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Canvas Handbag Crochet Pattern

Canvas Handbag Crochet Pattern
4.2★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
3.8K 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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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Canvas Handbag Crochet Pattern

This canvas handbag pattern is a beautiful blend of functionality and style, perfect for crocheters looking to expand their skills into practical accessories. The pattern uses polyester cord to create a sturdy, structured bag with gorgeous embroidered details that add visual texture and professional appeal. With detailed assembly instructions including lock installation, handle attachment, and lining construction, you'll learn valuable techniques that translate to many other crochet projects.

Canvas Handbag Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The finished product is a sophisticated handbag with clean lines and professional hardware, complete with an optional decorative chain strap. This pattern takes you step-by-step through creating the main canvas, side panels, embroidery work, and finishing touches that make this bag truly special.

Why You'll Love This Canvas Handbag Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it bridges the gap between traditional crochet and modern accessory design! The combination of simple single crochet stitches with the elegant embroidery technique creates such a professional-looking finish that you'll be proud to carry or gift. What really excites me is how this pattern teaches you practical skills like installing hardware, creating structured bag shapes, and adding professional touches like a fabric lining. The finished bag is incredibly versatile and sturdy enough for daily use, proving that handmade doesn't mean delicate. I also appreciate that while the pattern looks complex, it breaks down each step clearly, making it achievable for intermediate crocheters ready to level up their skills.

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

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with this canvas handbag pattern by switching up the colors and hardware finishes to match different styles and seasons! For a summery vibe, I've made this bag in bright coral or turquoise cord with gold hardware, which creates such a cheerful, vacation-ready accessory. For fall and winter, I switch to deep burgundy, forest green, or classic black cord with antique brass or silver hardware for a more sophisticated look.

One of my favorite modifications is playing with the embroidery pattern - instead of the traditional squares, I've tried diagonal lines or even skipping rows to create different geometric effects. You could also experiment with two-toned embroidery by using a contrasting cord color for the decorative stitching, which adds an extra pop of personality.

I've also customized the handle length for different carrying styles - making it shorter for a cute wristlet or keeping it longer for comfortable shoulder carrying. Some makers love adding decorative charms or tassels to the chain strap for extra flair! The lining fabric is another fun place to express your creativity - I've used floral prints, polka dots, and even themed fabrics that peek out beautifully when you open the bag. The beauty of this pattern is that once you understand the basic construction, the customization possibilities are endless!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not pulling the working loop to the correct height when crocheting single crochet stitches, which creates unwanted holes in the canvas fabric structure ✗ Skipping the embroidery step or pulling the decorative stitches too tight, which distorts the canvas shape and ruins the professional square pattern appearance ✗ Misplacing markers when assembling side parts to the main canvas, resulting in uneven bag construction and misaligned corners that affect overall symmetry ✗ Installing the lock hardware without carefully centering it or ensuring equal loops on both sides, leading to a crooked closure mechanism ✗ Rushing through the lining construction and not measuring accurately inside the finished bag, creating a lining that bunches or doesn't fit properly

Canvas Handbag Crochet Pattern

Create your own stylish and functional canvas handbag with this detailed crochet pattern! This beautiful bag features a structured design with embroidered details, a professional lock closure, and an elegant chain strap. Perfect for everyday use or special occasions, this intermediate-level project combines traditional crochet techniques with modern finishing touches. The finished handbag measures approximately 8.5 inches long, 7.5 inches high, and 2.5 inches wide, making it the perfect size for carrying your essentials in style.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Canvas Handbag Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Polyester cord 3mm, 220 yards (200m) - Shikimiki Macrame Matte or similar
  • 02
    Soft flat cord 4mm from Ukrainian manufacturer (alternative option)
  • 03
    Cotton or linen fabric for lining, approximately 12x20 inches (30x50cm)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4mm crochet hook
  • 02
    Plastic needle with large eyelet
  • 03
    Metal lock closure, 2x2 inches (5x5cm)
  • 04
    2 snap hook O-rings, 30-40mm diameter (or 2 D-rings)
  • 05
    2 handle holders, diameter 14-16mm
  • 06
    Chain 39-48 inches (1-1.2m) with 2 snap hooks
  • 07
    8 stitch markers
  • 08
    Sewing thread and needle
  • 09
    Lighter for finishing cord ends
  • 10
    Small Phillips screwdriver
  • 11
    Scissors
  • 12
    Iron for steaming
  • 13
    Damp cloth for pressing

