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.)
Prefer a PDF?
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!
Hi Rebecca! I’ve been following you for a while and I use your sweet ocean sea breeze baby blanket pattern as my go to blanket pattern for almost everything for over a year now. I’m a part of your Facebook group but the bags have always intimidated me a bit. I was just gifted 6 skeins of 24/7 yarn from my family secret Santa and I want to try this out finally. Since I have 3 skeins each of 2 colors, camel and navy, what would be your suggestion for how to do the colors on this bag, in lieu of buying 2 more skeins of a third color?
Thank you in advance for your help!
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Is there video instructions for this bag ?
No, sorry 🙂
I am getting ready to start this bag, I don’t understand the term “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.” do you have instructions on this or can you break it down just a bit please I am hoping to make 5 of these one for each of my daughters. I have crocheted for many years but have never came across this term before. Thank you.
Often when doing color work, we fasten off each section and weave in each end. But sometimes when you switch back and forth between the same two colors, you can choose to not fasten off each color as you complete a section, and instead, carry it up the project. For instance, if you’re at the end of a white stripe, change colors as you normally would, but don’t cut the white yarn; leave it dangling there. Complete your gray (for instance) stripe, then change colors as you normally would, but using the white that you left hanging (and this time, leave the gray hanging).. It leaves a strand of white/gray going up the bag, but since it’s on the inside of the bag, it’s not as big of a deal. (It’s really a personal decision whether or not you are ok with the strand of alternating color going up the inside of your bag; you can always choose to fasten off each color every time.) I hope that helps!
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Hi Rebecca, just wanted to bring to your attention that there is a typo on the pdf version of the child-size bag. It says to chain 192 instead of 156.
Thank you so much!
lovely bag. thanks for the pattern. i cant wait to try it.
I made the adult sized beach bag for my retiring director at my work, filled it with a bottle of her favorite wine and a monogrammed white beach towel and she loved it. I used the same colors as you, although I did have to buy one more white and one more pink shade of the yarn..I ran out for some reason, but really loved it when it was finished. I ended up getting the braided cording at Menards, a nylon rope that actually was soft enough that it worked well. It was so expensive everywhere online and Joann’s didn’t have that size either. But I was very very happy with it. I kind of hated giving it away! thank you for the free pattern!
I made the adult sized beach bag for my retiring director at my work, filled it with a bottle of her favorite wine and a monogrammed white beach towel and she loved it. I used the same colors as you, although I did have to buy one more white and one more pink shade of the yarn..I ran out for some reason, but really loved it when it was finished. I ended up getting the braided cording at Menards, a nylon rope that actually was soft enough that it worked well. It was so expensive everywhere online and Joann’s didn’t have that size either. But I was very very happy with it. I kind of hated giving it away! thank you for the free pattern!
I just wanted to say that I wasn’t being successful with the round to start another color either, so actually gave up trying and just went for it and tried not to worry about the jagged line. I didn’t carry the other yarn color, but just tied it off and attached the new color because I was worried about using too much yarn. in the end I actually didn’t think the join side was all that awful! another thing I did was have my husband cut a thin piece of plexiglass to fit perfectly in the bottom of the bag for stability and to keep it boxy looking and it looked great..I just cut a cardboard template of the bottom and he cut one for me.
Is the top of this bag suppose to be floppy or stiff with the rope handles? The top of my bag keeps flopping over to the sides when I put it over my shoulder! Do you think fabric stiffener would help fix this problem, if so, which one do you recommend. Thanks!
It’s not stiff, but shouldn’t be so floppy that it flops over the sides when you wear it. That would be an issue with gauge or fiber, if you used a different yarn. I haven’t tried fabric stiffener; I thought about doing it when I was first designing the bag, but I was happy with the level of stiffness at the end so I didn’t worry about it.
I’m making the classic beach bag and just had a quick question – do the stitches look like they are on a slight slant?
Yes 🙂
Hi I’m just wondering if the bag is supposed to be slightly floppy or is it supposed to be stiff? I just started the bag but I am unsure whether or not the bag is supposed to be stiff or floppy. If that makes sense.
Slightly floppy.
First off—love the pattern! Thank you for sharing it!
Second, I need some help (anyone can answer). I’ve been crocheting for over 45 years but sometimes, I over think things! 😉
When you say to ch 1 at the start of the round. Then you say “ch 1 at the beginning of the round DOES NOT COUNT as a stitch”. Then say to sl st to the top of the first SC (thereby ignoring the ch 1), this is where I get lost as some people do it differently.
Am I chaining 1 then start my first SC in the same st as the ch 1? Or do I ch 1 and SC in the next st? If I ch 1, sc in the next st then I end up with only 191 as a count instead of 192. But since the pattern doesn’t specify to ch1, sc in the SAME st as beg ch to get started, I wasn’t sure what I should be doing.
Thanks all!
Yes, you start it in the same stitch as the chain 1. That’s pretty standard for single crochet stitches.
muito lindo seu trabalho,vc esta de parabens