Palm Springs Handbag – Crochet Pattern (from my book: Summer Crochet)

Hi all!

This post includes everything you need to know about the Palm Springs Handbag, a crochet pattern for a textured summertime bag featuring statement wooden handles, a unique tapered shape, and an all-over texture that creates solid fabric to keep your belongings safe.

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 #PalmSpringsHandbag on Instagram to show off your makes! Be sure to check out the book hashtag, #SummerCrochetBook, too!
Shop Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK 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

Both sophisticated and unassuming, the Palm Springs Handbag was designed with a modern shape and clean texture. This variation of the common V-stitch resembles tiny budding flowers, making it the perfect stitch pattern for this summertime bag. Featuring statement wooden handles, a unique tapered shape and an all-over texture that creates a solid fabric to keep your belongings safe, this easygoing vacation handbag pairs well with a sundress or a swimsuit.

Materials

Yarn: DK held double (equivalent to 1 strand of worsted)—Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in colorway “Vanilla Cream”

100% Cotton
137 yds (125 m) per 1.75 oz (50 g) skein
Find this yarn on lovecrafts.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes available in your region.

Yardage Required: 5 skeins or approximately 575 yds (526 m)

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

Hook: Size U.S. F/5 (3.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle, 2 wooden rings measuring approximately 4.5 inches (11 cm) in diameter when measuring from outer edges of ring with a 0.5-inch (1.3-cm)-thick handle, at least 9 locking stitch markers, plus several more stitch markers to help with seaming the handle to the bag

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

Almost any handle type/shape will work with this bag! Feel free to choose a circular ring, a D-shaped ring, or any other shape you like.

I used this one from Amazon (CA) – comes with 3 sets: light, medium, and dark wood
This curved handle will work, too (CA)
This handle set looks identical to mine but comes in slightly different colors (US) – comes with 3 sets: light, medium, and dark wood

Yarn Substitution

Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK has the following properties:

100% Cotton
137 yds (125 m) per 1.75 oz (50 g) skein

Substitute Paintbox Cotton DK with any similar light DK-weight (category #3) yarn that matches gauge. DK-weight yarn held double is equivalent to one strand of worsted- or heavy worsted–weight yarn. Some testers also matched gauge with four strands of sport-weight (category #2) yarn. Cottons will work best for this project, particularly those that feel “stiff,” to lend some structure to your finished bag. (Note that DK weight is often referred to as “8-ply” in Australia.) Raffia yarn (paper yarn) would work well, too, as long as you can match gauge with it!

Yarn Weight: Note that since this yarn is held double, the equivalent weight is worsted. If you can find a worsted weight cotton that you like, that would also work well! Some testers also matched gauge with four strands of sport-weight (category #2) yarn.

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 575 yds (526 m) of your chosen DK-weight yarn. (Half that if using a worsted weight yarn single-stranded!)

Bernat Handicrafter Cotton (worsted – 100% Cotton)
Big Twist Yarns Favorite Cotton (worsted – 100% Cotton)
Estelle Sudz Cotton (worsted – 100% Cotton)
Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/8 (DK – 100% Cotton)
Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton (worsted – 100% Cotton)
Hobby Lobby Crafter’s Secret Cotton (worsted – 100% Cotton)
K+C Essential Cotton (DK – 100% Cotton)
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream (worsted – 100% Cotton)
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted – 100% Cotton)
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK (DK – 100% Cotton)
Lion Brand Re-Up (worsted – 70% Recycled Cotton 30% Recycled Polyester)
Loops & Threads Classic Cotton (worsted – 100% Cotton)
Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted (worsted – 100% Cotton)
Premier Cotton Fair (Sport – 52% Cotton, 48% Acrylic)

Gauge

4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = 6.5 V-sts and 14 rows.

See definition for V-st under Abbreviations heading.

Finished Measurements

Finished bag measures approximately 11.5 inches (29 cm) wide (Measurement A) and 8.5 inches (22 cm) tall from base of bag to split of front pieces (Measurement B) and 12.5 inches (32 cm) tall from base of bag up to (but not including) wooden ring (Measurement C).

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: There is no right side or wrong side to this fabric; both sides are identical. You will assign a “right side” later in the pattern when crocheting the handle.

Turning Chain: The turning chain does not count as a stitch anywhere in this pattern.

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

Construction: First, you will create a chain measuring the approximate width of your bag. You will stitch across your chain, then around the opposite side of the chain to set yourself up to work in joined, turned rounds. You will continue working the specified stitch pattern in the round until you reach your desired depth before splitting for the front and back sides. 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.

Terms + Abbreviations Used

Written in U.S. Crochet Terms

BOR: beginning of round
ch(s): chain(s)
ch-sp: chain space
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)
WS: wrong side

Special Stitches

V-st: V-stitch—this pattern uses a single crochet V-st, worked as follows: (sc, ch 2, sc) in designated st
[in U.K. terms, this means to work (dc, ch 2, dc) in designated st]

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!