Crochet a rag purse from old clothing, towels, sheets or curtains. These one-of-a-kind purses use a simple single crochet stitch. The strips are connected together with a knot or sewing. This creates a flat finish to the completed handbag.
Things You’ll Need:
Old clothing
Scissors
Ruler
Size Q/16mm crochet hook
Strip Cutting and Connection Instructions:
Step 1 – Cut the clothing into 1-inch strips.
Step 2 – Fold the end of the strip up approximately 1 ½-inch. Make a vertical slit approximately ½-inch long. Repeat the process with each end of all strips.
Step 3 – Insert the end of one strip through a slit on another. Gently pull the strip until the opposite end is within 12-inches of the slit. Insert the end through the second slit. Pull to tighten and secure the two strips together.
Step 4 – Roll the first strip and half of the next into a ball. Add another strip according to Step 3. Repeat the process until all strips are attached.
Crochet Rag Handbag Instructions:
Row 1 – Chain 37. Single crochet in the second chain from the crochet hook and in each stitch across until the last stitch. Single crochet three times in the last stitch. Turn the row. Single crochet in the open loop of the chain. Single crochet twice in the last stitch. Secure the row together with a slipstitch in this row and each row thereafter.
Row 2 – Chain 1. Single crochet in the same stitch as the slipstitch. Single crochet twice in each stitch around.
Row 3 – 38 – Chain 1. Single crochet in the same stitch as the slipstitch and in each stitch around. Finish off. Weave the cut end through the last row of stitching.
Strap Instructions:
Step 1 – Locate the center of the right edge. Attach the rag strip to the last row of stitching with a slipstitch.
Step 2 – Chain 40 stitches. Slipstitch the last stitch to the opposite side of the handbag.
Step 3 – Slipstitch around the chain. Single crochet 39 times around the handle. Slipstitch the last stitch to the opposite side of the handbag. Finish off. Weave the cut end through the last row of stitching.
Add a flap to the handbag by attaching the rag strip to the second stitch from the handle. Single crochet in each stitch across leaving one stitch empty by the opposite handle. Turn. Chain 1. Single crochet across. Repeat the pattern until the flap is the desired length.