How to Crochet a Round Raffia Bag: Free Summer Crossbody Pattern

The Round Raffia Bag is a minimalist summer crossbody with pristine circular geometry. It utilizes covered Rigilene boning along the outer perimeter to ensure the circular shape remains completely rigid, crisp, and never sags over time.

• Finished Dimensions: Diameter: 7 inches (18 cm) | Depth / Side Width: 2 3/8 inches (6 cm).
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 20 rows = 4×4 inches (10×10 cm).

• Raffia Yarn: 1 skein (approx. 250 meters / 273 yards) of Ispie or Fibranatura raffia.
• Crochet Hook: 3.0 mm (US Size C/D).
• Rigilene Boning: 5–6 mm width, 60 inches (1.5 meters) total.
• Leather / Metal Hardware:
  • 1 leather valve/flap with push button or magnetic snap.
  • 2 snap hook rings (20 mm diameter).
  • 1 shoulder strap 39–47 inches (100–120 cm) with 2 swivel snap hooks (or crochet your own I-cord strap).
• Notions: PVA craft glue, sewing needle & thread, scissors, fabric lining (2 circles 17 cm / 6 5/8 in diameter), and iron.

• CH: Chain | SC: Single Crochet | DC: Double Crochet | TRC: Treble Crochet | SlSt: Slip Stitch | Inc: Increase (2 sts in 1)
• ECS (Elongated Chain Stitch): Pull out working loop approx. 1.5 cm (19/32″), twist hook towards you holding loop with finger, insert under 1st DC, draw up loop, crochet the 2 loops together (acts as seamless 1st DC).
• Yarn Prep Tip: If using Ispie raffia, lightly steam yarn with iron before crocheting. If joining new skeins, overlap yarn ends by 1.5 cm and bond with PVA glue.

Work 2 identical circular panels with 3.0 mm hook:

• Foundation: Crochet 3 CH.
• Row 1: 15 DC in the 3rd chain from hook, SlSt in 1st DC, work ECS. (16 sts total)
• Row 2: 1 Inc in each st around (15 increases), SlSt, ECS. Pull center tail tight to close magic center completely. (30 sts)
• Row 3: [1 DC, 1 Inc] × 15 times, SlSt, ECS. (45 sts)
• Row 4: [2 DC, 1 Inc] × 15 times, SlSt. Work ECS with 2 yarn overs (imitation TRC). (60 sts)
• Row 5 (Openwork Star Stitch Pattern): CH, work crossed TRC elements with intermediate chains across round to form 30 decorative elements around perimeter, SlSt, ECS.
• Row 6: [3 DC, 1 Inc] × 21 times, 5 DC = 110 sts total. SlSt, CH. Steam circle flat with iron.
• Row 7 (Enclosing the Rigilene Boning): Cut a segment of rigilene boning equal to disc perimeter + 3–5 cm. Split in half lengthwise, wrap wrapped raffia yarn around it with drops of PVA glue. Encase the boning inside Row 7: [10 SC, 1 Inc] × 10 times = 120 SC around boning. Fasten off and steam. Diameter is approx. 7 inches (18 cm).

• Row 8 (Corner Turn): Insert hook into Back Loop and jumper only. Work 120 SC all around. This naturally turns the work upward at a 90° angle.
• Rows 9–12 (Split Single Crochet / Waistcoat): Work 120 Split SC (inserting hook between the vertical legs of each stitch for extreme structural rigidity) each row. Steam side walls.
• Row 13 (Side Boning Ring): Wrap second rigilene boning strip with raffia and crochet 120 SC around the boning. Finish perimeter with base trim slip stitches. Repeat entire process for the second matching half of the bag!

• Sewing Leather Valve: Sew the leather flap so the button sits 4.5 cm (1 3/4 in) above circle rim. Secure thread with PVA glue.
• Joining the 2 Halves: Align both circular halves with inner sides facing. Leave a 14 cm (5 1/2 in) top opening. Join along the remaining perimeter by working slip stitches through the corresponding loops of both pieces simultaneously.
• Attach Snap Hook Rings: Insert the 20 mm metal snap hook rings directly at the two top ends where the joining seam terminates.

• Cut 2 fabric lining circles (17 cm diameter), hem edges by 3–5 mm, and sew inside each half before or after assembly with hidden stitches.
• Clip the leather or crocheted I-cord strap onto the 20 mm snap rings. Your chic, high-end Round Raffia Crossbody is ready to turn heads!