Hollywood Bag – FREE Vintage Crochet Pattern for Purse Frame

The Hollywood
The Hollywood Crochet Bag

Hollywood Bag Crochet Pattern

Create your own glamorous Hollywood-inspired bag with this vintage crochet pattern! This stylish accessory features elegant shell stitches and a chic hinge frame, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your handmade collection.

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), Shell Stitch
  • Finished Size: Size depends on frame and materials used

Materials

  • Gimp: 4 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 (approx. 6–8 inches wide, depending on desired size)

Special Stitches

Shell Stitch:

  • Work 5 Double Treble Crochet (DTR) stitches into the same stitch.

Double Treble Crochet (DTR):

  1. Yarn over the hook 3 times.
  2. Insert the hook into the specified stitch or space.
  3. Yarn over and pull through the stitch (5 loops on the hook).
  4. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (4 loops remain on the hook).
  5. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain).
  6. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).
  7. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops to complete the stitch.

Pattern

Bag Body

  1. Foundation: Ch 5, join with a slip stitch (sl st) to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as the first stitch).
  2. Rows 1 & 2: Work Shell Stitch (5 DTR in the same space) into the ring, ch 3, turn. Work 1 SC in the space between ch-3 and the first DTR of the previous shell, ch 3, work another Shell Stitch in the same space. Repeat from * 21 times (for a total of 24 Shell Stitches). Fasten off.
  3. Row 3: Attach Gimp at the top of the last DTR in the first Shell Stitch, ch 3, work 1 Shell Stitch under the next ch-3 space. Work 1 SC in the space between ch-3 and the DTR of the next Shell Stitch, ch 3, work 1 Shell Stitch under the next ch-3 space. Repeat from * 11 more times (12 Shell Stitches total). Ch 3, turn.
  4. Rows 4–17: Continue working as established, alternating SC and Shell Stitches, with a ch 3 between each. Turn at the end of each row. Fasten off.

Base and Joining

  1. Bottom Join: Attach Gimp at the bottom edge of the bag. Sl st into the space between ch-3 and the first DTR, ch 3, sl st into the space between the next two Shell Stitches, ch 3, sl st into the space between ch-3 and the next DTR. Repeat from * to the end of the row.
  2. Sew the lining into the bag before attaching the bag to the hinge frame.
  3. Frame Attachment: Sew the bag securely to the hinge frame.

Notes

  • Recommended Frame Sizes: Use a hinge frame approximately 6–8 inches wide, depending on your desired bag size.
  • Lining Fabric Length: About ½ yard of lightweight fabric should be sufficient, but adjust based on the final dimensions of your bag.
  • Original Pattern Notes: The original pattern does not specify frame sizes or lining fabric lengths, so use the recommendations above for guidance.

This vintage-inspired Hollywood Bag is an elegant addition to any wardrobe and a joy to create. The shell stitch detailing adds timeless charm, making it a perfect accessory or gift. Enjoy crocheting this stunning piece, and don’t forget to share your creations!

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