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Mustard yellow circle purse in chunky t-shirt yarn

A chunky single crochet (UK: double crochet) circle purse pattern, naming both US and UK stitch terms.

Mustard yellow circle purse in chunky t-shirt yarn
Skill
Intermediate
Time
6-10 hours
Yarn weight
Super Bulky
Hook
9 mm

Intermediate

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

Super Bulky

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

6-10 hours

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

About this pattern

This is a round t-shirt yarn purse made from two single crochet (UK: double crochet) circles joined by a long single crochet side band that forms the gusset, plus a padded strap section threaded through a gap at the top. It uses a 12mm hook, roughly 200 to 250 grams of t-shirt yarn, a stitch marker for tracking the spiral, and D-rings or clasps for the strap. No lining is needed.

This purse is a single crochet (UK: double crochet) project built from two solid circles that form the front and back of the bag. The stitch is worked in continuous spiral rounds rather than joined rounds, which keeps the fabric flat and gap-free once increases are added evenly. Anyone who has finished a crocheted coaster or the base of a basket already has the core skill set this project needs, since the circle starts the same way, growing outward six stitches at a time.

Construction happens in three separate flat pieces: a front circle, an identical back circle, and a long side band that becomes the gusset. The side band is worked as a straight strip and whip stitched around the edge of each circle, leaving a gap at the top for the opening. A padded strap section is worked separately and threads through that gap, while D-rings or clasps attach it to the finished bag. Each piece is simple on its own; the shaping happens in how they are joined.

Materials

  • T-shirt yarn (also called trapillo or ribbon yarn), approximately 200 to 250 grams
  • Shown in mustard yellow/golden ochre
  • T-shirt yarn comes in varying thicknesses depending on the brand. Aim for a medium weight variety, roughly 7 to 9mm wide when laid flat.
  • 12mm crochet hook (US size P/Q or 17)
  • Your hook size may vary based on your yarn thickness. You want a dense fabric with minimal gaps, so go down a hook size if your stitches look loose.
  • 2 D-rings or swivel clasps for attaching the strap
  • Stitch marker
  • Yarn needle with large eye
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Leather punch or awl (if attaching hardware with rivets)
  • Matching tassel for decorative accent
  • Faux suede or leather scraps for tassel

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.

Front Circle (Make 1)

We are working in continuous rounds with a stitch marker. Do not join at the end of each round. Just keep spiraling.

Magic Ring: Start with a magic ring (adjustable loop). If you prefer, chain 2 and work into the first chain instead.

  1. Round 1

    6 sc into magic ring. Pull ring closed. Place stitch marker in first stitch. (6 sts)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  2. Round 2

    Inc in each st around. (12 sts)

    Key1
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
  3. Round 3

    *Sc 1, inc* repeat around. (18 sts)

    Key2
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  4. Round 4

    *Sc 2, inc* repeat around. (24 sts)

    Key2
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  5. Round 5

    *Sc 3, inc* repeat around. (30 sts)

    Key2
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  6. Round 6

    *Sc 4, inc* repeat around. (36 sts)

    Key2
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  7. Round 7

    *Sc 5, inc* repeat around. (42 sts)

    Key2
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  8. Round 8

    *Sc 6, inc* repeat around. (48 sts)

    Key2
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  9. Round 9

    *Sc 7, inc* repeat around. (54 sts)

    Key2
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  10. Round 10

    *Sc 8, inc* repeat around. (60 sts) Slip stitch to next stitch to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.Your circle should measure approximately 7 inches (18 cm) across. If it is smaller, add another increase round. If larger, stop one round earlier.

    Key2
    inc
    increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to your count.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.

Side Band (Gusset)

This strip creates the depth of the bag. It gets sewn between the front and back circles.

Ch 5.

  1. Round 1

    Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. (4 sts)

    Key2
    ch
    chain: Yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook. This creates a foundation.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  2. Round 2

    through 55: Ch 1, sc in BLO across each row. Turn. (4 sts) Working in the back loop only creates horizontal ridges that match the texture of the circle panels.

    Key3
    BLO
    back loop only: Instead of inserting your hook under both loops of the stitch, go under only the back loop. This creates a ridge on the front.
    ch
    chain: Yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook. This creates a foundation.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.

Your strip should measure approximately 20 to 21 inches (51 to 53 cm) long. This wraps around most of the circle, leaving an opening at the top.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Strap Shoulder Pad

This padded section sits on your shoulder and threads through the chain.

Ch 7.

  1. Round 1

    Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. (6 sts)

    Key2
    ch
    chain: Yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook. This creates a foundation.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
  2. Round 2

    through 22: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (6 sts) Fasten off, leaving tails for finishing.

    Key2
    ch
    chain: Yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook. This creates a foundation.
    sc
    single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.

This pad should measure approximately 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) long.

Back Circle (Make 1)

Work exactly the same as the Front Circle through Round 10.

Do not fasten off. We will continue directly into the flap.

