🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern

Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern
4.5★Rating
10-12 HoursTime Needed
2.1KMade This
✂️

Advanced Level

Designed for experienced crocheters, these patterns involve intricate designs and complex techniques to challenge and inspire.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

✨

Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern

Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view

Perfect for the fashion-forward crafter, this bag makes a standout accessory for summer outings or a sophisticated gift that showcases your advanced crochet skills.

Why You'll Love This Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern

I absolutely adore how this pattern plays with light and shadow through its textured post stitches. There is something so satisfying about seeing those little fish emerge from the fabric as you work through the rounds. It’s the kind of project that keeps you engaged from start to finish, and the compliments you'll get on the finished bag are just the icing on the cake!

Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern step 1 Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern step 2 Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern step 3 Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern step 4

Switch Things Up

There is something so incredibly satisfying about watching a complex texture emerge from a simple ball of cotton. When I first saw the Corfu Bag, I was immediately transported to the Greek coast—you can almost feel the sea breeze and hear the waves in those embossed leaf and fish motifs. It’s definitely a project that requires your full attention, especially when you’re navigating the post stitch increases and decreases to create that 3D effect. I found that using stitch markers for the repeats was an absolute lifesaver; it’s so easy to lose your place when you’re caught up in the rhythm of the stitches.

Don't be intimidated by the 'Advanced' label! If you take it round by round and really focus on the placement of those front post stitches, you’ll find it’s more of a meditative journey than a difficult chore. Plus, the finished result is so sturdy and professional-looking that nobody will believe you made it yourself. It’s the perfect accessory for a summer market trip or a day at the beach. I personally love how the mercerized cotton gives it a slight sheen, making the leaves really pop against the background. It's a slow-made treasure you'll cherish.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ When working the fish stripes in Rounds 44 through 56, it's easy to pull the yarn too tight when switching colors, which will cause the bag to pucker—keep those floats loose.✗ The 'shallow B' stitch is unique; if you simply work a standard back post stitch instead, you'll lose the specific depth and alignment required for the leaf pattern.✗ In Round 68, skipping the B3t clusters is vital for the shaping; if you accidentally work into them, your stitch count will be off and the top edge won't pull in correctly.✗ If you don't reinforce the upper edge with buckram or stiff interfacing as suggested, the weight of the bag's contents will cause the top to stretch and lose its structured look.

Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern

Get ready to create a true showstopper with this Mediterranean-inspired tote. Featuring intricate embossed leaf textures and a whimsical fish motif, this bag is as much a work of art as it is a functional accessory. You’ll love the way the mercerized cotton gives the design a crisp, professional finish that really makes those 3D elements pop. It’s a project that invites you to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of complex post stitches while crafting something you’ll be proud to carry all summer long.

Advanced 10-12 Hours

Materials Needed for Corfu Textured Tote Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Approximately 4 skeins (170g) of DK weight mercerized cotton in Silver Blue for the background
  • 02
    Approximately 7 skeins (305g) of DK weight mercerized cotton in Moon Rock for the embossed elements
  • 03
    Small amount of sewing thread matching the background color

— Tools Required

  • 01
    2.75mm crochet hook
  • 02
    Tapestry needle for weaving ends
  • 03
    Hand-sewing needle
  • 04
    Stiff interfacing or buckram (approx. 7cm x 80cm)
  • 05
    Optional fabric for lining (approx. 40cm x 80cm)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 1. Bag Bottom (Circular) :

Round 1 :

With Yarn 2, ch4, ss in 1st ch to form a ring. ch2 (counts as dc), 8dc in ring, ss in 2nd ch of start. (9)

Round 2 :

ch2 (not counted as a st), F2i in the starting ch-2 from previous round, 8 x F2i around, skip the start ch-2, ss in first F. (18)

Round 3 :

ch2, F2i in first F, 1F, [F2i, 1F] x8, ss. (27)

Round 4 :

ch2, [2F, F2i] x9, ss. (36)

