The Blythe Bag is an innovative accessory that merges classic crochet with the sturdy, rich texture of macrame.
Constructed by working strong mercerized cotton yarn directly over a thick cotton cord, this project yields a remarkably durable, structured tote that holds its shape under weight.
The design features a oval base built in seamless rounds, transitions into a textured moss-stitch body, and finishes with braided cord handles woven through crafted openings.
It is a stylish, functional, and quick-to-make project that serves as an ideal bridge for intermediate crafters exploring hybrid fiber arts.
Pattern Materials & Essentials
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Yarn: 300 yards of worsted-weight mercerized cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton)
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Cord: 70 yards of 3mm 100% cotton macrame cord
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Hooks: 5.0 mm (US H-8) and 5.5 mm (US I-9)
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Notions: Tapestry needle, 3 stitch markers (use one unique color for round starts)
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Sizing: Gauge measures 18 stitches = 4 inches in pattern
Special Technique: Crocheting Over Cord
To enclose the core, position the macrame strand parallel across the top of your previous row’s loops. Insert the hook into the designated stitch beneath the cord, draw up a loop so the strand sits trapped inside the stitch, yarn over, and complete the standard single crochet.
Base Construction
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Switch to the 5.0 mm hook and chain 31.
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Round 1: Lay the cord along your chain. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and across until one chain remains. Work 3 single crochets into the last chain (place a marker in the middle stitch). Rotate the foundation chain to work down the opposite side, placing single crochets in each chain, and finish with 2 single crochets in the last chain space. (64 stitches)
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Round 2: Single crochet in every stitch across to your marker, execute 3 single crochets into the marked stitch (moving the marker to the new middle stitch), and repeat this increase pattern at the opposite end marker before finishing the round. (68 stitches)
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Rounds 3–13: Repeat the Round 2 increase progression, adding 4 stitches per round until reaching 112 stitches. Slip stitch into the first stitch to join and fasten off.
Body Construction
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Switch to the 5.5 mm hook and reattach yarn at the center stitch marker of the base.
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Rounds 1–28: Work in continuous moss-stitch over the cord by alternating [1 single crochet, chain 1, skip 1 stitch] around. On subsequent rounds, ensure single crochets fall directly into the chain spaces of the previous round. (56 single crochets, 56 chain spaces)
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Round 29 (Handle Eyelets): Work the moss-stitch sequence across 7 repeats, single crochet 1, chain 3, skip 3 stitches to form the first handle slit. Continue the moss-stitch across 11 repeats, single crochet 1, chain 3, skip 3 stitches. Moss-stitch across 14 repeats, single crochet 1, chain 3, skip 3 stitches. Moss-stitch across 11 repeats, single crochet 1, chain 3, skip 3 stitches. Moss-stitch to the end of the round.
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Round 30: Resume standard moss-stitch across, placing [1 single crochet, chain 1, 1 single crochet] into each of the created 3-chain handle spaces.
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Rounds 31–32: Work standard moss-stitch rounds. Slip stitch to join at the final stitch and weave in yarn ends.
Braided Handles
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Cut six 70-inch strands of macrame cord and divide them into two equal sets of three.
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Take one set, fold the strands in half, and tie an overhand knot roughly 4 inches below the center fold loop.
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Divide the 6 working ends into 3 paired sections and create a tight fishtail braid until 7 inches remain. Tie off with a knot, leaving 4 inches unraveled for a decorative tassel.
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Thread each end of the braided handle through the eyelets on one side of the bag. Use a tapestry needle and yarn to securely sew the knot flush against the interior or exterior wall of the bag.
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Repeat the process for the second handle on the opposite side.
