Whippet Bag Crochet Pattern
The Whippet Bag features a unique texture with its elegant Whip Stitch detailing, making it a standout accessory for any occasion. This vintage design offers a blend of intricate stitchwork and timeless charm.
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), Double Crochet (DC), Whip Stitch
- Finished Size: Adjustable based on materials and frame size
Materials
- Gimp: 6 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 the Normandie Bag.
Special Stitches
Whip Stitch:
- Yarn over, insert hook into the specified stitch, and pull through, drawing up a ¼” loop.
- Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, and pull through, drawing up another ¼” loop.
- Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch again, and pull through, drawing up a final ¼” loop.
- Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook.
- Lock the Whip Stitch by making 1 HDC in the same stitch.
Pattern
Bag Body
- Foundation Chain: Ch 61.
- Row 1: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 2, turn.
- Row 2: DC in each stitch across. Ch 2, turn.
- Row 3: Skip the first stitch, DC in each of the next 3 stitches, work 1 Whip Stitch into the first stitch of the previous row, HDC into the next stitch after the last DC.
- DC in each of the next 3 stitches, Whip Stitch in the same stitch as the last HDC, HDC in the next stitch.
- Repeat from * to the end of the row, ending with 1 HDC in the same stitch as the last DC. Ch 2, turn. (15 Whip Stitches in this row.)
- Row 4: Skip the first stitch, DC in each of the next 4 stitches, skip 1 stitch.
- Repeat from * to the end of the row. Ch 2, turn.
- Row 5: Work as Row 3.
- Row 6: Work as Row 4, ending with 2 DC in the last stitch.
- Row 7: Skip the first stitch, DC in each of the next 3 stitches, Whip Stitch into the first stitch of the previous row, HDC into the same stitch as the last DC.
- DC in each of the next 3 stitches, Whip Stitch in the same stitch as the last HDC, HDC in the same stitch as the last DC.
- Repeat from * to the end of the row. Ch 2, turn. (20 Whip Stitches in this row.)
- Row 8: Work as Row 4.
- Rows 9–27: Alternate Rows 3 and 4. Fasten off.
- Second Panel: Make another panel identical to the first.
- Joining: Join both sides of the bag with slip stitches (sl st) on the wrong side, starting and ending at Row 10.
Gussets
- Attach Gimp at the top of the bag on the right side. SC evenly around the opening. Ch 2, turn.
- Rows 2–5: HDC in each stitch across. Ch 2, turn.
- Fold the gusset in half and join the edges with sl st on the wrong side, picking up the back loop only. Fasten off.
- Make another gusset identical to the first.
Finishing
- Sew the lining into the bag for a clean and structured interior. Use approximately ½ yard of fabric, adjusted to fit your final dimensions.
- Attach the gussets to the sides of the hinge frame first, then sew the top of the bag to the frame.
The Whippet Bag’s textured design and elegant structure make it a standout project for experienced crocheters. Enjoy crafting this timeless piece, and don’t forget to share your finished creation with the crochet community!
