Swappable lace panels for seasonal transitions! I had a summer wardrobe crisis: new bright white linen clothes made my purses look dull or old. Inspired by how my mother pairs white with dark blue, I decided that a dark blue bag would be a great “neutral” color for a summer accessory.

Then the first fall breezes came a month later. I noticed that my new blue bag was also great with denim jeans, but the white lace was starting to look too bright. That’s when I redesigned the flap of this bag so I could switch out lace panels of different colors. (Lunasa is Irish Gaelic for the month of August and for a traditional harvest holiday.)

This bag inspired a selvage photo tutorial blog post, and two Crochet Inspirations newsletter issues here and here!

The detachable lace panels of this messenger-style shoulder bag are fun to make from small amounts of pretty yarns. Trying out different yarns for the lace flap was my favorite step! Have fun with it!

Skill Level: Easy. Pattern includes choices for you to learn intermediate refinements if you wish:

• Selectively linking stitches
• When to choose a foundation chain or foundation single crochet
• Continuous seaming and finishing as you go
• Reverse single crochet.

A stitch diagram, simple customizing math, and two mini photo tutorials are included. Most steps of the pattern are portable. I’ve kept pattern abbreviations to a minimum.

Lining is optional, especially if you use the optional stitches in the pattern, or insert a zippered nylon pouch (see photos). Accommodates a standard size 9.5” wide x 7” {24 x 18 cm} slip-out zippered nylon mesh bag in place of a permanent lining. I also include an optional step for adding a fabric lining before you seam the bag.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to turn a simple rectangle into a sturdy messenger bag
• How to add designer touches that refine a traditional gusseted bag construction
• How to link double crochet stitches
• How to create dramatic lace with selective blocking

For the lace panels in contrasting colors I chose a range of different fibers from my stash, and they’re working out great. Some of them are discontinued yarns left over from larger projects.

Other supplies needed:

• 4 Buttons, .75” {2 cm}
• Recommended but not required: 10 stitch markers for seaming. Zippered nylon mesh bag, 9.5” wide X 7” {24 X 18 cm}; and/or: fabric for lining, with matching needle and thread or fusible interfacing if you’re not using a synthetic yarn. Bag is crocheted tightly enough that you might not require a lining, although a lining would help bag retain its boxy shape.
• Optional: one slightly larger button or magnetic snap for clasp.

International English equivalents for American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are provided in brackets {}.