Mamma mia, here I go again… my my, how can I resist you?

Simple answer: you can’t. You simply can’t resist OIA, the crochet bag of the summer, the one that looks like it’s straight out of a scene on the cliffs of Kalokairi (which is basically Santorini in cinematic HD), where the sun is always golden and life smells like freedom and lime on the rim of your glass.

Here comes OIA, the shell-shaped bag that screams summer at the top of its lungs and whispers in a sexy voice: “I made it, baby.”

THE SUMMER CROCHET TREND IS SHELL-SHAPED (WITH A TOUCH OF ABBA DIVA STYLE)

In 2025, a summer bag alone isn’t enough: it needs to have personality, a nostalgic touch, and ideally a pearl strap that instantly says Dancing Queen under the stars.

The OIA bag is all that and more:

• Shell shape, giving full-on siren-singing-a-cappella vibes.
• Jewelled pearl strap, for those “easy chic” Sophie-from-Mamma-Mia looks.
• Eco-leather handle, because practicality matters too.
• And yes, it’s easy to make. You don’t need to be a pro—just keep the rhythm (even with your hands).

WHAT YOU NEED FOR A BAG THAT EVEN DONNA SHERIDAN WOULD ENVY

Magical materials:

• 2 spools of Tornado Panna (that Greek white that brightens any outfit)
• 5.5 mm crochet hook
• Jewelled pearl strap (hello, glamour!)
• 2 silver 18mm round snap hooks
• Darning needle (faithful partner for secret seams)
• tornado hooks STRAP
• NEEDLE SNAP HOOKS

Stitches used:

Chain stitch (cat)

Slip stitch (mbss)

Single crochet (mb)

Half double crochet (mma)

Double crochet (ma)

TUTORIAL: HOW TO MAKE YOUR SHELL BAG

(background music: “Honey, Honey”)

Start with the two discs (the foundation of your masterpiece)

Make a magic ring.

Work 7 single crochets into it.

Close with a slip stitch into the first stitch.

Make 3 chains (count as 1 dc) + 2 double crochets in the same stitch.

In each stitch: 3 dc → total of 21 dc.

Close the first disc, cut the yarn and weave in the ends.

Repeat for the second disc but do not cut the yarn!

Connect the discs and begin the shell

13 chains.

Place the discs wrong sides together. Insert the hook into the second disc and join with a slip stitch.

Work your perfect row:

1 slip stitch

1 single crochet

1 half double crochet

7 double crochets

1 half double crochet

1 single crochet

1 slip stitch

Total = 13 stitches, like the chains. Perfect for a harmonious Greek rhythm.

Increase row (yes, they’re needed—but made with love)

Turn your work.

Work in the back loop only.

First stitch: 2 sc (increase).

Then 1 sc in each stitch.

Last stitch: 2 sc (another increase).

Join to the opposite disc with a slip stitch.

Repeat, alternate, and make the magic

Always alternate:

Increase row (in sc, in back loop only)

Decorative row (the glam one: ss, sc, hdc, dc... repeat)

Each increase row adds 2 stitches.

Make a total of 40 rows = a shell that says WOW.

FINISHING TOUCHES (THE GRAND FINALE, LIKE THE LAST CLIFFSIDE SCENE)

Finish with a slip stitch into the last stitch.

Work a complete border of slip stitches around the top and then the bottom.

Fasten off, breathe, smile: you did it.

ASSEMBLY – PUT TOGETHER THE PIECES OF YOUR SUMMER DREAM

Insert the snap hooks between the double crochets on the sides.

Attach the eco-leather handle in the center.

The pearl strap goes on the sides. Boom: handmade luxury.

CROCHET STAR TIPS

Check the width often: symmetry is everything.

Want to make it bigger or smaller? Adjust the chains and rows. You’re the designer.

CONCLUSIONS (AND A ONE-WAY TICKET TO SANTORINI, EVEN IF ONLY IN YOUR MIND)

The OIA bag isn’t just a project: it’s a handmade experience that smells like salt, sun, and freedom.

It’s the accessory you need to dance under the stars, walk down the stairs in a flowing dress, and look in the mirror and say:

“Mamma mia… I made this?!”

And if you want to dance while you crochet, the official "OIA Vibes" playlist is ready for you on Spotify.

Rosaria Tessiland®