1930’s Ruffle Bag – FREE Vintage Crochet Pattern

Ruffle bag
Ruffle bag

Ruffle Bag Crochet Pattern

The Ruffle Bag is a timeless and feminine crochet project featuring elegant moss stitch details, gussets for added depth, and a cascading ruffled edge. This versatile and stylish bag is perfect for carrying essentials with flair.

This is a vintage crochet pattern originally published in Bags and Hats Crocheted with Raphael Brand Gimp by Fraser Manufacturing Company in 1939. The pattern has entered the public domain as the original copyright was not renewed. I’ve modernized it using today’s crafting terms and made it more reader-friendly for modern crafters. You can read more about copyright essentials here.

Key Details

  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Stitches Used: Single Crochet (SC), Half Double Crochet (HDC), Moss Stitch
  • Finished Size: Adjustable

Materials

  • Gimp: 7 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 (about ½ yard recommended)
  • Slide fastener

Special Stitch

Moss Stitch:

  • Row 1: HDC in the first stitch, picking up the back loop only. HDC in the next stitch, picking up the front loop only, HDC in the next stitch, picking up the back loop only. Repeat from * to the end of the row. Ch 2, turn.
  • Row 2: HDC in the first stitch, picking up the front loop only. HDC in the next stitch, picking up the back loop only, HDC in the next stitch, picking up the front loop only. Repeat from * to the end of the row. Ch 2, turn.

To Increase in Moss Stitch:
HDC twice in the same stitch, working in the same alternation of back and front loops.

Pattern

Front Panel

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 72.
  2. Row 1: HDC in the third chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 2, turn.
  3. Row 2: Work Moss Stitch across, alternating front and back loops every 14 stitches. Ch 2, turn.
  4. Row 3: Continue Moss Stitch, reversing the loop alternation every 14 stitches. Ch 2, turn.
  5. Rows 4–21: Alternate Rows 2 and 3. Fasten off.

Make a second panel for the back of the bag.

Gussets

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 16.
  2. Row 1: HDC in the third chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 2, turn.
  3. Rows 2–21: Work Moss Stitch as established, alternating front and back loops. Fasten off.

Make a second gusset to match.

Ruffle

  1. Attach Gimp to the foundation chain of the front panel on the right side.
  2. Row 1: HDC evenly around the entire bag opening, making 2 HDC increases every 13th and 14th stitch. Join with a SL ST to the first stitch, Ch 2, turn (192 stitches).
  3. Row 2: Work Moss Stitch with increases in every 15th and 16th stitch. Join with a SL ST to the starting chain, Ch 2, turn.
  4. Rows 3–9: Continue Moss Stitch, increasing in each increase of the previous row. Join with a SL ST, Ch 2, turn. (Final stitch count: 384.)
  5. Rows 10–14: Alternate Moss Stitch rows without further increases. Fasten off.

Base

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 19.
  2. Rows 1–80: SC in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.
  3. Attach the base to the ruffle edge with SC on the wrong side, skipping every other stitch of the ruffle. Insert the hook into each row end along the sides and into each stitch along the ends of the base. Fasten off.

Foundation Top

  1. Attach Gimp to the top edge of the front panel on the wrong side.
  2. SC evenly along the edge, folding in the gusset and working through both the gusset and panel edges. Join with a SL ST, Ch 1.
  3. Rows 2–10: SC in each stitch around. Join with a SL ST, Ch 1. Fasten off.
  4. Sew the slide fastener into the opening. Sew in the lining. Turn down the top edge (7 rows deep) to the right side and tack the edge in place.

Handle

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 9. Join with a SL ST to form a ring.
  2. Row 1: SC in each stitch of the chain.
  3. Rows 2 and Onward: SC in each stitch, picking up the back loop only, until the handle measures 11 inches. Fasten off.
  4. Insert the handle ends through the opening between the gusset and foundation top. Sew securely in place.

Finishing

Once the handle and ruffle are attached and the slide fastener and lining are sewn in, your Ruffle Bag is ready to use! This elegant, vintage-inspired design is both functional and stylish, making it the perfect accessory for any occasion.

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