Thank you Lion Brand Yarn for providing the yarn for this pattern!
Summer is in full swing here, and we Michiganders work hard to enjoy every sunny day we possibly can since our mitten state is icy cold for half the year. So when the temperatures heat up, we trade in powdery white snow for sandy white beaches. I may be a little bias, but I think we have some of the most beautiful beaches around. (Here’s my proof!)
I promised you guys a full-sized beach bag a couple of months ago when I published this little mini beach bag gift card holder. Baby Henry has kept this mama’s hands full, so crocheting time has been really limited these days… but it’s finally here! And let me tell you what, this bag has given me grief. I’ve worked and reworked it to find the best possible construction to deliver you a pattern that is super easy and very durable. But, I think I’ve succeeded!
A confident beginner could make this bag, easily, and yet it still looks like something you could buy at the surf shop. It has a very classic nautical-style pattern, but with really fun color options thanks to the yarn (Lion Brand’s 24/7 Cotton). I am absolutely in love with it!
Oh, and did I mention… I made two sizes! One is perfect for you, and the other is perfect for your mini-me.
About the Yarn
24/7 Cotton by Lion Brand Yarn is a worsted-weight, mercerized 100% natural fiber yarn. It has ah-ma-zing color, sheen and stitch definition, and a range of 24 fun shades. There are so many beautiful color combos you could utilize with this beach bag… you might just have to make more than one!
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Don’t let the grommets scare you…
When I was trying to figure out the sturdiest way to add handles to this bag, I decided to try something I’d never used before – grommets! I took a chance and ordered some from Amazon, and I was so pleased with how easy they were to attach. Now, I am not a DIY girl, as much as I’d like to be. I’ve used a hammer maybe three times in my life. So take it from me… if I can do it, you can do it! And it will make such a huge difference in the sturdiness of your bag. Combined with the rope handles, the grommets take the weight of the bag on themselves, and since they don’t stretch like crocheted fabric does, your bag won’t stretch out the first time you put something in it. Click here to purchase the same grommet set I used. (You’ll get enough grommets for two bags, plus have 2 left over.)
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This pattern is also available as an ad-free, printable PDF! And if you love PDFs, you might want to check out my All Access Pass. It’s an awesome deal! (Or, scroll down for the free version!)
CLASSIC BEACH BAG
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Size: 20″ width x 14″ height x 6″ depth (adult size) / 15.5″ width x 12″ height x 6″ depth (child size)
Hook: E (3.5mm)
Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in 3 different colors. 24/7 Cotton is a worsted-weight, mercerized yarn. Individual sizes and amounts are listed below.
Adult Size:
COLOR A (360 yards, or 2 skeins). Sample shown in “Rose.”
COLOR B (340 yards, or 2 skeins). Sample shown in “White.”
COLOR C (300 yards, or 2 skeins). Sample shown in “Navy.”
Child Size:
COLOR A (310 yards, or 2 skeins). Sample shown in “Aqua.”
COLOR B (220 yards, or 2 skeins). Sample shown in “White.”
COLOR C (180 yards, or 1 skein). Sample shown in “Silver.”
Gauge: 10 rows of 10 SC = 2″ square
You’ll also need:
Yarn needle
Scissors
3/8″ twisted rope for handles (two 36″ lengths for adult size, or two 30″ lengths for child size – I found mine at Joann Fabrics)
Size 4 (1/2″ diameter) grommet kit – one beach bag uses 4 grommets (I used this one – it came with 10 grommets and was super easy to use)
Hammer
Abbreviations Used:
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) CH1 at the beginning of round does not count as a stitch.
(3) Both Adult and Child sizes are written out in full below. After that section, you’ll find instructions for shaping the bag and attaching the handles. These instructions are the same for both sizes.
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INSTRUCTIONS (ADULT SIZE)
To begin: With COLOR A, CH192. Join to first CH with a SL ST, being careful to not twist the chain. (Briana K has an awesome video tutorial here for how to do this perfect every time.) (192)
Rounds 1-24: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 25-28: Attach COLOR B; fasten off COLOR A. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 29-32: Attach COLOR C; drop COLOR B (do not fasten off). CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
From this point until instructed otherwise, you will drop yarn at color changes and pick it back up again when needed. Do not fasten it off.
Rounds 33-36: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 37-40: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 41-44: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 45-48: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 49-52: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 53-56: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 57-60: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 61-64: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 65-68: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 69-72: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 73-76: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 77-80: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 81-84: Switch to COLOR B; fasten off COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Rounds 85-89: Switch to COLOR A; fasten off COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Round 90: CH1. SC in each of the first 30 STS. CH3; SK 3 STS. SC in each of the next 30 STS. CH3; SK 3 STS. SC in each of the next 60 STS. CH3; SK 3 STS. SC in each of the next 30 STS. CH3; SK 3 STS. SC in each of the next 30 STS. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (180 SC + 4 CH3 holes)
Round 91: CH1. SC in each ST around, putting 3SC in each CH3 space from previous round. (192)
Rounds 92-94: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Round 95: CH1, turn. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (192)
Fasten off; weave in all ends.
