Crochet Clutch: The Prototype

A blog about my first crochet clutch; made in teal. I am lovingly referring to it as the experiment/prototype.

Jun 15, 2024

Crochet Clutch

I work in software as a Product Manager and one of our core principles is to learn fast and iterate. And in the spirit of iteration, here’s the journey of making my first crochet clutch. I was able to practice skills I haven’t used much in many many years (i.e. hand sewing a running stitch).

Iteration 1: The Bag

I’m in the middle of many granny squares for my project known as Holden’s Blanket. But I got interested in seeing what else I could create that would be quick and, hopefully, easy. So I went where I always go: Youtube!

I found a video for an adorable clutch. I loved the way foldover part (to use the technical term - but seriously, what is it called?) looked; it has a fun vibe.

I found the pattern to be super simple: A chain to start, half double crochets, and then double crochets at the top for the wavy foldover part (that’s it, that’s just what it’s called).

UPDATE: I learned that the name of the stitch for the foldover is called the “Shell Stitch”.

I also made sure to block it before I sewed the sides to try and keep it straight.

Overall, this was a quick and easy project and I'm very happy with how it turned out 😍

LEARNINGS:

The Shell Stitch

Blocking is still a game changer in terms of establishing and keeping a good shape for your work; I have pretty good tension, but things can definitely get wonky along the way. Blocking helps straighten it out.

Iteration 2: The Clasp

I added a metal clasp for more secure closure. I watched a video demonstrating how to attach a metal clasp to a small circle so that it could be sewn inside the bag. However, since I used a chunky yarn, it felt too bulky, so I attached it directly on the flap without adding any extra yarn around the closure.

However, that left me with a random metal circle on the outside when the flap was closed.

So back to Youtube I went for more inspiration….

I found a video to create a small heart, so used this to cover the clasp + add an extra embellishment! The heart was hand-sewn onto the bag (a skill I haven't used outside of sewing buttons on clothing)

I am still not 100% sold on the heart for this bag, but definitely proud of myself for continuing to learn new skills!

LEARNINGS:

How to make a very simple heart

How to attach a metal clasp closure to a bag (and chunky yarn makes it trickier)

Iteration 3: A liner

When I started on this clutch, I honestly thought I would just crochet it and be done…move on to the next thing (or rather, move back to doing granny squares). But The Algorithm kept serving up different videos around bags and how to line them. And since this is the first bag I made, I considered it The Learning Bag and decided that everything I wanted to learn, I would do it on this bag.

It truly was the prototype for everything.

So another Youtube video, a trip to Walmart to pick out fabric swatches, and a trip down memory lane to remember how to sew a straight line……and TADA: I have a lined crochet bag. And when all was said and done, I realized I forgot to flip the liner right-side-out. So the liner is the facing the wrong way. Oh well. You live and learn.