purlJam

# SOFT RUCHED CROSSBODY BAG WITH SCRUNCHIE HANDLE

A modern, minimal crossbody bag featuring a soft gathered body with ruched detailing at the top and a unique scrunchie-style handle. The rounded rectangular base and puffy construction create a casual, fashionable accessory perfect for everyday wear.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Base: approximately 7" wide × 4" deep (18 × 10 cm)
- Height: approximately 7" (18 cm) after gathering
- Handle drop: approximately 22" (56 cm)

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 500 yards (457 m) sport weight yarn
- Shown in solid color for clean, modern aesthetic
- Recommend soft cotton or cotton blend for structure and drape

**Hook:** US D/3 (3.25 mm) for bag body, US E/4 (3.5 mm) for handle (or sizes needed to obtain gauge)

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- 1/4" (6 mm) elastic cord: 12" (30 cm) for top casing, 30" (76 cm) for handle
- Safety pins for elastic threading
- Scissors

**Gauge:** 
22 sc × 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) with smaller hook in continuous rounds
*Gauge is important for bag size and structure*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (decrease)
- BLO = back loop only
- FLO = front loop only
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- RS = right side
- ( ) = work instructions within parentheses in stitch indicated
- * * = repeat instructions between asterisks

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. Bag is worked in continuous rounds from base upward. Use a stitch marker to track beginning of round, moving marker up as you work.

2. Do not join rounds unless specified. Work continuously in a spiral.

3. Foundation chain does not count as a stitch.

4. Stitch count is provided at end of each round in parentheses.

5. For the oval base, increases are worked at the short ends to create the rounded rectangular shape.

6. The ruched effect is created through evenly spaced decreases combined with elastic in the top casing.

7. Handle is worked as a tube around elastic cord for the scrunchie effect.

8. When working around elastic, do not stretch the elastic; allow it to relax inside the stitches.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BAG BASE

With smaller hook, ch 32.

**Rnd 1:** Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 30 ch, 5 sc in last ch (working around to opposite side of foundation chain), working across opposite side of foundation chain: sc in next 30 ch, 4 sc in same ch as first sc (where you began the round), do not join. Place marker for beginning of round. (70 sc)

**Rnd 2:** *Inc in next st, sc in next 30 sts, inc in next 5 sts, sc in next 30 sts, inc in next 4 sts; repeat from * once for last st. (80 sc)
*[Math check: 1 + 30 + 5 + 30 + 4 = 70 + 10 increases = 80]*

**Rnd 3:** *Sc in next st, inc in next st, sc in next 30 sts, (sc in next st, inc in next st) 5 times, sc in next 30 sts, (sc in next st, inc in next st) 4 times; repeat from * for last st of last repeat. (90 sc)
*[Math check: 80 + 10 increases = 90]*

**Rnd 4:** *Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 30 sts, (sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) 5 times, sc in next 30 sts, (sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) 4 times; repeat from * for last 2 sts of last repeat. (100 sc)
*[Math check: 90 + 10 increases = 100]*

**Rnd 5:** *Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 30 sts, (sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) 5 times, sc in next 30 sts, (sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) 4 times; repeat from * for last 3 sts of last repeat. (110 sc)
*[Math check: 100 + 10 increases = 110]*

**Rnd 6:** Sc BLO in each st around. (110 sc)
*This round creates a defined edge between base and sides*

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### BAG BODY

**Rnds 7-10:** Sc in each st around. (110 sc each round)

**Rnd 11:** Sc BLO in each st around. (110 sc)
*Creates subtle texture line*

**Rnds 12-18:** Sc in each st around. (110 sc each round)

**Rnd 19:** Sc BLO in each st around. (110 sc)
*Creates second texture line*

**Rnds 20-26:** Sc in each st around. (110 sc each round)

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### GATHERING SECTION

**Rnd 27:** *Sc in next 9 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * around. (100 sc)
*[Math check: 110 ÷ 11 = 10 repeats × (9 + 1 decrease) = 100]*

**Rnds 28-29:** Sc in each st around. (100 sc each round)

**Rnd 30:** *Sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * around. (90 sc)
*[Math check: 100 ÷ 10 = 10 repeats × (8 + 1 decrease) = 90]*

**Rnd 31:** Sc in each st around. (90 sc)

**Rnd 32:** *Sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * around. (80 sc)
*[Math check: 90 ÷ 10 = 10 repeats × (7 + 1 decrease) = 80]*

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### TOP CASING

**Rnd 33:** Sc in each st around. (80 sc)

**Rnd 34:** Ch 1 (does not count as st), hdc in each st around. (80 hdc)

**Rnd 35:** Hdc in each st around. (80 hdc)

**Rnd 36:** *Hdc in next 3 sts, ch 2, skip next 2 sts; repeat from * around. (48 hdc, 16 ch-2 spaces)
*[Math check: 80 ÷ 5 = 16 repeats × (3 hdc + 1 ch-2 sp) = 48 hdc + 16 spaces]*
*These chain spaces create openings for elastic*

