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Looking for a chic, minimalist bag that you can whip up in an afternoon? The Portable Handbag is a classic ribbed purse that combines simplicity with a sophisticated, high-end look. Using only the most basic stitches—slip stitches and single crochets—this pattern creates a beautiful elastic ribbing that mimics a knit look.
This bag is crocheted in two main parts (the body and the handles) and is perfect for using up that sturdy macramé cord or T-shirt yarn in your stash. Let’s get hooking!
Don't forget to pin this to your crochet inspiration board on Pinterest!
You can use this written pattern together with the step by step video tutorial here : Crochet the Portable ribbed bag video tutorial.
Pattern Design & Construction
Skill Level
Beginner Friendly. If you can single crochet and slip stitch, you can make this bag!
Finished Measurements
Width: 11 inches
Height: 7 inches
Sizing Note: This is a one-size bag, but it is easily adjustable! To change the size, simply adjust your foundation chain (just ensure it is an odd number so you have a clear center stitch).
Materials Needed
Yarn: 150–200 meters of 3mm thick Macramé cord, rope, or T-shirt yarn.
Crochet Hook: 6.0 mm (Size J-10)
Notions:
1 Stitch marker
Scissors
Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Guage (Tension)
11 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in the ribbed pattern.
Abbreviations (US Terminology)
ch: Chain
st(s): Stitch(es)
sl st: Slip stitch
sc: Single crochet
BLO: Back loop only
inc (Increase): Work 3 sc into the same stitch.
dec (Decrease): Single crochet 3 stitches together (sc3tog).
rep: Repeat
Important Pattern Notes
No Turning Chains: When starting a new row, do not crochet into the turning chain. This keeps your edges clean and tight.
The Ribbing: After Row 1, all stitches are worked into the Back Loop Only (BLO).
The Marker: Always move your stitch marker up to the middle stitch of your increase or decrease in every row.
The Pattern Instructions
Part 1: The Increase Section
This section creates the first "V" shape of the bag.
Row 1 (Setup): Ch 17. Place a stitch marker into the 9th chain (the center). Ch 1, turn.
Skip the first ch.
Sl st in the next 3 chs.
Sc in each ch until you reach the marker.
Increase: In the marked chain, work 3 sc. Place your marker into the 2nd (middle) sc of this group.
Sc in each ch until 3 chs remain.
Sl st in the last 3 chs. Ch 1, turn. (Total: 19 sts)
Row 2 (BLO): From here on, work all stitches in the Back Loop Only.
Sl st in the first 3 sts.
Sc in each st until you reach the marker.
Increase: Work 3 sc in the marked st. (Move marker to the middle sc).
Sc in each st until 3 sts remain.
Sl st in the last 3 sts. Ch 1, turn. (Total: 21 sts)
Rows 3–10: Repeat Row 2. Each row will increase your stitch count by 2.
Row 10 should end with 37 stitches.
Part 2: The Body Section
This section maintains the width of the bag.
Row 11: Sl st in the first 3 sts (BLO). Sc in each st across until 3 sts remain. Sl st in the last 3 sts (BLO). Ch 1, turn. (Total: 37 sts)
Rows 12–22: Repeat Row 11. Your stitch count will stay at 37 for these rows.
Part 3: The Decrease Section
This section creates the closing "V" shape.
Row 23: Sl st in the first 3 sts. Sc until you are one stitch before the marker.
Decrease: Work a sc3tog across the next 3 stitches (the st before the marker, the marked st, and the st after the marker).
Place your marker into this new decreased stitch.
Sc in each st until 3 sts remain.
Sl st in the last 3 sts. Ch 1, turn. (Total: 35 sts)
Rows 24–32: Repeat Row 23. Each row will decrease your stitch count by 2.
Row 32 should end with 17 stitches. Fasten off the bag body.
Part 4: The Handles & Finishing
The handles are worked separately and then joined to the bag for extra strength.
Creating the Handles (Make 2):
Ch 33. Join with a sl st to the first ch to form a large circle.
Sl st into every chain around the circle.
Joining to the Bag: Position your handle against the edge of the bag. Insert your hook through the bag edge, grab the yarn from the handle side, pull through, yarn over the top of the handle, and pull through both loops (this "traps" the handle onto the bag edge).
Repeat for the second handle on the opposite side.
Final Border:
To give the bag a professional finish, join your yarn at the side and work a slip stitch border all the way around the top edge and the handles. This prevents the bag from stretching too much.
Cut your yarn, fasten off, and weave in all your ends securely.
Conclusion
Congratulations! Your Portable Handbag is ready to go. I love how the vertical ribbing looks so modern and "store-bought," but with that special handmade touch. It’s the perfect size for your essentials—phone, wallet, and keys—and the macramé cord ensures it will last for years!
Did you make a Portable Handbag? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @mirrymascrafts or share your photos on Facebook. Seeing your finished projects is my favorite part of designing!
You can also check the Matipa crochet handbag pattern here
Happy crocheting!
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