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How to Crochet a Purse with Raffia Yarn

I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise, but I’m coming with another bag tutorial again this week. There’s a little bit of a new twist on this how to crochet a purse tutorial. PAPER! Well, raffia yarn actually.

I’m sure you’re hearing a buzz about this raffia yarn out there online, or maybe I’m still shell shocked from all this sewing and the buzzing is just in my ears. Either way, raffia has gained a lot of visibility in the fiber arts world, and for good reason.

Raffia is made from 100% viscose, which is basically just wood fiber. It’s really durable, biodegradable, water repellent and it’s easy to work with. So, I’m going to show you how to make a purse out of it.

I also think this stuff has a lot of potential for some totally new adventures in crochet design. It is really light and airy and it doesn’t absorb the heat from the sun, so I’ve got plans to make a summer hat and probably some other fun summer themed projects.

So stay tuned for all the fun future designs. If you haven’t already, sign up for my newsletter to not miss any of these free patterns. Ok, onto the good stuff.

Hope you enjoy this crochet a purse how to. It’s beginner friendly and it doesn’t require a lot of fancy extras if you don’t want them. Enjoy!

If you liked this purse pattern, you might also like some of these other bags patterns below.

1 Crochet Bag/Clutch / 2 Crochet Sling Bag

If you’d like a video tutorial to follow along, be sure to scroll down to the bottom.

Materials

*These materials contain affiliate links, for which I make a small commission. It’s no extra cost to you, makes shopping easier and helps to keep the lights on.

Stitches Used & Code ( US Term)

  • ch = chain
  • st = stitch(es)
  • sc = single crochet
  • scsp = single crochet spike st ( Make a sc one row below the one that you’re on )
  • REP = repeat
  • YO = yarn over hook
  • ” = inches

Skill: Easy

Gauge: 15 st X19 rows = 4″

Measurements: 7.6″ Wide X 8.42″ Tall

CROCHET RAFFIA PURSE PATTERN

Note: We’re going to work in spiral so make sure to place the stitch marker into the first stitch in every round

Round 1: ch 29, 1 sc into second ch from hook and each ch across, 1 sc into each ch on the other side across. Total of 56 st

Round 2: 2 sc into first st, 1 sc into next st and each st around. Total of 57 st

Round 3: 1 sc into each st around. Total of 57 st

Round 4: *1 sc, 1 scsp into next st* REP from *TO* until you have 1 st left, 1 sc into last st. Total of 57 st (Check picture below)

Crochet purse photo tutorial on how to make a spike stitch

Round 5: *1 scsp, 1 sc into next st* REP from *TO* until you have 1 st left, 1 scsp into last st. Total of 57 st (Check picture below)

crochet purse pattern repeat with a photo tutorial

REP Round 4 and Round 5, 15 more times. You’ll have a total of 35 rounds

Round 36 – Round 40: REP Round 3

The end of round 40 cut the yarn and weave all the ends

Crochet Purse Strap

For the crochet purse strap, I used an I-cord.

Row 1 : Leave a 6 inch long tail, then ch 3. Insert hook into second ch from hook, YO pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, YO pull up a loop. Total of 3 loops on hook (Check picture below)

How to make an I-cord strap

Row 2 : Remove two loops on hook (Make sure not to lose them). With remaining loop on hook, YO pull up a loop. Insert hook into next loop, YO pull up a loop. Insert hook into next loop, YO pull up a loop. Total of 3 loops on hook (Check picture below)

How to continue crochet the strap

Repeat row 2 until your strap reaches about 40-42 inches long or your desired length

The last row of I-Cord : With 3 loops on hook, YO pull through all the loops on hook then ch 1 to secure. Cut the yarn and leave about 6 inches tail

SEW THE STRAPS INTO THE PURSE

To sew the straps into the purse, we’re going to use the tails that we left earlier on the straps to sew into the purse on each side with the yarn needle. I sew about 3 rows down from the top part of the purse but you can adjust it how ever you like.

Sew the strap into the bag

HERE’S THE VIDEO TUTORIAL FOR THIS CROCHET RAFFIA PURSE

Congratulations on your crochet purse, I think a lot of crochet beginners are gonna have fun with this one. Super cute, simple to work, stylish to wear. Hope you enjoy!

If you’d like to make a lining for your purse be sure to check out the tutorial here

Until next time, happy crocheting!