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Clutch The Best Pattern

Clutch The Best Pattern
4.0★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.5K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Clutch The Best Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to crochet a structured raffia clutch called "Clutch The Best" using a herringbone single crochet technique. You will work a flat canvas, shape and fold it, then join and finish the bag with a hidden clasp frame and chain. The instructions include measurements, gauge and practical tips for working with raffia yarn.

Clutch The Best Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for creating a polished handmade accessory, the pattern includes full row-by-row directions and steaming/finishing tips. Suitable for intermediate crocheters comfortable with consistent tension and finishing techniques.

Why You'll Love This Clutch The Best Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple raffia yarn into a very chic and structured clutch that looks professional. I enjoyed developing the loose herringbone single crochet rows which give the bag its distinctive texture and flexibility. I love that the pattern includes practical tips for straightening and steaming raffia — those small steps make a big difference in the final look. I also appreciate the clear folding and joining instructions which make assembling the bag straightforward and satisfying.

Clutch The Best Pattern step 1 - construction progress Clutch The Best Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Clutch The Best Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Clutch The Best Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love changing the look of this clutch by switching raffia colors to create a two-tone or striped version; try a contrasting trim for a modern twist.

I sometimes make the bag larger or smaller by adding or removing rows; to change size just add more chain foundation and increase the number of rows for a bigger clutch.

I find adding a fabric lining gives the bag extra structure and a neat interior finish — I often sew a simple cotton lining and slip it inside before attaching the frame.

For a softer, more casual version I will use a slightly bulkier raffia-style yarn and a larger hook to make a chunkier texture and bigger clutch.

I also like swapping the metal chain for a leather strap or wristlet loop for different carrying styles — they are easy to attach to the snap hook rings.

I sometimes embellish the flap or front with beads or a crocheted flower for a personalised look; small sewn details can make each bag unique.

If I want a structured top, I glue a thin strip of interfacing inside the fold before attaching the frame for extra stiffness and neat edges.

I recommend trying different clasp frame sizes to change the silhouette; a narrower frame gives a sleeker clutch while a wider frame produces more internal space.

I occasionally embroider a simple monogram on the inside before lining for a custom gift; use contrasting thread that complements the raffia tone.

If I want a more eco-friendly option, I choose recycled raffia substitutes and swap the metal hardware for wooden or plastic rings to reduce weight and make it travel-friendly.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Twisting the raffia while crocheting causes uneven stitches and tension; keep the yarn untwisted and facing the front side as instructed to maintain an even herringbone texture. ✗ Pulling loops too tight will make the canvas stiff and small; work the herringbone stitches very loosely and aim for the specified row width to match gauge. ✗ Not straightening or fluffing raffia before starting makes the yarn hard to work and uneven in appearance; steam or fluff the yarn as recommended to restore its shape before crocheting. ✗ Failing to glue and secure yarn ends with PVA when joining skeins will cause unraveling later; overlap the ends about 5 mm, glue with PVA, let dry, then wrap the thread lightly for strength. ✗ Skipping the steaming and clamping steps for folds will result in poor shaping; always steam the fold and clamp with a binder clip to get clean, stable edges.

Clutch The Best Pattern

Make a stylish raffia clutch bag using a clear step-by-step crochet pattern designed for intermediate makers. You will learn a loose herringbone single crochet technique, how to shape and fold the canvas, and finish the bag with a hidden clasp and chain. The pattern includes measurements, gauge, tips for working with raffia, and a full assembly guide so you can create a polished handmade accessory.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Clutch The Best Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Raffia yarn, approximately 1 and 1/2 skeins (385 yards / 350 meters) - example used: Ispie, Bronze color
  • 02
    Optional replacement: similar weight raffia-style yarn sufficient for a 45 cm x 20 cm canvas
  • 03
    Finished bag dimensions from specified materials: length 17 and 1/2 inches (45 cm), height 8 inches (20 cm), width 6 inches (15 cm)
  • 04
    Gauge: 14 stitches and 10 rows = 4"x4" (10x10 cm)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.0 mm
  • 02
    Hidden clasp frame, 9 x 4 inches (23 x 10 cm)
  • 03
    2 snap hook rings and chain, 8 inches (40 cm) wide chain
  • 04
    PVA glue or glue stick
  • 05
    Plastic needle with large eyelet, sewing thread and needle
  • 06
    2 stitch markers or markers/pins
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Tape measure
  • 09
    Large binder clip
  • 10
    Iron for steaming and shaping
  • 11
    Pins for assembly

Progress Tracker

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— Recommendations :

Infos :

1. Before crocheting with raffia, it must be straightened. If you have Fibranatura, then you need to «fluff» the yarn with your hands. If you have Ispie, you can steam yarn with an iron. 2. When crocheting with raffia, so that there are no holes in the canvas when crocheting the SC, we pull the working thread to the level of the hook. 3. When the thread runs out, you need to take a new skein and straighten the end of the thread. Put on the end of the working thread and the thread from a new skein with a clearance of 5 mm. Glue together with the PVA glue. After drying, lightly wrap the thread. 4. If you had to rip out your work, steam the thread with an iron. The yarn will return to its original shape.

— Crochet the canvas :

Info :

Crochet 40 CH.

