Savannah Handbag

Savannah Handbag by Michelle Ferguson

Project Overview

The Savannah Handbag is a beginner-friendly crochet design created by independent designer Michelle Ferguson. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for crafting a structured handbag suitable for everyday use. The finished bag measures 12.5" x 12.5" when laid flat (excluding handles), with handles that extend 32" in length before being attached to the bag body.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a functional handbag with a defined rectangular body and long handles. The bag is designed with practical dimensions for carrying essentials, and the extended handle length allows for comfortable shoulder or crossbody wear. The construction method creates a sturdy, structured piece suitable for daily use.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Savannah Handbag employs a mixed-method construction approach. The pattern begins with joined rounds to establish the bottom of the bag, creating a solid foundation. The body of the handbag is then worked in continuous rounds, which allows for seamless progression up the sides. The pattern concludes by returning to joined rounds at the top of the bag for a finished edge. This technique combination provides both structural integrity and a polished appearance.

An important pattern note indicates that when rounds are joined, the starting chain does not count as the first stitch, which affects stitch counting and pattern progression throughout the project.

Crochet Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (sc) – A fundamental short stitch used in crochet construction
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – A medium-height stitch that forms the primary fabric of the bag body
• Chain (ch) – Used for foundation and structural elements
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) – A textured stitch that creates dimensional detail
• Back Loop Only (blo) – A technique where the hook works through only the back loop of a stitch, creating a ridged texture

The gauge for this pattern is 14 half double crochet stitches by 9 rows equals 4 1/8 inches, which helps ensure the finished bag reaches the intended dimensions.

Materials Required

The Savannah Handbag pattern requires 350 yards of worsted weight yarn. The sample was created using Yarn Bee Denim in Color, a 50% cotton and 50% acrylic blend yarn with 164 yards per skein, meaning approximately 2–3 skeins are needed to complete the project. Cotton or cotton-blend yarns are recommended for their durability and structure, making them ideal for a handbag that will receive regular use.

Additional materials include a size I (5.5mm) crochet hook, scissors, a measuring tape, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a stitch marker to track rounds during construction. These basic tools are standard for most crochet projects.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for newer crocheters. The combination of basic stitches, clear round-by-round construction, and straightforward shaping make the Savannah Handbag accessible to those with foundational crochet knowledge while still producing a polished, functional finished object.