Crochet Pillbox Hat and Matching Clutch Bag: A Vintage Glamour Duo
The Crochet Pillbox Hat and Matching Clutch Bag, originally featured in Knit and Crochet Style Parade by Coats and Clark’s (1954), capture the timeless elegance of mid-century fashion. This sophisticated set was designed to exude understated glamour, perfect for formal events or chic daywear. The pillbox hat, with its sleek silhouette, epitomizes vintage refinement, while the clutch bag adds functionality without sacrificing style. Together, they form a coordinated accessory duo that’s as fashionable today as it was in the 1950s.
Crafted with clean lines and structured crochet stitches, this pattern is accessible to intermediate crocheters. The pillbox hat showcases techniques that ensure a firm, sculpted shape, while the clutch bag offers an opportunity to practice creating textured details and a polished finish. For those new to creating structured accessories, this project is an excellent introduction, with straightforward instructions that make the learning curve manageable. The addition of a simple lining for the clutch ensures durability and practicality, making it a highly functional piece.
This hat and bag set provides endless possibilities for personalization. Choose classic neutral tones for a timeless look or bold, vibrant colors to make a modern statement. Embellishments like ribbons, brooches, or vintage buttons can further elevate the design, allowing you to tailor it to your personal style. Whether made for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, the Crochet Pillbox Hat and Matching Clutch Bag bring a touch of vintage elegance to any wardrobe.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Knit and Crochet Style Parade by Coats and Clark’s in 1954. 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.
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Materials
- Yarn: 4 skeins Chadwick’s Red Heart Orlon “Fashion-Glo,” 3 Ply, Art. E.265-M, in No. M.12 Black (1 oz. skeins)
- Crochet Hook: Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No. 2/0 (double zero)
- Hat Notions:
- Pillbox hat frame, 6 x 7 inches in diameter
- A small rhinestone pin
- A black feather
- ¼ yard material for lining hat
- Bag Notions:
- ¼ yard buckram
- ¼ yard lining material
- 40 rhinestones
- A snap fastener
Gauge
- 5 sc = 1 inch
- 5 rows/rnds = 1 inch
Pillbox Hat Instructions
Crown
- Foundation: Ch 2.
- Round 1: Work 6 sc in the 2nd ch from hook.
- Round 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc).
- Round 3: Work 2 sc in the next sc (1 sc increased), sc in the next sc. Repeat from * around.
- Round 4: Work 1 sc in each sc, increasing 6 sc evenly around.
Repeat Round 4, continuing to increase evenly until the piece measures the same as the top of the frame. (The piece may be stretched slightly to accommodate the oval shape of the frame.)
Side Piece
- Round 1: Work 1 sc in the back loop of each sc around.
- Round 2: Work 1 sc in each sc through both loops.
Repeat Round 2 until the piece matches the depth of the frame’s side. Join and break off.
Finishing the Hat
- Line the frame with material.
- Place the crocheted piece snugly over the frame, ensuring it is not tight enough to cause creasing or folding.
- Sew the crocheted piece neatly to the frame.
- Attach the feather and secure the rhinestone pin at the base of the feather.
Bag Instructions
Body
- Foundation: Ch 41 to measure 8 ¼ inches.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures 10 inches.
Flap
- Row 1: Dec 1 sc (work 2 sc together), sc in each sc across to within the last 2 sc, dec 1 sc. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 alternately for 6 more rows.
- Continue with Row 1 only for 6 additional rows. Break off.
Finishing the Bag
- Fold the straight edge up 5 inches to form the pocket.
- Sew the side seams securely.
- Line the bag with buckram and the lining material.
- Attach rhinestones around the outer edge of the flap.
- Sew the snap fastener in place.
This classic hat and bag set adds a vintage flair to any outfit, perfect for formal occasions or elegant evenings out.