Wattle Stitch Handbag Free Pattern – Crochet a Textured Market Tote

Are you ready to create a stunning, textured handbag that combines beauty with functionality? This Wattle Stitch Handbag pattern is the perfect project for crocheters looking to elevate their skills while crafting a practical everyday accessory. The dense, woven appearance of the wattle stitch creates a fabric that resembles a beautifully handcrafted basket, making this tote both stylish and sturdy.

Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or simply need a reliable everyday carry-all, this handbag delivers on all fronts. With its structured base, elegant handles, and soft tactile finish, you'll find yourself reaching for this bag again and again. Let's dive into this free crochet pattern and create something truly special!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather these essential supplies to ensure a smooth crocheting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Sage Green
  • Contrast Color (CC) – Cream
• Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing handles

Gauge: 16 wattle stitches x 14 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) in pattern. Always check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the correct size!

Understanding the Wattle Stitch

The wattle stitch is a beautiful, dense pattern that creates a woven, honeycomb-like texture. It's worked in multiples of 2 + 1 and combines single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) clusters. The stitch pattern is surprisingly simple once you get the rhythm, making it perfect for beginners who want to try something new.

Key Stitches Used:

• Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
• V-Stitch: (dc, ch 1, dc) worked in the same stitch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Start

The pattern is worked in joined rounds for the body, with a flat base. The wattle stitch is worked in multiples of 2 + 1. Take your time to read through the entire pattern before beginning, and use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds.

Base (Worked in MC)

Row 1: Chain 41. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (40 sc)

Row 2: Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each single crochet across. (40 sc)

Rows 3-6: Repeat Row 2. (40 sc)

This creates a flat, sturdy base for your handbag. The rectangular shape will form the bottom of your tote, providing excellent structure and support for carrying your belongings.

Body (Worked in Rounds, Starting from the Base)

Round 1: Chain 1. Work 40 single crochet evenly around the perimeter of the base. You'll work 10 sc on each short side and 20 sc on each long side. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (80 sc)

Round 2: Chain 1. Single crochet in the same stitch. *Skip 1 stitch, double crochet in the next stitch, chain 1, double crochet in the same stitch (this forms a V-stitch), skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next stitch; repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (20 V-stitches, 20 sc)

Round 3: Chain 1. Single crochet in the same stitch. *Skip the V-stitch, work a wattle stitch in the next single crochet (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet) in that single crochet, skip the next V-stitch, single crochet in the next single crochet; repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (20 wattle stitches, 20 sc)

Round 4: Chain 1. Single crochet in the same stitch. *Skip the wattle stitch, work a wattle stitch in the next single crochet, skip the next wattle stitch, single crochet in the next single crochet; repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch. (20 wattle stitches, 20 sc)

Rounds 5-20: Repeat Round 4. (20 wattle stitches per round)

Continue working these rounds until the bag measures approximately 10 inches (25 cm) from the base. The wattle stitch will create a beautiful, dense texture that's perfect for a sturdy handbag.

Color Transition (Optional)

To add a beautiful stripe detail like the featured bag, work Rounds 15-17 in the Contrast Color (CC) cream yarn, then switch back to the Main Color (MC) sage green for the remaining rounds. This creates a lovely visual break and adds interest to the design.

Pro tip: When changing colors, work the last yarn over of the final stitch in the new color to create a seamless transition.

Top Edge (Worked in MC)

Round 21: Chain 1. Single crochet in each stitch around (single crochet in each sc and in each chain-1 space of the wattle stitches). Join with a slip stitch. (80 sc)

Round 22: Chain 1. Single crochet in each single crochet around. Join with a slip stitch. (80 sc)

Round 23: Chain 1. Single crochet in each single crochet around, but at the center of each long side (the 20th and 60th stitch), work 2 single crochet in the same stitch to create a slight flare for the handles. Join with a slip stitch. (82 sc)

Round 24: Chain 1. Single crochet in each single crochet around. Join with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.

The slight flare created in Round 23 provides a comfortable anchor point for your handles and gives the bag a professional, polished look.

Handles (Make 2, Worked in MC)

Row 1: Chain 61. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (60 sc)

Row 2: Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each single crochet across. (60 sc)

Row 3: Chain 1, turn. Single crochet in each single crochet across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

These simple, sturdy handles are crocheted flat and then folded to create comfortable loops for carrying. The three rows of single crochet provide just the right amount of thickness and durability.

Assembly

Fold each handle in half lengthwise to create a loop. Position the handles on the inside of the bag, centered on the short sides, with the raw edges aligned with the top edge of the bag.

Using the tapestry needle and the long tails, sew the handles securely to the inside of the bag. Make sure to attach them firmly to support the weight of the bag and its contents. Double-check that both handles are evenly positioned before securing them completely.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all ends carefully using your tapestry needle. This step is crucial for a professional finish and ensures your bag will withstand regular use.

Optional enhancements:

• Line the bag with fabric for extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitch gaps.
• Add a magnetic snap closure or a zipper for added security.
• Attach a decorative button or tassel for a personal touch.

Block the bag gently to shape it. To block, dampen the bag slightly and shape it to the desired dimensions, then allow it to dry completely. This helps the stitches settle and gives your bag a polished, professional appearance.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've just created a beautiful, textured Wattle Stitch Handbag that's both fashionable and functional. This pattern is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels, and the result is a stunning accessory you'll be proud to carry.

The dense wattle stitch creates a fabric that's surprisingly sturdy, making this bag perfect for everyday use. The sage green and cream color combination gives it a timeless, natural aesthetic that pairs well with any outfit.

Don't forget to share your creation with the crochet community! Tag your photos with #WattleStitchHandbag and inspire others to try this wonderful pattern. Happy crocheting!