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Accordion Bag Pattern

Accordion Bag Pattern
4.3★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
3.0K Made This
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Advanced Level

Designed for experienced knitters, these patterns involve intricate designs and complex techniques to challenge and inspire.

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

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

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Stylish Touch

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

About This Accordion Bag Pattern

Accordion Bag Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The design includes integrated shoulder straps worked directly into the first and last bands, eliminating the need for separate strap construction and attachment. Strategic marker placement helps distinguish body sections from strap sections throughout the construction process.

Why You'll Love This Accordion Bag Pattern

I'm absolutely captivated by this accordion bag pattern because it's like nothing else I've encountered in crochet—it's architectural, mathematical, and artistic all at once! There's something deeply satisfying about watching those flat bands transform into dimensional pleats through the ingenious folding technique, creating a structured bag that looks store-bought professional. I love how the alternating colors create that gorgeous zigzag pattern when the bag is assembled, making it a true statement piece that always gets compliments. The foundation cord technique might seem intimidating at first, but once you master it, you'll appreciate how it creates such crisp, sturdy edges that give this bag its structured shape. What really excites me is the versatility—you can customize the color combinations to match any outfit or season, from classic neutrals to bold contrasts. Plus, there's something incredibly empowering about carrying a bag you made yourself using such an innovative technique!

Accordion Bag Pattern step 1 - construction progress Accordion Bag Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Accordion Bag Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Accordion Bag Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color combinations to create completely different moods with this accordion bag pattern! Try classic black and white for a sophisticated monochrome look, or go bold with jewel tones like emerald and gold for a luxurious evening bag. Pastel combinations create sweet, feminine accessories while bright contrasting colors like hot pink and turquoise give off fun, beachy vibes perfect for summer.

For added interest, consider using variegated or self-striping yarn for the contrast color bands to create an ombre or rainbow effect when the bag is folded. Some makers use metallic or sparkle yarn for the accent bands to add glamorous shimmer to special occasion bags. You could even work stripes within individual bands by changing colors mid-row for extra visual complexity.

Don't be afraid to adjust the proportions either—make the bands wider for a slouchy, bohemian look, or keep them narrow for a more structured, professional aesthetic. I've seen gorgeous versions where crafters add tassels or pom-poms to the drawstring ends, or embellish the contrast bands with surface crochet designs or embroidered details. For a completely different approach, try making all bands in one solid color for a minimalist, monochrome bag that showcases the architectural pleating itself. You could even work button closures or magnetic snaps into the design instead of using a drawstring for a more tailored finish!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not leaving long enough yarn tails at the beginning of each band causes insufficient length for seaming and assembly later ✗ Misaligning the bands during joining creates uneven pleats and disrupts the accordion fold pattern throughout the bag structure ✗ Forgetting to place stitch markers at the designated positions makes it difficult to identify strap versus body sections during construction ✗ Pulling too tightly during the fold-and-join sequences causes puckering and prevents the bands from lying flat when assembled

Accordion Bag Pattern

Create a stunning and functional accordion-style bag with this innovative crochet pattern! This unique design features alternating colored bands that fold together to create a beautiful pleated effect, combining fashion with practicality. The pattern includes instructions for both large and small sizes, making it perfect for everything from everyday use to special occasions. With adjustable drawstring closure and comfortable shoulder straps, this bag showcases an eye-catching zigzag pattern when folded. The construction technique uses foundation cords and clever band-joining methods to create a seamless, structured bag that's as impressive to make as it is to carry!

Advanced 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Accordion Bag Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn in main color (approximately 400-500g for large bag, 300-350g for small bag)
  • 02
    Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn in contrast/highlight color (approximately 200-300g for large bag, 150-200g for small bag)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    3.5mm crochet hook
  • 02
    Yarn needle for seaming and weaving ends
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch markers for marking strap sections
  • 05
    90cm/36inch leather drawstring for large bag
  • 06
    60cm/24inch leather drawstring for small bag
  • 07
    Measuring tape for accuracy

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Foundation Cord Technique :

Step 1:

Make slip knot, leaving a tail about 3 times longer than the desired foundation length

Step 2:

Tail over hook from front to back, yarn over

Step 3:

Draw through tail loop to create foundation cord chain

— LARGE BAG - Band 01 (Main Color) :

Base Row:

Leave a 4m/158inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 251, turn (251)

Row 1:

Ch 1, sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn (251)

Row 2-5:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn (251)

Row 6:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, fasten off (251)

Info:

Leave markers on the 60th stitch from both ends of Band 01 (indicates body part and strap sections)

— Band 02 (Contrast Color) :

Base Row:

Leave a 2m/79inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 131, turn (131)

Row 1:

Ch 1, sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn (131)

Row 2-5:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn (131)

Row 6:

Place Band 01 (foundation row facing up) in front of Band 02. Align 61st sc of Band 01 to first sc of Band 02. Sc 60, then follow special folding sequence: draw long loop of 60th sc and remove hook, unfold bands and bring loop to front, fold bands inside out, sc 11, draw long loop of 11th sc and remove hook, unfold and bring loop to front, fold back to original, sc 60, fasten off leaving 5cm/2.5inch tail

— Band 03 (Main Color) :

Base Row:

Leave a 2m/79inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 131, turn (131)

Row 1:

Ch 1, sc from the second ch from hook and work through back loop of foundation cord, turn (131)

Row 2-5:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn (131)

Row 6:

Place Band 02 (foundation row facing up) in front of Band 03. Sc in each sc of these two bands together and fasten off

— Bands 04-11 :

Info:

