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The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern

The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern
4.8★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.6K Made This
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Intermediate Level

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

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

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

About This The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern

This pattern creates a cute camera-shaped crochet bag with a removable two-layer lens, a matching cover, and a long strap. It uses DK/light worsted yarn and simple single crochet construction worked in the round and rows. The finished bag measures about 21 cm by 21 cm and includes felt details and a wooden button accent. You will sew on a zipper or magnetic snap and assemble felt viewfinder pieces for the final look.

The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Designed for intermediate crocheters comfortable with rounds and picture assembly, this project includes clear stitch counts and step-by-step photos. The lens is made from two circular pieces and sewn together for depth, while the cover and strap are worked flat.

Why You'll Love This The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a simple bag into a playful, wearable piece that always starts conversations. I enjoyed designing the layered lens detail—it adds a lot of character with just a few rounds. The construction is clever yet straightforward, letting you focus on finishing touches like felt appliques and a wooden button. Sewing the cover and lens in place makes the project feel rewarding as each step builds toward the final, polished look. I also love that you can easily customize colors and strap width for a personal touch.

The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern step 1 - construction progress The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern step 2 - assembly progress The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern step 3 - details and accessories The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize the colors to suit your style, swapping Color A and Color B for bolder or softer looks.

I sometimes change yarn weight and hook size to make a mini keychain camera or a larger shoulder bag variation.

Try adding a lining fabric inside the bag for extra structure and protection for items like phones or wallets.

I often replace the zipper with a magnetic snap for a cleaner finish and quicker access to the bag interior.

I enjoy swapping the wooden button for a decorative brooch or embroidered motif to give each bag a unique personality.

For a more playful lens, use metallic or cotton yarn for the outer ring to add contrast and texture.

I recommend experimenting with strap width: wider straps (sc 5) make the bag more comfortable for long wear.

I sometimes embroider tiny accents on the viewfinder felt before sewing them on to personalize the camera face.

If you want a sturdier bag, insert a thin plastic sheet or interfacing between the front and back panels before sewing the cover.

I also enjoy making matching accessories like a tiny coin purse or lens cap using leftover yarn to complete the set.

I encourage you to try color-blocking the strap or adding tassels for a trendy finish that stands out.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch counts while working in the round will cause uneven edges; always count your stitches at the end of each round to maintain the correct stitch total. ✗ Not closing the base chain properly or missing the first sc of the chain will shift your stitch counts; start with the exact base chain and slip stitch to join as indicated. ✗ Using inconsistent tension when switching between rounds and rows makes the fabric uneven; practice consistent tension and use the same hook throughout the main body. ✗ Forgetting to leave long yarn tails when fastening off results in difficult sewing later; leave the recommended yarn lengths (~25-50 cm) for attaching covers and lenses. ✗ Sewing the lens off-center will look unbalanced; mark the lens position carefully before sewing and double-check alignment with pins or basting stitches.

The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern

Make a charming camera-shaped crochet bag and matching lens details that double as stylish accessories. This pattern guides you through creating a structured purse with a removable lens, cover, and adjustable strap. Perfect for gifting or adding a playful handmade touch to your everyday look. Clear step-by-step rounds and helpful assembly photos make the process enjoyable and satisfying.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for The Camera Crochet Bag & Purse Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    100% Acrylic DK / Light Worsted yarn (main color A) - 80g
  • 02
    100% Acrylic DK / Light Worsted yarn (color B) - 60g
  • 03
    100% Acrylic DK / Light Worsted yarn (black accent) - 20g
  • 04
    Small amounts of white yarn for lens highlight and details

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 3.75 - 4.5 mm (US F-5, G-6, 7)
  • 02
    Felt (Black and White) for viewfinder pieces
  • 03
    Black plastic zipper ~9 inch (or magnetic snaps to sew on)
  • 04
    Wood button ~15 - 20 mm
  • 05
    Embroidery thread (black and white)
  • 06
    Yarn needle and embroidery needle
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Stitch markers (recommended)
  • 09
    Tapestry needle for weaving ends

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Bag :

Info :

Color A, Start from base, Base chain - sl knot, chain 35. (35)

Round 1 :

sc 2 into 2nd chain from hook, sc each ch on next 32 sts, sc 3 on next ch (the first ch of the base chain). Turn sideways and continue along another side of the base chain, sc each ch on next 33 sts, slst to the ch st at the beginning round. (70)

Round 2 :

ch 1, [*sc on next st, sc 2 on next st, sc each on next 32 sts, sc 2 on next st,] * 2 times, slst, then sl st(slip stitch) around, slst to the sc st at the beginning round. (74)

Round 3-21 :

ch1, sc around ,slst, then slst around, slst to the sc st at the beginning round. (74)

Round 22 :

Color B, blsc around , slst. (74)

Round 23-24 :

ch1, sc around , slst. (74)

Info :

Fasten off, weave the yarn end.

