Lavender Purple Bow Purse Free Crochet Pattern

There is something undeniably charming about a handmade purse, especially one that comes together in a color as dreamy as lavender purple. This free crochet pattern will walk you through creating a sweet bow purse that is perfect for spring outings, farmer’s markets, birthday gifts, or simply treating yourself to a new accessory you made with your own hands. Whether you are an intermediate crocheter looking for a fun weekend project or a beginner who has mastered the basics and wants to level up, this pattern is designed to be approachable, detailed, and completely free.

Lavender has been having a major moment in the crafting world, and it is easy to understand why. The soft purple hue carries an effortless elegance that pairs beautifully with denim, white linen, floral prints, and even bold patterns. Add a dimensional crochet bow to the front of a structured purse, and you have an accessory that looks boutique-made but cost you only the price of yarn and a little bit of time.

Let us get into everything you need to know to make this purse from start to finish.

Materials You Will Need

Before you pick up your hook, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready before you begin will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Yarn: Approximately 200 to 250 yards of worsted weight yarn in lavender purple. Look for a yarn with a slight sheen or a matte cotton finish, depending on the look you are going for. Cotton yarn works beautifully for bags because it holds its shape well and wears down slowly. Some popular choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Lilac, Paintbox Simply DK in Pale Lilac, or WeCrochet CotLin in any lavender shade. You can also use a cotton-acrylic blend if you prefer a little more stretch and softness.

Crochet Hook: Size 5.0 mm (H/8) hook. This size pairs well with worsted weight yarn and creates a fabric that is dense enough to hold the shape of a purse without being too stiff.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (at least four), a purse lining fabric cut to size (optional but recommended), a hand-sewing needle and thread in a coordinating color if you are lining the bag, and one magnetic snap closure or a button closure of your choice. You will also need a purse strap, either crocheted or a simple chain strap, or a set of purse handles.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows equals approximately 4 inches in single crochet. Gauge is especially important for bags because it affects the overall size of your finished purse. Take a few minutes to crochet a gauge swatch before beginning. If your swatch is larger than the target gauge, try a smaller hook. If it is smaller, try a larger hook.

Finished Measurements

The finished purse measures approximately 10 inches wide by 8 inches tall, not including handles. The bow measures approximately 4 inches wide by 2.5 inches tall. This creates a medium-sized everyday bag that is large enough to hold a wallet, phone, keys, and a few small extras.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
st — stitch
sts — stitches
sp — space
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
rep — repeat
blo — back loop only

Understanding the Construction

This purse is worked in two flat panels that are then joined together along the sides and bottom. Working in flat panels gives the bag a clean, structured look and makes it easy to add a lining later. The bow is made as a separate piece and sewn onto the front panel once both panels are complete. The strap options are flexible, so you can customize the bag to suit your style.

Pattern Instructions

Front and Back Panels (Make Two)

Begin by chaining 37. This creates the foundation for a purse that is approximately 10 inches wide.

Row 1 (WS): Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. You should have 36 stitches. Turn.

Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (36 sts)

Repeat Row 2 until your panel measures 8 inches from the foundation chain. This will take approximately 32 rows, but always measure your work rather than counting rows strictly, since slight differences in tension can affect your stitch count.

Fasten off after completing both panels, and weave in ends on one edge only. Leave the top edge ends loose until you are ready to assemble.

Bottom Gusset (Optional for a Boxed Bottom Look)

If you would like your purse to have a flat, structured bottom rather than a simple fold at the base, work the following gusset piece.

Ch 7. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (6 sts)

Continue in sc, working rows of 6 stitches until the gusset measures approximately 10 inches. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pin the gusset along the bottom edge of each panel, then whipstitch in place using your yarn needle and a strand of coordinating yarn or the tail you left. This step is optional but gives the bag a more polished, three-dimensional shape.

Joining the Panels

Hold your front and back panels with wrong sides facing each other. Using a new length of lavender yarn and your yarn needle, whipstitch along one side edge, across the bottom edge, and up the other side edge. Work through both loops of corresponding stitches to keep the seam tight and neat.

If you are using a gusset, you will sew the panels to either side of the gusset strip instead of directly to each other.

Once joined, turn the bag right side out. The seams should sit on the inside.

Top Edge Finish

Join your yarn to the top right corner of the front panel with a slip stitch.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly across the top of the front panel (approximately 36 sts), then sc evenly across the top of the back panel (approximately 36 sts). Join with a sl st to the first sc. (approximately 72 sts)

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st.

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st.

Fasten off and weave in ends. This creates a clean, slightly reinforced top edge that will hold up well to daily use.

Crocheted Strap (Optional)

If you would like to crochet your own strap, here is a simple and sturdy option.

Ch 7. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (6 sts)

Continue in sc, working back and forth in rows until the strap measures your desired length. A shoulder strap is typically 22 to 24 inches long. A crossbody strap is typically 40 to 50 inches. A short handle pair is typically 10 to 12 inches each.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Fold the short ends of the strap under by about half an inch, and use the tail to stitch each end securely to the inside top corners of the purse. Reinforce the attachment by stitching back and forth several times, then tie off inside the bag.

If you prefer, you can skip the crocheted strap entirely and use a set of bamboo purse rings, leather handles, or chain handles, all of which can be found at craft stores or online.

