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Dusty Rose Bucket Bag in Shell-Fan Stitch

Dusty rose bucket bag worked in shell-fan stitch, with crochet roses and picot edging. US and UK stitch terms both given.

Dusty Rose Bucket Bag in Shell-Fan Stitch
Skill
Intermediate to Advanced
Time
20-30 hours
Yarn weight
Worsted (Aran)
Hook
4.0 mm

Intermediate to Advanced

What the original write-up called it. Nothing here is graded again.

Worsted (Aran)

What the sample was worked in. Any weight works; the size moves with it.

20-30 hours

What the original page reckoned. Your own pace is the one that matters.

About this pattern

This pattern produces a cylindrical crocheted bucket bag with a shell-fan stitch body, seven rolled crochet roses, a scalloped picot edge, and a beaded drawstring closure, finished to 8.5 inches tall and 22 inches around. Rated intermediate to advanced, it requires comfort working in the round, dividing stitch counts evenly, and assembling three-dimensional pieces. Total crochet time runs 20 to 30 hours, plus 2 to 4 hours for hand-sewn lining.

This bucket bag belongs to the shell-fan family of crochet stitches, where clusters of stitches worked into the same point fan open to create a lace-like, almost openwork surface. Worked in single crochet (UK: double crochet) for the base and plain sections, the body alternates with blocks of shell-fan texture, giving the cylinder its lace-like surface. Seven dimensional roses, a scalloped picot edge, and a beaded drawstring finish the exterior, turning a straightforward crocheted cylinder into a piece that reads as considerably more elaborate than its stitch count suggests.

Construction starts at the base, worked in continuous rounds with standard increases until the circle reaches its finished diameter, then moves straight into the body: a lower single crochet section, four rounds of shell-fan stitch, an upper single crochet section, a drawstring eyelet round, and a picot edging round. The seven roses are worked flat as increasing petal strips, rolled into spirals, and stitched to the exterior afterwards; two folded tabs hold the D-rings for the strap. A fabric lining and a stiffened base circle are added at assembly, not during the crochet itself.

Materials

  • Main Color (MC): Dusty rose or antique pink, approximately 400 yards of worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn
  • Contrast Color (CC): Light blush pink, approximately 80 yards of the same weight for the roses and drawstring cord

My yarn recommendations

  • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Dusty Pink and Ecru works beautifully. The mercerized finish gives excellent stitch definition.
  • Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK held to a tighter gauge also performs well.
  • Drops Paris in Old Rose and Light Old Rose offers an affordable matte option.
  • Stick with smooth, tightly-spun cotton. Avoid fuzzy yarns like mohair blends because they’ll obscure that gorgeous shell texture.
  • US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) for the body and roses
  • US Size E/4 (3.5 mm) optional for tighter rose centers
  • Stitch markers (at least 4)
  • Tapestry needle
  • Scissors
  • Fabric for lining (1/4 yard cotton canvas or quilting cotton)
  • Sewing needle and thread
  • 2 gold D-rings, 3/4 inch
  • 2 gold swivel clasps, 3/4 inch
  • 1 adjustable vegan leather shoulder strap, 47 to 51 inches
  • 6 to 8 pink seed beads or pearl beads
  • 2 small gold bead caps (optional)
  • Thin cardboard or plastic canvas circle, 6.75 inches diameter
  • Fabric glue or hot glue

The list is the pattern's own wording.

Instructions

Every round is printed as the pattern wrote it, brackets and all. Open the key beside a round to see only the short forms that round uses.

3D Crochet Rose

Each rose is worked flat as a strip of increasing petals, then rolled and stitched into a dimensional bloom.

Foundation: Using CC, chain 26.

  1. Round 1

    Starting in the 2nd chain from hook, work (sc, hdc) in first chain, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next chain, then (hdc, dc, dc, hdc) in each of the next 5 chains, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next chain, (hdc, sc) in next chain. Continue with larger petals: (dc, tr, tr, dc) in each of the next 4 chains, (dc, tr, dc) in next chain, sc in the last chain. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.Assembly: Starting at the small-petal end, roll the strip tightly to form the center. Continue rolling more loosely as the petals get larger. Use the tail to stitch through the base several times to secure the spiral. Your finished rose should measure about 1.75 to 2 inches in diameter.

    Key4
    hdc
    half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
    dc
    double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops
    tr
    treble crochet: yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through 2 loops three times

The Base

Work in continuous rounds with MC. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round and move it up as you work. Do not join unless instructed.

