Navy blue and a crisp nautical bow just scream summer sailing vibes. This structured bucket handbag with basketweave texture and a show-stopping layered bow (complete with tiny anchor) looks like it came straight from a boutique. You get polished enough for brunch and playful enough for the boardwalk in one project. Ready to make a bag that actually stops strangers in their tracks?
About This Navy Nautical Bow Handbag Crochet Pattern
This intermediate pattern builds a structured oval-base bucket handbag with gorgeous basketweave texture on the body. Double handles, a cinched drawstring top, and that layered bow with a crocheted anchor at the center give it serious visual impact.
Finished size lands around 9 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall by 4 inches deep, with a handle rise of about 5 inches. Perfect for phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and a few extras without turning into a suitcase.
You work the oval base in joined rounds, then build the basketweave body upward. An eyelet round creates the cinched top. Handles, bow, and anchor come next as separate pieces you sew on during finishing. Expect 8 to 12 relaxed hours of crocheting plus blocking time. Totally worth it when the finished bag looks this good.
Materials You Will Need
Grab everything before you start. Nothing kills momentum like realizing you’re short on yarn halfway through the basketweave.
Yarn:
- Navy: 330 to 380 yards of bulky cotton, tube yarn, or doubled worsted cotton
- Cream: 25 to 35 yards for the bow edging and anchor accent
Hooks: US H/8 (5 mm) for the bag body and US G/6 (4 mm) for the anchor and neat edging.
Notions: 2 stitch markers, yarn needle, removable pins, measuring tape, scissors. Optional stitch counter if you like counting less.
Optional structure: 8 x 4 inch plastic canvas insert for the base and two pieces of 3/8 inch cotton rope for padded handles.
Optional lining: 1/4 yard cotton fabric plus a magnetic snap or small drawstring stopper.
Yarn that actually works: Hobbii Ribbon or similar cotton tube yarn for a firm sculptural feel, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton held double for crisp texture, or Bernat Maker Home Dec for soft-but-sturdy results. Aim for smooth, low-stretch yarn that creates dense fabric. If your swatch feels loose, drop a hook size. If it fights you, go up one.
Gauge
Gauge matters here because you want this bag to hold its shape instead of looking like a sad deflated balloon.
Basketweave gauge: 16 stitches and 14 joined rounds = 4 inches after firm blocking.
Single crochet gauge: 18 sc and 20 rows = 4 inches.
Make a basketweave swatch at least 5 inches square. Match both stitch and round gauge before you begin. Dense fabric is what gives the handbag its structured look.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses US terms. US single crochet equals UK double crochet, and US double crochet equals UK treble.
Key abbreviations you’ll see: beg, BLO, BPdc, ch, dc, FPdc, inc, rep, rnd, RS, sc, sc2tog, sk, sl st, sp, st/sts, WS.
Special Stitches
Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then finish the double crochet. The post sits raised on the right side.
Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc): Same idea but insert from back to front to back so the post recedes.
Basketweave Block: Work 4 FPdc, 4 BPdc for three rounds, then reverse to 4 BPdc, 4 FPdc for the next three. Raised woven squares appear like a real basket.
Invisible Join: Fasten off, thread the tail, insert under both loops of the second stitch, then back into the center of the final stitch. The edge looks seamless.
Reverse Single Crochet (Crab Stitch): Work single crochet in the opposite direction for a neat, corded edge.
Left-handed makers follow the same counts. Your spiral and crab stitch directions simply mirror. Place the bow at front center once the bag is done.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution close-up of hands working front post and back post double crochet stitches in navy blue yarn creating basketweave texture on a handbag body, dense raised woven squares clearly visible, soft natural daylight, ultra sharp focus on the post stitches and yarn texture, professional craft photography style orientation is landscape layout is block
Bag Base Instructions
Grab navy yarn and the 5 mm hook. Work in joined rounds.
Round 1: Chain 17. Work 2 sc in the 2nd chain from hook, sc in the next 14, 4 sc in the last chain. Continue along the opposite side with sc 14, then 2 sc in the first chain. Join. (36 sc)
Continue increasing through Round 9 until you reach 96 stitches. The pattern builds evenly around the oval so the base stays flat and proportional.
Checkpoint: Your base should measure about 8.25 by 4.25 inches after light steam blocking. If it is way off, check gauge and adjust the hook before you keep going.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution overhead shot of a completed oval navy blue crochet handbag base measuring approximately 8.25 by 4.25 inches, even single crochet increases visible, lying flat on a light wooden surface with measuring tape nearby, soft natural light, ultra realistic yarn texture and stitch definition, professional product photography orientation is landscape layout is block
Bag Body Instructions
This is where the magic happens. The basketweave texture turns a plain cylinder into something special.
Round 10: Ch 1, sc in the back loop only around. Join. That crisp edge marks where the base meets the body.
Round 11: Regular single crochet around.
