Crocheted Bag in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima - DK141 - Downloadable PDF

Crocheted Bag in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima – Pattern DK141 by Gloria Tracy

This free downloadable crochet pattern, DK141, was designed by Gloria Tracy and published by Cascade Yarns. It produces a charming, compact crocheted bag with a finished size of 7½ inches wide by 6 inches deep — a neat, handheld accessory that works beautifully as a clutch or small everyday purse. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a satisfying project for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to explore simple textured stitch patterns and finishing techniques like twisted cording.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a small crocheted handbag worked in a single piece and then folded over to form the bag shape. It is closed with a large hook and eye set and embellished with two 1-inch jewel buttons, giving it a polished, decorative finish. The bag also features a twisted cord handle or strap, which is prepared from cut lengths of yarn before the main bag construction begins.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat: The bag is crocheted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, producing a flat fabric panel that is later folded to create the bag's structure.
• Worked in one piece: The entire bag body is constructed as a single continuous flat piece, simplifying seaming and assembly.
• Twisted cording: A distinctive finishing technique in which lengths of yarn are twisted together — using an electric mixer and two large paper clips as tools — to create a sturdy, rope-like cord for the bag's handle or closure detail. Lengths must be cut before starting the bag.
• Folding and assembly: Once the flat piece is complete, it is folded over and finished with hardware including the hook and eye closure and jewel button embellishments.

Stitches Used

• Chain (Ch): Used to begin the foundation row and as turning chains throughout the pattern.
• Slip Stitch (Sl st): A key component of the pattern stitch, alternated with half double crochet stitches to create the textured fabric.
• Half Double Crochet (Hdc): The primary structural stitch, worked in alternation with slip stitches to form the signature pattern stitch of the bag.

The pattern stitch is an alternating combination of half double crochet and slip stitch, worked across each row to produce a dense, textured fabric that holds its shape well — an ideal quality for a structured bag. The gauge for this pattern stitch is 22 stitches to 4 inches, which should be checked carefully before beginning to ensure accurate finished dimensions.

Materials

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns® Ultra Pima — a 100% Pima cotton yarn in a DK weight, sold in 100 g (3.5 oz) skeins with approximately 220 yards (200 m) per hank. The pattern calls for 1 hank in color #3719 (Buff), a warm neutral tone that complements the jewel button embellishments beautifully. Pima cotton is prized for its exceptional softness, smooth texture, slight sheen, and durability, making it well suited to accessories like bags that benefit from a crisp, structured drape.
• Crochet Hook: Size E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: One electric mixer (for making twisted cording), two large paper clips, two 1-inch jewel buttons, and one large hook and eye set.

Pattern Format and Availability

Pattern DK141 is available as a free downloadable PDF from Cascade Yarns. It was designed by Gloria Tracy and is copyright © 2015 Cascade Yarns. The intermediate difficulty level and compact size make it an excellent project for crocheters looking to practice textured stitch patterns