Mediterranean Half-Circle Crossbody: Free Crochet Pattern

Mediterranean Half-Circle Crossbody: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This half-circle crossbody bag is a lovely first step into Tunisian crochet, and a satisfying quick make for anyone who already loves it. The body is a single flat panel worked in Tunisian simple stitch, striped in six bold blocks of oatmeal and charcoal, then gathered along one edge so it curves into a soft, rounded pouch. The fabric comes out flat and slightly ridged, sturdy enough to hold its shape but still soft against the body, and the simple charcoal strap keeps it easy to wear all day. It looks like something you picked up in a seaside market, and it works up in a weekend.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Bulky weight (weight category 5) cotton, approx. 100 g / 80 m per skein.
  • Oatmeal (A): 100 g (80 m)
  • Charcoal (B): 100 g (80 m)
• Hook: 6.0 mm (J-10) Tunisian crochet hook with cable for the panel; 6.0 mm (J-10) regular crochet hook for the gathering, top opening, strap and edging.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, tape measure, scissors.
• Finished size: Approx. 10 inches (25 cm) wide x 8 inches (20 cm) tall; strap length 44 inches (112 cm).

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• Tss – Tunisian simple stitch: insert hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together: work one sc into each of the next two stitches, joining them into one.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.

Gauge

12 sts x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Tunisian simple stitch. Work a small swatch and measure the middle of it with a tape measure; if you have more stitches than 12 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Tunisian rows have two parts: the forward pass (pulling up loops across) and the return pass (working them off). Count your loops on the forward pass to keep the 31-stitch width steady.
• Change colors on the return pass of the last row of a block so the new color begins cleanly at the start of the next forward pass.
• Keep your tension relaxed on the starting chain; a tight chain makes the gathered bottom edge pull in too sharply.
• Mark the first and last stitch of each row with a stitch marker so you never lose an edge stitch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Panel

Row 1 (setup): With A, ch 31. Forward pass: pull up a loop in each ch across (31 loops on hook). Return pass: yarn over, pull through 1 loop, then [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] across (31 sts).

Rows 2-12: Tss across, then standard return pass (31 sts).

Rows 13-24: Change to B. Tss across, then return pass (31 sts).

Rows 25-36: Change to A. Tss across, then return pass (31 sts).

Rows 37-48: Change to B. Tss across, then return pass (31 sts).

Rows 49-60: Change to A. Tss across, then return pass (31 sts).

Rows 61-72: Change to B. Tss across, then return pass (31 sts). Bind off. (72 rows total, 31 sts.)

Gather

Row 1: With A, working along the starting chain edge, sc in each ch across (31 sc). Pull the yarn tail gently to gather the edge slightly.

Row 2: sc2tog across (16 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Shape Pouch

Step 1: Fold the panel in half with the short edges together, right sides facing. Whipstitch the two short edges together to form a tube. Turn right side out. The gathered edge now forms the bottom curve.

Rnd 1: With A, join yarn at the top opening and sc evenly around the opening (31 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnds 2-3: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st (31 sc). Fasten off.

Strap

First half: With B, join yarn at one side of the top opening. Ch 1, sc evenly along the side edge (approx. 20 sc). Then ch 80, sc in each ch across (80 sc). Join with sl st to the other side of the top opening. Fasten off.

Second half: Repeat on the other side of the top opening for the second strap half.

Edging

Rnd 1: With A, join yarn and work one round of sc around the entire top opening and both strap edges, joining with sl st. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side with a tapestry needle, running each tail through a few stitches before trimming. Check the whipstitched side seam lies flat, and if needed, gently steam it. Block the bag by misting it lightly and shaping it over a folded towel or small bowl so the bottom curve holds its half-circle shape; let it dry fully before wearing. Give the strap a light press with your hands to even out the sc rows.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the color order to start with charcoal for a darker, more graphic look, or use a single color for a minimalist version.
• Add a simple button and loop closure at the top opening if you want your essentials a little more secure.
• Make the strap longer or shorter by changing the chain of 80, and try working the strap in Tunisian simple stitch for a firmer, less stretchy handle.