INSTRUCTIONS (CHILD SIZE)
To begin: With COLOR A, CH156. Join to first CH with a SL ST, being careful to not twist the chain. (Briana K has an awesome video tutorial here for how to do this perfect every time.) (156)
Rounds 1-24: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 25-28: Attach COLOR B; fasten off COLOR A. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 29-32: Attach COLOR C; drop COLOR B (do not fasten off). CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
From this point until instructed otherwise, you will drop yarn at color changes and pick it back up again when needed. Do not fasten it off.
Rounds 33-36: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 37-40: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 41-44: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 45-48: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 49-52: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 53-56: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 57-60: Switch to COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 61-64: Switch to COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 65-68: Switch to COLOR B; fasten off COLOR C. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Rounds 69-73: Switch to COLOR A; fasten off COLOR B. CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Round 74: CH1. SC in each of the first 24 STS. CH3; SK 3 STS. SC in each of the next 24 STS. CH3; SK 3 STS. SC in each of the next 48 STS. CH3; SK 3 STS. SC in each of the next 24 STS. CH3; SK 3 STS. SC in each of the next 24 STS. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (144 SC + 4 CH3 holes)
Round 75: CH1. SC in each ST around, putting 3SC in each CH3 space from previous round. (156)
Rounds 76-78: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Round 79: CH1, turn. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to top of first SC. (156)
Fasten off; weave in all ends.
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ATTACHING GROMMETS (SAME INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOTH BAG SIZES)
Open your grommet kit (I used this one) and retrieve the following items:
Turn your bag inside out, and follow the instructions on your grommet kit to add grommets to each of the four holes at the top of the bag. I’ve got 2 important tips for you here…
Important tip #1: If I had to do it again, I would not have rested the base on the lower layer of fabric as shown in the photo below; beating it with a hammer caused a slight discoloration in the fabric. Not cool. #lessonlearned)
Important tip #2: When I was reading the reviews for the grommet set before I purchased it, I learned that it’s best to do your hammering on a very hard surface (like your cement garage floor). This worked great for me.
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SEWING THE BOTTOM (SAME INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOTH BAG SIZES)
Keeping the bag inside out, lay it flat, lining up the grommets. Use COLOR A (a length about 4x the width of the bag) to sew the bottom of the bag closed, stitch by stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.
With the bag still inside out, turn it upside down and position the bottom so that one end lays out in a triangular shape, with the seam centered. Use a ruler and a piece of tape to measure and mark a 5″ line across the corner of the base. Sew a seam across the line (through both layers) with COLOR A. Repeat on the opposite side. This will make the inside of the bag roomy.
Turn bag right-side out. Here’s what it should look like on the inside:
And here’s what it should look like on the bottom:
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ADDING ROPE HANDLES (SAME INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOTH BAG SIZES)
Take your first rope handle and insert it through one of the grommets, going from the inside of the bag to the outside. Tie a knot near the bottom of the rope on the outside of the bag and pull it tight (you can use your grommet to help by gently but firmly pulling the rope from the inside of the bag, which will pull the knot against the grommet and tighten it up). Then, use good scissors to cut the excess rope about 1/2″ below the knot.
If your rope looks like mine, it will have a couple strands of thread wrapped tightly around each twist. These are pretty easy to locate by gently pulling on the tips of the yarn. When you find them, pull them away from the yarn right up to the knot. Then use scissors to cut them off at that point. Give the exposed thread a little ruffle with your fingers; this will give your handles that classic weathered tassel look.
Repeat these instructions with the other end of the same rope (attaching it through the other grommet on the same side of the bag) to complete your first handle. Then, do everything again for the 2nd handle on the other side. Note that you’ll want both handles to be the same length, so be sure to compare them when you’re about to tie your final knot to ensure that the handle sizes match.
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That’s it – you’re done! Grab your favorite sunglasses and a beach towel and head to your favorite sandy spot in style. And don’t be surprised if someone asks you where you got your gorgeous beach bag!
