Crochet Seashell Bag: A Scallop Shell Purse with Ridged Fans
Two fan-shaped panels with raised ridges, like a scallop shell, joined around the curve with a zip or snap at the top and a slim chain strap. A summer statement bag in about 4 hours.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) cotton, about 150 yd
- Hook
- 4 mm (G-6)
- Time
- About 4 hours
- Finished size
- About 9½ in wide × 5 in tall (24 × 13 cm)
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) cotton — about 150 yd
- 4 mm (G-6) hook
- Magnetic snap
- Chain or crochet strap
- Tapestry needle
In this post
A crochet seashell bag is two fan-shaped panels joined around their curved edge. Each fan is worked in rows that grow from a small base, with ridges made by working into the back loop of every other row — like the ribs of a scallop shell. The straight bottom of each fan becomes the "hinge", and the bag opens at the top of the curve.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Shell panels (make 2)
The panel is a half-circle worked in rows: ch 3 counts as the first dc.
- Row 1: Magic ring, ch 3, 6 dc in the ring. Turn. Don't join. (7)
- Row 2: Ch 3, dc in the same st, 2 dc in each st across. Turn. (14)
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the back loop only of each st — the first ridge. Turn. (14)
- Row 4: Ch 3, dc in the same st, (dc, 2 dc in the next) across, ending with dc. Turn. (21)
- Row 5: Ch 1, sc in the back loop only across. Turn. (21)
- Row 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the next, 2 dc in the next; (dc in the next 2, 2 dc in the next) across. Turn. (28)
- Rows 7–13: Keep alternating: a back-loop sc row, then a dc row adding 7 stitches evenly (Row 8: 35, Row 10: 42, Row 12: 49). Finish with a back-loop sc row. (49)
Assembly
- Hold the two fans wrong sides together.
- Starting at one end of the straight edge, sc through both layers across the straight edge (the bottom hinge) and around the curve — about one third of the way up each side.
- Leave the top third of the curve open for the opening. Sc around each panel's open edge separately.
- Sew a magnetic snap at the centre of the opening.
- Attach a chain strap, or a 3-stitch crochet strap of about 44 in, at each end of the opening.
Make it extra shell-like
| Detail | How |
|---|---|
| Scalloped edge | Around the curve: (sc, skip 1, 5 dc in the next, skip 1) repeat |
| Pearl | Sew a large faux pearl or wooden bead at the hinge |
| Colours | Cream, blush, coral or a pale blue ombré |
| Firmness | Hold two strands on a 5 mm hook for a stiffer shell |
Another sculptural shape: the donut bag. Complete the beach look with the crochet starfish charm and the crochet beach bag.
Common questions
How do you make ridges on a crochet shell bag?
Work every other row in single crochet in the back loop only. The unworked front loops stand up as ridges, like the ribs of a scallop shell.
How big is a crochet seashell bag?
About 9½ inches wide and 5 inches tall with 13 rows. Each extra pair of rows adds about ¾ inch to the height and 1½ inches to the width.
Can I make a seashell bag without a snap?
Yes. Add a small button and a chain loop, or use a short zip across the opening.
Pearl or no pearl on yours? 🐚
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