Finally, I have prepared the tutorial for this African Flower Purse, the one I wanted to make for the longest time. It is the one I planned to design and make since seeing Mia’s African Flower motifs a year ago. The moment I have it designed and started working, I already have the desire of wanting to share with you how beautiful this purse is going to be…. but I choose to save it until now (ohhhh… it is hard for me to keep this secret for that long). Now, I am so happy to splash your eyes with this beautiful baby that you would want to make and carry one 🙂
Be prepared, this is going to be another lengthy tutorial, with both crochet and sewing involved. I have to split it into 2 tutorials:
- Part 1 (this tutorial) – crochet and joining of the African Flowers motifs to make up the purse.
- Part 2 – sewing part of the lining and handles which stabilized the purse.
I modified a little on the white border of Mia’s pattern to make it into single crochet on back loops only. To cut the story short, get the pattern and tutorial after this jump.
African Flower Purse Crochet Pattern
Dimension:
Bag: 11 1/2″ (W) x 6 1/2″ (H) x 5″ (D)
Motif: Each flower has a diameter (the widest width across) of 8.3cm [3 1/4″] (including the white border) if using the yarn stated below.
To convert the measurement, please use the Conversion tool here.
Material & Tool:
1. Yarn, acrylic baby yarn, Tilda color code: 05, 26, 505 and 510.
Approximate yardage: 50 gram each for 05, 26, 510, 100 gram for 505.
2. Crochet hook, 3mm
Abbreviations:
sl knot = slip knot
st = stitch
ss = slip stitch (to fasten)
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
fo = fasten off
Rnd = round
Pattern: (Hexagon)
Make: 28
Base Round – light brown: sl knot, ch 6, ss into first ch to make a ring. Or, you can use magic ring.
Rnd 1 – ch 3, 1 dc, ch1, *2 dc, ch1, * repeat until you have six spaces and six 2dc. ss to the 3rd chain of the beginning round. fo
Rnd 2 – beige : Start in a space. ch 5, 2 dc in same space, *ch1, 2 dc, ch2, 2 dc in next space – repeat * 5 times, 1 dc and ss into the 3rd ch of the beginning round.
Rnd 3 – ch3, dc6 in the 2-ch space, ch1, * dc7 in next 2-ch space, ch1, repeat * 5 times. ss the 3rd ch of the beginning round. fo.
Rnd 4 – dark brown: ch1, sc around and make a long stitch down in round 2 between each flower petal. End with ss. fo.
Rnd 5 – white: [crochet back loops only] ch1, sc in next 2 sts, *3sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts, (skip long stitch of the previous round), sc in next 3 sts, repeat 5 times, 3sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts, (skip long stitch of the previous round), ss to the ch from the beginning round.
FO, keep a long tail for joining.
Pattern: (Square)
Make: 4
Base Round – light brown: sl knot, ch 4, ss into first ch to make a ring. Or, you can use magic ring.
Rnd 1 – ch 3, 1 dc, ch1, *2 dc, ch1, * repeat until you have four spaces and four 2dc. ss to the 3rd chain of the beginning round. fo
Rnd 2 – beige : Start in a space. ch 5, 2 dc in same space, *ch1, 2 dc, ch2, 2 dc in next space – repeat * 3 times, 1 dc and ss into the 3rd ch of the beginning round.
Rnd 3 – ch3, dc6 in the 2-ch space, ch1, * dc7 in next 2-ch space, ch1, repeat * 3 times. ss the 3rd ch of the beginning round. fo.
Rnd 4 – dark brown: ch1, sc around and make a long stitch down in round 2 between each flower petal. End with ss. fo.
Rnd 5 – white: [crochet back loops only] ch1, sc in next 2 sts, *3sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts, (skip long stitch of the previous round), sc in next 3 sts, repeat 3 times, 3sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts, (skip long stitch of the previous round), ss to the ch from the beginning round.
FO, keep a long tail for joining.
You can view how to crochet the original African Flower motif here.
To join, place 2 motifs with right side facing each other, align the stitches, work on wrong side, ss on both front loops only. Click here to find out other methods you could use.