Round 5 :

ch2, [F2i, 3F] x9, ss. (45)

Round 6 :

ch2, 2F, [F2i, 4F] x8, F2i, 2F, ss. (54)

Round 7 :

ch2, 4F, [F2i, 5F] x8, F2i, 1F, ss. (63)

Round 8 :

ch2, [6F, F2i] x9, ss. (72)

Round 9 :

ch2, [F2i, 7F] x9, ss. (81)

Round 10 :

ch2, 2F, [F2i, 8F] x8, F2i, 6F, ss. (90)

Round 11 :

ch2, 4F, [F2i, 14F] x5, F2i, 10F, ss. (96)

Round 12 :

ch2, 6F, [F2i, 15F] x5, F2i, 9F, ss. (102)

Round 13 :

ch2, 8F, [F2i, 16F] x5, F2i, 8F, ss. (108)

Round 14 :

ch2, 10F, [F2i, 17F] x5, F2i, 7F, ss. (114)

Round 15 :

ch2, 12F, [F2i, 18F] x5, F2i, 6F, ss. (120)

Round 16 :

ch2, 14F, [F2i, 19F] x5, F2i, 5F, ss. (126)

Round 17 :

ch2, 16F, [F2i, 20F] x5, F2i, 4F, ss. (132)

Round 18 :

ch2, 18F, [F2i, 21F] x5, F2i, 3F, ss. (138)

Round 19 :

ch2, 20F, [F2i, 22F] x5, F2i, 2F, ss. (144)

Round 20 :

ch2, 22F, [F2i, 23F] x5, F2i, 1F, ss. (150)

Round 21 :

ch2, [24F, F2i] x6, ss. (156)

Round 22 :

ch2, [F2i, 38F] x4, ss. (160)

Round 23 :

ch2, 2F, [F2i, 39F] x3, F2i, 37F, ss. (164)

Round 24 :

ch2, 4F, [F2i, 40F] x3, F2i, 36F, ss. (168)

Round 25 :

ch2, 6F, [F2i, 41F] x3, F2i, 35F, ss. (172)

Round 26 :

ch2, 8F, [F2i, 42F] x3, F2i, 34F, switch to Yarn 1 on the last ss. (176)

— 2. Bag Sides :

Info :

Place markers in the first F of Round 26, then skip 21F and place a marker in the next st. Repeat this 7 times to mark the spots for B3i stitches.

Round 27 :

With Yarn 1, ch2 to count as first B of B3i, shallow B2i in 1st F from previous round (completes B3i), [*F2t, 17F, F2t*, shallow B3i] x7, repeat between asterisks once more, ss in 2nd ch of start. (176)

Round 28 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in same st (counts as 2nd B), [*B, B2i, F2t, 15F, F2t*, B2i] x7, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch of start.

Round 29 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in ch-2 from previous round (counts as 2nd B), [*3B, B2i, F2t, 13F, F2t*, B2i] x7, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch of start.

Round 30 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in ch-2 from previous round, [*2B, F, 2B, B2i, F2t, 11F, F2t*, B2i, 5B, B2i, F2t, 11F, F2t*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 31 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in ch-2, [*3B, F, 3B, B2i, F2t, 9F, F2t*, B2i, 7B, B2i, F2t, 9F, F2t*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 32 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*4B, F3i, 5B, F2t, 7F, F2t, B2i, 9B, B2i, F2t, 7F, F2t*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 33 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*2B, B2t, F2i, hdc bet F's, F, hdc bet F's, F2i, B2t, 3B, F2t, 5F, F2t, B2i, F, 9B, F, B2i, F2t, 5F, F2t*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 34 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*B, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), 2 F2i, B in hdc, F, B in hdc, 2 F2i, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts), 2B, F2t, 3F, F2t, B2i, B, F2i, B2t, 5B, B2t, F2i, B, B2i, F2t, 3F, F2t*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 35 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, 3F, B2i, F, B2i, 3F, F2i, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts), B, F2t, F, F2t, B2i, 2B, 2 F2i, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts), B3t, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), 2 F2i, 2B, B2i, F2t, F, F2t*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 36 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*B (in 2 posts), 5F, B2i, B, F, B, B2i, 5F, 2B (1st in 2 posts), F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), B2i, 3B, F2i, 3F, B3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts, 2nd leg in 3 posts), 3F, F2i, 3B, B2i, F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts)*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 37 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*B, F2t, F, F2t, B2i, 2B, F3i, 2B, B2i, F2t, F, F2t, 2B (finish with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F (in 3 posts of F3t), finish with Yarn 1, 4B, B2i, 4F, F3t (2nd leg in 3 posts), 4F, B2i, 4B (finish last B with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F (in 3 posts), finish with Yarn 1*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Info :

