Learn how to crochet a purse using chunky t-shirt yarn and an easy-to-follow crochet pattern.
I’ve got another fun, free crochet pattern for you today. This crochet bag is made with two colors of t-shirt yarn and has faux leather handles. I absolutely fell in love with t-shirt yarn while making this project and can’t wait to try making something else with it down the road. It’s got such a great weight and texture!
Are you ready to make your own fab t-shirt yarn purse?
Materials Needed
- 2 skeins Lion Brand Fettuccine Yarn
- Size N crochet hook
- 2 faux leather purse handles
- Black thread and a large needle
Let’s talk for a sec about the supplies for this project.
Fettuccine Yarn is made from fabric remnants so each ball is unique and you won’t know what your local store has until you go check it out. It’s not like normal yarn that you are guaranteed to find certain colors. I kept my eyes out for months and when I saw the two skeins I used sitting there next to each other, I loved how they looked together. I have seen other t-shirt yarn (I think it was at Hobby Lobby) that seemed to be more consistent in coloring, but didn’t come in unique patterns like Fettuccine.
Also, purse handles… the best selection by far was at Joann. Other craft stores just don’t really have very many options. Save yourself the run around and start at Joann.
Okay, on to the pattern! First I’ll share the step-by-step instructions with photos. Then I’ll share the whole pattern at the bottom of the post in case you’re like me and want to print it out.
Directions
Using Yarn A (in my case, the gray), chain 15. Turn.
In second ch from hook, single crochet across.
Ch1. Turn.
In second ch from hook, single crochet across.
Ch 1. Turn.
In second ch from hook, single crochet across. SC 3 in last space, which will begin your “turn” around the corner.
Ch2 along the short edge.
SC3 in the next space to round the other corner. From now on, you will continue working in the round instead of turning your work.
Single crochet across.
SC3 in corner just like you did before.
SC across the short edge, then SC3 in corner again. Connect to the beginning with a slip stitch. Now the bottom of your bag is complete!
Change to Yarn B (floral), then SC in the back loop only all the way around. This creates a nice ridge to help the bottom of the bag sit flat. Continue SC around for a total of five rounds, or until you run out of yarn.
Switch back to Yarn A and SC four rounds. Slip stitch around once to create a nice edge, then you are done!
I found the best way to attach the handles was to tack them in place with hot glue to keep them from shifting, then stitch through the holes with doubled up thread. And don’t be lazy like me and think hot glue is enough. Your handles will fall off… ask me how I know!
If you want to be fancy, you could add a fabric liner inside. My stitches were pretty tight, so I’m not going to worry about it. I just tucked my ends in really well and am leaving it as-is.
Isn’t it cute?
My husband was all, “You made that?!?” And I was like, “Hello, Mr. Doubty Mustafa. Do you not know me at all? Of course I made it!”
T-Shirt Yarn Crochet Bag Pattern
Materials:
- 2 skeins Lion Brand Fettuccine Yarn
- Size N crochet hook
- 2 faux leather purse handles
- Black thread and large needle
Instructions:
Row 1: Using Yarn A, ch 15. SC in second ch from the hook. SC in each remaining ch to end. Ch 1. Turn.
Rows 2-3: SC in each st across; Ch 1. Turn.
SC across. 3SC in last stitch. Do not turn. Instead, work in the round from now on. 2SC along short edge. 3SC in corner. SC across. 3SC in corner. 2SC along short edge. 3SC in corner. Slip stitch.
Switch to Yarn B. SC in the back loop only all the way around, then SC around for a total of 5 rows.
Switch back to Yarn A and SC four rows. Slip stitch around the top edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Attach purse handles first with hot glue, then with thread.
Finished size is approximately 9″ by 14″.
Comments & Reviews
Very cute – just wished I crocheted! I only knit 🙂
Hi Jennifer, I was in the Walmart yesterday and purchased 2 skeins of Lion Brand Fettuccini Yarn on Clearance Sale! Iam going to use the yarn to make this cute handbag. Thanks for sharing the free pattern.
Woohoo! I love a good clearance sale! Good luck in your crocheting. I'd love to see your bag when it's done. If you send me a photo, I'll share it on my Facebook page. Thanks, Regina!
What a great bag – love it! I'll be checking out where I can find the yarn tomorrow – thanks so much!!
Adorable! Can you provide the finished measurements?