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Canvas :

Starting Chain :

Crochet 26 CH

Row 1 :

25 SC from the 2nd loop from the hook on the back loop of the chain only, CH

Info :

When crochet SC, pull the working loop to the level of the hook (17-18 mm). Then the canvas will be without holes. Then tighten the loop on the hook back. Insert the hook through the last SC, over hook the end of the thread and pull out. Crochet in the end of the thread in the next row.

Row 2 :

25 SC, CH

Row 3 :

25 SC, CH. Cut the end of the beginning of the crocheting, process with fire. From the 3rd row crochet the 1st SC on the legs of the last SC and skip the 1st loop of the row.

Row 4 :

25 SC, CH

Row 5 :

25 SC, CH

Rows 6-66 :

25 SC, CH

Row 67 :

25 SC. Don't cut the thread.

— Base Trim :

Step 1 :

Crochet 2 SC in the last SC of the 67th row

Step 2 :

Next crochet 65 SC in each row

Step 3 :

Then 3 SC in 1

Step 4 :

Next 23 SC

Step 5 :

Then 3 SC in 1

Step 6 :

Next 65 SC in each row

Step 7 :

Then 1 SC in the 1st SC of the 67th row. Cut the thread, insert the hook under 1st SC of the row, pull the thread. Tighten back in the last loop. Tighten the end through few loops, process with fire.

Step 8 :

Insert the hook in any SC of the base trim. Pull the loop, insert the hook in the next SC, crochet SlSt. Next crochet SlSt in each SC of the base trim.

Step 9 :

Cut the thread and pull out the end. Close the row: insert the hook under 1st SlSt of the row, pull the thread. Tighten back in the last loop. Tighten the ends through few loops, process with fire.

Info :

Now, after the base trim, the canvas consists of 68 rows.

— Embroidery :

Info :

Start embroidery from the top left corner. The top is the future valve, where the crocheting of the fabric is finished (67th row). Cut the thread about 4.4 yards (4m) long, so there are fewer knots.

Step 1 :

Insert the needle under the base trim. Count 4 rows and 4 SC and insert the needle between the 4th and 5th SC.

Step 2 :

Insert the needle after 4th row again, then up under the base trim

Step 3 :

Next embroider from left to right, down and right to left. Repeat rapport until the end of the canvas. Don't tighten the seams, but should not hang out.

Step 4 :

Tie the knot when the thread runs out. Then join the threads with the lighter. Hide the ends. Steam with the iron through a damp cloth.

Info :

Embroidery looks like squares on the wrong side.

— Side Part (Make 2) :

Starting Chain :

Crochet 7 CH

Row 1 :

6 SC from the 2nd loop from the hook on the back loop of the chain only, CH. Insert the hook through the last SC. Over hook the end of the thread and pull out. Crochet in the end of the thread in the next row.

Row 2 :

6 SC, CH

Row 3 :

6 SC, CH. From the 3rd row crochet the 1st SC on the legs of the last SC and skip the 1st loop of the row.

Rows 4-18 :

6 SC, CH

Row 19 :

6 SC, don't cut the thread

Finishing :

Pull out the loop to the front side. Crochet 5 SlSt in the last row. Leave the end about 60 inches (1.5m) long for sewing. Cut the thread, pull out the end. Pull out the end to the wrong side again.

Info :

Similarly crochet the 2nd side part. Crochet the base trim with 5 SlSt in the other way. That is, the ends of the side parts will be on opposite sides. Steam the side parts with an iron through a damp cloth.

— Assembly :

Step 1 :

Turn the side of the canvas to himself, where the additional row of the base trim. Count 10 rows (or 5 squares). Place the marker between the rows in the loop of the base trim.

