1930’s Crochet Crossways Bag for Purse Frame – FREE Vintage Crochet Pattern

Crossways bag
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Crossways bag
Crossways bag

Crossways Bag Crochet Pattern

The Crossways Bag Crochet Pattern is a delightful and intricate design that showcases the beauty of texture and detail. Its name comes from the striking diagonal crossways pattern created using a combination of single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet stitches. This unique texture makes the bag stand out as a statement accessory, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. The structured design is complemented by its practical size and functionality, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

While the Crossways Bag pattern presents a few challenges, they are easily manageable and offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your crochet skills. The treble crochet stitches, which form the diagonal design, require some attention to ensure the pattern flows correctly, but the repetition quickly becomes intuitive. For those new to treble crochet, the pattern provides an excellent chance to learn and master this technique. Additionally, shaping the gussets and joining the components may seem tricky at first, but with the clear step-by-step instructions and a bit of patience, these techniques are straightforward to follow. Every part of the process is an opportunity to learn and grow, resulting in a truly rewarding project.

Working on the Crossways Bag is an engaging and enjoyable experience that combines technical skill with creative expression. The finished bag is not only a testament to your craftsmanship but also a timeless accessory that blends vintage charm with modern practicality. Whether you’re crafting it for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this project is sure to be a source of pride. The Crossways Bag is perfect for crocheters looking to expand their repertoire while creating something both functional and beautiful.

Discover more timeless designs from this vintage collection by exploring Bags and Hats Crocheted with Raphael Brand Gimp No. 5 (1939), where you’ll find all the patterns from this classic booklet.

This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Bags and Hats Crocheted with Raphael Brand Gimp No. 5 (1939). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2024. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.

Key Details

  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Stitches Used: Single Crochet (SC), Double Crochet (DC), Treble Crochet (TR)
  • Finished Size: Adjustable based on materials and frame size

Materials

  • Gimp: 5 tubes of “Raphael Brand Gimp” (or a modern substitute). You can read more about gimp and modern substitution suggestions here: What is Gimp?
  • Lining fabric (recommendation: about ½ yard)
  • Hinge Frame: Size to fit the finished width of your bag. Because the original 1939 instructions do not specify an exact hinge frame size (and because gimp yarn can vary in thickness), there isn’t a single “official” dimension given in the pattern. In practice, most crocheters find that a 6- to 8-inch hinge frame works well for this Bag.
  • Link handle

Special Stitches

Treble Crochet (TR):

  1. Yarn over twice.
  2. Insert hook into the specified stitch, yarn over and pull through (4 loops on hook).
  3. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain).
  4. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).
  5. Yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops to complete the stitch.

Treble Crochet Around Treble Crochet:
To create texture, insert the hook directly behind the TR stitch from the previous row instead of through the top loops, and work a TR as usual.

Pattern

Bag Body

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 76.
  2. Row 1: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 1, turn.
  3. Row 2: SC in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.
  4. Row 3: SC in the first 2 stitches, TR in the next stitch. SC in the next 9 stitches, TR in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the row, ending with SC in the last 2 stitches. Ch 1, turn.
  5. Row 4: SC in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.
  6. Row 5: SC in the first 3 stitches, TR around the previous row’s TR (post stitch), skip the next stitch, SC in the next 7 stitches, skip 1 stitch, TR around the next TR.
    • SC in the next 11 stitches, TR around the next TR, skip 1 stitch, SC in the next 7 stitches, skip 1 stitch, TR around the next TR.
    • Repeat from * to the end of the row, ending with SC in the last 3 stitches. Ch 1, turn.
  7. Row 6: SC in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.
  8. Rows 7–77: Alternate the TR and SC placement as described in Rows 3–5, increasing or adjusting the SC placement for each row to create the Crossways pattern. Fasten off.

Foundation Top

  1. Attach Gimp on the right side of one end of the bag.
  2. Work SC evenly across the edge, making 3 SC into the end of every other row. Ch 2, turn.
  3. Work 1 HDC into each stitch of the previous row. Ch 2, turn.
  4. Repeat for 4–5 rows to form a stable foundation.

Finishing

  1. Gussets (Optional): Fold and attach gussets using SC or slip stitches for added structure.
  2. Lining: Sew in fabric lining to give the bag a finished interior. Use approximately ½ yard of fabric, adjusting to the bag’s dimensions.
  3. Frame: Sew the top of the bag to the hinge frame securely.
  4. Handle: Attach the link handle to the frame (if applicable).

The Crossways Bag’s eye-catching texture and classic design make it a standout project for any crochet enthusiast. Enjoy crafting this beautiful vintage-inspired piece, and share your creations with the crochet community!

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