This chunky lavender purse started as my rebellion against designer handbags that cost more than a week of groceries. I wanted that woven, high-end look without the ridiculous price tag. T-shirt yarn and a simple basketweave stitch delivered exactly that. You can finish the whole thing in an afternoon and walk away with a bag that looks like it came from a boutique.
Why This Chunky Crochet Purse Pattern Works
The secret sits in the combination of t-shirt yarn and the basketweave texture. T-shirt yarn (also called trapillo or ribbon yarn) creates a thick, sturdy fabric that holds its shape without any extra lining. The chunky weight means fewer stitches and faster progress. You barely have time to get bored.
The basketweave looks complicated, but it only uses front post and back post double crochet. Once you catch the rhythm, the pattern almost memorizes itself. This tutorial walks you from the oval base all the way through installing the metal clasp. By the end you hold a boutique-quality purse that actually feels expensive.
Skill Level
Call this intermediate beginner. You need solid basic stitches and a willingness to learn front post and back post double crochet. Never tried post stitches before? No problem. I break them down clearly so you can jump right in.
Finished Dimensions
The finished purse measures about 7 inches wide, 5.5 inches tall, and 3 inches deep. The handle adds another 4 inches of height. The optional chain strap runs roughly 45 inches long for crossbody wear. Compact enough for essentials yet roomy enough for your phone, keys, and a small wallet.
Materials Needed
Grab 200 grams of t-shirt yarn in lavender or any color you love. One skein usually gives you 100 to 130 yards. You also need:
- 8 mm crochet hook (US L/11) — some people prefer 9 mm for a looser feel
- One metal turn-lock clasp
- Two 20 mm D-rings
- Two swivel lobster clasps
- Optional 45-inch metal chain with links large enough to weave yarn through
- Stitch marker, large-eye tapestry needle, scissors, small screwdriver or awl, and a measuring tape
That is the entire shopping list. Nothing exotic.
Stitch Abbreviations and Definitions
Here is the quick reference:
- Ch – chain
- Sl st – slip stitch
- Sc – single crochet
- Dc – double crochet
- FPdc – front post double crochet
- BPdc – back post double crochet
- Inc – increase
Front post and back post stitches create the entire basketweave look. Everything else stays basic.
Understanding Post Stitches
Post stitches wrap around the vertical body of the stitch below instead of going into the top loops. For a front post double crochet you insert the hook from front to back to front around the post. The stitch pops toward you. For a back post double crochet you go from back to front to back. The stitch sinks away from you.
Think of it this way: front post comes forward, back post goes backward. Practice on a small swatch if the motion feels new. Chain 15, work one row of double crochet, then alternate FPdc and BPdc across the next row. Once your hands learn the path, the basketweave becomes second nature.
Here is a hyper-detailed 8K close-up of post stitches forming the basketweave texture:
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Gauge
Aim for 8 single crochet stitches and 8 rows in 4 inches. In the basketweave pattern you want about 6 double crochet stitches and 4 rows in 4 inches. Gauge matters because a loose fabric turns the purse floppy. Too tight and the fabric fights you the whole way. Check a small swatch before you commit.
Pattern Instructions
Part 1: The Oval Base
Work the base in continuous rounds with a stitch marker. Start with a chain of 11 and build an oval by increasing at both ends. After five rounds you should have 46 stitches and an oval roughly 6.5 inches long by 4 inches wide. Slip stitch to join at the end.
Next image shows the finished oval base with clean, even single crochet increases:
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Part 2: Building the Sides
Work one round of single crochet in the back loops only. That creates a crisp ridge where the base meets the sides. Then switch to double crochet for the foundation of the basketweave.
Part 3: Basketweave Pattern
Alternate blocks of four front post and four back post stitches. Every two rounds you flip the order so the texture offsets and creates that woven look. Continue for eight rounds of basketweave until the body stands about 4.5 inches tall from the base.
Here is the basketweave body growing upward in crisp detail:
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Part 4: Top Edge
Finish with two rounds of single crochet. Fasten off and weave in the end. The top now feels neat and ready for the flap.
