Seafoam Drift Shell Purse: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Coastal Summer Accessory

Carry a piece of the shore wherever you go with this stunning Seafoam Drift Shell Purse. This free crochet pattern creates a textured, lightweight, and beautifully dimensional bag that evokes the gentle rhythm of ocean waves. The unique fan stitch construction produces a scalloped, shell-like texture that is both eye-catching and airy—perfect for summer days, beach trips, or adding a handcrafted coastal touch to any outfit. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or looking for a rewarding next project, this pattern is designed to be clear, detailed, and achievable. Let's dive in and create this beautiful accessory together.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the specified materials will ensure your purse matches the intended size, drape, and texture.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
  • Seafoam Green (MC - Main Color): Approximately 150g
  • Cream (CC1 - Contrast Color 1): Approximately 50g
  • Soft Teal (CC2 - Contrast Color 2): Approximately 50g
  Total yarn needed: approximately 250g. Cotton yarn is recommended for its structure and stitch definition.
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and attaching the strap
• Scissors
• Optional: Fabric for lining (if you wish to add extra structure to the inside)

Gauge: 14 double crochet (dc) x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in double crochet. Always check your gauge to ensure your project turns out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This purse is worked in two main pieces (the front and back panels) that are joined together, followed by a separate strap. The beautiful shell texture is achieved by combining front post double crochet (fpdc) and shell stitches. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous purse in no time.

Front Panel (Make 1)

We'll start with the front panel, which features the beautiful alternating shell colors.

Row 1: With Seafoam Green (MC), chain (ch) 26. Double crochet (dc) in the 4th ch from the hook and in each ch across. (You should have 24 dc stitches. The first 3 chains count as your first dc.)

Row 2: Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc), turn your work. Dc in each dc across. (24 dc)

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. *Skip the next 2 dc, work 5 dc in the next dc (this creates a shell), skip the next 2 dc, dc in the next dc; repeat from * across, ending with a dc in the top of the turning ch-3. (You will have 4 shells and 4 dc.)

Row 4: Ch 3, turn. *Front post double crochet (fpdc) around each of the next 5 dc of the shell, dc in the next dc; repeat from * across, ending with a dc in the top of the ch-3. (You will have 20 fpdc and 4 dc.)

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. *Skip the next 2 fpdc, work 5 dc in the next fpdc (creating a shell), skip the next 2 fpdc, dc in the next dc; repeat from * across, ending with a dc in the top of the ch-3. (4 shells, 4 dc)

Rows 6-17: This is where the color magic happens. You will now repeat Rows 4 and 5 alternately, but you'll be introducing your contrast colors.

• Row 6: Repeat Row 4, but use Cream (CC1) for the shells (the 5 dc) and MC for the fpdc and the dc between shells.
• Row 7: Repeat Row 5, but use Soft Teal (CC2) for the shells (the 5 dc) and MC for the dc between shells.
• Rows 8-17: Continue alternating Rows 4 and 5, changing the shell color every two rows. Use CC1 for the shells on Rows 8 and 9, CC2 for Rows 10 and 11, and so on. Always use MC for the fpdc rows and the dc between the shells.

After completing Row 17, fasten off and weave in the ends for the front panel.

Back Panel (Make 1)

The back panel is worked identically to the front panel, with one small difference at the end.

Work the same as the Front Panel through Row 17. Do not fasten off. Instead, ch 1 and turn. Work 1 single crochet (sc) in each dc and fpdc across the top edge. (24 sc) Fasten off.

Joining the Panels

Now we'll bring the two panels together to form the body of the purse.

1. Place the Front and Back panels together with their wrong sides facing each other.
2. Using your Seafoam Green (MC) yarn and starting at one top corner, single crochet (sc) evenly around the sides and bottom of the purse, working through both layers to join them. Leave the top edge open.
3. When you reach the top corners, work 2 sc in each corner stitch to help maintain the shape and create a nice, defined corner.
4. Continue sc around the other side and bottom until you return to the starting point. Fasten off.

Creating the Strap

This simple, sturdy strap is the perfect finishing touch.

1. With your Seafoam Green (MC) yarn, chain (ch) 120. (You can adjust this number to make your strap longer or shorter.)
2. Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across.
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Attaching the Strap

1. Using your yarn needle and the long tail from the strap, whip stitch the ends of the strap securely to the inside top corners of the purse.
2. Make sure to sew through both the strap and the purse fabric several times to ensure it's very secure and can hold weight.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all remaining loose ends with your yarn needle to give your purse a clean, professional finish.
2. Optional: For extra structure and to prevent small items from falling through the stitches, you can sew a fabric lining to the inside of the purse. Simply cut a piece of fabric to fit the interior, fold over the top edge, and hand-sew it in place.

Your beautiful Seafoam Drift Shell Purse is now complete! This textured, coastal accessory is perfect for carrying your summer essentials. The combination of the fan stitch and the sea-glass color palette creates a truly unique, handcrafted piece that you'll be proud to show off. Enjoy your new favorite bag!