Crochet wedding reticule

Crochet Wedding Reticule by Frances Powell

What is Being Made

This is a delicate crochet wedding reticule—a small decorative drawstring bag designed for formal occasions. The finished bag stands approximately 12.5 cm (5 inches) high, with the drawstring positioned at 10 cm (4 inches), making it an elegant accessory suitable for carrying small personal items at weddings or other formal events. The reticule features a structured, rounded form created through circular crochet construction.

Crochet Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs fundamental circular construction methods, beginning with a foundation chain and building outward through successive rounds. The pattern uses shell stitches—clusters of five treble crochets worked into the same stitch—to create textured, decorative elements. The designer incorporates chain spaces (loops created by chain stitches) that serve both structural and aesthetic purposes, likely forming the basis for the drawstring mechanism. Slip stitches join rounds to create a seamless, continuous fabric, while the overall shaping relies on strategic stitch placement and increases to form the bag's three-dimensional structure.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes a range of crochet stitches at varying heights to build texture and structure:

• Chain (ch): Foundation and spacing stitches
• Treble crochet (tr): Primary stitch for body construction
• Double treble (dtr): Taller stitch for textural variation
• Half treble crochet (htr): Medium-height stitch for transitions
• Double crochet (dc): Shorter stitch for detail work
• Shell: Five treble crochets worked into a single stitch, creating fan-like decorative clusters
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• Chain space (ch sp): Openwork loops formed by chain stitches

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This project calls for fine crochet cotton in either No. 10 or No. 12 weight—thread-weight yarns that create delicate, refined fabric suitable for formal accessories. Approximately 150 metres (175 yards) of main colour is required for the bag body, with an optional 30 metres (35 yards) of contrast colour for decorative edging. The choice between No. 10 and No. 12 cotton affects the final size; bags made with No. 10 will be slightly larger overall than those made with No. 12. A 1.50 mm crochet hook pairs with the fine cotton to achieve the delicate gauge specified in the pattern. The gauge for the foundational rounds (Rounds 1-3) measures approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, establishing the scale for the entire project.

Pattern Details and Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty (AC 3), this pattern assumes familiarity with basic crochet techniques and the ability to read stitch abbreviations and follow multi-round instructions. The pattern begins with a small foundation of four chain stitches, with the final three chains forming the first treble crochet. Round 1 establishes a base of twelve treble crochets, demonstrating the circular construction method. Subsequent rounds build upon this foundation using combinations of the stitches listed above, with instructions to repeat bracketed sections as specified. The downloadable PDF format allows crafters to reference the complete pattern while working, making it accessible for intermediate-level crocheters seeking to create a refined, heirloom-quality accessory.