Diana Purse Bag

Diana Purse Bag by Lilia Vanini

What is Being Made

The Diana Purse Bag is a structured crochet handbag designed by independent designer Lilia Vanini. This beginner-friendly project creates a finished purse with elegant tapered proportions, measuring 8.5 inches wide at the top, 6 inches wide at the bottom, and 6.5 inches in height. The bag features a professional construction with a lined interior and functional zipper closure, making it suitable for everyday use or as a handmade gift.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The construction involves working in rounds to build the three-dimensional structure of the purse. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases, including the specialized 4 double crochet together stitch, which creates the tapered silhouette that narrows from the wider top opening to the narrower bottom. The pattern utilizes standard shaping methods that gradually reduce stitch counts to form the bag's distinctive trapezoidal form.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Diana Purse Bag pattern uses essential crochet stitches that form the foundation of beginner projects:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation and creating spaces
• Single crochet (sc) – provides a tight, dense fabric
• Half double crochet (hdc) – offers a medium-height stitch
• Double crochet (dc) – creates a taller, more open fabric
• Slip stitch (sl st) – joins rounds and connects stitches
• 4 double crochet together (4dctog) – a decrease technique for shaping the purse

Additional abbreviations include st (stitch), sp (space), sk (skip), and pm (place marker) for pattern tracking.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Diana Purse Bag requires 300 yards of DK weight yarn, classified as Light Worsted. The pattern is shown worked in 100% Italian Cotton yarn, which provides excellent drape and breathability ideal for a structured bag. The recommended colorway is Beige, though crafters may substitute other colors within the same weight category.

A 2.5mm crochet hook is specified for this project, though the designer notes using a 3mm ergonomic wooden crochet hook. The gauge is established at 10 chains and 5 rows, which is essential to achieve the finished measurements.

Additional Notions and Construction Materials

Beyond yarn and the crochet hook, completing the Diana Purse Bag requires several finishing materials:

• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Sewing thread to attach the bag lining
• Cotton or other lining fabric for the interior
• Zipper for the bag closure
• Bag ring holder for structural support and attachment

The inclusion of a lined interior and zipper closure elevates this beginner project to a polished, professional-looking finished accessory suitable for everyday carry.