How to Make a Crochet Handbag with Interior and Exterior Pockets

Here is a clear, detailed, beginner-friendly guide you can use for a project, blog post, or assignment about how to make a crochet handbag with both interior and exterior pockets.

How to Make a Crochet Handbag with Interior and Exterior Pockets

A crochet handbag is a practical and stylish handmade accessory. Adding both an exterior and interior pocket makes the bag more functional, perfect for carrying small items like keys, a phone, or lip balm. This guide explains the materials needed, basic stitches, and step-by-step construction of the handbag and pockets.

Materials Needed

• Medium-weight yarn (cotton or acrylic works best for handbags)

• Crochet hook (size recommended on yarn label, usually 4–5 mm)

• Yarn needle

• Scissors

• Stitch markers (optional)

• Fabric lining (optional but recommended for interior pocket)

• Button, zipper, or snap (optional for pocket closure)

Basic Crochet Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – forms the foundation

• Single Crochet (sc) – creates a tight, sturdy fabric

• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – adds thickness and texture

• Slip Stitch (sl st) – joins rounds or edges

Step 1: Make the Base of the Handbag

1. Start by chaining enough stitches to match the desired width of your bag (for example, 25–30 chains).

2. Work single crochet stitches across the chain.

3. Crochet around both sides of the chain to form an oval base.

4. Increase evenly at the corners to keep the base flat.

5. Continue until the base reaches the desired size.

Step 2: Crochet the Body of the Bag

1. Stop increasing stitches.

2. Crochet in continuous rounds using single crochet or half double crochet.

3. Work upward until the bag reaches the height you want.

4. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Step 3: Make the Exterior Pocket

1. Chain a smaller number of stitches (about half the width of the bag).

2. Crochet back and forth in rows using single crochet.

3. Continue until the pocket reaches the desired height.

4. Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail.

5. Sew the pocket onto the outside of the bag using a yarn needle.

6. (Optional) Add a button or flap for closure.

Step 4: Make the Interior Pocket

Option A: Crochet Interior Pocket

1. Crochet a small rectangle using single crochet.

2. Attach it to the inside of the bag using whip stitch.

3. Make sure stitches are neat so they don’t show on the outside.

Option B: Fabric Interior Pocket (Recommended)

1. Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the pocket size.

2. Fold and sew the edges.

3. Hand-sew or machine-sew the pocket inside the bag lining.

Step 5: Add the Lining (Optional but Helpful)

1. Cut fabric to match the size of the bag.

2. Sew the sides and bottom.

3. Insert the lining into the crochet bag.

4. Sew it around the top edge.

5. Attach the interior pocket to the lining if not already done.

Step 6: Make the Handles or Straps

1. Chain the desired length for the handle.

2. Work single crochet along the chain for strength.

3. Attach handles securely to both sides of the bag.

4. Reinforce with extra stitches if needed.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

• Weave in all loose ends

• Add decorations such as tassels or flowers

• Block the bag lightly to shape it

Final Result

You now have a handmade crochet handbag with:

• A sturdy base

• An exterior pocket for easy access

• An interior pocket for organization

• Optional lining for durability

This crochet handbag is both fashionable and functional, making it perfect for everyday use or as a handmade gift.

If you want, I can:

• Simplify this for a school project

• Turn it into a step-by-step pattern

• Add pictures descriptions

• Adjust it for beginners only

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