9" by 14"
Darling Bag! Just what I was looking for. Thanks. What are the approx. dimensions of the bag you show here or what gauge did you come up with? I may need to go for a larger bag.
Finished size is 9" by 14".
Thanks. I'm off to get some materials
This is super cute! What are the dimesnsions?
It's about 9" x 14". It would be easy to make it bigger, but you would need a third skein of yarn because I used All of the two skeins.
I've seen a lot of projects using t-shirt yarn and this one looks like a lot of fun. Where would one get the faux leather handles?
I bought mine at Joann. You can also order them online.
This is a gorgeous bag! I am wondering how useful it is as a bag though. Any ideas how much weight it carries? Do you find that this yarn is better for making bags in terms of holding weight than Thick N Quick? Thanks for sharing!
It seems really sturdy to me because the yarn is thick. The biggest point of weakness would be where the handles attach, but if you sew it well and use strong thread, it should be fine. I've been using mine as a day-to-day purse with no problems so far.
Very cute! Too bad the yarn I bought didn't crochet up the same as your yarn. I had to revamp to create my own. Plus the only store in my town that handles craft supplies is Hobby Lobby and they do not 1) have tshirt yarn and 2) does not carry purse handles. Luckily I found some yarn online. I will have to create my own handles. :0)
That is one of the problems with t-shirt yarn… even the Lion Brand Fettuccine has such a broad range of fabric types they use to make the yarn that the finished products can be very, very different. Good luck with your project! I'd love to see a picture of it when you're done! 🙂
Just adorable! Love tshirt yarn, so happy to have a new pattern to use it for
Thanks, Lynda! I'm so glad you like it!
So cute! Thanks for sharing your pattern.
This is really cute and super easy. I love it. Now to find me some of this yarn to make my own. Can't wait. Thanks
Thanks Kimber! I've been enjoying the bag and am trying to come up with more t-shirt yarn projects because I love this one so much!
Where did you find your yarn? Thanks
I bought it at WalMart!
Thanks, I am going to go look for some tonight when I get off.
Thanks for this fabulous pattern. I made it up today. I am in Australia and used Lincraft spaghetti yarn. It worked well. I didn't have any handles so crocheted handles by SCing over chains. I am really happy with the result!
Yay Sally! I'm so happy to hear that the pattern was a success. Thanks for taking the time to share!
I was just wondering if you (or anyone else) had an issue with the bottom of the bag twisting a bit? The T-Shirt yarn is pretty big, even using the 10mm hook.
I'm going to press forward with the next color and hope it rights itself.
Or is there another fix?
Hmmm… I didn't have a problem, so hopefully it will fix itself as you go. Good luck Viki!
Mine is twisting as well, and I'm tempted to go up a hook size because I'm finding this tough to work up.
Try going up a hook size! That's a great idea… everyone crochets a little bit differently, so hopefully that helps. Good luck and let me know if I can help you!
I was wondering how long the handles were you used. The jo Ann near me said they didn't sell any handles in store so I need to find mine online….
They are about 15 inches.
Lovely bag! I would like to print the pattern, as you suggested, but I can't figure out how. Can you help?
Hey Meg,
I usually just highlight the text of the pattern, right click and copy it into Word, then print. Does that work for you?
Can't wait to do this
Love, love this bag.
Looking for the same color yarn as you used for this bag.
Nowhere to be found. So frustrating!
Mona.
Mona, that's the bummer about this kind of yarn. I remember it saying on the wrapper that every skein is unique… which means you can never replicate something. Hope you can find something you love. Good luck!
the display with the instructions that states ch 2 across the short edge, but the instructions at the bottom of the page states 2sc on short edge. Just wanted to know which one?
the display with the instructions that states ch 2 across the short edge, but the instructions at the bottom of the page states 2sc on short edge. Just wanted to know which one
Can the t-shirt yarn be replaced with heavy thick yarn or t-shirts cut into strips?
Yes, either of those would work.
I have seen this pattern used with plasic sacks (like Walmart ones) but I don’t the pattern for handles as they made those from the bags too.
Thanks for sharing this.
It’s too bad Lion Brand discontinued Fettuccini yarn
It really is! I’m so sad. However, you can make your own t-shirt yarn. Google it for a tutorial.
I could not find T shirt yarn either. So I used double strands of 6 ply yarn. Worked up great! Made it in shades of denim. Love it!
Hi i would like tutorials on printed tshirt yarn projects As im a beginner crocheter