The African Flower motifs before the white border.
The African Flower motifs with a white border.
The purse needs 4 square flowers to make the 4 corners at the base.
Square African Flower motif before the white border.
Square African Flower motif after the white border.
After all the motifs are done, arrange them in this way.
3
4
3 (with 2 square at both sides)
8
3 (with 2 square at both sides)
4
3
Join the motif on their vertical sides, crochet slips stitches on the front loops only to join the flowers from the wrong side.
Use the same color yarn, join the rows to make them into a purse that looks like the one below.
The next tutorial (part 2) will be on sewing the lining and handles to complete the African Flower Purse.
If you are happy with the purse without lining, you can always put on the handle and use it now but I swear that the purse will look more elegant and stable with a lining on.
Love you patterns. I want to make a couple or three of them but can’t print a pattern. If I print it off the internet or copy it and paste it in word it prints out or copies looks like programming symbols. Do we have to work off of the computer or Kendall?
Thanks, Dolores
Sorry that we forgot to put back the print button after launching the new web design. We will put it back within a week. Kindly check back again. Thank you very much.
Beautiful bag.., thank you for sharing the pattern.
Me encantó este bolso. lo terminé en una semana. Está hermoso, lo modifiqué un poquito para que tuviera más altura, adentro el forro tiene dos bolsillos, se pegan a presión. Lo hice con reciclaje de hilo hecho a partir de medias de nailon (a eso llamamos media fina en mi paÃs). Si me contacta al correo le envÃo unas fotos de mi bolso. Gracias por subir esas fotos.
Translation (by Google):
I loved this bag. I finished it in a week. It is beautiful, I modified a little so I had more height, indoors lining has two pockets, stick to pressure. I did recycling yarn made from nylon stockings (we call that fine media in my country). If I contact the email I send some pictures of my purse. Thanks for uploading those photos.
That’s great, Lucy. Please send via the contact form, just upload the photo with the contact form and click submit. I will be able to receive and see your purse soon. Happy New Year!
Hi! I just wanted to say thank you for your tutorial.I just finished my bag and it looks fenomenal! I’ve lined it up a little different using a plastic folder between two pieces of textiles. I also made a coin purse to match this purse, using the same African flower motif. Wonderful design you’ve created for all of us! Thank you once more! Have a wonderful day!
Hi, I wanted to say that I love this bag and I really enjoyed making it as well. I’ve made two so far. Mine are different colored schemes though. I haven’t tackled the lining yet because I’m very new to sewing but it looks like a great challenge:) I wanted to know if I could sell the bags I’ve made in my shop? I’d give you full credit of course 😉
I am fine with it as it is your own handmade.
I started this purse a couple of months ago. My flowers are all done and I am now trying to figure out how to join them. I can only find tutorials and videos that demonstrate joining as you go. I can’t find anything that shows how to join using the tails I left on each of the flowers for joining. Do you have a tutorial for this. I’m stuck at this point and don’t want to just guess my way through this part. I’ve spent so much time and effort to get these flowers done in the colors I chose and have them laid out just how I want them to be joined, but I am stumped at how to do it without some kind of instruction. I would send you a pic if you like. What is a gravatar and where do I find it? *I used to think I was pretty tech savvy!* 😉
Hi Nancy, there is a detailed instruction at page 2.
Jessy Chairez is asking how do you sew or attach the fabric lining to the purse.
Please click the link to part 2 for the lining. Thanks 🙂
We do not have 3mm crochet hooks here, could you recommend another size? The closest we have is 2.75mm or 3.25mm. Would one of those work, and if so which would you recommend? Thank you!
Both of them work but you will need to adjust your tension a little, for example, crochet a little loose tension when using 2.75mm hook. Check the size of the flower and hope they can get near to the tension gauge as of the pattern. Otherwise, you will end up with a slightly smaller or slightly bigger purse.
Hola, soy mexicana y ese comentario lo coloque usando el traductor, pero veo que cambio lo que yo querÃa preguntarle.
