Ideal for those with basic crocheting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.
Fits nicely into a free afternoon — 2 to 5 hours of focused, enjoyable crocheting.
An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.
This gorgeous clutch is the ultimate summer accessory. It makes a stunning handmade gift for birthdays or holidays, and looks incredibly high-end when paired with a breezy linen dress.
I fell head over heels for this pattern because of the incredible herringbone texture—it looks like intricate weaving but is surprisingly simple to master. There is something so satisfying about working with raffia to create a functional, durable piece of fashion that you can actually wear out and about.
I still remember the first time I worked with raffia yarn. I was so used to soft cottons and cozy wools that the papery texture felt completely alien in my hands! But once I got into the rhythm of this gorgeous herringbone stitch, I was absolutely hooked. There is a rustic, beachy elegance to raffia that you just cannot replicate with any other fiber.
My biggest tip for this project is to take your time and let your stitches breathe. If you pull too tightly, the herringbone loses its beautiful, chunky definition, and your hands will definitely feel the strain. Let the hook do the work! If you want to customize this piece, try experimenting with different embroidery designs. While I absolutely adore the classic cherry motif, a simple daisy or even some minimalist geometric lines in contrasting raffia would look incredibly chic. I cannot wait to see how you make this clutch your own!
Get ready to create your new favorite summer accessory with this beautifully textured clutch! Crocheted with natural raffia, this project brings a touch of beachy elegance directly to your wardrobe. You will absolutely love watching the gorgeous herringbone texture take shape as you work, creating a sturdy and stylish fabric that feels incredibly high-end. It is the perfect blend of rustic charm and chic design.
Leave a yarn tail of approximately 1.5 meters (59 inches) before starting. We will work with two strands of yarn held together.
Work 51 CH. Insert hook into second CH from hook, pull up loop, insert into next CH, pull up loop, and pull through all three loops. Continue working herringbone SC across next 48 CH. Work 4 SC in last CH. Turn and work 49 SC along opposite side of chain, working 2 SC in last loop. CH 1. (Place markers in first and fourth SC of the 4 SC group).
Turn with wrong side facing. Bring yarn to front. Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), followed by 4 Inc. Move markers to first and last loops of the Inc. Work 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), then work (Inc, 1 SC) 4 times. Move markers to first and last loops of this section. Work 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), then work (Inc, 2 SC) 4 times. Move markers to first and last loops of this section. Work 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), then work (Inc, 3 SC) 4 times. Move markers to first and last loops of this section. Work 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), then work (Inc, 4 SC) 4 times. Move markers to first and last loops of this section. Work 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), then work (Inc, 5 SC) 4 times. Move markers to first and last loops of this section. Work 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), then work (Inc, 6 SC) 4 times. Move markers to first and last loops of this section. Work 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), then work (Inc, 7 SC) 4 times. Move markers to first and last loops of this section. Work 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), 1 Inc, move marker to first loop of this Inc, 8 SC, 1 Inc, 5 SC, CH 2, skip 2 loops, SC over 2 loops, SC in second loop, 8 SC, 1 Inc, 8 SC, move marker to eighth SC, 49 SC (2 SC in last loop). CH 1.
Work 48 SC (first SC over two loops), 1 Inc, remove marker, 9 SC, 1 Inc, 9 SC, work 2 SC over CH space, 1 Inc, 9 SC, 1 Inc, 6 SC, remove second marker, 49 SC (2 SC in last loop).
Work 3 SC in last loop of row, work 19 SC along side edge (one SC in each row), work 3 SC in corner. Cut yarn, pull tail through, and hide end on wrong side.
Leave a yarn tail of approximately 30 cm (12 inches) before starting. Work with two strands of yarn held together.
Work 20 CH. Starting in second CH from hook: 17 SC, 4 SC in 1, 18 SC. CH 1. Place markers in first and fourth SC of the 4 SC group.
Work 17 SC, 4 Inc, 18 SC (2 SC in last loop). Cut yarn, pull tail through last loop, tie ends on wrong side, and hide tails.
Insert hook through eyelet of first snap hook ring, pull up loop, twist clockwise, CH 1. Work 2 SC through eyelet, CH 1, turn.
Work 2 SC, turn. Insert hook under left leg of SC from previous row, pull up loop, SC, turn.
Insert hook under two loops of SC from previous row, pull up loop, SC, turn.
Repeat previous row to desired length (about 110 cm / 43 inches).
Work 2 SC through eyelet of second snap hook ring. Cut yarn, pull tail through, and hide end on wrong side.
To embroider the stems, twist a small piece of brown raffia yarn and fold it in half. Thread the ends through to the wrong side of the front flap. Pull one end back to the front, intercept the middle of the stem to form an inverted V shape, and secure it tightly on the back.
To embroider the leaves, use green raffia yarn to make a few small satin stitches at the top join of the brown stems.
To make the cherries, twist a small piece of red raffia yarn into a tight ball. Wrap a flat strand of red raffia around the ball, pull both ends through to the wrong side of the flap at the bottom of a stem, and tie them securely in a knot. Repeat to create the desired number of cherries.
I am so incredibly proud of you for wrapping up this gorgeous project! There is nothing quite like the feeling of stepping out with a stunning accessory that you made with your own two hands. I hope every single compliment you get on this clutch brings a massive smile to your face and inspires your next design. Keep shining, keep sharing your beautiful work with the world, and happy crafting! 🧶✨
You can, but keep in mind that raffia provides the structural stiffness needed to keep this clutch upright. If you switch to cotton, your bag will be much softer and floppier, so you might need to use a sturdy plastic canvas insert or a thick interfacing inside the lining to help it hold its shape.
Raffia is water-resistant but shouldn't be fully submerged. If your clutch gets a spot on it, gently wipe it down with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Let it air dry completely out of direct sunlight, and give it a quick steam with your iron to restore its shape.
The secret to a gorgeous herringbone stitch is tension and twist control. Make sure you are pulling your loops up to about one centimeter high so they have room to lie flat. Also, take a moment every few stitches to untwist your raffia yarn so the flat side of the ribbon is always facing forward.
The strap is worked as a continuous i-cord directly from the snap hook. You can easily customize the length by simply crocheting more or fewer rows before fastening off at the second snap hook. Keep in mind that raffia doesn't stretch much, so the length you crochet is the length it will stay.
