Blossoming Bag

Blossoming Bag by Sandra Paul

What Is Being Made

The Blossoming Bag is a colorful crochet handbag designed for travel and everyday use. This intermediate-level project creates a structured bag that combines vibrant floral-inspired color work with practical functionality. The design features multiple UK and US blossoms rendered in color, making it a visually striking accessory despite its compact, travel-friendly proportions.

Construction Technique

This bag is constructed using the Join As You Go (JAYG) technique, which allows the crocheter to join motifs or sections together as they are completed rather than sewing them together afterward. This method streamlines the assembly process and creates a more cohesive fabric. The bag also includes a sewn fabric lining, adding durability and a finished interior. The combination of JAYG construction with a lined interior requires intermediate crochet experience, though detailed instructions and photo tutorials are provided to guide the maker through each step.

Stitches and Techniques

The Blossoming Bag employs simple stitches throughout, making it accessible despite its intermediate difficulty rating. The pattern includes special stitches that are explained in detail within the instructions. The use of straightforward stitchwork combined with the JAYG technique means that color work and construction method—rather than complex stitch patterns—provide the visual interest and challenge. Comprehensive written directions are provided in both UK and US crochet terminology, along with a photo tutorial to clarify techniques for makers unfamiliar with JAYG or lining installation.

Yarn and Materials

The Blossoming Bag is worked in DK and sport weight yarn, using Bergere de France Ideal in 11 balls total. The color palette features six distinct shades:

• 20307 - Brouilly (Deep red)
• 20555 - Cyclamen (Raspberry)
• 20754 - Olivine (Olive)
• 20846 - Chenas (Plum)
• 20933 - Linaire (Soft blue)
• 22375 - Balladone (Soft violet)

These rich, jewel-toned colors create the floral motifs that give the bag its distinctive character. The pattern includes a color guide and charts to assist with color placement and pattern work. A fabric lining is required for the interior, and the pattern provides detailed lining instructions to complete the project professionally.

Pattern Contents

The complete pattern includes written directions in both UK and US terms, special stitch abbreviations, color guidance, a construction diagram, stitch charts, lining instructions, and a photo tutorial. A crochet hook size is referenced in the materials section, and guidance on weaving in ends is provided to ensure a polished finished product.