Shift the beginning of the round: turn to WS, 7ss (worked into the previous F, 4B, B2i), then turn back to the RS.

Round 38 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in same st (counts as 2nd B), [*8B (finish last B with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), finish with Yarn 1, 4B, F2i, hdc bet F's, F, hdc bet F's, F2i, 4B (finish last B with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), finish with Yarn 1, 8B, B2i, 3F, F3t (2nd leg in 3 posts), 3F*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 39 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in same st, [*B2i, 9B (last is shallow B in F3t), 2 B2t, 2 F2i, B in hdc, F, B in hdc, 2 F2i, 2 B2t, 9B (1st is shallow B in F3t), 2 B2i, F2t, F3t (2nd leg in 3 posts), F2t*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 40 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in same st, [*10B, B2t, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), F2i, 3F, B2i, F, B2i, 3F, F2i, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), B2t, 10B, B2i, F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts, 2nd leg in 3 posts)*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 41 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 1st B after ch-2 from previous round (counts as 2nd leg), [*10B, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), 5F, B2i, B, F, B, B2i, 5F, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), 10B, B2t, F3i (in 3 posts)*, B2t] x3, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 42 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 2nd B after ch-2 (counts as 2nd leg), [*10B, F2t, F, F2t, B2i, 2B, F3i, 2B, B2i, F2t, F, F2t, 10B, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, F, F2i*, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts)] x3, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 43 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 2nd B after ch-2, [*9B (finish last with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), finish with Yarn 1, 4B, F2i, hdc bet F's, F, hdc bet F's, F2i, 4B (finish last with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), finish with Yarn 1, 9B, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, 3F, F2i*, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts)] x3, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 44 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 2nd B after ch-2, [*9B (last is shallow B in F3t), 2 B2t, 2 F2i, B in hdc, F, B in hdc, 2 F2i, 2 B2t, 9B (1st is shallow B in F3t), B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F (finish with Yarn 1). Fish stripe: with Yarn 1 F2i, 3F, F2i, finish with Yarn 2, F*, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts)] x3, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 45 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 2nd B after ch-2, [*6B, B2t, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), F2i, 3F, B2i, F, B2i, 3F, F2i, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), B2t, 6B, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, 7F, F2i*, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts)] x3, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 46 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*6B, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), 5F, B2i, B, F, B, B2i, 5F, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), 7B, F (finish with Yarn 1). Fish stripe: with Yarn 1 9F, finish with Yarn 2, F*, B (in 2 posts)] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Info :

Shift the beginning of the round with RS facing: 5ss into the next 5B.

