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Accordion Bag Pattern

Accordion Bag Pattern
4.0★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.7K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Accordion Bag Pattern

This pattern creates a pleated accordion-style shoulder bag using narrow striped bands joined together. It uses foundation cord and single crochet rows to form neat bands that are joined to build the bag body. The pattern includes instructions for large and small sizes, strap finishing and assembly for a polished result.

Accordion Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for creating a handmade accessory with bold stripes and structured pleats. Youll learn joining techniques and how to fold the bands to create the accordion effect.

Why You'll Love This Accordion Bag Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple single crochet stitches into a structured, pleated accessory that looks far more intricate than it actually is. I enjoy the rhythm of making long foundation cords and watching the striped bands come together as a garment-like piece. The joining technique is clever and creates a clean inside and outside finish, which always makes me proud of the final result. Its also versatile so I can easily change colors and sizes to make unique gifts or matches for different outfits.

Accordion Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Accordion Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Accordion Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Accordion Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easily this pattern adapts to color changes; try alternating pastels for a soft spring version or bold jewel tones for a statement bag.

You can change the size by adjusting the foundation cord stitch count or by swapping yarn weight and hook size; thicker yarn with a larger hook makes a chunkier pleated bag.

I often make a mini keychain version by using thinner yarn and reducing the stitch counts proportionally to create a tiny accordion pouch.

Consider adding embroidered initials or small appliques to one of the colored bands to personalize the bag for gifts.

For a more secure closure, swap the leather drawstring for a crocheted cord or add a button and loop at the top center.

I sometimes line the bag with a lightweight fabric to protect the interior and give extra structure; hand-sew the lining in before finishing the seam.

You can make the strap adjustable by adding metal slider hardware or by crocheting a longer strap and knotting it inside to the desired length.

If you want a slouchier look, use a cotton blend with more drape and skip tightening the foundation cord too much.

To create a two-tone strap, join two narrow straps together or crochet the strap in contrasting colors for a pop of detail.

Try varying the band width by doubling or halving foundation stitch counts for some bands to create an asymmetrical striped pattern that still folds nicely.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers along the foundation cord causes misplacement of strap and body sections; place markers on the 60th (large) or 40th (small) stitch from both ends to mark strap placement and keep alignment. ✗ Not leaving long enough tails when starting foundation cords will make seaming and joining difficult; leave the long tails specified (for example 4m/158inch or 2m/79inch) so you have enough yarn for finishing. ✗ Failing to align the correct stitch counts when joining bands causes uneven joins or gaps; align the specified stitch (for example align the 61st sc of BAND 01 to the first sc of BAND 02 for large size) and count carefully before crocheting bands together. ✗ Forgetting to fold the bands as instructed will prevent the accordion pleat effect; follow the fold, loop and flip steps exactly so the bands sit with the foundation rows inside and the top rows aligned. ✗ Pulling the foundation cord too tightly will distort the width and make joining awkward; maintain even, moderate tension while creating the foundation cord and in the first rows to keep band width consistent.

Accordion Bag Pattern

Make a colorful accordion-style crochet bag that folds into neat pleats and features a simple drawstring closure. This pattern uses foundation cord technique and single crochet rows to create striped bands that are joined for a pleated body. Youll get step-by-step instructions for large and small sizes, plus assembly and strap finishing tips to complete a polished handmade bag.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Accordion Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight 100% Cotton yarn (as specified in materials) - multiple colors used for BAND 01 through BAND 12 as shown in diagrams

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 3.5mm
  • 02
    90cm/36inch leather string (Large bag)
  • 03
    60cm/24inch leather string (Small bag)
  • 04
    Yarn needle
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Stitch markers

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Intro :

Info :

MATERIALS Worsted weight 100% Cotton yarn Crochet hook 3.5mm 90cm/36inch leather string (Large bag) 60cm/24inch leather string (Small bag) Yam needle, scissors, stitch markers

Info :

SKILLS REQUIRED Crocheting foundation cord, chain and single crochet stitch.

Info :

ABBREVIATIONS Sc = Single crochet Ch = Chain

— Part 1 :

BASE ROW :

The first base row of each BAND is crocheted by 'Foundation cord'.

Step 1 :

Slip knot. (Leave a tail about 3 times longer of the desired foundation length).

Step 2 :

Tail over hook from front to back. Yarn over(yo).

Step 3 :

Draw through tail loop(lp).

Info :

Leave the markers on the 60th stitch from the both end of BAND 01 and BAND 12. (indication of the body part and the strap of the bag)

— Part 2 - BAND 01 :

BASE ROW :

Leave a 4m/158inch long tail and crochet Foundation cord 251, turn. (251)

Row 1 :

Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord as shown in the picture, turn. (251)

Row 2-5 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (251)

Row 6 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, fasten off. (251)

— Part 3 - BAND 02 :

BASE ROW :

Leave a 2m/79inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 131, turn (131)

Row 1 :

Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn. (131)

Row 2-5 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (131)

Row 6 :

Place BAND 01(foundation row facing up) in front of BAND 02. (Align 61st sc of BAND 01 to first sc of BAND 02, and crochet 2 BANDs together.) Sc 60 and follow as below.

Step :

Draw a long loop of the 60th sc and remove the hook.

Step :

Unfold the BANDs and bring the loop to the front.

Step :

Fold the BANDs inside out. (The BANDs are now flipped over.)

Step :

Sc 11.

Step :

Draw a long loop of the 11th sc and remove the hook.

Step :

Unfold the BANDs and bring the loop to the front.

Step :

Fold the BANDs inside out bringing the back to the original.