Making up

  1. Step 1Step 1: Attach Side Band to Front Circle: Pin the side band around the edge of the front circle, starting at the bottom center. The band should wrap around, leaving a gap at the top for the opening. Using your yarn needle and a long tail, whip stitch the band to the circle edge. Keep your stitches close and even.
  2. Step 2Step 2: Attach Back Circle: Repeat the process, sewing the other edge of the side band to the back circle. Make sure the flap is positioned at the top, centered over the opening. Take your time here. Align the edges carefully so the bag sits flat.
  3. Step 3Step 3: Attach D-Rings: On each side of the bag opening, fold a small scrap of yarn (or use a separate short chain) through a D-ring. Sew this loop securely to the inside of the side band, near the top corner. These rings are where your chain strap will clip on.
  4. Step 4Step 4: Attach Push Lock Clasp: Position the clasp base on the front circle, centered about 1 inch from the top edge. Mark the screw holes with a pen. Use a leather punch or awl to create small holes. Attach the clasp using the included screws or rivets. Position the clasp catch on the underside of the flap, aligning with the base. Attach the same way. Test that the flap closes smoothly before finalizing.
  5. Step 5Step 5: Prepare the Strap: Thread your chain through the shoulder pad. The pad should sit in the middle of the chain. Fold the short ends of the pad around the chain and whip stitch closed, encasing the chain inside. Clip the chain ends onto the D-rings.
  6. Step 6Step 6: Add Tassel (Optional): Attach a matching tassel to one D-ring for extra flair. You can purchase a pre-made faux suede tassel or make one from yarn scraps.

Notes from the pattern

  • Hook size is 12mm (US P/Q or 17); size down if the fabric looks loose or gappy, since t-shirt yarn thickness varies by brand.
  • The spiral rounds on both circles rely on a stitch marker placed in the first stitch of round 1; without it, the round start drifts and the increase sequence becomes hard to track.
  • Total t-shirt yarn needed is approximately 200 to 250 grams, and thickness (roughly 7 to 9mm flat) affects how far that weight stretches.
  • Because the fabric is dense single crochet with no gaps by design, tension should stay firm and even throughout, especially across the 55 rows of the Side Band where looseness shows as a wavy rather than straight strip.

The essentials

Rounds
14
Parts
4
Level
Intermediate
Time
6-10 hours
Hook
9 mm
Yarn
Super Bulky

Stitches you will use

  • Continuous spiral rounds Used throughout both circles; a stitch marker in the first stitch of round 1 keeps the round start trackable since there is no join at the end of each round.
  • Increasing evenly Rounds 2 and 3 add six stitches per round (6, 12, 18); misplaced increases are what cause a circle to dome rather than lie flat.
  • Working in the back loop only Used across all 55 rows of the Side Band to raise ridges that match the texture of the circles; skipping a row breaks the ridge pattern.

Troubleshooting

The circle domes or cups instead of lying flat.

The increase count has drifted from the pattern (6, 12, 18 stitches per round); recount stitches at the end of each round and correct before continuing.

The Side Band is too short or too long for the circle edge.

Tension across the 55 rows differs from the designer's gauge; check the strip against the 20 to 21 inch target length and add or remove rows rather than stretching it to fit.

The finished fabric has visible gaps between stitches.

The hook is too large for the yarn's actual thickness; drop to a smaller hook size until the stitches sit close together, since t-shirt yarn thickness varies by brand.

Substituting yarn

Cotton, super bulky weight
Produces a lighter, less rigid bag than t-shirt yarn; may need a smaller hook and benefits from a stiffened lining since it will not hold its shape alone.
Acrylic or wool-blend, bulky weight, held double
Two strands held together approximate the thickness of t-shirt yarn; drape is softer and less structured, so the finished purse will sit more slouched.
Cotton rope or macramé cord, 4 to 5mm
Creates a flatter, firmer fabric with smaller stitch definition; the hook will need to be sized up or down from 12mm to match the cord's actual diameter.

Washing and care

  • Spot clean with a damp cloth rather than machine washing, since t-shirt yarn is a jersey knit fabric that can stretch out of shape when saturated.
  • Reshape the circles by hand while slightly damp and let the purse dry flat; store it stuffed with tissue paper or cloth to help it hold its round silhouette between uses.

The photographs taken while this was being made

Every one was taken by whoever published the pattern, in the order the source listed them.

  • Mustard yellow circle purse in chunky t-shirt yarn — photo 2
  • Mustard yellow circle purse in chunky t-shirt yarn — photo 3

FAQs

Questions

Why is the pattern worked in a spiral rather than joined rounds?

Continuous rounds avoid the seam line a join would create, keeping the circle surface smooth. A stitch marker in the first stitch of round 1 keeps track of where each round starts.

How much yarn does the whole purse use?

The materials list calls for approximately 200 to 250 grams of t-shirt yarn in total, covering both circles, the Side Band, and the strap pad.

Does this purse need a lining?

No. T-shirt yarn worked in dense single crochet (UK: double crochet) creates a fabric sturdy enough to hold its shape and contents without a separate lining.

What is the Strap Shoulder Pad for?

It is a padded strip, roughly 4 to 5 inches long, worked separately and threaded through the gap left at the top of the Side Band, giving the strap a comfortable section where it sits on the shoulder.

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