Round 47 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*2B (2nd in 2 posts), F2t, F, F2t, B2i, 2B, F3i, 2B, B2i, F2t, F, F2t, 3B (1st in 2 posts), F2i, 2 B2t, F2i, 9F, F2i, 2 B2t, F2i*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 48 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*2B (finish last B with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), finish with Yarn 1, 4B, F2i, hdc bet F's, F, hdc bet F's, F2i, 4B (finish last B with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), finish with Yarn 1, 3B, F2i, F, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), F (finish with Yarn 1). Fish stripe: with Yarn 1 11F, finish with Yarn 2, F, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), F, F2i*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 49 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*3B (last is shallow B in F3t), 2 B2t, 2 F2i, B in hdc, F, B in hdc, 2 F2i, 2 B2t, 4B (1st is shallow B in F3t), F2i, F, F2t (1st leg in next F, sk B2t, 2nd leg in next F), F in same st as 2nd leg of previous F2t, 12F, F2t (1st leg in same st as last of 12F, sk B2t, 2nd leg in next F), F, F2i*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 50 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*B, B2t, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), F2i, 3F, B2i, F, B2i, 3F, F2i, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), B2t, 2B, F2i, F, F2t (2nd leg in 2 posts, finish with Yarn 1). Fish stripe: with Yarn 1 13F, finish with Yarn 2, F2t (1st leg in 2 posts), F, F2i*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 51 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in ch-2, [*B, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), 5F, B2i, B, F, B, B2i, 5F, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), B, B2i, 2F, F2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), 13F, F2t (1st leg in 2 posts), 2F*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 52 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in ch-2, [*B2i, 2B (2nd in 2 posts), F2t, F, F2t, B2i, 2B, F3i, 2B, B2i, F2t, F, F2t, 2B (1st in 2 posts), 2 B2i, F3t (3rd leg in 2 posts, finish with Yarn 1). Fish stripe: with Yarn 1 13F, finish with Yarn 2, F3t (1st leg in 2 posts)*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 53 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*5B (finish last B with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), finish with Yarn 1, 4B, F2i, hdc bet F's, F, hdc bet F's, F2i, 4B (finish last B with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts), finish with Yarn 1, 6B, 15F (1st and last in 3 posts)*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 54 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in ch-2, [*6B (last is shallow B in F3t), 2 B2t, 2 F2i, B in hdc, F, B in hdc, 2 F2i, 2 B2t, 6B (1st is shallow B in F3t), B2i, F (finish with Yarn 1). Fish stripe: with Yarn 1 F2t, 9F, F2t, finish with Yarn 2, F*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 55 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*5B, B2t, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), F2i, 3F, B2i, F, B2i, 3F, F2i, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), B2t, 6B, 13F (2nd and 12th in 2 posts)*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 56 :

ch2 (counts as 1st B of B2i), B in ch-2, [*5B, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), 5F, B2i, B, F, B, B2i, 5F, B2t (both legs in 2 posts), 5B, B2i, F (finish with Yarn 1). Fish stripe: with Yarn 1 F2t, 7F, F2t, finish with Yarn 2, F*, B2i] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 57 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*7B (last in 2 posts), F2t, F, F2t, B2i, 2B, F3i, 2B, B2i, F2t, F, F2t, 8B (1st in 2 posts), 11F (2nd and 10th in 2 posts)*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 58 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*4B, F3i, B2t (finish with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t, finish with Yarn 1, 2 B2i, 2B, 3F, 2B, 2 B2i (finish last B with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t, finish with Yarn 1, B2t, F3i, 5B, F2t, 7F, F2t*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 59 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*4B, F2i, F, F2i, B2t (2nd leg is shallow B in F3t), 4B, B2t, F2i, F, F2i, B2t, 4B, B2t (1st leg is shallow B in F3t), F2i, F, F2i, 5B, F2t, 5F, F2t*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 60 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*4B, F2i, 3F, F2i, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts), 4B (last in 2 posts), 5F, 4B (1st in 2 posts), B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, 3F, F2i, 5B, F2t, 3F, F2t*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 61 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*4B, F2i, 5F, F2i, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts), 3B, 5F, 3B, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, 5F, F2i, 5B, F2t, F, F2t*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Round 62 :

ch2 (counts as B), [*4B, F2i, 7F, F2i, 4B (1st in 2 posts), F2t, F, F2t, 4B (last in 2 posts), F2i, 7F, F2i, 5B (finish with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t, finish with Yarn 1*, B] x3, repeat between asterisks, ss in 2nd ch.

