Fandango Shoulder Bag

Fandango Shoulder Bag by Lilia Vanini

Project Overview

The Fandango Shoulder Bag is an intermediate-level crochet project designed by independent designer Lilia Vanini. This structured shoulder bag combines functional design with decorative crochet techniques, creating a versatile accessory suitable for everyday use. The finished bag features a trapezoid silhouette that widens toward the base, providing ample storage space while maintaining an elegant profile.

Finished Dimensions

The completed Fandango Shoulder Bag measures:

• Width at top: 12 inches (31 centimeters)
• Width at bottom: 17 inches (43 centimeters)
• Height: 12 inches (31 centimeters)

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs a variety of fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches to construct the bag's body and structure. The primary stitches used include:

• Single crochet (sc): Forms the foundation and main fabric of the bag, providing a dense, sturdy base
• Double crochet (dc): Used to create height and texture variation in the design
• Half double crochet (hdc): Bridges the density between single and double crochet stitches for transitional sections
• Chain stitches (ch): Create foundation rows and decorative elements throughout the pattern
• Back post double crochet (bpdc): Adds dimensional texture and visual interest by working around the post of previous stitches
• Slip stitch (sl st): Joins rounds and creates seamless transitions

The pattern also incorporates stitch spaces (sp) and strategic skipping (sk) of stitches to shape the bag and create the characteristic trapezoid form.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Fandango Shoulder Bag requires 1200 yards of DK weight yarn. The designer's sample was created using 100% Italian Cotton yarn with specifications of 300 yards per 272 meters per 100 grams, worked in the colorway Antique Rose. Cotton yarn is an excellent choice for bags, offering durability, breathability, and a refined drape suitable for everyday accessories.

Tools and Hardware

Construction requires a 3mm crochet hook. The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches and 4 rows in single crochet, which is essential to achieve the correct finished dimensions. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, cotton fabric for the bag interior, sewing thread to attach the lining, two leather handles measuring 26 inches (66 centimeters), and one metal snap closure for securing the bag opening.

Construction Details

The Fandango Shoulder Bag combines crocheted fabric with hardware and lining elements to create a polished, finished accessory. The trapezoid shape—wider at the bottom than the top—is achieved through strategic increases or stitch placement during construction. The inclusion of a cotton fabric interior lining provides structure and durability, while the leather handles and metal snap closure add functional and aesthetic sophistication. This hybrid construction method, combining crochet with sewn elements and hardware, elevates the finished piece beyond basic crochet bags.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Fandango Shoulder Bag is suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches who are ready to tackle pattern reading, stitch variations, and shaping techniques. The combination of multiple stitch types, the structured trapezoid shaping, and the integration of hardware and lining make this an engaging project that develops intermediate-level skills.