Rainbow Bag

Rainbow Handbag by Avondale Patterns by Ruth Teskey

Project Overview

The Rainbow Handbag is a beginner-friendly crochet project designed by Ruth Teskey of Avondale Patterns. This colorful bag features a vibrant rainbow color progression and is constructed as a single-piece design that is folded, seamed, and finished with a long strap and decorative button closure. The finished handbag measures 5.25 inches wide by 4.5 inches in length, with a 40-inch strap that provides comfortable carrying options.

Construction Technique

This crochet bag is worked in one continuous piece rather than being assembled from multiple components. The single-piece construction method simplifies the building process, making it ideal for crocheters new to bag-making. After the main body is completed, the fabric is folded to create the bag shape, and the side seams are sewn together using a needle and yarn. A long strap is then attached to complete the structure, and a single button serves as both a functional and decorative closure element.

Stitches and Techniques

The Rainbow Handbag utilizes double crochet stitches as the primary stitch throughout the pattern. The gauge is established at 19 stitches by 11 rows over a 4-inch square using double crochet stitches, which helps ensure proper sizing and fabric drape. The beginner difficulty level makes this pattern accessible to those learning fundamental crochet techniques, while the color-changing design adds visual interest without requiring complex stitch variations.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: 100% cotton DK weight yarn (the pattern specifies Cotton DK Classique by Stylecraft as the tested yarn). The total finished bag weight is approximately 38 grams or 1.34 ounces.
• Color Quantities: The rainbow design uses seven distinct colors with the following yardage allocations:
  • Col 1 (Red): 3g / .106oz
  • Col 2 (Orange): 3g / .106oz
  • Col 3 (Yellow): 4g / .141oz
  • Col 4 (Green): 6g / .211oz
  • Col 5 (Blue): 6g / .211oz
  • Col 6 (Indigo): 7g / .247oz
  • Col 7 (Violet): 10g / .247oz
• Hook: 3.50mm (E/4) crochet hook
• Notions: One button measuring 0.75 inches (1.9cm) in diameter for closure
• Yarn Weight Classifications: DK weight (US designation), Light Worsted (alternate US classification), or 8-ply (Australian designation)

Finished Dimensions

• Bag width: 5.25 inches (13.5cm)
• Bag length: 4.5 inches (12cm)
• Strap length: 40 inches (101.5cm)

Pattern Details

The pattern uses US/American crochet terminology throughout, with general abbreviations and stitch definitions provided within the pattern documentation. This standardization ensures clarity for crocheters familiar with American crochet conventions. The cotton yarn selection provides a lightweight, breathable fabric suitable for a handbag, while the DK weight offers a balanced fabric density that works well with the 3.50mm hook size.