Info :

Shift the beginning of the round: turn to WS, 6ss (into previous F3t and 5B), then turn back to RS.

Round 63 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 2nd B after F2i from previous round, [*7B (4th is shallow B in 3 posts of F3t), B2t, F2i, 9F, F2i, 4B (finish with Yarn 1), with Yarn 2 F3t, finish with Yarn 1, 4B, F2i, 9F, F2i*, B2t] x3, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 64 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 2nd B after ch-2, [*5B, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, 11F, F2i, B2t, 5B (3rd is shallow B in 3 posts of F3t), B2t, F2i, 11F, F2i*, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts)] x3, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 65 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 2nd B after ch-2, [*3B, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, 13F, F2i*, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts)] x7, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 66 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B2t), B in 2nd B after ch-2, [*B, B2t (2nd leg in 2 posts), F2i, 15F, F2i*, B2t (1st leg in 2 posts)] x7, repeat between asterisks, skip ch-2, ss in 1st B.

Round 67 :

ch2 (counts as 1st leg of B3t), B2t (1st leg in 2nd B after ch-2, 2nd leg in 2 posts; counts as 2nd and 3rd legs of B3t), [*F2i, 17F, F2i*, B3t (1st and 3rd legs in 2 posts)] x7, repeat between asterisks, with Yarn 1 ss in B2t. (176)

— 3. Upper Edge Backing :

Round 68 :

With Yarn 2, ss in next F, ch2 (doesn't count as st), F in same st, 20F, [sk B3t, 21F] x7, sk B3t, skip ch-2, ss in 1st F. (168)

Round 69 :

ch2 (not counted as st), F in first F, 8F, F2t, 10F, [9F, F2t, 10F] x7, skip ch-2, with Yarn 1 ss in 1st F. (160)

Round 70 :

ch1 (not counted as st), sc blo in same st, [*3sc blo, sc2tog blo, 8sc blo, sc2tog blo*, 5sc blo] x7, repeat between asterisks once more, 4sc blo, ss blo in 1st sc. (144)

Round 71-86 :

ch1 (not counted as st), sc blo in same st, 143sc blo, ss blo in 1st sc. Fasten off after Round 86. (144)

— 4. Handle Attaching Strips (Make 4) :

Row 1 :

Locate the 8 middle stitches of Round 69 above any fish motif. Join Yarn 2 in the front post of the 1st of these 8 stitches. ch1, drop the tail, ch1 (these 2 ch count as 1F), 7F, turn.

Row 2 :

ch2 (counts as B), 7B, turn.

Row 3 :

ch2 (counts as F), 7F, turn.

Rows 4-8 :

Repeat Rows 2 and 3. Fasten off leaving a 30cm tail for sewing. Repeat this for the other 3 fish motifs.

— 5. Spiral Cord Handles (Make 2) :

Row 1 :

Using Yarn 2, leave a 30cm tail and ch5. sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 ch, turn. (4)

Round 1 :

ch1, sc blo in same st, 3sc blo. Turn the work and sc in the 4 remaining loops on the other side. (8)

Round 2 :

Work in a spiral: sc in the first vertical loop from above, then sc in each of the next 7 vertical loops. (8)

Spiral :

Continue repeating Round 2 until the cord measures 78cm when fully stretched. Fasten off leaving a 30cm tail.

— 6. Loop Seam Covers (Make 4) :

Row 1 :

With Yarn 2, ch14. Work 9 rows of slip stitch in the back loops only to create a ribbed strip. Fasten off leaving a 30cm tail.