Step 2 :

Then count 4 rows (or 2 squares). Place the markers between the rows. There should be 7 loops between the 1st and the 2nd markers.

Step 3 :

Count 10 rows (or 5 squares) again. Place the markers. It should be in the 19th loops from the 2nd markers.

Step 4 :

Also, count 19 loops from the 1st markers. Place the markers in the 19th loops on the rounding.

Step 5 :

Take the right side part. The side with the chain of the base trim with SlSt - front. The end of the thread on the left. Put on the corners of the side part to the canvas. Take the plastic needle.

Step 6 :

Make the securing stitches at the beginning. Next sew the side part with the canvas in each loop of the canvas and each row of the side part. Sew to the marker, remove, make the stitch in the corner.

Step 7 :

At down, sew 6 loops in the chain of the side part, make the 7th stitch in the knot. Remove the marker, make the stitch in the corner. Then sew to the next marker.

Step 8 :

Make securing stitches at the finish. Strengthen and hide the end, process with fire.

Step 9 :

Similarly sew the 2nd side part. Shape the bag with your hands.

— Install the Lock :

Top Part :

Insert the canvas in the hole. First the front side. Help with the screwdriver carefully. Slowly so as not to scratch the lock or injure your skin. It is necessary to insert the entire base trim in the hole.

Step 2 :

Similarly insert the canvas from the wrong side. Check that the right and the left have the same number of loops. Align the top of the lock to the centre. Tighten the screws.

Lower Part :

Cut the overlay on the lower part, so that it does not look out from below. Cut 5 pieces of 8 inches (20cm) long. Process with fire. Put the pieces on the lock, between the antennae.

Step 4 :

Put on the overlay and bend the antennae. Close the valve and try on where the lower part of the lock should be. Pull all ends to the wrong side. There must be an indent between the ends.

Step 5 :

Turn the bag inside out. Tie the knots IN PAIRS! Tighten the pieces well. Check how the lock is fastened.

Step 6 :

Process the knots with fire, hide the ends between the loops and process with fire again. Turn the bag back, shape with hands.

— Handle :

Starting :

Leave the end about 32 inches (80cm) long. Crochet 2 CH.

Round 1 :

Crochet 6 SC in the 2nd loop from the hook. Pull the end folded together in the hole. Next, crochet a spiral so that the end is in the middle.

Round 2 :

Next crochet 6 SC

Continuing :

Then 6 SC on the left leg only of the SC of the previous row. Crochet to the required length of the handle, which is about 14 inches (35cm). Stretch the cord in the middle of the handle.

Finishing :

Then, tighten the hole with (2 SC together) x 3. Strengthen the end at the beginning. Process with fire. Cut the thread at the finish. Tie the knot, hide the ends, process with fire.

Installing Handle Holders :

Put the holder of the handle. Insert the end into the holder and gently push inward with the screwdriver. Make the hole with the small Phillips screwdriver, insert the screws. Tighten two screws with the small Phillips screwdriver. Similarly put the 2nd holder of the handle.

Attaching O-rings :

Attach the snap hook O-rings to the side parts. Put on the handle to the snap hook O-rings.

— Decorate the Chain :

Step 1 :

Take the piece of the cord 3 yards (2.7m) long. Tie the chain with the cord in one side with the plastic needle.

Step 2 :

Pull the cord through the snap hook. Tie the chain on the other side.

Step 3 :

Join the ends and process with fire. Put on the chain to the bag.

— Lining :

Measuring :

It is better to take cotton or linen so that the lining keeps its shape well. Measure the distance from the middle to the middle of the side parts inside the handbag. In example, 11 inches (28cm). Then measure the distance from the edge to the middle of the bottom. In example, 7 inches (17.5cm).

Cutting :

Take the piece of the fabric. Fold in half. Cut out the rectangle according to your measurements 11x7 inches (28x17.5cm) with the seam allowances 10-15mm. The seam allowance is not needed on the fold.

Sewing :

Sew the side seams. Fold the edge, sew.

Creating Dimension :

Next, measure the width of the side part inside the bag. In example 2 3/8 inches (6cm). Measure this distance at the corners of the lining. Sew the corners. We have the three-dimensional rectangle.

