About This Nymphs bag Pattern
This pattern creates a lined, structured shoulder bag worked in polyester cord with clear step-by-step photos and shaping instructions. It includes front and back panels, side part, and finishing tips for adding hardware and a lining. The design uses thermal stitch placement to create neat texture and durability.
Ideal for intermediate crocheters comfortable with increases and decreases, and ready to add professional finishing touches. The pattern includes measurements and suggested materials for an 11 x 8 inch finished bag.
Why You'll Love This Nymphs bag Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple cord into a polished, wearable handbag that looks far more complicated than it is. I enjoy the thermal stitch technique here — it creates a durable, textured fabric perfect for bags. The shaping rounds let you practice precise increases and decreases while producing a flattering silhouette. Finishing tips like hiding and melting ends give a professional result I am proud to gift or sell.
Switch Things Up
I love experimenting with cord colors to create two-tone or striped Nymphs bags for a custom look; try alternating the 3 mm and 2 mm cords for trim effects.
I often swap the 3 mm cord for a bulkier cord and a larger hook to make a larger market-style tote while keeping the same shaping sequence.
For a mini keychain version, I use thinner cord and a smaller hook to scale the pattern down and attach a keyring instead of a chain.
I sometimes replace the metal chain with a crocheted chain using the 2 mm cord for a softer, fabric strap that matches the bag body.
I like to add pockets to the lining before sewing it in; place a zippered pocket on one side for keys and a phone and a slip pocket on the other.
Try decorative closures such as a magnetic snap or a button and loop instead of the snake lock for a different aesthetic and ease of use.
I recommend experimenting with decorative edges — a simple SC or crab stitch around the top edge can give a neat, finished border.
To change the silhouette, adjust increases and decreases to lengthen the body or make a wider base; I test changes on a small swatch before altering the full piece.
I sometimes reinforce ring attachments with a small leather patch or extra rows of cord to ensure durability when using heavy chains.
Finally, I enjoy adding charms or matching crocheted accessories like a small coin purse to create a cohesive handmade set that complements the bag.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Skipping the special loop placement instructions when increasing will create visible seam lines; always insert the hook into the specified lower loops of the increase to maintain smooth shaping.
✗ Crocheting into both loops instead of the back loop/front loop combination will ruin the thermal texture; follow the note to work the back loop and the front loop of the pre-previous row only for the thermal stitch.
✗ Not counting stitches after decreases and increases can lead to incorrect shaping; count your stitches at the end of every shaped row to confirm the stated stitch count.
✗ Pulling the cord too tightly while hiding the end can distort the edge and cause puckering; hide ends gently and secure with a small melted finish rather than aggressive pulling.
✗ Forgetting to process synthetic cord ends with heat may cause unraveling; after tucking the end make a small, careful melt with a lighter to seal and prevent fraying.