The Bow

The bow is the star of this design, and it is made in three separate pieces: two bow loops and a center knot. Once assembled, it gets sewn onto the front panel for a polished, dimensional look.

Bow Loop (Make Two)

Ch 21. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (20 sts)

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in each st. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st. Turn.

Repeat these two rows until your piece measures approximately 3 inches tall. You should have a rectangular strip about 3 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide.

Fold this strip so that the two short ends meet in the center with right sides facing out. Pinch the center together to form the bow loop shape, then use a few stitches of yarn to gather and hold the center pinch. Do not fasten off yet.

Repeat for the second bow loop.

Center Knot

Ch 11. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (10 sts)

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in each st. Turn.

Repeat Row 1 for 4 more rows (5 rows total). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Assembling the Bow

Place both bow loops side by side at the center, pinched ends touching. Wrap the center knot piece around the two pinched centers, pulling it snug, and use the tail to stitch it securely at the back. This creates the classic double-loop bow shape.

Once assembled, pin the bow to the center front panel of your purse. Position it wherever you like — centered near the top looks elegant, while a lower center or slightly off-center placement can look more playful. Once you are happy with the placement, use your yarn needle and a length of lavender yarn to stitch the back of the bow securely to the panel. Stitch around the outer edges and through the center knot for maximum hold.

Adding the Closure

A magnetic snap closure is the cleanest option for this purse. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the two halves of the snap to the inside of the front and back panels, centered near the top edge. If you are adding a fabric lining, install the snap through both the crochet fabric and the lining together for extra durability.

If you prefer a button closure, sew a decorative button to the outside of the front panel near the top center, and crochet a small button loop by chaining 8, joining the chain into a loop with a slip stitch, and attaching it to the corresponding spot on the inside back panel top edge.

Lining Your Purse (Highly Recommended)

A fabric lining extends the life of your crocheted purse significantly, protects the contents from slipping through the crochet fabric, and gives the finished bag a professional look. Here is how to do it simply.

Cut two pieces of fabric to the same dimensions as your panels, adding half an inch on all sides for seam allowance. If you used a gusset, cut a gusset strip from fabric as well. Sew the fabric pieces together along the sides and bottom using a sewing machine or by hand. Fold the top raw edge down by half an inch and press with an iron.

Slide the lining into the purse with the wrong side of the fabric facing the wrong side of the crochet. Pin the folded top edge of the lining just below the finished top edge of the purse, then hand-sew it in place using small, neat whipstitches. A coordinating thread color will make the stitches nearly invisible.

Tips for Success

Tension is everything when it comes to crocheted bags. If your tension is too loose, the fabric will be floppy and the bag will lose its shape. Aim for a firm but not stiff tension throughout the panels. If you find yourself fighting to insert the hook, loosen up slightly. If your stitches feel sloppy and uneven, try gripping the yarn more consistently.

Blocking your panels before assembly can help a great deal if they come out slightly uneven or curled at the edges. Wet blocking is simple: soak the panels in cool water for about 15 minutes, gently squeeze out the excess moisture (do not wring), lay the panels flat on a clean towel, pin them to your desired dimensions, and allow them to dry completely before assembly.

If you would like to experiment with color, this pattern adapts beautifully to a cream or blush panel with a lavender bow, or vice versa. You could also use a variegated lavender yarn for the panels while keeping the bow in a solid coordinating shade for a more complex look.

Gifting and Customizing This Purse

This lavender purple bow purse makes an absolutely wonderful gift. It is special enough to feel personal and thoughtful, but the pattern is accessible enough that you can make a few of them for a craft fair or holiday gifts without burning out. Consider swapping the lavender for a soft sage green for a nature-lover friend, a dusty rose for a romantic aesthetic, or a classic cream for someone with a minimalist style.

The bow itself can also be made larger or smaller by adjusting the starting chain and the number of rows. A larger bow worked in a slightly heavier yarn becomes a dramatic statement piece, while a tiny bow worked in fingering weight yarn has a delicate, almost vintage feel.

For little girls, consider making a smaller version of this purse by starting with a foundation chain of 25 and reducing the height to about 5 inches. The bow stays roughly the same size and becomes even more prominent on a smaller bag, making for an adorable accessory.

Caring for Your Crochet Purse

Proper care will keep your lavender bow purse looking beautiful for years. If you used a cotton or cotton-blend yarn, the purse can typically be hand-washed in cool water with a gentle soap. Lay it flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Avoid wringing or twisting the bag, as this can distort the shape.

If you lined the bag with fabric, check whether your lining fabric is also hand-wash safe before submerging the whole purse. When in doubt, spot-clean only.

Store your purse stuffed loosely with tissue paper when not in use to help it maintain its shape over time.

Final Thoughts

This free lavender purple bow purse crochet pattern brings together a beautiful color, a classic accessory silhouette, and a charming decorative detail in a project that is genuinely satisfying to make. The construction is straightforward, the materials are affordable and easy to find, and the finished result is something you will want to carry everywhere.

Whether this is your first crochet bag or your fiftieth, the combination of structural simplicity and the sweet handmade bow makes this one of those patterns you will find yourself returning to again and again. Make one for yourself, make a few for gifts, or set up a small batch for a local craft fair. The lavender colorway photographs beautifully in natural light, which also makes it a wonderful project to share on social media or in a crochet community.

Happy crocheting, and enjoy every stitch of your beautiful new bag.