Scrunchie Shoulder Bag (Crochet, Worsted, Intermediate)

An original pattern inspired by the "scrunchie bag" style popularized by Loupy Studios. It is not a reproduction of that designer's pattern. For the original, please purchase it from Loupy Studios.

Finished size

• Circumference: 18.75 in (47.5 cm)
• Base: 8.25 × 2.75 in (21 × 7 cm)
• Height: 7 in (18 cm)
• Visible strap drop: 22 in (56 cm)

Materials

• Worsted yarn (cotton or cotton blend recommended):
  • Color A (bag and strap): 150 yd (137 m)
  • Color B (scrunchie): 130 yd (119 m)
• Hook: US H-8 (5 mm)
• Notions:
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle
  • Optional: one 0.75 in (18 mm) magnetic snap
  • Optional: fabric lining

Gauge

14 sc × 16 rnds/rows = 4 in (10 cm) in sc. Gauge matters for strap fit and bag size.

Abbreviations (US)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• inc: 2 sc in same st
• BLO: back loop only
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd: round
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Notes

• Rounds are joined with a sl st to the first sc. The ch 1 at the start of each round does not count as a stitch.
• Place a marker in the first st of every round.

Base (Color A)

Ch 21.

Rnd 1: Work as follows (42 sts):

• Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 18 ch, 3 sc in last ch.
• Rotate the work and sc in the underside of the next 18 ch.
• Work 2 sc in the first ch, which already holds 1 sc.
• Join.
• Check: 1 + 18 + 3 + 18 + 2 = 42 ✓

Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc, sc 18, inc in next 3, sc 18, inc in next 2. Join. (48 sts: 6 inc ✓)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc 1, inc, sc 18, [sc 1, inc] 3 times, sc 18, [sc 1, inc] 2 times. Join. (54 sts ✓)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc 2, inc, sc 18, [sc 2, inc] 3 times, sc 18, [sc 2, inc] 2 times. Join. (60 sts ✓)

Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc 3, inc, sc 18, [sc 3, inc] 3 times, sc 18, [sc 3, inc] 2 times. Join. (66 sts ✓)

Body

Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around. Join. (66 sts)

Rnds 7–30: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (66 sts)

Rnd 31: Ch 1, sc around, placing markers as follows. Join. (66 sts)

• Strap markers: in st 31 and st 64.
• Snap markers (optional): in st 15 and st 48.

Rnds 32–33: Ch 1, sc around. Join. (66 sts)

At the end of Rnd 33, sl st in BLO of each st around for a firm rim (66 sl sts). Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Strap (Color A)

Ch 6.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (5 sts)

Rows 2–96: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (5 sts)

The strap measures 24 in (61 cm). Fasten off, leaving a 12 in tail.

Scrunchie Panel (Color B)

Ch 161.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (160 sts)

Rows 2–16: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (160 sts)

The panel measures 45.75 × 4 in. Fasten off, leaving a 60 in tail.

Assembly

1. Mark the strap. Place a marker on each strap edge 1 in (4 rows) from each end, at Row 4 and Row 93. The 22 in between the markers is the visible strap.

2. Wrap the panel. Lay the scrunchie panel WS up and center the strap lengthwise on it. Fold the long edges of the panel around the strap so they meet.

3. Seam the tube. Using the long tail, whipstitch the foundation-chain edge to the Row 16 edge, one st to one st (160 stitches), making a tube around the strap. The tube must slide freely and must not catch the strap.

4. Gather the tube.

• Scrunch the tube evenly along the strap between the markers, at about 7.25 in of panel per 3.5 in of strap.
• Use Row 4 and Row 93 as anchor points, and place the gather midpoint at strap row 48.
• Tack each tube end to the strap at its marker with 4 stitches through all layers.

5. Attach the strap.

• Insert 1 in of one strap end (Rows 1–4) inside the bag at the st 31 marker. Center the strap on that st, so it covers sts 29–33, with the strap end aligned to Rnd 30.
• Sew a box with an X through all layers.
• Repeat at the st 64 marker (sts 62–66), making sure the strap is not twisted.

6. Snap (optional). Sew the snap halves inside the bag, centered on sts 15 and 48 of Rnd 31.

7. Lining (optional). Cut fabric 19.5 × 7.5 in plus an 8.75 × 3.25 in oval base. Seam it with a 0.375 in allowance, fold the top edge under 0.5 in, and whipstitch it below Rnd 33.

Weave in all ends. To finish, steam lightly to settle the scrunchie gathers. Do not press flat.