Collins Bag – Crochet Pattern (from my book: Summer Crochet)

Hi all!

This post includes everything you need to know about the Collins Bag, a modern carryall with a wooden statement handle, designed to have the look and feel of a beach bag but made smaller for everyday use.

This pattern is available as an independent PDF (Ravelry, Etsy, and other links included below) and is an original design from my new book Summer Crochet: 19 Delicate Designs with Simple Lace and Timeless Silhouettes, released in spring 2025. This book includes 19 size-inclusive, warm-weather garment and accessory patterns using a variety of techniques and construction methods to ensure there is something of value for every skill level. Each pattern is written with an inclusive size range from XS to 5XL and each size has been thoroughly tested, thoroughly tech edited, and fully charted! We had hundreds of crochet pattern testers for this book to make sure that each size fits its intended wearer in a way that makes them feel beautiful.

You can buy this book with confidence, knowing that each garment pattern was written for you and your unique body measurements.

Some Quick Links Before You Begin:

Find the PDF version on Ravelry, Etsy, and my website.
Add your finished project and view other completed projects on Ravelry here!
Use the pattern hashtag #CollinsBag on Instagram to show off your makes! Be sure to check out the book hashtag, #SummerCrochetBook, too!
Shop Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton yarn here!
- Be sure to scroll down to see other great yarn substitutes!
For any questions about this pattern, please email knitsnknotswpg@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap!

Where Can I Find the Physical Book?

(Both physical and e-book versions are available!)

Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (US) here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Barnes And Noble here.
Shop Summer Crochet at Chapters (CA) here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (CA) here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (UK) here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Indie Bound here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Blackwell’s here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Books-A-Million here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Books Inc. here.
Shop even more platforms here.

Order my first book – Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear – here!

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This post contains affiliate links. This means, should you make a purchase, I will receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. View my Privacy + Disclosures Policy here.

About

Integrating additional materials into your handmade items is an easy way to elevate any crochet project. The wooden statement handle is an exciting element that lends a level of refinement to this modern carryall, designed to have the look and feel of a beach bag but made smaller for everyday use. Simple stitches and clean lines make the Collins Bag both sophisticated and functional, featuring mesh, vented sides and a softly curving base.

Materials

Yarn: Worsted held double (equivalent to 1 strand of bulky)—Lion Brand® 24/7 Cotton® in colorway “Camel”

100% Cotton
186 yds (170 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein
Find this yarn on lionbrand .com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes available in your region.

Yardage Required: 4 skeins or approximately 725 yds (663 m)

Yarn Substitution: Scroll down for an extensive list of yarn substitutes and yarns used during pattern testing.

Hook: Size 7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle, 2 wooden rings measuring approximately 5 to 5.5 inches (13–14 cm) in diameter when measuring from outside of the ring with a 0.55-inch (1.4-cm)-thick handle (I found mine in a multipack on Amazon), plus several locking stitch markers to help with seaming

Sourcing Your Additional Materials

I’ve compiled some links below for you to help you source your materials! If you can’t find them at your local yarn shops, department stores, or craft stores, these listings may have what you’re looking for:

Wooden Handle

A circular ring will work best with this bag! You need a round ring for the portion where your yarn attaches. A D-shaped ring could also work, but you will need the flat edge at the top.

I used this one from Amazon (CA) – comes with 4 sets: light, medium, dark wood, and one black
I used this one from Amazon (US) – comes with 3 sets: light, medium, and dark wood
One tester used these clear rings from Amazon (US)

Yarn Substitution

Lion Brand® 24/7 Cotton® has the following properties:

100% Cotton
186 yds (170 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein

Substitute Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton with any similar medium worsted-weight (category #4) cotton yarn that matches gauge. Worsted-weight yarn held double is equivalent to 1 strand of bulky-weight yarn. Stick to cotton yarns, particularly those that feel “stiff” to lend some structure to your finished bag. Many yarns typically called “kitchen cottons” that feel scratchy and not particularly soft will work well in this project. This yarn used is mercerized, meaning it has undergone processing to add strength and durability to its finished projects. Note that worsted weight is often referred to as “aran” in the U.K. or “10-ply” in Australia.

Appropriate Yarn Substitutes:

This list below includes some yarns I added myself in addition to the yarns used and recommended by testers. I tried to link them whenever possible.

* Reminder that you will need a total of 725 yds (663 m) of your chosen worsted-weight yarn.

Bernat Handicrafter Cotton (100% Cotton)
Big Twist Yarns Favorite Cotton (100% Cotton)
Estelle Sudz Cotton (100% Cotton)
Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton (100% Cotton)
Hobby Lobby Crafter’s Secret Cotton (100% Cotton)
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream (100% Cotton)
Lion Brand Re-Up (70% Recycled Cotton 30% Recycled Polyester)
Loops & Threads Classic Cotton (100% Cotton)
Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted (100% Cotton)

Gauge

4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = 16 hdc and 9.5 rows (with yarn held double), lightly blocked

Finished Measurements

Finished bag measures 13.5 inches (34 cm) in width (Measurement A) and 8 inches (20 cm) in height (Measurement B) when measuring in the center of the bag from the base up to (but not including) the wooden handle, and 11 inches (28 cm) from base of bag up to top edge on either side of handle (Measurement C).

Terms + Abbreviations Used

Written in U.S. Crochet Terms

ch(s): chain(s)
ch-sp(s): chain space(s)
dc: double crochet (tr in U.K. terms)
hdc: half double crochet (htr in U.K. terms)
hdc2togBLO: half double crochet 2 stitches together through the back loop only (htr2togBLO in U.K. terms)
hdcBLO: half double crochet through the back loop only (htrbLO in U.K. terms)
PM: place marker
rep: repeat
rnd(s): round(s)
RS: right side
sc: single crochet (dc in U.K. terms)
sk: skip
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
tch: turning chain
WS: wrong side

Pattern Notes

Skill Level: Easy

Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each row/round. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous row/round.

Reversible: Each of your individual main panels is reversible, with no right side or wrong side; however, you will designate a “right side” later in the pattern when you stitch your panels together.

Turning Chain: The turning chain does not count as a stitch unless otherwise indicated.

Yarn Held Double: This entire pattern is crocheted with two strands of yarn held together as if they were one.

Construction: This bag is worked in three panels that are seamed together. Two identical panels (front and back) are worked from side-to-side to create the riblike vertical stitching, with some basic increasing and decreasing to form the curved base. To create the base of the bag and the sides all at once, one long rectangular panel is sewn between them, with some mesh detailing integrated into the sides of the bag. To attach the wooden ring, a row of stitches is worked directly onto the ring, then these stitches are sewn to the bag.

Tester Photos: Scroll down for tester photos.

Pattern Testers

Below is a collection of photos that my pattern testers graciously allowed me to share with you! Below each photo I have linked each person’s social media account as well as listed their particular yarn choice and any notes they left regarding how well they thought it worked in the pattern. Thank you so much to all these lovely testers who helped make this pattern as clear and easy-to-follow as possible!