Crochet Star Stitch Bag: A Textured Tote in the Marguerite Stitch
The star (marguerite) stitch makes a thick, puffy fabric of little stars — perfect for a bag that won't sag. Learn the stitch step by step on one flat rectangle, then fold, seam and add handles.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) cotton blend, about 320 yd
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- About 7 hours
- Finished size
- About 10 × 10 in (25 × 25 cm), plus handles
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) cotton blend — about 320 yd
- 5 mm (H-8) hook
- Wooden or bamboo bag handles (optional)
- Tapestry needle
In this post
The star stitch (also called the marguerite stitch) is a cluster of six loops pulled through at once and closed with a chain "eye". Each star shares loops with the one before, so the fabric is thick, firm and slightly puffy — ideal for a bag that keeps its shape. Rows of stars alternate with rows of half double crochet (two in each eye). This tote is one rectangle folded in half.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
The star stitch, step by step
- First star: Pull up a loop in each of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th chains from the hook — 6 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 6. Ch 1 to close it; this ch is the "eye".
- Every next star: Pull up a loop in the eye just made, one in the back of the last loop of the previous star, and one in the same chain or stitch as that last loop. Pull up a loop in each of the next 2 stitches — 6 loops. Yarn over, pull through all 6, ch 1.
- Each star after the first moves along 2 stitches. That's why the foundation needs an even chain.
The bag
- Row 1 (stars): Ch 42. Work the first star into chains 2–6, then 18 more stars across. (19 stars)
- Row 2 (hdc): Ch 2 (doesn't count), turn. 2 hdc in each eye across, then 1 hdc in the last stitch. (39 hdc)
- Row 3 (stars): Ch 3, turn. Pull up a loop in the 2nd and 3rd ch from the hook and in each of the first 3 hdc (6 loops), complete the star. Work 18 more stars across. (19 stars)
- Rows 4–52: Repeat Rows 2 and 3, ending with a Row 2. The piece should be about 20 in long.
Assembly and handles
- Fold the rectangle in half, Row 1 to Row 52, right side out.
- Sc through both layers up each side seam.
- Sc around the top opening, then 1 round of sl st.
- Crochet handles (make 2): Ch 7, sc 6 per row for about 22 in; sew 2 in in from each side, inside the top edge.
- Or wooden handles: Fold the top 1 in over each handle and whipstitch it down.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Fabric too tight to pull through 6 loops | Pull each loop up to the height of the hook, or go up a hook size |
| Rows getting narrower | You've missed the last hdc at the end of Row 2 |
| Stars leaning | Normal for star stitch; blocking the finished bag evens them out |
Star stitch eats yarn — about 30% more than half double crochet. Plan with the yarn calculator guide. For a lighter textured bag, try the suzette stitch; for a puffier one, the puff stitch.
Common questions
What is the crochet star stitch?
A cluster stitch where you pull up six loops — including two shared with the previous star — and close them with a chain "eye". Rows of stars alternate with rows of 2 hdc in each eye.
Is the star stitch good for bags?
Yes. It's thick and firm, so the bag holds its shape and contents don't poke through. It uses more yarn than plain stitches.
Why does the star stitch need an even chain?
The first star uses five chains and each following star moves along two, so the total must be even to end with a complete star.
Have you tried the star stitch before? ⭐
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