Crocheted Purses & Belts in King Cole Raffia - 4338 - Downloadable PDF

Crocheted Purses & Belts in King Cole Raffia — Pattern 4338

Pattern 4338 from King Cole is a collection of crocheted purses and belts worked in King Cole Raffia yarn. This downloadable PDF is aimed at intermediate crochet enthusiasts and brings together a range of stylish accessories that showcase the natural texture and structure that raffia-style yarn provides. The designs are perfect for warm-weather styling, offering a tactile, woven aesthetic that suits both everyday use and occasion wear.

About King Cole Raffia Yarn

All designs in this pattern are crocheted using King Cole Raffia, a yarn specifically chosen for its straw-like, papery texture that mimics traditional natural raffia. This type of yarn gives finished accessories a firm, structured quality that is ideal for bags and belts — items that benefit from holding their shape. A 5.00mm crochet hook is recommended throughout the pattern, making it accessible to crocheters who are comfortable working with medium-weight tools.

Tension & Gauge

The pattern specifies multiple tension measurements depending on the stitch pattern used, and it is strongly recommended that crocheters work a tension square before beginning any of the projects:

• Double crochet tension: 15 dc and 17 rows to 10cm (4 inches) using a 5.00mm hook
• Half treble tension: 15 htr and 13 rows to 10cm (4 inches) using a 5.00mm hook
• Medallion belt motif: each motif measures approximately 3.5cm (1½ inches) square on a 5.00mm hook

Achieving the correct tension is especially important for structured accessories such as bags and belts, where size and shape directly affect the wearability and function of the finished item. If fewer stitches than stated appear over 10cm, a smaller hook should be used; if more stitches appear, a larger hook is recommended.

Purse Designs

The pattern includes crocheted purses constructed using a combination of foundational crochet stitches. The use of double crochet (dc) and half treble (htr) as primary structural stitches creates a dense, firm fabric well suited to bag-making. These stitches are worked in rows and rounds depending on the construction method of each individual purse design.

The firm, close-knit fabric produced by double crochet in particular makes it an excellent choice for bags, as it reduces stretch and helps the finished piece maintain its shape when in use. Half treble adds a slightly more open and flexible quality, lending a softer drape where needed.

Key Techniques for the Purses

• Double crochet (dc) — used as a primary stitch for structured fabric panels
• Half treble (htr) — used for sections requiring a slightly taller, more flexible stitch
• Working in the round — used to construct seamless bag bodies
• Back loop only (blo) — a technique that creates a ridged, textured effect on the surface of the fabric by inserting the hook into only the back loop of each stitch
• Slip stitch (ss) — used to join rounds and finish edges neatly
• Turning chains (t-ch) — used when working in rows to bring the hook to the correct height for the next stitch

Belt Designs

The belt designs in pattern 4338 are among the most distinctive elements of the collection. At least one belt features a medallion motif construction, where individual square motifs measuring 3.5cm (1½ inches) are worked and then joined together to form the belt band. This modular approach is a popular technique in crochet accessory making, allowing the crocheter to build up a design piece by piece before assembling the final item.

The medallion motifs are worked using the Magic Ring method — also referred to as the Magic Loop or Adjustable Ring — which allows rounds to be started from a closed centre with no visible hole. The pattern includes detailed instructions for this technique, guiding the crocheter through creating the initial loop, inserting the hook, and working the opening stitches over both the loop and the yarn tail before drawing the centre closed.

Key Techniques