Cream and Gold Round Bag with a Braided Flap

You will create two identical flat circles. One becomes the front panel, one becomes the back panel.

Using the second circle, you will now build the walls of the bag by working in the back loop only. This creates that distinctive ridge at the base.

Now you will attach the flat circle (your first piece) to the body piece.

1. Place the flat circle inside the body piece, wrong sides together. The flat circle becomes an interior bottom.

2. Using the long tail from the body piece and your tapestry needle, whip stitch the two pieces together through the remaining front loops from Round 8. This hides the seam beautifully.

3. Alternatively, hold both pieces together and slip stitch through both layers all the way around.

At this point, you have a little bowl or container shape. Looking good.

The top edge needs a clean finish, plus attachment points for your strap.

The D-rings should now be firmly attached at the sides of your bag.

This is the showstopper. The flap uses a technique that mimics a Celtic weave or braided texture. It looks complex but follows a repeating pattern.

Foundation: Chain 15. This should span approximately the top third of your bag opening.

Here is where the magic happens. You will use the unworked front loops to create woven vertical lines.

1. Cut 6 strands of t-shirt yarn, each approximately 30cm long.

2. Working from the bottom of your rectangle, insert one strand through the front loop of the first stitch in Row 2. Weave it vertically through every other row’s front loops, going under and over to create a woven look.

3. Repeat with additional strands, spacing them evenly across the width of the flap.

4. When all strands are woven through, pull them taut (not too tight) and secure the ends on the wrong side with small knots or by weaving them in.

The result is a braided or woven texture across the flap surface.

Alternative method: If the weaving feels too fiddly, you can achieve a similar look by crocheting surface slip stitches vertically across the finished rectangle. Insert hook from front to back, pull up a loop, and slip stitch along each column.

1. Position the flap at the back center of the bag, overlapping the top edge by about 1-2cm.

2. Whip stitch or slip stitch the back edge of the flap to the bag firmly.

3. The flap should fold over the front of the bag and reach approximately halfway down.

The handle attaches to the flap and gives you the option to carry the bag by hand.

Chain 30 (adjust for desired length). Slip stitch to form a loop, or attach both ends to the sides of the flap using slip stitches or whip stitches.

To match the braided look: work sc in each chain, then weave additional strands through as you did for the flap. Secure the handle ends to the D-rings or directly to the flap.

Push-Lock Clasp: 1. Position the clasp base on the front center of the bag, about 2cm below the top edge.

2. Mark where the prongs need to go through the fabric.

3. Use scissors to carefully poke small holes (or use an awl if you have one).

4. Insert the prongs, place the backing plate inside the bag, and bend the prongs flat to secure.

5. Attach the corresponding clasp piece to the underside of the flap, aligned to meet the base when closed.

Take your time with this step. Measure twice before making any holes.

Chain Strap:

Attach lobster clasps or swivel hooks to each end of your chain strap. Clip them to the D-rings. Done.

A matching tassel adds movement and polish.

1. Cut 15-20 strands of t-shirt yarn, each 20cm long.

2. Bundle them together and fold in half.

3. Wrap another strand tightly around the bundle about 2cm from the fold. Knot to secure.

4. Attach the tassel to a D-ring or to the clasp hardware.