Installing Lining :

Put the lining inside. Straighten the lining inside with your hands. You can also pin with the pins. Sew in the lining to the bag with the hidden stitches. Thread the needle over the edge of the lining. Make the securing stitches in the corners.

Finishing :

If necessary, steam the seam of the lining with an iron through a damp cloth.

Assembly Instructions

  • Mark placement points on the main canvas by counting 10 rows, then 4 rows, then 10 rows again, ensuring proper spacing for side part attachment.
  • Sew the first side part to the canvas using the long thread tail, working through each loop of the canvas and each row of the side part systematically.
  • Attach the second side part in the same manner, ensuring both side parts are positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the canvas.
  • Install the top part of the lock by carefully inserting the canvas into the lock holes using a screwdriver, making sure equal loops are on both sides.
  • Secure the lower part of the lock by threading cord pieces through the antennae, knotting them in pairs on the wrong side, and sealing with fire.
  • Attach handle holders to the crocheted handle using screws and a Phillips screwdriver, then connect the handle to the O-rings on the side parts.
  • Create and install the fabric lining by measuring the interior dimensions, sewing the rectangular lining with dimensional corners, and hand-stitching it securely inside the finished bag.

Important Notes

  • 💡When crocheting single crochet stitches for the canvas, always pull the working loop to 17-18mm height to prevent holes from forming in the fabric
  • 💡Process all cord ends with fire immediately after cutting to prevent fraying and ensure a professional finish throughout the project
  • 💡Steam the canvas and side parts with an iron through a damp cloth before assembly to help maintain the bag's structured shape
  • 💡Use markers carefully during assembly to ensure symmetrical placement of side parts - misalignment will affect the final bag structure
  • 💡When installing the lock, work slowly and carefully with the screwdriver to avoid scratching the hardware or injuring yourself
  • 💡Tie the lower lock cord pieces in pairs and tighten well before sealing to ensure the lock mechanism functions properly
  • 💡Measure your specific bag interior before cutting the lining fabric, as slight variations in tension can affect final dimensions

This sophisticated Canvas Handbag pattern transforms simple crochet techniques into a professional accessory you'll treasure for years! The combination of structured cord work, elegant embroidery details, and quality hardware creates a bag that rivals store-bought designs. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this pattern teaches valuable skills while producing a truly functional and beautiful result. The satisfaction of installing professional hardware and creating your own fashion accessory is absolutely unmatched! 🧶✨ Happy crocheting! 🎀

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FAQs

What type of cord works best for this canvas handbag pattern?

The pattern recommends polyester cord 3mm, specifically Shikimiki Macrame Matte or the Soft flat cord 4mm. Polyester cord is ideal because it's strong, holds its structure well, and creates a professional-looking canvas that maintains the bag's shape over time.

How do I prevent holes from forming in my canvas while crocheting?

The key is to pull your working loop to the level of the hook (17-18mm) when making each single crochet stitch, then tighten the loop back on the hook afterward. This technique ensures tight, even stitches without gaps.

Can I skip the embroidery step if I want a simpler look?

Yes, the embroidery is decorative and adds texture, but it's not structurally necessary. However, the embroidery creates the beautiful square pattern that gives this bag its distinctive professional appearance, so consider trying it even if you're new to embroidery!

What measurements should I use for the lining if my bag turned out slightly different?

Always measure your specific finished bag interior. Measure from the middle of one side part to the middle of the other (width), and from the top edge to the middle of the bottom (height). Add 10-15mm seam allowances to these measurements when cutting your fabric.

Where can I find the lock hardware and other metal components needed?

You can find bag hardware at craft stores, online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon, or specialty bag-making suppliers. Look for a 2x2 inch (5x5cm) lock, 30-40mm O-rings or D-rings, and 14-16mm handle holders in the color of your choice.

Can I make the bag larger or smaller by adjusting the pattern?

Yes! To make it larger, start with more chain stitches and crochet more rows for the canvas. For smaller, reduce both. Just remember to adjust the side parts proportionally and remeasure for your lining. The basic construction method remains the same.