Crochet clutch bag: free pattern and step-by-step tutorial

Materials for the clutch bag

For this clutch (19×9 cm arched frame) you need:

• 1 spool of Ternes cord (any color you love)
• 1 ball of Swollen for the details
• 1 ball of Grace, the lurex chainette for the shiny touch
• 1 19×9 cm arched clic clac frame (the 16 cm works for a smaller clutch)
• 1 internal support to structure the base
• 5.5 mm hook · 6 stitch markers · scissors · needle · nylon thread

Cordino Ternes
The matte cord of this clutch: structure and poise.
Discover Ternes →

Grace Lurex
The lurex chainette for the detail that shines.
Discover Grace →

Internal Support
The rigid base that keeps the clutch in shape.
Discover the Support →

All sizes of arched clic clac frames (16 and 19 cm) are in the clic clac frames category.

Crochet clutch bag pattern: the base

We start from the base. Opening tip: always use the internal support as your reference — adding it to every model gives the bag a well-defined base that will not lose shape when you load phone, keys and wallet.

Start with a slip knot followed by 15 chains: skip the first and work back with 1 single crochet in each stitch. In the last chain work 3 single crochets in the same stitch, marking each one (3 markers in total).

Continue with 1 single crochet in each stitch along the other side; at the last stitch, repeat the 3 single crochets in the same stitch, again with markers.

Now the width increase: pull the loop a little, skip the next stitch and insert just the hook in the following stitch, catch the loop and pull it out of the stitch. Then insert the hook back into the skipped stitch, catch the loop you created, yarn over and pull out the loop embracing the previous one. Close with one chain.

After the chain, work 1 single crochet in each stitch up to the first marker. At the marked stitch: remove the marker and work 2 single crochets in the same stitch, marking the second; repeat at each marker (increase with the marker moved to the new stitch). Continue the same way on the opposite side.

Alternate the rounds: increases at the 3 markers per side + the width increase with the loop technique, until the base matches your frame size. Once the increases are done, the markers are no longer needed: the base is complete.

The body: working up in a spiral

The body is worked in a spiral, no increases: just 1 single crochet in every stitch, for about 14-15 rounds. Your practical reference is the support: slide it into the structure as it grows and stop when the work reaches its height. Close the loop and cut the yarn, not too short.

Flip the work and flatten it to find the perfect halves: mark the two length sides with a bit of yarn, then the width with two more. These references must match the frame's front half and the opening screws: they are the secret of a symmetrical clutch.

Attaching the clic clac frame

Take the spool, insert the hook and pull the loop creating 1 single crochet: the hook points one way and the cord stays outside, trapping the frame structure. Pull the yarn and close with 1 single crochet on the upper part of the frame.

For a not-too-bulky finish: 1 single stitch on the parts around the screws, 2 single crochets per stitch on the front parts of the frame. At the end, pull the yarn and hide it between the stitches.

If the shape looks uneven when you close the bag, no panic: undo the round that joins the structure to the frame and re-check the length and width halves. It happens to experts too — on your first clutches you may redo it 3-4 times, and that is how it comes out perfect.

Final touch: keep the clutch minimal in plain cord or decorate it — a wrap of Grace lurex around the central part adds instant light, or bows and appliqués to make it yours.

Video tutorials: 3 clutches to watch come to life

If you prefer following the project on video, here are three clutches by our creators with full tutorials and linked materials.

TUTORIAL TESSILAND STUDIO

Clutch BRIGITTE

By La Fata Tuttofare · With jewel frame

The elegant clutch for special occasions: compact stitching and a jewel frame with chain.

Watch the tutorial →

TUTORIAL TESSILAND STUDIO

Clutch HOP rattan stitch

By Tessiland · Rattan stitch

The woven rattan stitch that looks like wicker: the summer clutch with character.

Watch the tutorial →

TUTORIAL TESSILAND STUDIO

CLUTCH pouch

By La Fata Tuttofare · The classic

The clutch in its most classic form: the right project for your first time.

Watch the tutorial →

Frequently asked questions about the crochet clutch bag

Now you have pattern, materials and videos: choose your cord, pair it with a clic clac frame and make your clutch: small on the outside, huge in satisfaction. Enjoy!

Rosaria Tessiland®