  1. Round 1

    MR, work 6 sc into ring, pull ring closed. (6 sc)

    Key2
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
    MR
    magic ring: an adjustable starting loop
  2. Round 2

    2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  3. Round 3

    2 sc in next st, sc in next st; rep from around. (18 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  4. Round 4

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts; rep from around. (24 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  5. Round 5

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts; rep from around. (30 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  6. Round 6

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts; rep from around. (36 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  7. Round 7

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts; rep from around. (42 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  8. Round 8

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts; rep from around. (48 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  9. Round 9

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts; rep from around. (54 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  10. Round 10

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts; rep from around. (60 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  11. Round 11

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts; rep from around. (66 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  12. Round 12

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts; rep from around. (72 sc) Checkpoint: Your base should measure approximately 5 inches in diameter and lie perfectly flat. If it cups upward, your tension is too tight. If it ruffles, your tension is too loose.

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  13. Round 13

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts; rep from around. (78 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  14. Round 14

    2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 sts; rep from around. (84 sc) Important: 84 is divisible by 6, which is essential for the shell-fan stitch. Count carefully before continuing. Your base should now measure approximately 6.75 to 7 inches in diameter.

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops

D-Ring Attachment Tabs (make 2)

Using MC, chain 10.

  1. Round 1

    Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. Turn. (9 sc)

    Key2
    ch
    chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  2. Rounds 2–4

    Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (9 sc) Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail. Fold the tab in half through the D-ring. Sew the tab securely to the inside top edge of the bag at each side.

    Key2
    ch
    chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops

Body: Lower Single Crochet Section

  1. Round 15

    Working in BLO only, sc in each st around. (84 sc) This creates a visible fold line where the base meets the sides.

    Key2
    BLO
    back loop only
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  2. Rounds 16–18

    Working in both loops, sc in each st around. (84 sc each round) Checkpoint: The straight body should measure approximately 0.75 inch above the base fold line.

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops

Body: Shell-Fan Stitch Section

  1. Round 19

    Setup Sc in each st around. (84 sc)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  2. Round 20

    Shell-Fan A Sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from 13 more times. Join with sl st to first sc. (14 shells, 14 sc anchors)

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on hook
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
    dc
    double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops
    sk
    skip
  3. Round 21

    Shell-Fan B Ch 3, 2 dc in same st as join, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, 5 dc in next sc anchor; rep from 12 more times, sc in 3rd dc of last shell, 2 dc in same st as beg ch-3. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3.

    Key5
    sl st
    slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on hook
    rep
    repeat
    ch
    chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
    dc
    double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops
  4. Rounds 22–29

    Continue alternating Shell-Fan A and B rounds as established. Checkpoint: After Round 29, the shell-fan section should measure approximately 4 inches tall.

Body: Upper Single Crochet Section

  1. Round 30

    Working into the shell structure, sc in sc anchor, sc in first dc of shell, sc in center (3rd) dc of shell, sc in 5th dc of shell; rep from 13 more times. (56 sc)This round decreases your stitch count, creating a gentle taper.

    Key3
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
    dc
    double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops
  2. Round 31

    Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from 7 more times. (64 sc)

    Key2
    rep
    repeat
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  3. (64)
    Rounds 32–33

    Sc in each st around. (64 sc each round)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops

Drawstring Eyelet Round

  1. Round 34

    Eyelet Rnd Sc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts; rep from 15 more times. Join with sl st to first sc. (16 sc, 16 ch-2 spaces)

    Key6
    sl st
    slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on hook
    rnd
    round
    rep
    repeat
    ch
    chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
    sk
    skip
  2. Round 35

    Restore count Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in ch-2 sp; rep from 15 more times. (64 sc)

    Key3
    rep
    repeat
    ch
    chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
  3. Rounds 36–38

    Sc in each st around. (64 sc each round) Checkpoint: Total height from base fold line should measure 7.5 to 8 inches.

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops

Scallop Picot Edging

  1. Round 39

    Sl st in next 2 sts, ch 3, sl st back into the first ch of the ch-3 just made (picot complete), sl st in the same st as last sl st before picot; rep from around. Join with sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.

    Key3
    sl st
    slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on hook
    rep
    repeat
    ch
    chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook

You’ll have 32 picot points around the opening.

Small Rosebud (for drawstring ends)

Using CC, chain 14. Work Row 1 as: (sc, hdc, dc) in first chain, (dc, hdc, sc) in next chain, (hdc, dc, dc, hdc) in each of the next 3 chains, (dc, hdc) in next chain, sc in last chain. Roll tightly and stitch to secure. Each rosebud measures about 0.75 inch.

Making up

  1. Step 1Cut a fabric circle 7.5 inches in diameter and a rectangle 23 inches by 9.5 inches.
  2. Step 2Sew the rectangle into a tube, attach the circle base, and fold the top edge down 0.5 inch. Insert the lining into the bag and slip stitch to the inside along the top edge.
  3. Step 3Insert a cardboard or plastic canvas circle into the bottom for structure.
  4. Step 4Attach your adjustable strap by clipping the swivel clasps onto the D-rings.

