Pretzel Rib Twin-Handle Crochet Bag Free Pattern
Pretzel Rib Twin-Handle Crochet Bag Free Pattern
Introduction
This whimsical crossbody bag is made from a single wide rectangle of front and back post ribbing, folded and joined into a soft, squishy tube that looks a little like a pretzel twist. It is written for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to try post stitches for the first time, since the whole body is just two rows repeated. Worked in chocolate macrame cord with caramel twin handles and a long crossbody strap, it has a sturdy, structured feel with a playful ribbed texture that runs vertically down the bag. It is roomy enough for the essentials and looks lovely worn across the body or carried by the two top handles.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Macrame cord, 3 mm, 100% cotton. Color A (chocolate): 120 yd. Color B (caramel): 40 yd.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, pins, and a measuring tape.
- Finished size: Width 10 inches (25 cm), height 8 inches (20 cm), depth 2 inches (5 cm), strap drop 22 inches (56 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch – chain: a loop made by pulling yarn through a loop on the hook.
- dc – double crochet: a tall basic stitch.
- fpdc – front post double crochet: a double crochet worked around the post of the stitch in front of your work, pushing it forward.
- bpdc – back post double crochet: a double crochet worked around the post of the stitch behind your work, pushing it back.
- sc – single crochet: a short basic stitch.
- st(s) – stitch(es).
- rep – repeat.
Gauge
14 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the post rib pattern. Work a small swatch in the post rib pattern and measure it flat, unstretched, to check your gauge before starting.
Tips Before You Start
- Post stitches are worked around the post of the stitch below, not into the top loops, so keep your hook relaxed and let the ribbing build up naturally.
- Macrame cord has little stretch, so keep your tension even and slightly loose to make the post stitches easier to work.
- Count your 34 stitches at the end of every row; the rib pattern alternates, so a missed stitch is easy to spot as a slanted column.
- Pin the handles and strap in place before sewing so both handles sit level and centered.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bag Body (Color A)
Ch 36.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across (34 dc). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, [fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st] across, ending with bpdc. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, [bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st] across, ending with fpdc. Turn.
Rows 4-48: Rep Rows 2-3 (34 sts). Do not fasten off.
Joining the tube: Fold the rectangle in half with right sides together, matching the short ends. Sc evenly along the side edges to join, forming a tube (approx 24 sc per side). Fasten off.
Handles (Color B) – make 2
Ch 41.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (40 sc). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across (40 sc). Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Strap (Color B)
Ch 121.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (120 sc). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across (120 sc). Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Assembly and Finishing
Turn the bag right side out. Pin one handle horizontally across the top front, centered, with the ends 2 inches from the side seams. Sew securely with Color B. Repeat for the second handle, placing it 1 inch below the first. Attach the strap ends to the side seams at the top, 1 inch from the top edge, using Color B. Weave in all ends. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping flat, then let it dry completely before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the caramel handles and strap for a contrasting cream or mustard cord for a bolder look.
- Add a simple sc edging around the top opening in Color B to frame the bag and hide the fold line.
- Make a shorter strap (about 60 chains) for a shoulder bag instead of a crossbody.