Then alternate blocks of FPdc and BPdc for the next 18 rounds—three rounds of 4 FPdc / 4 BPdc, three rounds of the reverse, and repeat. The raised squares build that classic woven look.
After the texture section, work a plain single crochet round, then the eyelet round that creates the drawstring holes: alternating double crochets and chain spaces. Finish with another single crochet round and a reverse single crochet edge for a polished top.
Checkpoint before the eyelet: the body should measure about 7.5 inches tall from the base edge and 24 inches around the top when laid open.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution side view of the navy blue crochet handbag body rising from the oval base with clear basketweave texture of raised front and back post stitches, soft workshop lighting highlighting the dimensional fabric, ultra sharp stitch details, professional craft photography style orientation is landscape layout is block
Handles, Drawstring, Bow, and Anchor
Handles (make 2): Chain 9 and work 48 rows of 8 single crochet. Wrap around rope if you want padding or fold lengthwise. Whipstitch the long edges, curve into handle shape, and sew the ends securely over the upper body rounds about 3 inches apart on each side.
Drawstring: Chain 125 and slip stitch in the back bump of each chain for a rounded cord. Weave it through the eyelet round, entering and exiting at front center. Knot the ends or add tiny tassels.
Bow Loops: Chain 35 and work 18 rows of single crochet. Edge the whole rectangle with cream single crochet. Cinch the center tightly with navy yarn to form the classic bow shape.
Bow Tails (make 2): Chain 17 and work 10 rows of single crochet, then shape a notched end. Edge with cream and sew the tails under the bow loops.
Anchor Accent: Using cream yarn and the smaller hook, crochet a tiny anchor about 1.75 inches tall—shank, flukes, crossbar, and a small ring at the top. Sew it right onto the cinched center of the bow.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution close-up of a layered navy blue crochet bow with cream edging and a small cream crocheted anchor sewn at the center, attached to the front of a nautical handbag, soft natural light catching the texture, ultra realistic yarn and stitch details, professional product photography orientation is landscape layout is block
Finishing and Assembly
Follow this order so everything sits neatly:
- Block the bag body lightly
- Sew handle ends through several layers
- Weave the drawstring through the eyelet round
- Pin the bow at front center
- Sew bow tails first, then the loops on top
- Attach the anchor accent
- Weave in every tail inside the bag
For blocking, shape the base flat and stuff the body with towels. Steam lightly without crushing the basketweave. Let it dry completely before adding the bow.
Optional lining: Trace the bag shape, sew a simple bucket lining, and hand-stitch it just below the eyelet round so the drawstring still moves freely.
Size tweaks are easy. Add or remove base increase rounds in multiples of 8 for width. Add or remove basketweave rounds in sets of three for height. Lengthen the handle strips for a higher rise.
Spot clean with cool water and mild soap. Press out moisture in a towel, reshape, and air dry flat. Never hang it while wet or the bag stretches out of shape.
render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution lifestyle photograph of the finished Navy Blue Nautical Bow Handbag with basketweave texture, double handles, cinched drawstring top, layered navy and cream bow with tiny anchor accent, sitting on a light wooden surface near a window with soft coastal light, ultra sharp details on every stitch and texture, professional product photography, cinematic composition orientation is landscape layout is block
FAQ’s
Is this pattern really intermediate?
Yes. The individual stitches are not hard, but you need solid post stitches, joined rounds, and neat finishing for the bow and handles. If you already know front and back post double crochet, you will feel comfortable quickly.
Can I use regular worsted yarn instead of bulky or tube yarn?
You can if you hold it double. The fabric needs to stay dense and low-stretch so the bag holds its structure. Single-stranded worsted usually turns out too soft and drapey.
My basketweave texture does not line up. What happened?
The body stitch count must stay at 96 and divisible by 8. A missed stitch in one round throws the entire pattern off. Count carefully at the end of each round before you join.
How do I keep the bow from drooping?
Add a small piece of felt or plastic canvas behind the bow center, or sew extra anchoring stitches through the top loop edges. A little internal support keeps it looking crisp all day.
Do I have to add the plastic canvas base?
No, but it helps the bag stand upright and keeps the oval shape. Without it the base can soften over time, especially if you carry heavier items.
Can I skip the cream edging on the bow?
You can, but the cream outline makes the bow pop against the navy body. That little contrast is what gives the whole bag its polished nautical look. IMO it is worth the extra few minutes.
Final Thoughts on This Nautical Handbag Crochet Pattern
This Navy Blue Nautical Bow Handbag delivers everything you want in a handmade accessory—structure, texture, and that perfect playful bow with its tiny anchor. The basketweave feels satisfying under your fingers, and the finished bag looks expensive enough to turn heads. Whether you are headed to the coast or just want a standout everyday bag, this one earns its place in your rotation. Now grab that navy yarn and start stitching. You are going to love carrying this one.
