How to Crochet a Small Purse with Synthetic Yarn Straps

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Work the purse body in continuous rounds

Using your synthetic yarn, create a foundation chain to set the width of the purse base — the number of chains determines how wide the finished bag will be, so count carefully before joining. Join the chain into a round with a slip stitch and place a stitch marker to track the start of each round. Work in continuous rounds without turning, increasing stitches at regular intervals to shape the purse body as it grows — adding two increases evenly spaced in each round gives the sides a gentle outward flare that creates the characteristic rounded purse silhouette. Continue working rounds, increasing every round until the body reaches your target width of approximately 12 inches, then work straight rounds without increasing to build the height up to approximately 9 inches. Move your stitch marker up at the start of each round to keep an accurate count and check the dimensions against a ruler periodically so you can adjust before the piece grows too large.

Step 2 — Complete the final round in wool yarn

Once the purse body has reached the correct height in synthetic yarn, switch to your wool yarn for the final round. Join the wool yarn with a slip stitch at the start of the round and work one complete round in your chosen stitch, keeping the tension consistent with the synthetic yarn rounds below so the top edge sits evenly without puckering or flaring. The wool yarn adds a softer texture at the opening of the purse — both for comfort when reaching into the bag and for visual contrast against the synthetic body fabric. Fasten off the wool yarn and weave in both the synthetic and wool ends securely using the tapestry needle, threading each tail through the back of several stitches in at least two directions before trimming.

Step 3 — Press and brush the purse

Lay the finished purse body flat on an ironing board or a folded towel and gently press it with an iron set to a low heat setting. Keep the iron moving at all times and apply only light pressure — pressing too firmly or leaving the iron stationary can distort the crocheted fabric and flatten the texture permanently. The pressing step helps the purse hold its shape, evens out any uneven tension in the rounds, and gives the finished bag a more structured, polished look. Once pressed, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the surface of the purse in one direction to lift the fibres and create a slightly softer, more refined finish. Allow the purse to cool and dry completely before moving to the strap attachment step.

Step 4 — Attach the strap with blanket stitch

Cut a length of synthetic yarn approximately 35 inches long for the strap — this length sits comfortably as a shoulder or cross-body strap and can be adjusted by adding or removing length before you begin. Thread the synthetic yarn through your tapestry needle and position one end of the strap against the inside of the purse at the top edge, centring it carefully on one side. Attach the strap using blanket stitch: insert the needle from the inside of the purse, pass it through both the strap and the purse fabric, then loop the yarn under the needle tip before pulling through to form the characteristic raised stitch. Repeat this sequence at even intervals across the full width of the strap end, working several passes back and forth to create a firm, secure join that will hold up to the weight of the bag's contents. Conceal all yarn tails within the blanket stitches as you work for a clean finish, then repeat the process to attach the other end of the strap to the opposite side of the purse.

Step 5 — Add the button closure

Fold the top edge of the purse forward to create a flap — this flap will fold down over the opening to keep the contents secure. Decide on the placement of the button by folding the flap closed and marking the centre point where the button will sit flat against the purse body below. Thread your tapestry needle with a short length of synthetic yarn and sew the button firmly to the marked spot on the purse body, passing the needle through the button holes and the purse fabric several times in a cross pattern before knotting and trimming the thread close. On the underside of the flap directly above the button position, crochet or sew a small loop of yarn sized to fit snugly over the button — this loop is the fastening mechanism that holds the flap closed. Test the closure by folding the flap and passing the loop over the button to confirm the fit is firm but easy to open with one hand.

Step 6 — Final touches

Check the entire purse for any loose ends or gaps in the seams and weave in or reinforce as needed. Turn the purse inside out briefly to inspect the strap attachment points from the back — the blanket stitching should be dense and even on both sides with no gaps through which the strap could pull free. Turn right side out again and give the purse a final gentle press if needed to settle the shape. The finished purse is approximately 12 × 9 inches with a 35-inch adjustable strap — practical enough for everyday use and polished enough to carry as an accessory. To vary the look, try swapping the yarn colours, working the body in two alternating colours for a striped effect, or adding a second button closure at a different point along the flap edge.

Frequently asked questions

Why use synthetic yarn for the straps on a crochet purse?
Synthetic yarn is significantly stronger and more resistant to stretching than wool or cotton, making it well suited to straps that need to bear the weight of a full bag without distorting over time. Using synthetic yarn for the straps while keeping wool yarn for the purse body gives the finished bag both the durability needed for daily use and the softer texture of a natural fibre.

What skill level is needed to crochet this small purse?
The project is rated intermediate. You will need to be comfortable working in continuous rounds, increasing stitches at regular intervals to shape the body, and switching yarn mid-project. The blanket stitch strap attachment is straightforward but requires patience to keep the spacing even and the join firm.

Can I adjust the size of the finished crochet purse?
Yes — the finished size is determined by the number of stitches in your foundation chain and the number of rounds worked. Adding more stitches to the foundation chain widens the purse, and working more rounds increases the height. The strap length can also be adjusted by crocheting more or fewer chains before joining into the body.

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