Crochet Your Own Stylish Tophandle Drawstring Purse: Free Patterns & Easy Tutorials

Crafting a Tophandle Drawstring Purse: A Crochet Guide

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding crochet project? A tophandle drawstring purse is the perfect choice! It’s a stylish and practical accessory you can customize to your liking. This article will guide you through the process, providing pattern ideas, tips, and inspiration.

Why Crochet a Drawstring Purse?

Drawstring purses are versatile and easy to make. They’re great for carrying small items like your phone, wallet, or makeup. Adding a tophandle elevates the design, making it more sophisticated and easier to carry. Plus, crocheting your own purse allows you to choose your favorite colors and yarn!

Finding the Perfect Pattern

Many free patterns are available online for crochet drawstring purses. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Simple Fruit Pouch: A fun and easy pattern that can be adapted to various fruit designs. Perfect for using up scrap yarn! (Source: HayHay Crochet)
Herringbone Stitch Bag: This pattern creates a durable and stylish bag with a unique texture. You can customize the size and add decorative elements like embroidered flowers. (Source: My Crochetory)
Beginner-Friendly Pouch: Look for tutorials that guide you through the basic stitches and construction. These are great for learning the fundamentals of crochet. (Source: YouTube)
Bucket Bag: This design offers a larger capacity and a unique shape. Customize the colors and add embellishments to make it your own. (Source: yarnTh3ory)

Essential Materials

Before you begin, gather your materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll typically need:

Yarn: Choose a yarn that suits your project. Worsted weight yarn is a good all-around choice. Cotton yarn is ideal for a durable and washable purse.
Crochet Hook: Select a hook size that corresponds to your yarn weight. A 4.00mm hook is commonly used for worsted weight yarn.
Scissors: For cutting yarn.
Darning Needle: For weaving in ends.
Stitch Marker: To mark the beginning of rounds or important stitches.
Top Handle: You can purchase a handle separately or crochet one.

Basic Crochet Stitches

Most drawstring purse patterns use basic crochet stitches. Familiarize yourself with these stitches before starting your project:

Chain (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects.
Single Crochet (sc): A basic stitch that creates a dense fabric.
Increase (inc): Working two single crochet stitches into one stitch to increase the number of stitches in a round.
Decrease (dec): Single crocheting two stitches together to decrease the number of stitches in a round.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds or create a smooth edge.
Half Double Crochet (hdc): A taller stitch than single crochet, creating a looser fabric.
Double Crochet (dc): An even taller stitch, often used for lacy or textured patterns.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and functional tophandle drawstring purse:

Read the pattern carefully: Before you start, read through the entire pattern to understand the instructions and stitch counts.
Use a stitch marker: This will help you keep track of the beginning of each round, especially when working in the round.
Maintain consistent tension: This will ensure that your stitches are even and your purse has a uniform appearance.
Weave in ends securely: This will prevent your work from unraveling.
Customize your design: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, stitch patterns, and embellishments to create a unique purse.

Adding the Tophandle

There are several ways to attach a tophandle to your drawstring purse:

Crocheted Handle: You can crochet a handle using a sturdy stitch like single crochet or a textured stitch. Attach it securely to the top of the purse.
Purchased Handle: You can buy a ready-made handle from a craft store. Sew or attach it using rings or clasps.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve completed your purse, add some finishing touches to make it extra special:

Drawstring: Create a drawstring using a chain or an I-cord. Weave it through the openings at the top of the purse.
Embellishments: Add beads, buttons, flowers, or other decorative elements to personalize your purse.

Crochet Stitch Table

Stitch	Abbreviation	Description
Chain	ch	Foundation stitch used to begin most crochet projects.
Single Crochet	sc	A basic stitch that creates a dense fabric.
Increase	inc	Working two single crochet stitches into one stitch.
Decrease	dec	Single crocheting two stitches together.
Slip Stitch	sl st	Used to join rounds or create a smooth edge.
Half Double Crochet	hdc	Taller than sc, creates a looser fabric.
Double Crochet	dc	Taller than hdc, often used for lacy patterns.

Creating a tophandle drawstring purse is a rewarding crochet project. With a little practice and creativity, you can design a beautiful and functional accessory that you’ll be proud to carry!