Notes from the pattern

  • The G/6 (4.0 mm) hook is used for the whole body and the roses; the E/4 (3.5 mm) hook is only needed if a tighter, more compact rose centre is wanted.
  • least four stitch markers are required to track the continuous round start on the base and body, since nothing is joined unless the pattern states otherwise.
  • Two separate gauges apply: 18 single crochet stitches by 20 rows to 4 inches for the plain sections, and one shell-fan repeat (6 stitches) to about 1.33 inches with 3 rows to about 1 inch for the textured body; both affect whether the base lies flat and the circumference matches 22 inches.
  • The contrast colour yarn (about 80 yards) covers all seven roses, the small rosebuds on the drawstring ends, and the twisted drawstring cord itself, so it is worth weighing remaining yarn before starting the last rose.

The essentials

Rounds
30
Parts
9
Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Time
20-30 hours
Hook
4.0 mm
Yarn
Worsted (Aran)

Stitches you will use

  • Shell-fan stitch repeats Used across the four-round Shell-Fan Stitch Section; each repeat is six stitches wide, so the stitch count entering this section must divide evenly by six or the fans won't line up.
  • Continuous rounds with incremental increases Used throughout The Base's fourteen rounds; keep the stitch marker moving at the round start and check the stitch count after every round so the circle stays flat rather than rippling or cupping.
  • Rolled spiral petals for dimensional roses Used for the 3D Crochet Rose, worked flat from a single 26-chain foundation; roll the small-petal end tightly first and loosen the roll as petals widen, then secure firmly through the base with the tail.

Troubleshooting

The base cups or ruffles instead of lying flat.

This usually means the single crochet gauge is off or a round's increase count was missed; check the swatch against 18 sc by 20 rows to 4 inches and recount stitches against the number given at the end of each round.

The shell-fan section doesn't divide into even repeats around the body.

The stitch count carried over from the Lower Single Crochet Section isn't a multiple of six; recount the stitches before starting the Shell-Fan Stitch Section and adjust there rather than mid-repeat.

A finished rose looks flat or the petals come loose after rolling.

The tail wasn't stitched through the base enough times, or the roll started too loosely; roll the small-petal end tightly first, loosen gradually as petals widen, and pass the 12-inch tail through the base several times to lock the spiral.

Substituting yarn

Mercerised cotton, DK weight
Gives sharper stitch definition on the shell-fan repeats and a drapier fabric; needs more yardage than the stated 400/80 yards and a smaller hook closer to E/4 (3.5 mm) to hold gauge, which shrinks the finished size unless stitch counts are scaled up.
Cotton-linen blend, worsted weight
Adds body and a slight sheen to the shell-fan texture but has less stretch than pure cotton, so blocking more firmly is needed to open the fan repeats to the stated 1.33-inch gauge.
Cotton-acrylic blend, worsted weight
Cheaper and machine washable, keeping the same G/6 hook and gauge, but its extra stretch means the cardboard or plastic canvas base circle becomes even more important for holding the bag's shape.

Washing and care

  • Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent and lay flat to dry; cotton holds its shape well, but hanging the wet bag risks stretching the drawstring eyelets and the picot edging.
  • Reshape the damp bag over the cardboard or plastic canvas base circle to help it hold its cylindrical form, then store it stuffed with tissue rather than folded flat, so the shell-fan texture doesn't crease.

FAQs

Questions

Can the bag be made without the fabric lining?

Yes, the lining is a separate assembly step rather than part of the crochet itself. Skipping it saves the 2 to 4 hours of hand-sewing, but the bag will have less internal structure and the base disc may show through.

Why does the shell-fan section need an exact stitch count?

Each repeat uses six stitches, so the count carried into the Shell-Fan Stitch Section must divide evenly by six. If it doesn't, the fan motifs won't match up at the start and end of the round.

Can the roses be worked in the main colour instead of the contrast colour?

Yes, the roses are worked separately from the body and only use contrast colour for visual contrast against the dusty rose main colour. Changing the colour has no effect on the construction, only the finished look.

Is the E/4 hook required, or only the G/6?

The G/6 (4.0 mm) hook is used for the entire body, base, and roses. The E/4 (3.5 mm) hook is listed only as an option for a tighter rose centre.

How much contrast colour yarn is actually needed?

Around 80 yards of contrast colour covers all seven roses, the small rosebuds on the drawstring ends, and the twisted drawstring cord. It is worth weighing what remains before starting the final rose.

These answers came from whoever first published the pattern, kept word for word.