Quick answer: This is an envelope crochet bag made from three identical squares and a handle, joined with a slip stitch. It’s beginner friendly, uses a textured stitch that looks more complicated than it is, and works in any color yarn.
Belle has been my go-to project lately, an envelope style bag that works for pretty much everything, running to the coffee shop, meeting friends for lunch, or just carrying your current WIP.
I made mine in a gray yarn that goes with everything, but any color works just as well.
There are 2 ways to get this pattern:
Option 1: You can purchase the individual pattern as an easy-to-read, print-friendly PDF from Ravelry
Option 2: Scroll down to get the written instructions for this pattern for free
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About the Texture
The stitch pattern here looks a lot more complicated than it actually is.
It’s really just alternating rows of half double crochet and a simple V-stitch, but the two textures together give the finished squares a lot of visual interest.
If you can make a granny square, you can handle this bag.
You will find instructions in the free pattern below ⬇️
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Neck Stretcher – to keep you without neck and back pain
Gauge Ruler – so you always get the right size
Pattern Designed By: Sandra Stitches This pattern is copyright protected; it is unlawful to distribute this pattern in any form (free, sale or trade).
Let’s get to the pattern, shall we? Making the Belle Bag
Materials I used
This is the yarn I had at hand – do not forget I make a sample for you to learn- so be creative and choose the yarn you love. Feel it before starting your project.
I know there are a million different yarn choices out there that also depend on where you live, so just be creative!
Hayfield Bonus Chunky Extra Value 100gr 100% Acrylic, 150 yards ( 1.5 skeins)
Or any weight #5 yarn of your choice
Hook: US Size (6 mm)
Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape
Gauge
- 10 st x 7 rows ( 4” X 4”)
Sizes
- One size – measure depends on your yarn choice. This sample measures 3 squares of 11” each. The Final bag measures: 15” wide X 15 “ tall without the handle
Stitch Key
- Ch = Chain
- Sc = Single Crochet
- St = Stitch
- Dc = Double Crochet
- Hdc = Half Double Crochet
Notes
- This pattern is written in US terminology
- This pattern is worked in rows
- This pattern has four parts: three exact same squares and a handle
- Handle length is up to your choice.
- Ch 1 at the beginning of the row does not count as st
- This pattern calls for multiples of 3 +2
Sandra’s tip: Block all three squares before joining them, this evens out any small tension differences between squares and helps the finished seam lay flat. Also double check all three squares have the same stitch count before you start joining, a small mismatch is the most common reason a join doesn’t sit flat
Instructions
We will work on three identical squares
Foundation chain: 24+2
R1: Sc1 in 2nd Ch from hook, Sc1 in next Ch, and across to end of the row, turn work( 25 st)
R2: Ch1 and turn your work, Hdc1 in 1st st from hook, Hdc1 in next st, Hdc1 in every st across to end of the row, turn work ( 25 st)
R3: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc +Ch 2) skip 2 st, Vst (Dc1+Ch1+Dc1) in next st *[skip 2 st, Vst in next st]* repeat from * to * to last 3 st, skip 2 st, finish with Dc1 in last st. ( 25 st)
R4: Ch1 and turn your work, Sc in 1st st from hook, Sc in next st, Sc in every (make sure you work the Ch1 paces too) st across to end of row. ( 25 st)
R5: Ch1 and turn your work, Hdc in 1st st from hook, Hdc in next st, Hdc in every st across to end of row ( 25 st)
R6: Ch 5 (counts as 1 Dc +Ch 2) skip 2 st, Vst (Dc1+Ch1+Dc1) in next st *[skip 2 st, Vst in next st]* repeat from * to * to last 3 st, skip 2 st, finish with Dc1 in last st. ( 25 st)
Repeat R4-6 four more times, Finish with a repeat of R4 (Sc row)
Make sure you have a square, if you need to add rows due to different yarn weights, repeat the pattern until you measure a square.
Add an Sc row to the remaining 2 parts of the square for a more finished look
Work two more squares exactly the same.
Handle:
You can decide how wide and long it will be, I worked 5 stitches and 42 rows
R1: Ch6 , Sc1 in 2nd st from hook, Sc1 in next st and across to end of row
R2: Ch1 and turn your work, Sc1 in 1st st from hook, Sc1 in next st, and across to end of row
Repeat row 2 at least 42 rows
Finishing
Lay three squares folded as shown in the photo right side up. Use the slip stitch method to join all parts.
Slip stitch join method: Insert hook in the middle leg of stitch in both squares you are joining, pull through, and finish the stitch, repeat on each st until end. Join all parts.
When you have the finished envelope shape, join the handle on the sides of the bag leaving a small triangle on both sides. Secure your yarn, cut, and weave in your ends.
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FAQ
This almost always comes down to a stitch count mismatch between squares. Double check all three squares have the exact same number of stitches before you start joining
Yes, blocking evens out small tension differences between squares and gives you a cleaner, flatter seam once they’re joined
Yes. It uses single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and a simple V-stitch, worked in a repeating pattern.
A quiet place to keep crocheting
If projects like this one are your kind of calm, you might love the V-Stitch Club.
It is my little corner of the internet for women who crochet for the joy and the quiet of it, with new patterns, gentle company, and the steady rhythm of always having something beautiful on the hook.
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Hi my crochet friend!
Crochet has followed me from Argentina to Israel and through every crossroads since. Now I design calm, achievable crochet, made to feel possible.
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