Repeat Band 02 pattern for even numbered bands (04, 06, 08, 10). Repeat Band 03 pattern for odd numbered bands (05, 07, 09, 11)

— Band 12 (Contrast Color) :

Base Row:

Leave a 4m/158inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 251, turn (251)

Row 1:

Ch 1, sc from the second ch from hook and work through the foundation cord, turn (251)

Row 2-5:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn (251)

Row 6:

Sc 60, place Band 11 in front of Band 12 (align first sc of Band 11 to 61st sc of Band 12). Sc 60, fold inside out sc 11, fold back to original and sc 60, fasten off

Row 7:

Work through top row of Band 12. Skip first 60 sc (bag strap), sc 131 across (bag body) and fasten off leaving 80cm/32inch tail

Info:

Leave markers on the 60th stitch from both ends of Band 12

— SMALL BAG - Band 01 (Main Color) :

Base Row:

Leave a 2.4m/95inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 169, turn (169)

Info:

Leave markers on the 40th stitch from both ends

Row 1:

Ch 1, sc from the second ch from hook and work through foundation cord, turn (169)

Row 2-4:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn (169)

Row 5:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, fasten off (169)

— Small Bag - Band 02 (Contrast Color) :

Base Row:

Leave a 1.3m/51inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 89, turn (89)

Row 2-4:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn (89)

Row 5:

Place Band 01 (foundation row facing up) in front of Band 02. Align 41st sc of Band 01 to first sc of Band 02. Sc 40, fold inside out sc 9, fold back to original sc 40, fasten off (89)

— Small Bag - Bands 03-11 :

Band 03:

Leave 1.3m/51inch tail, crochet foundation cord 89. Work rows 2-4 as sc across. Row 5: place Band 02 in front of Band 03, sc these two bands together, fasten off

Info:

Repeat Band 02 for even numbered bands, repeat Band 03 for odd numbered bands

— Small Bag - Band 12 (Contrast Color) :

Base Row:

Leave a 2.4m/95inch long tail and crochet foundation cord 169, turn (169)

Row 1:

Ch 1, sc from second ch from hook and work through foundation cord, turn (169)

Row 2-4:

Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn (169)

Row 5:

Sc 40, place Band 11 in front of Band 12 (align first sc of Band 11 to 41st sc of Band 12). Sc 40, fold inside out sc 9, fold back to original and sc 40, fasten off

Row 6:

Work through top row of Band 12. Skip first 40 sc (bag strap), sc 89 across (bag body) leaving a 60cm/24inch tail (169)

Assembly Instructions

  • Seam Band 01: Use matching main color yarn (80cm/32inch long). Fold bag in half with inside facing out, seam the edge of body part only, not straps
  • Seam Band 12: Use the long tail left at the end of Band 12. Seam the edge of the body part matching Band 01 seam
  • Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely throughout all bands using yarn needle
  • Shape the bag by folding accordion-style as shown in pattern photos to set the pleats
  • Prepare straps: Place strap ends overlapping 20 sc long, seam both side edges to create continuous loop straps
  • Thread leather drawstring through the top opening of the bag between body and strap sections
  • Tie drawstring ends together and adjust for comfortable cinching closure

Important Notes

  • 💡Always leave the specified long yarn tails at the beginning of each band as they are essential for seaming
  • 💡The foundation cord technique creates the sturdy base needed for this structured bag—practice on scrap yarn first
  • 💡Stitch markers are crucial for identifying the transition between body and strap sections throughout construction
  • 💡The special folding sequences in Band 02 and Band 12 create the accordion pleats—follow instructions precisely
  • 💡Cotton yarn is recommended for structure and durability as this bag will carry weight
  • 💡When joining bands, ensure foundation rows are facing up and alignments are precise for even pleating
  • 💡The body portion is worked in the center stitches while outer stitches form integrated shoulder straps
  • 💡Small size uses 40 stitches per strap section while large uses 60 stitches per strap section

This innovative accordion bag pattern showcases advanced crochet techniques to create a stunning, structured accessory that's both fashionable and functional! The unique band-joining method with strategic folding creates dimensional pleats that form the signature accordion silhouette. With options for both large and small sizes and endless color combination possibilities, you can customize this bag to match any style. The integrated strap construction and drawstring closure make this a practical everyday bag that showcases your impressive crochet skills! 👜✨🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What is foundation cord and why is it used instead of regular chain?

Foundation cord is a special technique that creates a sturdier, more structured base than regular chain stitches. It uses the yarn tail to create the foundation, resulting in edges that won't stretch or warp under the weight of the bag contents, which is essential for this structured design.

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?

While you can use acrylic, 100% cotton is strongly recommended because it provides better structure, doesn't stretch as much over time, and creates a more professional-looking finished bag. Cotton also helps the accordion pleats hold their shape better under weight.

How do I know where to align the bands when joining them?

The pattern specifies exact stitch numbers for alignment—for example, aligning the 61st stitch of Band 01 to the first stitch of Band 02. Use your stitch markers and count carefully. The bands should lie flat when properly aligned before you begin the joining row.

What if my pleats don't fold evenly?

Uneven pleats usually result from misaligned band joining or inconsistent tension. Check that you aligned stitches correctly when joining bands, and gently steam block the finished bag to help set the pleats. The drawstring will also help pull everything into proper shape.

Can I make the bag larger or add more bands?

Yes! You can add additional band pairs (one contrast, one main color) between Bands 11 and 12 to create a deeper bag. Just remember that you'll need to adjust your yarn quantities and the bag will become heavier when loaded.