The dimensions of the finished crochet bag if you used recommended crochet hook and yarn: approximately 7 in (18 cm) wide and 8 1/2 in (22 cm) tall

Recommended weight yarn:Medium to worsted weight (weight category #4) I used Red Heart Super Saver in Shocking Pink, Pink Petals (for the ballerina applique) and Black.

Recommended crochet hook size: I 9 (5.5 mm) to J 10 (6.00 mm)

Abbreviations and stitches used in Beige Purse Crochet Pattern:

CH - chain, SC - single crochet, HDC - half double crochet, DC - double crochet, TC - treble crochet.

The gauge: 13 SC in 4'' (10 cm); 14 rows in 4'' (10 cm).

Note:

SC 2 (the # of stitches is AFTER the stitch's abbreviation) means: make two single crochet stitches in two stitches of the previous row.

2SC (the # of stitches is BEFORE the stitch's abbreviation) means: make two single crochet stitches in one stitch (increase).

For example, [SC 2, 2SC] means: make a SC in the first stitch, then another SC in the second stitch, and then make 2 SC together in the third stitch (an increase).

The difficulty level of the Ballerina Bag free beginner crochet pattern: beginner/intermediate (intermediate level needed for the ballerina applique, the bag itself is easy to make)

Crochet Handbag Pattern

Ballerina bag starts from the round bottom - it should be a flat circle.

CH 3, join in a ring with a slip stitch

Row #1: Make 6 SC stitches in the ring and attach a stitch marker to the last (the 6th) stitch.

Row #2: 2 SC in each stitch. Total = 12 stitches after completing of this row.

Row #3: [SC, 2 SC], repeat [ ] 6 times around the row. This means: make a SC (in the first stitch of the row), then make 2SC in the next following stitch (the second stitch of the row), then make another SC in the next following stitch (the third stitch of the row), 2SC in the fourth stitch of the row and so on for 4 more times. The total = 18 stitches after the completing of this row.

Row #4: [SC 2, 2 SC] Repeat [ ] 6 times around the row. This means: make a SC in the first stitch of the row, make a SC in the second stitch of the row, make two SCs in the third stitch of the row and repeat this pattern 5 more times. The total = 24 stitches after completing of this row.

Row #5: [SC 3, 2 SC] Repeat [ ] 6 times around the row. Total = 30 stitches after completing of this row.

Row #6: [SC 4, 2 SC] Repeat [ ] 6 tomes around the row. Total = 36 stitches after completing of this row.

Row #7: [SC 5, 2 SC] Repeat [ ] 6 times around the row. Total = 42 stitches after completing this row.

Row #8: [SC 6, 2 SC] Repeat [ ] 6 times around the row. Total = 48 stitches after completing this row.

The diameter of the bottom of the Ballerina Bag is approximately 5 in (13 cm).

Row #9: for this row only: make stitches in the back loop only: Insert your hook between the 2 loops instead of putting it under both loops from front to back:

CH 1, SC in each SC around the row, slip stitch at the end of the row.

Row #10: Attach the pink yarn, CH 1, SC in each SC around the row, slip stitch at the end of the row.

Rows ## 11-12: Repeat Row # 10.

Row # 13: Black yarn: CH 1, SC in each SC all around the row, slip stitch at the end.

Rows ## 14-34: Repeat Row # 13 . (for 21 rows).

Row # 35: Slip stitches all around the row.

THE RUFFLE.

The ruffle consists of 3 rows of DC s (double crochet stitches).

The first row of the ruffle starts (attached to the bag) at the Row #8: work with front loop only for this row (we used back loop for the Row #9 of the ballerina bag): attach the pink yarn there.

CH 2, 2 DC in each stitch around the row, slip stitch at the end of the row.

The second row of the ruffle: CH 2, [2 DC, DC], repeat [ ] all around the row, slip stitch at the end.

The third row of the ruffle: CH 2, [2 DC, DC 2], repeat [ ] all around the row, slip stitch at the end. Fast off.

The first row of the ruffle:

The second and the third rows of the ruffle:

THE HANDLES AND THE BOWS.

Attach the pink yarn to the top edge of the bag.

Row #1: CH 1, SC 4

Row #2: Turn, CH 1, SC 4

Rows ## 3- 42: Repeat Row #2 40 times (total will be 42 rows). The handle should be approximately 12 in (30.5 cm) long.

Row #43: count 8 stitches along the top edge of the bag and attach the handle with the row of SC stitches.

Repeat Rows #1 - 43 for the second handle symmetrically: (fold the bag flat to determine where the second handle should start).

The both handles of the ballerina bag are ready and the bag looks like the leotard with tutu!

Optionally: you can reinforce the handles against stretching with a row of slip stitches: Attach the pink yarn as shown in the pic, and make a row of slip stitches joining the ends of each handle.

The bows: CH 16, join in a ring with a slip stitch, CH 2, DC in each stitch, slip stitch to join. Tie the ring in the middle to form a bow and sew it to the bag.

The bag is almost ready !