Part 5: The Flap
Join yarn at the center back and work the flap flat in rows. Keep the basketweave going for a few rows, then decrease to create a gentle curve. End with a couple of single crochet rows for a clean edge.
Part 6: Flap Edging
Work single crochet evenly around the entire flap, putting three stitches in each corner. This finishes the edge so nothing looks raw.
Part 7: The Handle
Crochet a long 4-stitch strip about 20 inches long. Fold it in half lengthwise and whip stitch the edges together to form a comfortable rounded tube. Adjust the length if you want a shorter or longer handle.
Part 8: D-Ring Tabs (Make 2)
Make two short 4-stitch tabs, thread a D-ring onto each, fold the tab in half, and sew closed. These little pieces hold the optional chain strap.
Assembly Instructions
Sew the handle ends to the top sides of the bag, about eight stitches from center front on each side. Reinforce the stitches well. Attach the D-ring tabs just below the handle. Install the turn-lock clasp next: base on the center front of the bag, rotating half on the center of the flap. Use an awl to make small holes for the prongs, then bend them flat on the back. Test the alignment before you lock everything in place.
If you want the chain strap, weave t-shirt yarn through the links for a cohesive look, add swivel clasps to each end, and clip them onto the D-rings.
Final detailed shot of the completed purse with handle and clasp:
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Making the Tassel
Cut about 20 strands of t-shirt yarn, each 8 inches long. Fold them in half, wrap a separate piece tightly around the fold about an inch down, and knot it securely. Trim the ends even. Attach the tassel to the base of the turn lock with a simple knot. Instant polish.
Customization Ideas
Classic black gives everyday elegance. Soft pink feels springy. Bold red makes a statement. Two-tone looks sharp if you use one color for the base and another for the basketweave body. Want a bigger bag? Add stitches to the starting chain and keep the count divisible by eight so the pattern stays even. Gold hardware pops against pastels. Silver or gunmetal pairs beautifully with cooler shades.
Care Instructions
Spot clean with a damp cloth for everyday dirt. For a deeper clean, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap.
Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. Never toss it in the dryer. Heat can shrink and warp t-shirt yarn. Stuff the purse with tissue paper when you store it so it keeps its shape.
Troubleshooting Tips
Bag feels floppy? Your gauge ran loose. Drop a hook size or pull the stitches tighter. You can also add a simple fabric lining for extra structure. Basketweave looks uneven? Make sure you work around the posts from the row immediately below, not two rows down. Hardware poking through? Slip small felt pads behind the pieces before you install them. They protect the yarn and add stability.
One last process image showing the tassel and clasp detail:
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FAQ’s
Is t-shirt yarn hard to work with?
It feels different from regular yarn at first, but the thickness actually makes stitches easier to see and count. Once you get used to the weight, most people love how fast the project moves.
Can I use regular chunky yarn instead?
You can, but t-shirt yarn gives the best structure and that distinctive woven look. Regular yarn often needs a lining to hold the same shape. IMO the t-shirt yarn is worth hunting down for this pattern.
How long does the whole purse take?
Most people finish the crochet pieces in one afternoon. Hardware installation and the tassel add maybe another hour. It really is a quick project once you settle into the basketweave rhythm.
Do I have to add the chain strap?
No. The short handle works perfectly on its own. The chain is just a fun option if you want crossbody wear. FYI the D-ring tabs stay useful even if you skip the chain.
What if I have never installed a turn lock before?
It looks scarier than it is. Use an awl to make clean holes, push the prongs through, and bend them flat. Take your time marking the placement so the two halves line up when the flap closes.
Can I make the purse larger?
Absolutely. Add stitches to the foundation chain and keep the total divisible by eight so the basketweave sections stay even. Just remember the handle and flap will need slight adjustments too.
Go Make Something Beautiful
This lavender dreams purse proves you do not need a designer budget to carry something that looks expensive. The basketweave texture, chunky yarn, and simple hardware come together into a bag you will reach for constantly. Grab that t-shirt yarn, settle in, and start stitching. Your hands (and your wardrobe) will thank you.
