Red Doily Purse Bag Crochet Pattern

Red Doily Purse Bag Crochet Pattern

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern, designed by Sayjai Thawornsupacharoen, provides instructions for creating a charming red doily bag—a decorative purse combining structured crochet construction with delicate doily-inspired details. The finished bag measures 6.7 x 7.5 inches (17 x 19 cm) with an adjustable strap, making it an ideal accessory project for intermediate-level crocheters seeking a blend of functionality and decorative appeal.

What You Will Make

Crafters will construct a small shoulder or crossbody bag featuring a doily design element in red, complemented by cream-colored accents. The pattern includes a long strap measuring 45.3 inches (115.5 cm), allowing the finished bag to be worn comfortably across the body or over the shoulder. This project combines practical bag construction with ornamental crochet techniques characteristic of vintage-inspired doily work.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The pattern utilizes fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques suitable for crafters with prior experience. Key stitches employed include:

• Single crochet (sc) — the primary stitch used throughout the bag structure, providing a tight, durable fabric
• Half double crochet (hdc) — used to create varied texture and drape in specific sections
• Double crochet (dc) — incorporated for lighter, more open areas typical of doily construction
• Chain stitch (ch) — foundational technique for creating foundation rows and decorative elements
• Slip stitch (sl) — used to join rounds and transition between sections seamlessly

The pattern employs working in rounds, a technique essential for creating the bag's structured shape and the doily's circular or semi-circular design elements. The gauge specification—21 single crochet stitches and 24 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm)—ensures proper sizing and drape of the finished piece.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for specific yarn and hardware to achieve the intended aesthetic:

• Red yarn: DK and Light Worsted Cotton Time from Schachenmayr (red 030 colorway, 2 balls) — the primary color forming the bag body
• Cream yarn: No. 2 yarn (Sport/Baby weight) Catania from Schachenmayr SMC (cream 130 colorway, 1 ball) — used for doily accents and contrasting details
• Crochet hooks: 3.25 mm hook (US D-3, UK 10) and 4.0 mm hook (US G-6, UK 7) — two different sizes allow for varied stitch definition and fabric density
• Notions: One 10 mm white bead or button for embellishment, two 0.8 mm red buttons for functional or decorative closures, plus pins, needle, and thread in matching colors (or invisible thread) for assembly and finishing

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate project, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic crochet stitches and techniques. Crafters should be comfortable reading crochet abbreviations, working in rounds, and managing multiple yarn colors. The doily element and precise gauge requirements make this suitable for those with some prior crochet experience rather than absolute beginners.

Pattern Format

This pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF document, allowing crafters to reference instructions on screen or print for convenient access while working. The PDF format preserves the designer's original layout, abbreviations, and any accompanying diagrams or stitch charts.