The Gilded Thistle Evening Bag: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Art Deco-Inspired Purse

The Gilded Thistle Evening Bag: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Art Deco-Inspired Purse

Elevate your evening wear with this sophisticated crochet bag, featuring a rich tapestry of post stitches and a subtle, geometric thistle motif. The structured shape and luxurious color palette create a timeless accessory that feels both modern and heirloom-quality. This free pattern is designed for confident beginners who want to explore post stitches and create a stunning, textured accessory.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - Deep Aubergine (approx 200 yds)
  • Contrast Color (CC) - Antique Gold (approx 100 yds)
• Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving ends and sewing
• Gauge: 16 sts x 12 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes

The bag is worked in the round from the bottom up. The thistle motif is created using front post and back post stitches. A stitch marker is recommended to track the beginning of rounds.

Bag Bottom

With MC, make a magic ring.

• Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc here and throughout), work 11 hdc into ring, sl st to top of ch 2 to join. (12 sts)
• Round 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 sts)
• Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (36 sts)
• Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (48 sts)
• Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)

Fasten off MC.

Bag Body

• Round 6: Join CC with a sl st in any st. Ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 7: Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 8: Repeat Round 7.
• Round 9: With MC, ch 2, *hdc in next 4 sts, fpdc around next st (this will be the center of the thistle), hdc in next 5 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 10: With MC, ch 2, *hdc in next 3 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next st, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 4 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 11: With MC, ch 2, *hdc in next 2 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 3 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 3 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 12: With MC, ch 2, *hdc in next st, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 5 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 13: With CC, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, hdc in next 7 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next st; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 14: With CC, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, hdc in next 7 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next st; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 15: With MC, ch 2, *hdc in next st, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 5 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 16: With MC, ch 2, *hdc in next 2 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 3 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 3 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 17: With MC, ch 2, *hdc in next 3 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next st, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 4 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 18: With MC, ch 2, *hdc in next 4 sts, fpdc around next st, hdc in next 5 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Rounds 19-20: With CC, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)

Fasten off CC.

Bag Top Edging

• Round 21: With MC, ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
• Round 22: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (60 sts)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Handle (make 2)

With MC, ch 101.

• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (100 sc)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (100 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

Fold each handle in half lengthwise and sew the long edges together to create a sturdy strap. Position the handles on opposite sides of the bag opening, about 2 inches from the center. Sew securely using the long tails. Weave in all ends.

Your Gilded Thistle Evening Bag is now complete! The textured post stitches and rich color combination create a stunning accessory perfect for special occasions or a touch of everyday elegance.