Step :

Sc 60, fasten off leaving the tail about 5cm/2.5inch long.

— Part 4 :

Info :

HOW IT LOOKS WHEN BAND 01 & BAND 02 ARE JOINED - OUTSIDE OF THE BAG and INSIDE OF THE BAG (see photos).

BAND 03 BASE ROW :

Leave a 2m/79inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 131, turn (131)

Row 1 :

Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the back loop of the foundation cord, turn. (131)

Row 2-5 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (131)

Row 6 :

Place BAND 02(foundation row facing up) in front of BAND 03. Sc in each sc of these two bands together and fasten off.

Info :

BAND 04 ~ BAND 11 You can repeat BAND 02 for even numbered BANDs, and repeat BAND 03 for odd numbered BANDs.

— Part 5 - BAND 12 :

BASE ROW :

Leave a 4m/158inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 251, turn (251)

Row 1 :

Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn. (251)

Row 2-5 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (251)

Row 6 :

Sc 60, place BAND 11 in front of BAND 12 (Align first sc of BAND 11 to 61st sc of BAND 12, and crochet 2 BANDs together.) Sc 60, fold inside out sc 11, fold back to the original and sc 60, fasten off.

Row 7 :

(Work through the top row of the BAND 12.) Skip the first 60 sc(bag strap), sc 131 across(bag body) and fasten off leaving the tail 80cm/32inch long.

— Part 6 - Assemble :

Seaming BAND 01 :

Use the same color yarn of BAND 01. (80cm/32inch long) Fold the bag in half(inside facing out), and seam the edge of the body part of the bag.

Seaming BAND 12 :

Use the long tail that was left at the end. Seam the edge of the body part of the bag. Weave in all the ends, shape the bag folding as shown in the picture.

Strap (2) :

Place the strap ends overlapping 20 sc long, seam both side of the edge. Put the drawstring into the bag as shown in the picture, tie up and finish.

— Part 7 - Small Size :

BAND 01 BASE ROW :

Leave a 2.4m/95inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 169, turn. (169) Leave the markers on the 40th stitch from the end on both sides.

Row 1 :

Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn. (169)

Row 2-4 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (169)

Row 5 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, fasten off. (169)

BAND 02 BASE ROW :

Leave a 1.3m/51inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 89, turn. (89)

Row 2-4 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (89)

Row 5 :

Place BAND 01(foundation row facing up) in front of BAND 02. (Align 41st sc of BAND 01 to the first sc of BAND 02, and crochet 2 BANDs together.) Sc 40, fold inside out sc 9 and fold back to the original sc 40, fasten off. (89)

BAND 03 BASE ROW :

Leave a 1.3m/51inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 89, turn. (89)

Row 2-4 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (89)

Row 5 :

Place BAND 02 in front of the BAND 03, sc these two BANDs together, fasten off. (89)

Info :

BAND 04 ~ 11 You can repeat BAND 02 for even numbered BANDs, and repeat BAND 03 for odd numbered BANDs.

BAND 12 BASE ROW :

Leave a 2.4m/95inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 169, turn. (169) Leave the markers on the 40th stitch from the end on both sides.

Row 1 :

Ch 1, Sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn. (169)

Row 2-4 :

Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn. (169)

Row 5 :

Sc 40, place BAND 11 in front of BAND 12. (Align first sc of BAND 11 to the 41st sc of BAND 12, and crochet 2 BANDs together.) Sc 40, fold inside out sc 9, fold back to the original and sc 40, fasten off.

Row 6 :

(Work through the top row of BAND 12.) Skip the first 40 sc(bag strap), sc 89 across(bag body) and fasten off leaving a 60cm/24inch long tail. Assemble: You can follow the Large bag pattern to seam the body edge of the bag. Place the strap ends overlapping 15 sc long, seam both side of the edge. Put the drawstring into the bag, tie up and finish.

Assembly Instructions

  • Use the same color yarn of BAND 01 (about 80cm/32inch long). Fold the bag in half inside out and seam the edge of the body part of the bag to close the side seam.
  • Use the long tail left at the end of BAND 12 to seam the other edge of the body part, then weave in all ends and shape the bag by folding into pleats as shown in the photos.
  • Place the strap ends overlapping (20 sc for large size, 15 sc for small size as noted), then seam both sides of the strap edge securely so the strap is stable.
  • Insert the leather drawstring into the bag through the top row openings (work through the top row of BAND 12), tie up and finish the drawstring ends as shown in the pictures.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the 60th stitch for the large size (and the 40th stitch for the small size) to indicate strap placement and to keep band alignment consistent.
  • 💡Leave the long tails indicated for foundation cords and final rows (for example 4m/158inch or 2m/79inch) to allow enough yarn for seaming and finishing.
  • 💡Fold the bands and perform the loop-and-flip steps exactly as shown to create the accordion pleats before seaming the bag.
  • 💡Weave in ends as you go when possible to keep the interior neat and to make final finishing quicker.

This accordion bag pattern is a joyful mix of color and texture that becomes a favorite handmade accessory. It uses simple single crochet and foundation cord techniques to make striking pleated stripes. Make one for yourself or customize colors for thoughtful, stylish gifts. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag size depends on large or small instructions: the large bands use foundation cord count 251 across the body, and the small size uses foundation cord counts shown (for example 169 for BAND01 small). Exact dimensions vary with tension and yarn choice.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the final size and drape; adjust your hook size accordingly and make a tension swatch so the band widths remain consistent for joining.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses foundation cord, long foundation rows, joining two bands together, and folding techniques; familiarity with single crochet and foundation chains is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete the project in about 5-7 hours depending on experience, band length and how many color changes you manage in a session.