I would kill for a video of how to just start and stop each row one time and finishing the bottom section off. I would gladly pay for a video 🙂
I love your creativity! I am new to crochet and I have just started making this bag. I have a question, I have noticed that my stitch gauge is off. I seem to be very tight and my rows don’t match your gauge. Would you say it is more important to follow the pattern or should I do additional rows to match the gauge? Currently, 10 rows = 1 3/4″
If you follow the pattern with a tighter gauge, you’ll end up with a smaller bag. You can increase the rows, but that might not take care of the decreased width due to the tighter tension. It’s really up to you… however, since you said you’re new to crochet, I would recommend following the pattern as written. If you aren’t too far into it, you can start over with a larger hook size. 🙂
Hello from the opposite side of Lake Michigan! In Wisconsin, we feel the same way about summer (all two weeks of it) and today in late July was the first day I didn’t feel my feet go numb trying to wade out into Lake Michigan, haha. The entire day I’ve been thinking about crocheting a new beach bag and I stumbled upon this pattern. Thank you so, so much for making it a free pattern and I think a purchase of Lion Brand 24/7 for myself is in order =)
Hello! I love this pattern. Unfortunately I cannot get the Lion Brand 24/7 yarn quick enough to take on my business trip. What yarn would you recommend substituting with?
Honestly, I have not encountered a yarn that I would compare to the look and feel of 24/7. Yarnsub.com mentions I Love This Cotton or Peaches & Cream as a possible substitute, but neither are mercerized and will not produce the same shine, stitch definition or durability. I’ve used both of those yarns and I’m not sure that I would put the time into this bag using either of them because it’s not going to produce the same result.
Beautiful and easy pattern!!!! I will make this pretty bag shortly.
Congratulations on your newest family addition.
Very, very nice looking bag. I hope to make one for my adult grand-daughter soon and I do appreciate you sharing the pattern.
Stitch On!
Your beach bag is the most beautiful bag of all those bags I have seen. I haven’t try it yet, but I will some day. You have a very good taste. Thank you for sharing.
Michelle
Thank you for your beautiful pattern. I can’t wait to make it. 🙂
Do you have any tips on how to make a clean color change? I have been experimenting and every time I change colors it looks messy. Also, will the sl st ch 1 combo leave a visible “seam” in the bag?
Hi Isabel! There is going to be a seam no matter what you do. Even if you did a seamless round, you’d have jagged edges each time you changed colors for the stripes. The good thing is that with this bag, the seam ends up over on the end of the bag where it’s the least noticeable. I’ve experimented a lot and I do a couple of things to produce what I feel is the least-obvious seam. As a general rule, I typically chain one less than is standard for whatever stitch I’m doing. So for SC with this bag, I actually don’t CH1 at the beginning of rounds; I just go straight into the first SC after joining the previous round. (I don’t put this in the instructions because it isn’t standard and it just causes confusion.) The other method I use in conjunction with that is the “jogless method” of joining, which I first read about here: http://needlenoodles.com/home/node/139 (Method #2 on her blog post). Hope that helps!
Thanks for the feedback! Can’t wait to make the bag!
Followed pattern exactly and my seam is smack dab in the middle of one of the sides ☹️
Awesome pattern! Thank you for sharing! I’m currently working on 2 at the same time, but I have a question.. when you see the bottom, where do you place the joining seem?
I believe I sewed into the bottom bump of the stitches, but as long as you’re consistent, it really doesn’t matter much 🙂
Thank you so very much! This is the nicest one yet. I can’t wait to try it.
Hi there. First and for most I totally agree with what you have said. I have put blankets on the Web and people have copied and pasted saying they did it. So now I just put things in my private instagram. But I wanted to tell you how beautiful the bag looks. I love the colours you’ve used. My only down fall is that as much as I try and just can’t get the hang of crotchet. I have fell in love with this wonderful piece of art that you have made. I wish that I could do it because I would feel so proud walking out with that bag on my shoulder. Well done for your master piece. Sorry if I have gone on but I believe give credit when you see it. Kind regards caz
Good morning
Thank you so much for sharing your patterns. I am new to crocheting and I don’t know why I took so long. Loving every minute of it. I was wondering, do you ever do videos. I can read a pattern but sometimes its just nice to see how a person does the stitches as Well. Easier to watch a couple of times to get the gist of it.
Thanks again for sharing.
Occasionally! I love doing them but with three little boys it’s hard to find the time to film video tutorials 🙂 I hope to do more in the future! My YouTube channel is sparse, but it’s at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99C73MstrnU0FJNit74aXA 🙂
Thank you
Thank you so much for this pattern I am going to make this for my two teenage nieces as Christmas gifts
These are adorable. Thank you for the awesome instructions ?
Wow, this is impressive! I really like the groomers and the tapered down edges. You are very talented. Thank you for freely sharing!!!!
The bags look amazing! As a fellow Michigander, I fully understand the importance of soaking up the sun while it’s here!! I only wish I saw this pattern in time for our beach day today 🙂
Lovely Bag! Nice and I love it! Thank you for sharing!