No se como hay que coser el fondo de tela, usted me podrÃa decir como??
Gracias!!
Translator (by Google):
Hi, I’m Mexican and I put that comment using the translator, but I see that change what I wanted to ask.
No need to sew as background material, as you could tell me?
Thank you!
You can sew the lining just omit the batting. Hope this translate well.
Hi, I loved this bag, so I started to do it with some leftover yarn I had around, now I’m on the part of all the pieces together.
I see you placed a fabric covering to give more elegance to the bag, the thing is that I do not like standing, could you please tell me?
Thank you very much for sharing your pattern!
Hi Jessy, if you like the bag to look floppy, omit the batting in the bag lining will make the bag look softer and won’t stand up straight. Hope this help.
Is this yarn only acrylic or is it 50/50 cotton/acrylic. The only place I can find it is at myrosevalley.com and it specifies 50/50 and does not refer to it as baby yarn. I wonder if there are comparable brands other than Tilda that are more accessible to me.
Hi Bonnie, it is 50/50. You can always replace it with other yarn as long as it is for the same hook size.
Hi in Rnd 5
Its ch1 2sc must i do the 2sc in the place of the ch1 ?
And must i do by *3sc in next st, sc 3, After 3sc make a ch1 or not?
Greets Willeke
The ch1 is consider the first sc stitch of the round. After the ch1, do sc in the next 2 sts. The 3sc should be at the center st of the 7dc of the previous round. No ch in between.
Thank you 😀 i must translate it for me because i am from the Netherlands and than its easier if a see a video
But now i get it 😀 thank you again and if the purse is finest i send you a photo Greets Willeke
That’s great, Willeke 🙂
Lovely pattern! It was featured on Moogly this morning! http://www.mooglyblog.com/free-african-flower-patterns/
Thanks 🙂
Bonjour, le sac est magnifique. Le vendez-vous ? et combien ?
Merci.
Translation (by Google):
Hello, the bag is beautiful. Do you sell? and how much?
Thank you.
Sorry, I don’t sell, but you can ask someone to make for you from this tutorial 🙂
Thank you i been tryingo made. The African it was until
i found this website it was great to finally make.
Thank again to craftpassion i accomplish my project
Maria clemente palacios
Thanks for the pattern I made it and really love it thanks again, Mardalene
Hi,
Few days ago looking through google images for some inspiration on crocheted stuff I stumbled upon your photo of this bag and was totally in love with it. Without delay I jumped into action and here is my result
My bag is a bit larger than your one I think since I used heavier yarn and 4.5mm hook. And it is bit softer and saggier as I used a thin wadding and lining. Nevertheless I am soooooooooo happy with my bag and all the thanks goes to you. Thank you so much for sharing. Your tutorial was very handy. It is just the perfect bag for carrying my yarns and needles to my knitting club. Thank you again. 🙂
Thank you for your help
Hello
Where is a 2nd parts please, because I have search I haven’t find
I’m sorry if I made ​​mistakes but I’m french so my english is not verry well
Thank
You are right Zaza, I forgot to place the link on the second page of the part 1 tutorial. There is a link to the part 2 on the first page and here it is http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/04/african-flower-crochet-purse-part-2.html . Thank you to bring this out 🙂
I love the whole look! The colour combo & arrangement is so elegant! And your tutorial is so clear & easy to follow. Thanks a lot! 😀
Hi Joanne. I absolutely adore this handbag and so have to have one of my own (or maybe 2 or 3…) :-).
I have just finished crocheting all the motif’s for the bag and so my next task is lining it. My only problem is that my flowers have come out at on average 8.8cm (3.5 inches) as opposed to your 8.3cm (3.25 inches). I am absolutely awful at Math and therefore, I ham having a little bit of trouble converting the fabric and batting sizes that I will need in order to do this. Please, please can you help me convert my sizes so that I can finish the project.
I look forward to hearing from you (or anyone else)
Kindest Regards
Louise
The easiest way to convert the lining pattern is to enlarge it by 8.8/8.3×100%=106% so that it could suit your 8.8cm motif. Download the pattern from part 2 tutorial and print it with 106% enlargement.
