If you have been looking for a project that blends modern style with a truly professional finish, you are going to love making this handbag. It is all about that gorgeous, structured texture that only a high-quality macrame cord can provide. You will explore unique stitch placements that create a fabric so sturdy, it feels more like a boutique find than a DIY project. It is the kind of accessory that makes people stop and ask, "Where did you get that?" and you get the joy of saying you made it yourself.
Progress Tracker
0% Complete
β 1. The Oval Base :
Info :
Start by leaving a tail of about 80 inches (2 meters) to use for closing the rows later. Begin with a slip knot.
Foundation :
Work 13 CH using two strands of cord, keeping your loops loose and even.
Row 1 :
Starting in the 2nd loop from your hook, work 11 SC. In the next stitch, work 3 SC. Rotate and work 11 SC along the opposite side of the chain. Work the final SC using the long tail. Pull the tail through to close the row seamlessly (26).
Info :
When working SC in this pattern, pull your working loop up to a height of about 20mm to maintain the correct gauge and texture.
Info :
Identify the 10 stitches between the ends. Place 4 markers in the 1st and 10th stitches on the front loops only. You will move these markers up into the corresponding loops of every odd-numbered row.
Row 2 :
Insert your hook into the 2nd loop directly behind the marker. Work 25 SlSt into the BLO around the oval. Close the row using the long tail (26).
Info :
All SC rows from here on should be worked as diagonal stitches. Insert your hook under the right 'leg' from the front and between the 'legs' from the back.
Row 3 :
Insert hook in the 2nd loop to the left of the marker. Work 8 SC, 3 Inc, 10 SC, 3 Inc, 1 SC. Finish the last stitch with the tail and close (32).
Row 4 :
Insert hook in the 3rd loop to the left of the marker. Work 31 SlSt into the BLO. Close the row with the tail (32).
Row 5 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 5 SC, (SC, Inc) 3 times, 10 SC, (SC, Inc) 3 times, 4 SC. Close the row with the tail (38).
Row 6 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 37 SlSt into the BLO. Close the row with the tail (38).
Row 7 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 5 SC, (2 SC, Inc) 3 times, 10 SC, (2 SC, Inc) 3 times, 4 SC. Close the row with the tail (44).
Row 8 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 43 SlSt into the BLO. Close the row with the tail (44).
Row 9 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 5 SC, (Inc, 3 SC) 3 times, 10 SC, (Inc, 3 SC) 3 times, 4 SC. Close the row with the tail (50).
Row 10 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 49 SlSt into the BLO. Close the row with the tail (50).
Row 11 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 5 SC, (4 SC, Inc) 3 times, 10 SC, (4 SC, Inc) 3 times, 4 SC. Close the row with the tail (56).
Row 12 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 55 SlSt into the BLO. Close the row with the tail (56).
Row 13 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 5 SC, 2 SC, Inc, (5 SC, Inc) 2 times, 3 SC, 10 SC, 2 SC, Inc, (5 SC, Inc) 2 times, 3 SC, 4 SC. Close the row with the tail (62).
Row 14 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 61 SlSt into the BLO. Close the row with the tail (62).
Row 15 :
Insert hook in the 5th loop to the left of the marker. Work 5 SC, (6 SC, Inc) 3 times, 10 SC, (6 SC, Inc) 3 times, 4 SC. Close the row with the tail (68).
β 2. The Side Part :
Info :
Position the oval with the seam facing upward. Take off the two markers on the left side and shift the right-side markers 5 stitches over to the left.
Row 16 :
Place your hook in the marked stitch. Work 32 SlSt into the BLO until you reach the second marker.
Row 17 :
Work 32 SC, then 1 CH.
Info :
Secure the tail used for closing rows and carefully seal the end with a flame. Move markers to the 5th stitch from each side.
Row 18 :
Work 27 SlSt across the BLO until you hit the second marker.
Row 19 :
Work 22 SC until you reach the first marker, then 1 CH.
Info :
Add two more markers by counting 5 additional stitches inward from the current side markers.
Row 20 :
Work 17 SlSt across the BLO until you hit the third marker.
Row 21 :
Work 12 SC until you reach the second marker, then 1 CH.
Row 22 :
Work 17 SlSt across the BLO until you hit the final marker.
Row 23 :
Remove the 2nd and 3rd markers. Work 22 SC until you reach the 1st marker, then 1 CH.
Row 24 :
Remove the last marker. Work 27 SlSt across the BLO.
Row 25 :
Remove the 1st marker. Work 32 SC, then 1 CH.
Row 26 :
Work 32 SlSt across the BLO.
β 3. The Front Part :
Info :
Place markers in the 4th stitches from each side. Move these markers up into the corresponding loops of every odd row.
Row 27 :
Work 4 SC, (6 SC, Dec) 3 times, 4 SC, then 1 CH (29).
Row 28 :
Work 29 SlSt across the BLO.
Row 29 :
Work 4 SC, 2 SC, Dec, (5 SC, Dec) 2 times, 3 SC, 4 SC, then 1 CH (26).
Row 30 :
Work 26 SlSt across the BLO.
Row 31 :
Work 4 SC, (4 SC, Dec) 3 times, 4 SC, then 1 CH (23).
Row 32 :
Work 23 SlSt across the BLO.
Row 33 :
Work 4 SC, (Dec, 3 SC) 3 times, 4 SC, then 1 CH (20).
Row 34 :
Work 20 SlSt across the BLO.
Row 35 :
Work 4 SC, (2 SC, Dec) 3 times, 4 SC, then 1 CH (17).
Row 36 :
Work 17 SlSt across the BLO.
Row 37 :
Work 4 SC, (SC, Dec) 3 times, 4 SC, then 1 CH (14).
Row 38 :
Work 14 SlSt across the BLO.
Row 39 :
Work 4 SC, 3 Dec, 4 SC, then 1 CH (11).
Row 40 :
Work 11 SlSt across the BLO.
Info :
Leave a 29-inch (75 cm) tail for joining. Cut the cord and pull the end through.
β 4. The i-Cord Handle :
Foundation :
Put your hook through the eyelet of a snap hook. Twist the cord over the hook, pull a loop through, work 1 CH, and pull tight.
Step 1 :
Work 2 SC directly through the snap hook eyelet. Turn the piece.
Step 2 :
Work 1 SC into the 2nd loop from the hook. Turn the work counter-clockwise.
Step 3 :
Insert hook under the two side loops, pull a loop through, and complete the stitch. Turn and repeat until the cord reaches 36 inches (90 cm).
Finishing :
Leave 2 loops on your hook and work them through the eyelet of the 2nd snap hook. Turn and work 2 SC through the middle of the cord and eyelet. Secure and seal the ends.
There is something so satisfying about finishing a project that feels as sturdy and professional as this handbag. I hope you feel a huge sense of pride every time you snap that magnetic button shut. This pattern is meant to be a slow, enjoyable processβsavor those textured rows! If you run into any snags or just want to share a photo of your finished "slice," I would love to hear from you. Your creativity is what keeps this community so vibrant and inspiring. Now, go find the perfect outfit to pair with your brand-new, handmade masterpiece! π§Άβ¨