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I love the simplicity of this summer essential- my Crochet Raffia Bag- is another free crochet pattern here on the blog. So, have a look through the blog, read about the yarn or scroll down for the free pattern.
Easy Crochet Raffia Bag Pattern for Summer
The simplicity of this crochet raffia bag is where the charm is! I really loved making this bag because it was such a simple and fast make.
As a result, you could easily make this crochet raffia bag in a day! I used simple stitches – single and half double crochet.
It is a great beginner friendly crochet pattern. The half double crochet stitch creates an interesting, almost lacy texture because it is worked through the back loop only.
Because the yarn is a bit stiffer it pulls the stitches open and creates a lovely openwork.
This blog post contains affiliate links and if you click through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I link these companies and their products because of their quality and service not because of the commission I receive from your purchase.
CHOOSING THE PERFECT YARN FOR YOUR CROCHET RAFFIA BAG
For this project I used King Cole Raffia yarn because it calls for summer makes.
This 100% cellulose rayon yarn is great for creating cool summer accessories including hats, bags and homewares.
The yarn made from the leaves of raffia palm tree which grows in Madagascar, Africa and the Phillippines.
The palm tree leaves can grow to over 60 ft/ 18 m long! Now that’s a lot of yarn, right?!
As for yarn substitutes, I would say- don’t! It is a lovely yarn and all I can say, if you haven’t tried it, give it a go!
If you are not ready to start right away or while you wait for your yarn delivery, pin this for later!
Get the printable PDF version of this pattern from Etsy or Ravelry.
CROCHET RAFFIA SUMMER BAG CONSTRUCTION
I have a confession to make – I was putting off making this bag and the reason why?
I could not crochet oval shape which is perfect for this type of crochet bag.
But I persevered and finally had a light bulb moment on how to crochet the perfect oval EVERY time!
If for some reason you struggle with crocheting oval shape have a look at my quick video tutorial below and learn to crochet the perfect oval every time.
MATERIALS
King Cole Raffia– 100% cellulose rayon; 114m per 50g ball; 3 balls in Natural
7 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle
Scissors
A piece of leather – 16mm wide x 127 cm long (I ordered mine from etsy store here) or ready-made handbag handles @ 60 cm long
FINISHED SIZE
30 cm deep x 26 cm wide
TENSION
6 rows x 12 sts = 10 x 10 cm measured over hdc in blo
STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS (US CROCHET TERMS)
Ch- chain stitch
Sc- single crochet
Sl st- slip stitch
Hdc- half double crochet
Hdc in blo- half double crochet in back loop only
Rev sc- reverse single crochet= crab stitch
Rnd- round
Rep- repeat
PATTERN NOTES
Pattern starts with working the bottom part of the bag which is oval shape. For a tutorial on how to crochet the perfect oval scroll up to watch the video.
The main body of the bag is worked in rounds of hdc in blo, join each round with a slip stitch.
SIZE ADJUSTMENTS
To adjust the width of the bag, add/take away number of foundation chain stitches and/or the number of rounds of the oval bottom.
To adjust the height of the bag, add/take away number of rounds of hdc in blo.
CROCHET RAFFIA BAG MAIN PATTERN
With yarn HELD DOUBLE Chain 23.
Rnd 1: starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc across to last st, 5 sc in last ch; turn your work 180 degrees and continue working across the underside of the foundation chain, 20 sc, 4 sc in last ch on the underside, sl st to first st. 50 sc
If you have watched my tutorial you can also read the first row as follow- Row 1: starting in 2nd chain from hook, 22 sc, 3 sc in last st, working into the underside of the foundation chain 22 sc, 3 sc in last st, sl st to first st.
Rnd 2: 1 ch (doesn’t count as a st here and throughout), (22 sc, 2 sc in ech of the next 3 sts) twice; sl st to first st. 56 sc
Rnd 3: 1 ch, [22 sc, (1 sc, 2 sc in next st) 3 times] twice; sl st to first st. 62 sc
Rnd 4: 1 ch, [22 sc, (2 sc, 2 sc in next st) 3 times] twice; sl st to first st. 68 sc
Rnd 5: 2 ch (doesn’t count as a st here and throughout), hdc in blo around, sl st to first st. 68 hdc
Repeat Rnd 5 another 15 times.
Rnd 17: 1 ch, rev sc around, sl st to first st.
Fasten off.
FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS
Sew in all ends.
If you opted for ready-made handles attach them following the instructions.
For a leather strap, cut it in half with very sharp scissors. Make two holes at the bottom of each strap horizontally aligned.
I did this with a large metal yarn needle and a bit of muscle. Attach the leather handles to each side of the bag 2 rows down from the top edge of the bag and 7 stitches in from either side.
Check out my other summer crochet patterns
- SUMMER ROMANCE TOP
- CHUNKY TIDY UP BASKET
- CROCHET SHORELINE SWEATER
- 10 Free Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns For All Seasons
Final thoughts…
I hope you have found this crochet raffia bag helpful. If you think your crafty friends would find this tutorial helpful, why not share it with them?
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This blog post contains affiliate links and if you click through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I link these companies and their products because of their quality and service not because of the commission I receive from your purchase.
Quick and Easy Crochet Raffia Bag For Summer
Hi Veronika. Thank you for my free pattern. I will make it and use while reading ? my books. You said that at the moment you were reading a book by Judy Morris I have read that book and the other 4 books that she wrote. I enjoyed reading her books immensly. She is a BRILLIANT author.??
You are very welcome!