I’ve been collecting bags and purses for as long as I can remember. My closet is stuffed with them. I love unique shapes, colors and textures. Mostly, I love being able to create something myself. My idea for the shape of this bag came from scrolling fashion handbags on Pinterest and being awed by all the possibilities for shape. Once I saw this Aspen yarn in the Lodge colorway, I KNEW that it was meant to be a handbag.

You’ll need 2 skeins of Mary Maxim Aspen for this project in your favorite Aspen Color. Wait! Go ahead and order 2 in every color, this is such a fun pattern you'll want to make more than one. This handbag works up quickly and is addictive! It’s also a great gift item. I’ve already made 2, and I won’t lie. I ordered enough yarn to make 4 more. And I’m not one to remake my own designs if I don’t have to! Aspen is a great yarn to work with, the color variations are so fun, and I think you’ll enjoy the unique colors and textures you can create. I’ve written a review of this Awesome Acrylic Roving Yarn which you can read over on my blog!

The Blythe bag is created a bit uniquely. First, you’ll crochet a central panel. Next, you’ll fold the panel in half and join the sides by crocheting side panels that start very narrow but widen every other row, giving the bag that unique inverted triangle shape. Finally, you’ll attach your handles. It’s going to be that easy! I ordered my round handles from Amazon, but many craft stores are sure to carry round wooden or plastic handles. 

Crochet Level: Easy

Materials: 

• Aspen (2 skeins) or 240 yards 5 weight yarn
• 6.5 mm crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge, most testers used either a 6.5 mm or 7 mm hook to achieve gauge.
• Large eyed needle for weaving in ends and sewing on handles
• Scissors
• 2 - 6” to 8” diameter round purse handles, these are the handles I used

Gauge:

11 sts X 11 rows = 4”

Pattern for Gauge:

Ch 12.

Row 1: Hdcslst in 2nd ch from hook and each across. (11)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc each st across.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, hdcslst each st across.

Rows 4-11: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 4 times.

Finished Dimensions:

Base width: 5” across

Top width: 15” across

Height: 15” length (including handles)

Stitches:

Ch = chain

Hdc = half double crochet

Hdcslst = half double crochet slip stitch

RS = right side

Slst = slip stitch

St(s) = stitch(es)

WS = wrong side

Yo = yarn over

Special Stitches:

Half double crochet slip stitch (hdcslst) = yo, insert hook into indicated st, yo, pull through st and both loops on hook. 

Pattern Notes:

• All directions are written in US Crochet Terms.
• Pattern is worked in turned rows.
• Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
• Center vertical panel is created first, side panels are worked horizontal and attached as they are worked, purse body is then sewn to handles.

Center Panel

Ch 59.

Row 1: (WS) Hdcslst in 2nd ch from hook and each across. [58]

Row 2: (RS) Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. [58]

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, hdcslst in each st across. 

Rows 4-13: Repeat Rows 2-3 5 times.

Fasten off.

And there you go! That’s it for the center panel. It worked up quickly, didn’t it? I bet you’re glad you ordered enough yarn to make several handbags. Work all those center panels up and come back next week ready to learn how to create the side panels! If you haven’t already, order your handles so they’ll arrive in time for Week 3!

Amber has been designing patterns for several decades but only recently began publishing them. Her design-specialties are earrings and skirts, but she’ll crochet anything and everything. Inspired by textures, shapes and a LOT of color, she always has a project in her bag and a notebook to jot down ideas! When not crocheting, she spends her free time hanging out with her husband and two kids, making frequent visits to the Oregon coast. Crocheting is her “moonlight” job, and her days are full of teaching English to international university students. Most non-work days, you can find her surrounded by multiple WIPs (works-in-progress), a strong cup of coffee in hand, and an audiobook playing!

Blog:https://amberblissthis.com/

Ravelry shop:https://www.ravelry.com/designers/amber-bliss-calderon

Etsy Shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlissThis

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