Celestial Moon & Stars Crochet Bag Pattern: Handbag with Cosmic Charm

Crochet Pattern: Celestial Moon & Stars Crochet Bag Pattern: Handbag with Cosmic Charm

Materials

• Worsted weight variegated yarn in deep blues, purples, and teals (e.g., Lion Brand Mandala or similar)
• Crochet hook size H/5.0mm
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Fiberfill stuffing (small amount)

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• FO – fasten off
• MR – magic ring (or magic circle)
• BLO – back loop only
• FLO – front loop only
• inc – increase (2 sc in one st)
• dec – decrease (sc 2 together)

Instructions

This pattern creates a whimsical moon-shaped bag adorned with stars. We will work in sections and then assemble.

Moon Panels (Make 2 identical pieces)

We will create two flat crescent moon shapes. The instructions below are for a foundational crescent shape. Adjust chain length and row counts for desired size.

• Start: Ch 31.
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 28 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working along the other side of the foundation chain: sc in next 28 ch. (59 sts). Turn.
• Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first 28 sts, 3 sc in center sc of 3-sc group, sc in next 28 sts. (61 sts). Turn.
• Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first 29 sts, 3 sc in center sc of 3-sc group, sc in next 29 sts. (63 sts). Turn.
• Continue Shaping: Repeat Row 3 (increasing by 2 sts each row by working 3 sc in the center stitch on the outer curve) for approximately 10-12 rows, or until your piece forms a gentle C-shape. Keep the inner curve side flat by working 1 sc in each stitch. The stitch count will increase slightly each row. For the last 2-3 rows, work only hdc or sc along the outer curve and sl st along the inner curve to refine the crescent shape. FO.

Small Stars (Make 7 – 3 for applique, 4 for dangling)

Each star is worked in continuous rounds.

• R1: In a MR, ch 2 (does not count as st), 10 hdc. Join with sl st to first hdc. (10 hdc)
• R2 (Creating Points): *Ch 3, dc in 3rd ch from hook (this creates a picot point), sl st into same hdc where ch 3 started, sk next hdc, sl st into next hdc*. Repeat from * to * 5 times. You should have 5 points. FO, leaving a long tail for attaching.

Spiral Accent (Make 1)

This creates a flat, decorative spiral.

• R1: In a MR, 6 sc.
• R2: *Sc 1, 2 sc in next st*. Repeat 3 times. (9 sc)
• R3: *Sc 2, 2 sc in next st*. Repeat 3 times. (12 sc)
• R4: *Sc 3, 2 sc in next st*. Repeat 3 times. (15 sc)
• Continue: Work several more rounds, increasing by 3 sc per round (e.g., R5: *Sc 4, 2 sc in next st* x3, etc.) until you have a flat spiral about 1.5-2 inches in diameter. FO, leaving a long tail for attaching.

Bag Handle (Make 1)

This creates a sturdy, twisted cord handle.

• Cut three strands of yarn, each about 3-4 feet long (adjust for desired handle length).
• Hold the three strands together and tie a knot at one end.
• Secure the knotted end to something stable (e.g., a doorknob).
• Twist the strands tightly in one direction (e.g., clockwise) until they start to kink.
• Fold the twisted strands in half, bringing the two unknotted ends together. The cord will naturally twist back on itself. Let it twist until it forms an even cord.
• Tie a knot at the new end to secure. Trim ends if necessary.

Assembly

1. Surface Crochet Stars:

• Using a contrasting shade from your variegated yarn or a slightly lighter blue/purple, embroider or surface crochet star shapes onto the center of one moon panel. Use sl st to outline simple star shapes. Refer to the image for placement.
• Attach the 3 small star appliques made earlier to the moon panel with the surface crochet, centering them.
• Attach the spiral accent to one of the moon points, as shown in the image.

2. Join Moon Panels:

• Place the two moon panels wrong sides together, aligning the edges.
• Starting from one point, sc around the entire outer edge of the moon, joining the two panels. Insert your hook through both loops of both panels.
• When you have crocheted about two-thirds of the way around, lightly stuff the moon with fiberfill to give it a nice plump shape. Continue to sc around, closing the opening. Join with sl st to first sc. FO.

3. Attach Dangling Stars:

• Using a yarn needle, attach the remaining 4 small stars to the bottom curve of the moon bag. Use short strands of yarn (approximately 2-3 inches long) to create small loops for hanging, or simply sew them directly to the bottom edge at even intervals.

4. Attach Handle:

• Using the long tails of the twisted handle, securely sew one end of the handle to the top corner of the moon, and the other end to the opposite top corner, ensuring it forms a sturdy loop. Weave in all ends.

Your Celestial Moon & Stars Bag is now complete!