pattern available here:
https://tinnacrochet.com/collections/all

The Deep Sea Handbag is a versatile pattern you can use to make various sizes of handbags and purses with 3 different mosaic crochet patterns. The pattern can also be used to make pillow cases or blankets!

Yarn

You can use any type of yarn for this project. I like working my bags with cotton, because it stretches less and recommend for example, Catona by Scheepjes (50 g = 125 m), it’s lovely to work with and has a very good variety of colors.

You will need at least two colors for each bag and the amount depends on the width of the handbag you make.
For the full-size bag depicted here (working 6 repetitions) you will need:

3 skeins of color A and 2 of color B.

For the two smaller versions and working 4 repetitions, you will need:

2 skeins of color A and 1 of color B

Crochet hooks

Sizes no 2.5 mm and 3 mm (C and E)

If using other weights of yarn, just use a hook that is compatible with your yarn to work the bag and a hook that is 0.5 smaller for round 2.

Other supplies

A closed end zipper and a sharp point sewing needle. Fabric for lining and straps to finish the bag.

Sizes

You can use this pattern to make various sizes of handbags and purses. Its width is decided by the length of the zipper you use and the length of it depends on which of the 3 patterns you use. They count 51, 56 and 76 rounds each, which will give approximately 20 cm, 23 cm or 30 cm (8“, 9” or 12”) long bags, when using recommended yarn.

For my full-size Deep sea handbag depicted here, I used a 30 cm long zipper and worked 6 repetitions on the width, a total of 169 stitches. My handbag measures approximately 30 x 30 cm large (12” x 12”).

General instructions

The first round of the handbag is sewed straight into the zipper, working the embroidery chain stitch, and the bag is then crocheted in the round.

You can also use this pattern to make cushion covers; working in the round like the bag, and blankets; working it flat. See my YouTube tutorials for the Havana CAL to see how to work the mosaic crochet technique flat using the charts. Just take into consideration that you would be working the blanket from the top down, like the bag.

Pattern instructions

The pattern is partly written instructions but then relies on working with easy to follow charts for the main body of the mosaic patterns. If you are not used to working with charts, please check out my YouTube tutorial on how to read my mosaic charts, to see how they work before purchasing the pattern:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHdgBFQ0BRg&t=550s

Colorwork

Once the mosaic pattern starts, work one round in color A (main color) and then one round in color B (pattern color), alternating with each round. Each round is worked with only one color at a time. I recommend using contrasting colors.

You can also use scraps and multiple colors for this project, working for example with the double color fade technique, like I did in my bag. For more info on how to work the double color face, check out my YouTube tutorial; Havana CAL- Introduction and color technique.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_JpQ1mNEUA

If you need any help with the pattern, please join us in my Facebook group, where me and my wonderful admin team will be happy to help you!:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TinnaCrochetClub