Looking for a perfect summer crochet bag? Whether you are looking for beach bags, tote bags, or crochet purses, summer is a great time to find favorite crochet bag patterns. I have a pretty crochet bag pattern for summer to share with you! It is made with cream cotton yarn, works up quickly, and has the cutest seashell theme!

The crochet pattern is part of my FREE “Lazy Days of Summer” crochet-a-long, happening May 26 through June 13, 2025.

Click the button below to sign up for the CAL – you’ll get notifications when each pattern releases, encouragement & tips, and a supply list. Be sure to share your makes on Instagram using hashtag #LazyDaysCAL!

Practical meets playful with this stylish Seashell Clutch Purse – a go-to accessory that adds coastal charm to your everyday errands or summer nights out. 

Designed with soft curves and textured stitches that echo the elegance of a seashell, this clutch is as functional as it is beautiful. Its compact size is perfect for stashing your keys, phone, and a touch of lip gloss – everything you need to travel light with style. 

Whether you’re heading to the market, catching brunch with friends, or dressing up for a seaside stroll, this purse will be your breezy, Boho-chic companion. 

Make it in your favorite sandy neutrals or splashy sea tones – the options are endless!

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FREE BAG CROCHET PATTERN

How to crochet a handbag

The free crochet pattern is easy to work if you are comfortable with a few treble stitches. The crochet bag is worked in one long rectangle, then a flap is added, and the sides seamed together. You only need to know the BASIC CROCHET STITCHES plus the treble stitch to work this piece.

You will need the following supplies to make the crochet bag:

Supplies

• Size 5 cotton Bernat Maker Home Dec
  • (317 yds per skein)
  • Colors: Cream, or Soft Peach – 85 yds for one purse
• Size J (6.0 mm) hook (or size to meet gauge)
• Scissors
• tapestry (yarn) needle
• Stitch Markers
• purse clasp
• capiz shell discs (optional embellishments)
• crochet beads (optional embellishments)

Crochet Abbreviations

US Crochet terms are used.

Ch – chain

Ch- – refer to chain or space previously made, e.g., ch-1 sp

sc – single crochet

rep – repeat                             

sl st – slip stitch

sk – skip

st(s) – stitch(es)

sm – stitch marker

tr – treble stitch

FLO – front loop only

Special Stitches in pattern:

V-st : work (tr, ch 1, tr) in designated st

Shell: work 9 tr in designated st

PATTERN INFORMATION

The crochet handbag FREE pattern is provided below, but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern (plus more!) as part of the PREMIUM CAL collection…

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SUMMER CROCHET BAG PATTERN

Gauge: 4″ (10cm) square = 12 sts by 12 rows in sc rows pattern

How to crochet a purse

There are different types of crochet bags, and this one works up simply to form a small, but sturdy clutch bag. It is the perfect size to hold small essentials for running quick errands, or a summer date night out.

NOTES: You will be crocheting the clutch in rows to form one long rectangle. Then you will add a flap, fold the rectangle, and seam together the side edges.

What yarn is best for a crochet bag for summer?

Cotton sturdy yarn is the best choice for a strong bag, as are linen or bamboo yarns. You want the bag to ‘breathe’ in the summer, and these natural fibers are great for that purpose.

Instructions to make the handbag are as follows…

Handbag Crochet Pattern

Follow the instructions below in the order indicated.

NOTE – Ch 1 does not count as a st, Ch 4 counts as one tr st.

Clutch Rectangle

Using size J crochet hook, ch 22 with your yarn.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (21 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in FLO of each st across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Rows 4-29: Rep Rows 2-3.

Row 30: Rep Row 2.

DECORATIVE FLAP:

Flap Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 1st st, *sk 4 sts, Shell in next st, sk 4 sts, sc in next st; rep from * once more. Turn.

Flap Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr), tr in first sc, *ch 3, sk 4 tr, sc in next tr, ch 3, sk 4 tr, **V-st in next sc; rep from * once more, ending last rep at **, 2 tr in last sc. Turn.

Flap Row 3: Ch 1, sc in 1st tr, *Shell in next sc, **sc in ch-1 sp of next V-st; rep from * once more, ending last rep at **, sc in top of tch. Turn.

Fasten off.

FINISHING

Block the main body of clutch to form a straight rectangle, approx 7″ width by 10″ length, with flap extending approx 3″ more.

At this point, you could optionally sew a fabric lining to the WS of the clutch prior to seaming.

Fold rectangle WS together, with first sc row meeting up with last sc row (bottom of flap).

Pin together if desired prior to seaming.

Work a single crochet seam to seam the two side edges of the clutch together.

Fasten off.

Weave in loose ends to WS.

Adding Embellishments

Align and attach purse clasp pieces to the front center by sewing them on using coordinating thread.

You can leave the clutch purse as is, or add some optional embellishments.

For instance, I sewed small capiz shell discs to the front of my cream-colored purse.

I also weaved lengths of size 3 cotton yarn through the holes of crochet beads to create a ‘tassel’ for the front of my peach purse.

Important Tips for Crocheting your bag

Some things to keep in mind as you crochet the bag are:

• It’s a good idea to use a stitch marker (sm) to keep track of the first st in each row.
• Make sure to block the piece after crocheting, so that the edges are straight.
• It’s a good idea to pin the front and back of the clutch together prior to seaming.
• Feel free to adjust the size as follows:
  • work more/less rows to adjust length (top to bottom) prior to working the flap

Finished Size

The finished crochet bag measures approximately 7″ width by 5″ length. Measurements are for finished & seamed clutch bag.

Using your Summer Crochet Bag

Now it is time to enjoy using your crocheted bag for errands or evenings out in the warm weather. It’s sturdy enough to hold small items and the seashell design looks lovely. Friends would love receiving one of these crochet bags as a perfect gift, too.

Just grab the bag and go…

What do you think of this free crochet purse pattern? If you are a beginner at crochet, you can definitely make your own bag. The flap isn’t too hard to master, and it’s easy to work the stitches for the rectangle. Be sure to add this crochet bag project to your list this summer. It is a great option for a simple weekend project.

Don’t forget that this bag crochet pattern is also available in the premium crochet-a-long collection.  The collection includes helpful photos and a video tutorial for the bag.

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Be sure to share your finished purse for the crochet-a-long: use hashtag #LazyDaysCAL on Instagram!

Love easy crochet bag patterns? Check out these other FREE crochet patterns for unique bags…

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