Embrace the festive spirit with our exquisite Holiday Mandala Crochet Bag! This charming purse features a vibrant holly berry design, perfect for adding a touch of handmade joy to your winter wardrobe or as a thoughtful gift. Its unique round shape and rich colors make it a true statement piece for any occasion, blending tradition with modern crochet artistry.
Craft a Touch of Holiday Charm for Your Wardrobe
Unlock your creativity and crochet a stunning accessory that’s sure to turn heads. This Holiday Mandala Crochet Bag isn’t just a purse; it’s a celebration of festive cheer and artisanal craftsmanship. Perfect for carrying your essentials during holiday gatherings or simply adding a splash of color to your everyday style, making every outing a bit more special.
Crochet Pattern: Festive Holiday Mandala Crochet Bag Pattern: Holly Berry Purse
Materials
- Worsted Weight Yarn (Yarn A: Crimson Red, Yarn B: Ecru Cream, Yarn C: Forest Green)
- Fine Metallic Gold Thread (Yarn D, optional but recommended for accent)
- Crochet Hook: 4.0mm (G/6)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional: 8-inch zipper, fabric for lining
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sk: skip
- MR: Magic Ring
- FO: Fasten Off
- rep: repeat
- Bobble (3-dc Bobble): Yo, insert hook into st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Instructions
Gauge: Not critical for this project, but aim for a dense fabric to hold its shape well.
Finished Size: Approximately 9-10 inches in diameter.
Notes: Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Join rounds with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round unless otherwise stated. Carry yarns when changing colors for smoother transitions or cut and reattach.
Front Panel (Mandala)
Start with Yarn A (Crimson Red)
- Round 1: Make a MR, ch 1, 8 sc in MR. Join with sl st to first sc. [8 sc]
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. [16 sc]
- Round 3: Ch 1, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) rep around. Join. [24 sc]
- Round 4: Ch 1, (sc in next 2 st, 2 sc in next st) rep around. Join. [32 sc]
- Round 5: Ch 1, (sc in next 3 st, 2 sc in next st) rep around. Join. [40 sc]
- Round 6: Ch 1, (sc in next 4 st, 2 sc in next st) rep around. Join. FO Yarn A. [48 sc]
Switch to Yarn B (Ecru Cream)
- Round 7 (Cream Star Points): Attach Yarn B in any sc. Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in same st, ch 2, 2 dc in same st. *Sk 5 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st.* Rep from * to * 7 more times. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3. FO Yarn B. [8 cream points, 8 sections of 5 skipped sts]
Switch to Yarn C (Forest Green) and Yarn A (Crimson Red) for Berries
- Round 8 (Green Holly Leaves with Berries): Attach Yarn C in the 2nd skipped st of any ‘sk 5 sts’ section from Round 7. Ch 2 (does not count as st). Work Leaf 1: (Tr in same st, Bobble (Yarn A) in next st (3rd skipped st), Tr in next st (4th skipped st)). *Sk the remaining 2 skipped sts of the current section (1st and 5th). Sk the cream point (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc). In the 2nd skipped st of the next ‘sk 5 sts’ section, work Leaf 2: (Tr in same st, Bobble (Yarn A) in next st (3rd skipped st), Tr in next st (4th skipped st)).* Rep from * to * 7 more times. Join with sl st to first Tr of Leaf 1. FO Yarn C and Yarn A. [8 green leaves with 8 red bobbles]
Switch to Yarn A (Crimson Red) and Yarn D (Metallic Gold Thread)
- Round 9 (Outer Red Border – Shaping): Attach Yarn A in any st. Ch 1, sc in each st around, making sure to evenly space stitches across the Tr/Bobble sections and the cream points from R7. Aim for approximately 80-88 sc in this round, adjusting to keep the circle flat. Join. [Approx. 84 sc]
- Round 10: Ch 1, (sc in next 9 st, 2 sc in next st) rep around. Join. [92 sc]
- Round 11: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. FO Yarn A. [92 sc]
- Optional Gold Accent: With Yarn D (Metallic Gold Thread) and a yarn needle, surface slip stitch (or embroider) a fine line around the outer edge of the green leaves and along the final red round for added sparkle, mimicking the image.
Back Panel (Solid Red)
Start with Yarn A (Crimson Red)
- Rounds 1-11: Repeat Rounds 1-11 from the Front Panel instructions. Do NOT add gold accent on this panel. [92 sc]
Bag Handle
Using Yarn A (Crimson Red) and Yarn C (Forest Green)
- Cut 6 strands of Yarn A (approx 40 inches each) and 6 strands of Yarn C (approx 40 inches each).
- Gather the strands together. Secure one end tightly (e.g., with a knot or tape).
- Divide into 3 sections: For example, 4 Red, 4 Green, 4 Red.
- Braid the strands tightly until desired handle length (approx 20-24 inches). Secure the other end with a tight knot. Trim ends.
Assembly
- Place the Front Panel and Back Panel together with wrong sides facing. Align the stitches.
- Joining Panels: Using Yarn A, single crochet around the edges of both panels to join them, inserting your hook through a stitch on both the front and back panel. For a flat bag as pictured, simply sc through both layers. If you prefer a little depth, you can work a round of sc on the Front Panel, then another round of sc on the Back Panel, then connect with sc through the back loops of the front panel and front loops of the back panel to create a small gusset. For a metallic edge, work occasional sl st or sc with Yarn D (Gold Thread) during the joining round.
- Attach Handle: Securely sew each end of the braided handle to the top sides of the joined bag using Yarn A and a yarn needle. Position them symmetrically.
- Optional Lining and Zipper: For a more finished look and secure closure, cut and sew a fabric lining inside the bag and attach an 8-inch zipper along the top opening (if you left an opening for the zipper during joining).