Buckle Bag

Buckle Bag by Amanda Saladin

What is Being Made

The Buckle Bag is a structured crocheted tote-style bag designed by Amanda Saladin. This finished project measures 11 inches tall by 14½ inches wide by 5 inches deep, creating a practical everyday bag with a polished appearance. The bag features a decorative slide buckle detail and can be customized with optional fabric lining and backing for added durability and a professional finish.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created entirely using crochet techniques, making it an accessible option for beginner-level crafters. The construction involves holding three strands of yarn together while working, which creates a thicker, more substantial fabric suitable for a structured bag. The pattern uses a combination of slip stitches and half double crochet stitches to build the main body of the bag. Optional sewing skills are required only if you choose to add fabric lining and backing materials for extra structure and a finished interior.

Stitches Used

The Buckle Bag employs a straightforward stitch pattern that alternates between two primary stitches:

• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – Used to create height and structure throughout the pattern
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – Used to create texture and definition in the stitch pattern
• Chain Stitch (ch) – Used for foundation and turning chains

The main stitch pattern repeats a simple sequence: slip stitch into the next stitch, then half double crochet into the following stitch. This alternating pattern creates visual interest while remaining manageable for beginners.

Materials and Yarn

The Buckle Bag is worked in Lion Brand Cotton Ease yarn in the color Snow (#830-100). This yarn is a cotton and acrylic blend, offering a comfortable weight and drape suitable for bags. Six balls of yarn are required, with each ball containing 3.50 ounces and approximately 207 yards of yardage. The yarn weight is classified as aran, which is a medium-weight yarn that works up quickly and provides good stitch definition.

Additional materials include a size P (11.50mm) crochet hook or the appropriate size needed to achieve the specified gauge of 9 stitches and 11 rows equaling 4½ inches in the stitch pattern. A yarn needle is essential for weaving in ends. The pattern also calls for a 1-yard length of 1½-inch ribbon and one 1½-inch slide buckle for the decorative closure detail. Optional materials for lining include 1 yard each of lining and backing fabric, as well as purse handles if you wish to add them to the finished bag.

Construction Notes

Achieving the correct gauge is emphasized as important for obtaining the proper finished dimensions. The pattern begins with a foundation chain of 31 stitches for the front panel, establishing the width of the bag. The piece is worked even in the stitch pattern until it reaches the full 11-inch height. The turning chain of 2 counts as a half double crochet at the beginning of each row, which is a common technique in crochet construction.