Cream White Elegant Bow Bag Free Crochet Pattern

I love this structured handbag so much, with its dramatic oversized bow and pretty gold hardware! I know it looks fancy at first glance, but here is the lovely secret: the whole bag is worked in single crochet. If you can work a single crochet stitch, you can absolutely make this elegant accessory with me.

We will work the base flat first, then continue in the round to build up the sides. The bow is worked flat and attached separately, the hardware clips right on, and the striped handle is just alternating colours worked as a tube. It is sophisticated enough for a night out, brunch, or a special dinner, and the cream and caramel palette pairs with virtually any outfit.

Materials

• Worsted weight cotton yarn in cream/off-white, approximately 250 yards (main colour)
• Worsted weight cotton yarn in caramel/golden tan, approximately 75 yards (accent colour)
• 4.0mm (G/6) crochet hook for the bag body
• 3.5mm (E/4) crochet hook for the bow edging and flower (optional, for tighter detail work)
• 2 gold swivel clasps with lobster claw closures
• 2 gold D-rings, approximately 1 inch
• 4 gold jump rings
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Optional: fabric lining and sewing needle with thread

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase, 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec: decrease, single crochet two together
• st/sts: stitch / stitches

Gauge & Size

• Finished size: approximately 9 inches wide x 6.5 inches tall x 3.5 inches deep (not including handle)
• Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
• Construction: base worked flat, body worked in the round, flap, bow, handle and flower made separately and assembled
• Skill level: Intermediate

Bag Base Pattern

The base is worked flat in rows, creating an oval shape. Work with cream yarn and the 4.0mm hook.

Row 1: Ch 25. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (24 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st (inc made), sc in next 22 sts, 2 sc in last st. (26 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 24 sts, 2 sc in last st. (28 sc)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 26 sts, 2 sc in last st. (30 sc)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (30 sc)

Row 6: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 28 sts, 2 sc in last st. (32 sc)

Rows 7-10: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (32 sc)

Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc in next 28 sts, dec. (30 sc)

Row 12: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (30 sc)

Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc in next 26 sts, dec. (28 sc)

Row 14: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc in next 24 sts, dec. (26 sc)

Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc in next 22 sts, dec. (24 sc)

Do not fasten off. We will continue directly into the body.

Bag Body Pattern

Now we work around the entire edge of the base, then spiral upward to create the sides.

Round 1: Ch 1, do not turn. Work sc evenly around the entire base, placing 3 sc in each corner to round them nicely. Join with sl st to first sc. Place a stitch marker. (Approximately 78-82 sc, depending on your tension)

Rounds 2-24: Sc in each st around. Do not join. Work in a continuous spiral, moving your stitch marker up each round. (Same stitch count maintained)

Round 25: Sl st in each st around. Join with sl st. Fasten off.

This final slip stitch round creates a nice finished edge at the top of your bag.

Bag Flap Pattern

The flap gives your bag that structured closure look. It is worked separately and attached. Work with cream yarn.

Row 1: Ch 27. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (26 sc)

Rows 2-12: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (26 sc)

Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc in next 22 sts, dec. (24 sc)

Row 14: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc in next 20 sts, dec. (22 sc)

Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc in next 18 sts, dec. (20 sc)

Row 16: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc in next 16 sts, dec. (18 sc)

Do not fasten off. Continue with caramel yarn for the edging.

Edging: Ch 1, sc evenly around all four sides of the flap, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st. Fasten off.

Bow Pattern

The bow is the star of this bag! We work it in two identical pieces, then assemble it.

Bow Loops (make 2), with cream yarn:

Row 1: Ch 22. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (21 sc)

Rows 2-16: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (21 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming. Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise (so the short ends meet) and whip stitch the short ends together to form a loop.

Bow Edging: Join caramel yarn at the seam of each bow loop. Sl st around the entire outer edge of each loop. Fasten off.

Bow Center Wrap, with caramel yarn:

Row 1: Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc)

Rows 2-10: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (7 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Assembling the Bow: Stack both bow loops on top of each other, slightly offset. Pinch the center firmly to create that gathered bow shape. Wrap the caramel center piece around the pinched middle, pulling tight. Sew the ends of the wrap together at the back.

Striped Handle Pattern

This handle is worked in the round as a tube. Start with caramel yarn.

Round 1: Ch 4. Join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 1, work 8 sc into the ring. Do not join. Work in a continuous spiral. (8 sc)

Rounds 2-3: Sc in each st around with caramel. (8 sc)

Rounds 4-5: Change to cream. Sc in each st around. (8 sc)

Continue alternating 2 rounds caramel, 2 rounds cream until handle measures approximately 10 inches or desired length.

Final round: Sl st in each st around. Fasten off.

To change colours neatly: on the last yarn over of the final stitch before the colour change, pull through with the new colour. This makes your stripes crisp and clean.

Flower Accent Pattern

Work with caramel yarn.

Magic ring: Ch 2, work 5 dc into ring, join with sl st to top of ch 2. (5 dc plus beginning chain creates 6 petal bases)

Petals: Ch 3, sl st in same st, sl st in next st. Repeat around. (6 petals)

Fasten off. With cream yarn, add a French knot or small ball to the center by wrapping yarn around your finger several times and securing it.

Finishing & Assembly

Step 1: Attach D-rings to each side of the bag, approximately 1 inch down from the top edge. You can sew them directly onto the bag sides or crochet small tabs to hold them.

Step 2: Center the bag flap along the back top edge of the bag. Use a whip stitch to attach securely.

Step 3: Position the assembled bow on the front center of the bag, overlapping slightly onto the flap. Sew in place through all layers at the center and at the outer edges of each bow loop.

Step 4: Attach swivel clasps to each end of the striped handle using jump rings.

Step 5: Clip the handle onto the D-rings.

Step 6: Add the flower accent to one side of the bag, near the D-ring. Sew or attach with a small safety pin if you want it removable.

For a truly professional finish, consider adding a fabric lining. Cut two rectangles of cotton fabric slightly smaller than your bag dimensions. Sew them together along the sides and bottom, fold the top edge under, and hand stitch the lining inside the bag.

Tips

Gauge matters for bags! A loose gauge will create a floppy bag that does not hold its shape. If your gauge is too loose, go down a hook size. The fabric should feel dense and sturdy, not soft and drapey.

If the bow will not stay centered, add a few extra stitches at the corners of the bow to secure it firmly. You can also add a hidden snap or small dot of hook-and-loop tape behind the bow for extra security.

Hand wash your finished bag in cool water with mild soap. Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing, which can distort the structure. Store stuffed with tissue paper to maintain shape.