— Camera Lens #1 :

Round 1 :

Black, 9 sc in Magic Ring, slst. (9)

Round 2 :

ch 1, (inc) *9 times, slst. (18)

Round 3 :

ch 1, (sc 1, inc) *9 times, slst. (27)

Round 4 :

ch 1, (sc 2, inc) *9 times, slst. (36)

Round 5 :

ch 1, Black (sc 3, inc) *2 times, White (sc 3, inc) *2 times, Black (sc 3, inc) *5 times, slst. (45)

Round 6 :

ch 1, (sc 4, inc) *9 times, slst. (54)

Round 7 :

White, ch 1, sc around, slst. (54)

Info :

Fasten off, weave the yarn end. Leave the back yarn ~30cm.

— Camera Lens #2 :

Info :

White, Start from chains 54, slst to close circle. (54)

Round 1 :

ch 1, sc around, slst. (54)

Info :

Fasten off, leave the yarn ~30 cm. Sew to the lens #1.

— Strap :

Info :

Color B, sl knot, chain 4. (leave the yarn ~25-30 cm.)

Row 1 :

sc into 2nd chain from hook, sc each ch on next 2 sts, turn. (3)

Row 2-200 :

Ch1, sc across, turn. (3)

Info :

Fasten off, leave the yarn ~25-30 cm. You can adjust the wide strap from sc 3 - sc 5. The length also you can adjust the row form your body.

— Cover :

Info :

Color B, Start from base, Base chain - sl knot, chain 35. (35)

Round 1 :

sc 2 into 2nd chain from hook, sc each ch on next 32 sts, sc 3 on next ch (the first ch of the base chain). Turn sideways and continue along another side of the base chain, sc each ch on next 33 sts, slst to the ch st at the beginning round. (70)

Round 2 :

ch 1, [*sc on next st, sc 2 on next st, sc each on next 32 sts, sc 2 on next st,] * 2 times, slst, then sl st(slip stitch) around, slst to the sc st at the beginning round. (74)

Round 3-8 :

ch1, sc around ,slst, then slst around, slst to the sc st at the beginning round. (74)

Info :

Fasten off, leave the yarn ~50 cm. Sew to the bag.

— Assembly :

Step 1 :

Color A, start from the base, work Rnd.2, then slst around to create the bag panel.

Step 2 :

Crochet following the pattern through Rnd.21 to form the bag body rectangle.

Step 3 :

Finish round 21 then change to Color B and crochet Rnd.22-24 for the top cover edge.

Step 4 :

Sew the viewfinder felts onto the cover centered in the middle as shown in photos.

Step 5 :

Sew the zipper or magnetic snaps along the top opening of the bag securely.

Step 6 :

Mark the lens position on the front of the bag, then sew the lens assembly into place.

Step 7 :

Sew the cover to the top of the bag and attach the strap ends to the left and right sides securely.

Step 8 :

Sew the wood button into the left lens position and attach any remaining embellishments.

Assembly Instructions

  • Start by working the base chain and Rnd.1-Rnd.2 in Color A to form the base shape, then continue Rnd.3-21 to build the body panel before joining sections.
  • Change to Color B and work Rnd.22 and Rnd.23-24 to finish the top edge, fasten off and weave in ends leaving the required tail lengths for sewing.
  • Sew the viewfinder felt pieces onto the center of the cover, aligning the smallest square first and layering the pieces as shown in the photos.
  • Attach the zipper or sew on magnetic snaps to the top opening of the bag, ensuring it aligns with the cover seam for a neat closure.
  • Mark the lens position on the bag front, then sew the two-layer lens (lens #2 sewn to lens #1) into place with the back yarn tails left ~30 cm for secure stitching.
  • Sew the cover to the top of the bag, folding to align with the top edge and stitching evenly so the cover opens and closes smoothly.
  • Sew strap ends to the left and right sides of the bag, adjusting strap width and length to your preference and reinforcing stitches for strength.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of the beginning of rounds and any increases to maintain the correct stitch counts.
  • 💡Leave the recommended yarn tails (~25-50 cm) when fastening off so you have enough length to sew pieces together securely.
  • 💡When sewing the lens and cover, pin or baste pieces in place first to check alignment and symmetry before final stitching.
  • 💡Work with consistent tension and the recommended hook size to achieve the stated gauge and final bag dimensions.

This lovely Camera Crochet Bag & Purse brings playful charm to your everyday essentials while staying functional and chic. It includes a layered crochet lens, felt viewfinder details, and an adjustable strap for comfortable wear. Make one as a gift or for yourself — it adds personality to any outfit. 🧶📷

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag measures approximately 21 cm (8 inches) wide by 21 cm (8 inches) high when using the recommended DK yarn and hook size.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the final size; adjust your hook size and expect differences in stitch counts and fabric density.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so familiarity with single crochet, working in rounds, increases, and slip stitch joins is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in about 5-7 hours, depending on experience level, speed, and the time needed for assembly and sewing details.