Info :

Crochet the clutch with «herringbone» stitch. For that, we need to insert the hook on the left leg of the previous SC and crochet next SC. The thread not be twisted. Be careful, that the thread is always facing with the front side to you. Crochet the stitches very loosely.

— Rows :

Round 1 :

1 row. 1 SC from the 2nd loop of the hook.

Round 2 :

Insert the hook on the left leg of the previous SC.

Round 3 :

Insert the hook under the next stitch, pull up the loop at least 20 mm. There are 3 loops on the hook now.

Round 4 :

Crochet these. Tighten the working loop back.

Round 5 :

Next, insert the hook on the left leg of the previous SC. Insert the hook under next stitch, pull up the loop, crochet SC made out of the 3 loops and continue so on.

Round 6 :

There are 39 SC to the end of the chain. TC.

Round 7 :

The row width should be about 10 mm.

Round 8 :

2 row. The working thread in front. Insert the hook from the front side to himself.

Round 9 :

Pull up the loop, crochet SC.

Round 10 :

Insert the hook on the left leg of the previous SC, then - under next stitch, pull up the loop, crochet SC made out of the 3 loops and continue so on.

Round 11 :

Crochet 39 SC, TC.

Round 12 :

3 row. 39 SC, TC.

Round 13 :

4 - 40 rows. 39 SC, TC.

Round 14 :

The length of 40 rows should be about 15 inches (38 cm).

Round 15 :

And 10 inches (26 cm) wide.

Round 16 :

41 row. 29 SC, TC. Ten loops left uncrocheted.

Round 17 :

Crochet 13 row of 29 SC each.

Round 18 :

42-52 rows. 29 SC, TC.

Round 19 :

53 row. 29 SC.

Round 20 :

The length of 13 rows should be about 5 inches (13 cm).

Round 21 :

Fold to check. Half the length of 13 rows should be equal to 10 loops.

Round 22 :

Continue 53rd row, crochet 11 CH.

Round 23 :

54 row. 10 SC from the 2nd loop of the hook in the each loop.

Round 24 :

29 SC (=39), TC.

Round 25 :

55-92 rows. 39 SC, TC.

Round 26 :

93 row. 39 SC.

Round 27 :

94 row. Insert the hook under last loop of the row, pull up the loop.

Round 28 :

Crochet 9 SlSt.

Round 29 :

CH, 29 SC, TC.

Round 30 :

95 row. 29 SC, TC.

Round 31 :

96-105 rows. 29 SC, TC.

Round 32 :

106 row. 29 SC. Don't cut the thread.

Info :

Straighten the loops where necessary.

Info :

Steam the canvas from the front and the wrong side.

Info :

Fold the canvas in half.

Round 33 :

Inset the hook under 1st loop of the chain.

Round 34 :

Then, insert the hook under last loop of the last row.

Round 35 :

Pull up the loop.

Round 36 :

Next, crochet 28 SlSt to connect the canvas.

Round 37 :

Cut the thread, pull out the end. Strengthen and hide the end.

Info :

Steam the seam with an iron.

Info :

Place the markers in the middle loops of the right and the left side.

Round 38 :

Count 14 loops from the marker, then 6 more. Fold, count 6 more loops and fold in the middle on the other side.

Round 39 :

Steam the fold and clamp it with the binder clip.

Round 40 :

Crochet the base trim. Insert the hook under loop where the 1st marker is. Crochet CH.

Assembly Instructions

  • Fold the steamed canvas in half and insert the hook under the first loop of the chain and under the last loop of the last row; pull up a loop and crochet 28 slip stitches to join the folded edges securely.
  • After joining the canvas, cut the thread, pull out the end, reinforce the join and hide the tail securely so it will not come undone during use.
  • Place markers in the middle loops of the right and left side, count the specified loops (14, then 6) to mark folds, steam the fold and clamp with a binder clip to form the clutch pleats.
  • Steam the entire seam and folded areas with an iron to stabilize shape, then crochet the base trim by inserting the hook under the loop where the first marker is and working chains as directed.
  • Clamp the folded pleats with a binder clip during drying to ensure crisp, symmetrical folds before attaching the hidden clasp frame and chain hardware.
  • Use PVA glue to secure any overlapped yarn ends when joining new skeins, allow to dry completely, then wrap and hide the ends for a neat finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Always straighten or steam raffia yarn before you begin to make the strands easy to work and prevent uneven texture in the canvas.
  • 💡Crochet the herringbone single crochet stitches quite loosely to achieve the correct row width and the flexible fabric required for folding and shaping.
  • 💡Use stitch markers and measure often when creating the pleats and counting loops, this ensures symmetrical folds and correct placement for hardware.

This handmade clutch pattern will help you create a beautiful, structured raffia bag with a professional finish. Steaming and careful folding transform the flat canvas into an elegant pleated clutch you will love to carry. Follow the step-by-step instructions and finish with the hidden clasp and chain for an eye-catching accessory. 👜✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag from the specified materials measures approximately 17 and 1/2 inches (45 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) tall and 6 inches (15 cm) wide.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can substitute different raffia-style yarns but the final size and look will change; adjust hook size and check gauge to match the specified dimensions.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; you should be comfortable working single crochet, slip stitch joins and following turning rows and shaping steps.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 8-10 hours, depending on experience and how much time you spend on steaming and finishing.