— 7. Optional Oblong Bottom :

Round 1 :

With Yarn 2, work 65 foundation cord stitches. ch3 (counts as dc), dc2inc in same st, 63dc, dc5inc in last st, 63dc on the other side, dc2inc in starting ch, ss in 3rd ch. (136)

Round 2 :

ch2 (not counted as st), F in starting ch-3, 2 F2i, 63F, 2 F2i, F, 2 F2i, 63F, 2 F2i, ss in 1st F. (144)

Round 3 :

ch2, F in first F, [F, F2i] x2, 63F, [F2i, F] x2, F, [F, F2i] x2, 63F, [F2i, F] x2, ss in 1st F. (152)

Round 4 :

ch2, F in first F, F, F2i, 2F, F2i, 65F, F2i, 2F, F2i, 3F, F2i, 2F, F2i, 65F, F2i, 2F, F2i, F, ss in 1st F. (160)

Round 5 :

ch2, F in first F, 2F, F2i, 3F, F2i, 65F, F2i, 3F, F2i, 5F, F2i, 3F, F2i, 65F, F2i, 3F, F2i, 2F, ss in 1st F. (168)

Round 6 :

ch2, F in first F, 2F, F2i, 5F, F2i, 65F, [F2i, 5F] x3, F2i, 65F, F2i, 5F, F2i, 2F, ss in 1st F. (176)

Assembly Instructions

  • Prepare the upper edge reinforcement by cutting a strip of buckram or stiff interfacing measuring approximately 7cm by 80cm.
  • Turn the bag inside out and baste the interfacing to the wrong side of the upper edge backing (Rounds 70-86). Fold the backing inward and hand-stitch the edge to the inside of the bag.
  • Mark a spot 15cm from each end of your spiral cord handles. Sew the ribbed loop seam covers over the cord at these marked spots to form loops.
  • Insert the handle attaching strips through the loops at the ends of the handles. Ensure the seam covers face the inside of the bag.
  • Fold each attaching strip to the inside of the bag and sew each stitch of the strip's edge securely to the base stitches where the strip began.
  • If desired, sew a fabric lining by measuring the finished bag's dimensions and stitching it to the inside of the upper edge backing using small invisible stitches.
  • Weave in all remaining yarn tails and block the bag lightly if needed to straighten the post stitches.

Important Notes

  • 💡Always use Yarn 1 (background) for back post stitches, hdc, and the fish stripes, and Yarn 2 for the embossed elements unless otherwise noted.
  • 💡When switching colors, complete the final yarn over of the previous stitch with the new color to ensure a clean transition.
  • 💡Do not switch to Yarn 2 for a front post stitch if the stitch directly above it in the next round will be a back post stitch.
  • 💡The gauge for this pattern is 23 post stitches by 15 rows for a 10cm square; check your tension early to ensure the bag is the correct size.
  • 💡The spiral cord handles are quite stretchy; for extra durability, you can insert a non-stretchable tape inside the cord before finishing.

I hope you enjoy every single stitch of this Mediterranean-inspired journey! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a piece this detailed and realizing just how much you’ve accomplished. Whether you’re heading to the beach or just running errands, this bag is going to turn heads and start conversations everywhere you go. Don't forget to take a moment to admire that gorgeous texture once you're done—you've earned it! Happy crafting, and I can't wait to see your beautiful finished Corfu Bag. 🧶✨🌊

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I use a different yarn than Scheepjes Catona?

Yes, any mercerized cotton DK weight yarn will work, but mercerized cotton is highly recommended to give the embossed leaves the crisp definition they need.

Is the lining absolutely necessary for this bag?

While the crochet fabric is quite dense, a lining is recommended to prevent the bag from stretching over time, especially since the post stitches add significant weight.

What is a 'shallow B' stitch and can I substitute it?

The shallow B is a specific technique used to keep the texture flat and aligned. Substituting with a regular back post stitch will make the fabric bulkier and might shift the pattern.

I'm struggling with the spiral cord handles, any tips?

The key is finding the right vertical loop. It gets easier after the first few rounds as the loops stretch out. Using a slightly looser tension for the cord can also help.

Why does my round start seem to be slanting?

This usually happens if the 'shift' steps (like the one after Round 37) are skipped. Those slip stitches are essential to keep the leaf pattern perfectly vertical.