Let me know should you have question on this.
Looking forward to your African Flower purse:)
Thanks for that lovely pattern! It’s really nice and I love it!
I’ve done the purse with some small modifications of my own. Of course, i’d linked to your pattern here! I’ve also done a free pattern translation – only of the flower- to Swedish on my site!
Keep going!:-)
Hey, I had some thoughts of making this but getting a hold of Tilda is not exactly easy. Did you find that you need all of the yardage for the different colors or is the yarn amount a bit more flexible?
I have received a few request about where to buy Tilda yarn and I don’t have a good answer to you all, sorry.
The yardage is not the exact maximum quantity.
hello!!!
what can I do to have a french translation??? thanks
Have you put a liner in it?
Yes, Bard, there is a sewing of liner on part 2 of this purse.
This is a lovely pattern, I am definitely going to have fun trying it. Thanks for sharing
gracias por compartir tanta belleza,tus manos son de hadas,un beso.
Translation (by Google):
thanks for sharing such beauty, your hands are fairy, a kiss.
This is a gorgeous bag! I love it. Thanks so much for making such a great tutorial for it! I shared a link to this page on my blog this morning. 🙂
after arranging the motifs in order, i do not understand how to join all the motifs to form a purse.. can u upload a video or explain in detail? Thank u in advance and i love the purse…
Thank you so much for sharing this pattern FOR FREE!!!
you are a rock star… Its people like you who add beauty to this world…
Thank you, Kanchan. You are most welcome to browse through all the pattern and tutorial here 🙂
This is beautiful! Truly stunning. Thank you so very much for sharing this pattern. Just a quick mention about why it may be called an “African Flower” (I think I saw it mentioned before I became completely gobsmacked by your talent and kindness). My husband’s grandmother’s favorite flower was an “African Violet” and the shape of these flowers are pretty close and just as beautiful. Maybe?
Thank you, Patty 🙂 Well, yeah, may be…. 🙂
marvelous work. U make the crochet look so easy. with the work explained. regarding joining of hexagons, pls do make the tutorials available. AGAIN, MARVELOUS, SUPERB WORK
Hi, Where will I find the yarn?
I am not sure if you can get it at your local yarn shop, please contact Tilda for more info.
This purse is absolutely beautiful, I have been wanting to make a purse with this type of motif but have not been confident enough to try but after looking over your tutorial I am going to now. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi there!!! I totally love this pattern. I was wondering though if you have a video tutorial on the sewing part, I’m new to sewing. If there isn’t any, so you think you could please create a video on the sewing part, i would really appreciate it!!! Thanks! xoxo
I am so in love with this when I first saw this! And I am so going to make this. I am a beginner in crocheting and hopefully I can learn to make this! =)) Thanks Joanne for the lovely pattern.
lovely bag..i desired to make one for me..thanks for your sharing 🙂
What a lovely purse!
How would this look if made with wool and felted/fulled? I think it would make the exterior more durable. Any strong feelings either way?
I bet it is going to be very nice too, with a totally different feel. Please try 🙂
BEAUTIFUL inspiration on this site:) love it!!thanks for sharing:)
Wow! You have surprised me again. I wanna to make it. But how to crochet these small parts. Would you give video? If possible. And how can you make these things? Do you do only crafts, or have anothes work besides? I really like you, your blog and your crafts. Good luck!
This is gorgeous, but I can’t seem to find Part 2. Any suggestions?
Hi Carey, I am still preparing the part 2. Will have it here in next few days 🙂
Joanne, this bag is just BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing…
Very nice – without the hand, this would make a nice clutch.
WOW!!!! I am going to make this.
thank you so much for the tutorial.
Wow! It is absolutely fantastic! I really love it! And the bags shape is so great.
Congratulations!
Thanks, Mia. Again, without you I wouldn’t have created this 🙂
The motifs and the yarns are simply beyond awesome!!!!
completely in love 🙂 <3*
You are most welcome, Laurie. Hope you have lots of fun!!!
Thanks for another fun project!