inch) for final seaming assembly, while interior bands need shorter tails (2m/79inch) just for weaving in ends. Following these specifications ensures you have enough yarn where needed.