**Rnd 37:** *Hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in ch-2 sp; repeat from * around. (80 hdc)
*[Math check: 16 repeats × 5 hdc = 80]*

**Rnd 38:** Sc in each st around. (80 sc)

**Rnd 39:** Sl st in each st around, join with sl st to first sl st. Fasten off. (80 sl sts)

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### SCRUNCHIE HANDLE

**Setup:** Cut elastic cord to 30" (76 cm). Place a safety pin through each end to prevent fraying and help with manipulation.

With larger hook, ch 6, being careful not to twist, sl st in first ch to form a ring around ONE END of the elastic cord (thread the elastic through the center of the ring before joining).

**Rnd 1:** Ch 1 (does not count as st), work 12 sc around the ring and around the elastic cord (insert hook under both the foundation chain and around the elastic). Do not join; place marker for beginning of round. (12 sc)

**Rnds 2-220:** Sc in each st around, working each stitch around the elastic cord (you are encasing the elastic as you go). Do not stretch the elastic; let it gather naturally inside your stitches. The tube will scrunch as you work. (12 sc each round)

*Note: 220 rounds creates approximately 45" of tube, which will gather to approximately 30" when elastic is secured. Adjust number of rounds for longer or shorter handle.*

**Final Round:** When tube measures approximately 45" (114 cm) or desired length, work sl st in each st around for last round. Leave a 12" (30 cm) tail. Do not fasten off yet.

**Finishing Elastic:** Overlap the two ends of elastic by 2" (5 cm) and securely stitch together using a needle and thread or by tying in a tight square knot. Trim excess elastic. Continue with crochet: sl st in next st, fasten off. Weave in end, ensuring the elastic join is hidden inside the tube.

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### ATTACHING HANDLE

**Position:** Decide where to attach handle. For a crossbody bag, attach at opposite sides of the bag at the top edge (at the gathering section, approximately Rnd 32-33).

**Method 1 - Sewn Attachment:**
1. Flatten handle at each end to create a 1" (2.5 cm) flat section.
2. Position one flattened end on the outside of the bag, centered over a side seam area (at Rnd 32).
3. Using yarn and tapestry needle, securely whipstitch the flat section to the bag body, stitching through multiple layers and stitching back and forth several times for security.
4. Repeat for second end on opposite side of bag.

**Method 2 - Crocheted Attachment:**
1. Flatten handle end.
2. With RS facing and smaller hook, working through both handle and bag body layers, sl st through all layers for 1" (2.5 cm), creating a secure attachment.
3. Fasten off and weave in ends securely.
4. Repeat for second end.

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## FINISHING

### Threading Top Elastic

1. Cut elastic cord to 12" (30 cm).
2. Attach a safety pin to one end of elastic.
3. Thread elastic through the ch-2 spaces in Rnd 36, weaving in and out around the entire circumference.
4. Overlap elastic ends by 1" (2.5 cm) and securely stitch together.
5. Gently distribute gathers evenly around top opening. The elastic should create a soft, ruched effect at the bag opening.
6. Tuck elastic join inside the casing so it doesn't show.

### Final Details

1. Weave in all remaining ends securely.
2. Block base flat if needed by lightly steaming (check yarn label for care instructions).
3. The bag body should have a soft, slightly gathered appearance.
4. Check that handle is securely attached on both sides.
5. Adjust handle length by twisting or positioning elastic inside tube if needed.

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## DESIGN VARIATIONS

**Size Adjustments:**
- For a smaller bag: Start with ch 26 foundation, work 4 increase rounds instead of 5
- For a larger bag: Start with ch 38 foundation, work 6 increase rounds

**Handle Options:**
- Shorter handle for handheld: Work 120-150 rounds with 20" elastic
- Longer handle for crossbody: Work 250-280 rounds with 36" elastic

**Color Options:**
- Two-tone: Change colors at Rnd 11 or 19 at texture lines
- Striped handle: Change colors every 10-20 rounds on handle
- Ombre effect: Gradually transition through color shades

**Texture Variations:**
- Work all body rounds in BLO for deeper texture
- Alternate sc and hdc rounds for varied surface
- Add surface slip stitch details after completion

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Roll in a towel to remove excess water. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Do not wring or twist. The elastic will maintain its stretch with proper care. Avoid hanging bag by handle when wet, as this may stretch the elastic.

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*Pattern designed for advanced crocheters comfortable with continuous rounds, shaping, and working with elastic. Finished bag is approximately 7" × 4" × 7" with 22" handle drop.*