How to Crochet Mega Rose In Pink Crab Stitch for Spring
In this post, learn how to crochet the stunning Sofia bag using premium knitted yarn and crab stitch techniques, perfect for beginners. With detailed, step-by-step instructions, you will crochet the bag’s structured base, elegant rose flap, and intricate lining. Offering customization tips like thread choices and measurements, this free tutorial ensures accessibility for all crochet enthusiasts. It also highlights finishing touches such as magnetic buttons and chain straps!
The tutorial on the Lany Arts Crochet channel by Lany demonstrates how to crochet the “Sofia Bag” step-by-step. This unique, structured bag is beautifully complemented by a rose detail and features intricate crochet techniques like centered single crochets and crab stitches. Lany provides detailed instructions for crafting the bag, explaining every row and technique clearly for beginners and advanced crocheters alike.
Free Crochet Sofia Bag Pattern
Materials
- Yarn for Main Bag: 25 mm Premium knitted yarn (approx. 2 skeins)
- Yarn for Mega Rose: 15 mm finer knitted yarn OR use bag yarn, 3mm/5mm polyester cord, or desired equivalent (stretch thinner if needed)
- Main Bag Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Rose Hook: 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Bag Lining: Silk or similar lightweight fabric (approx. 42 x 24 cm for lining, plus extra for Rose)
- Magnetized Buttons: 2, for flap closure
- Chain Strap: Metal, 1 m long
- Articulated Rings: 2, 25 mm diameter
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle
- Measuring Tape
- Markers: Optional for corner shaping
- Pins/Clothespins: For securing lining
Key Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- dec: decrease (two stitches worked together)
- rep: repeat
- st(s): stitch(es)
Special Notes
- Bag is worked as an oval base with rows of centered single crochets, then rises into straight sides and corners.
- Mega Rose is created separately and attached as a decorative “lid.”
- Adjust sizing if using alternate yarn or hooks; always check fit after foundational rows.
- For lining, use sewing machine or hand sew with matching thread for invisible seams.
- Crab stitch is a reverse single crochet (worked left-to-right).
Pattern
Bag Body
1. Foundation Row
- Ch 19 (count knot as first chain).
- Work in back loops.
- Skipping first ch, sc in next 17 ch (work tightly for firmness).
- In last ch, place 3 sc (creates curve for oval).
- Turn, work sc in each sc along opposite side of foundation chain (16 sc).
- In last sc, place 3 sc to mirror other curve.
- Total: 38 sts (16 + 3 + 16 + 3)
2. Row 2 — Centered Single Crochet and Increases
- Skip closure stitch, work centered sc in each of next 16 st.
- At the curve, work 2 sc in each of next 3 st (6 sc total for curve).
- Continue sc in each st along straight, then repeat curve increases.
- Total: 44 sts
3. Row 3 — Centered Single Crochet & Curve Shaping
- Sc in each of 16 st.
- In curve: (2 sc in next st, sc in next st) x3 (repeat for three increases with one sc between).
- Sc in each straight st, repeat curve formula on other end.
- Total: 50 sts
4. Row 4 — Centered Single Crochet & Curve Shaping
- Sc in each of 16 st.
- Curve: (2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 st) x3 (repeat for three increases, two sc between).
- Sc in each straight st, repeat curve formula.
- Total: 56 sts
5–6. Rows 5–6 — No Increases
- Work centered sc in each st (56 sc per row). Bag base measures ~25 cm x 9 cm.
7. Row 7 — Curve Expansion
- Sc in each of 16 st.
- Curve: (2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 st) x3 (repeat for three increases, three sc between).
- Straight: 16 sc. Repeat curve on other end.
- Total: 62 sts
8–14. Rows 8–14 — Straight Sides
- Work centered sc in each st (62 sc per row).
Optional:
For visual shaping at base, use 3.5 mm hook and work 19 sl st across core of curve area, for decorative effect.
15. Row 15 — Shaping with Decreases
- Sc in each of 16 st.
- Dec over next 2 st.
- Sc in next 8 st.
- Dec over next 2 st.
- Sc in next 19 st.
- Dec over next 2 st.
- Sc in next 8 st.
- Dec over next 2 st.
- Sc in each st to end.
- Total: 58 sts (after 4 decreases)
16–20. Rows 16–20 — Straight Sides
- Sc in each st. (58 sc per row)
- Piece measures ~18 cm tall, ~28 cm wide.
Finishing Base
- Fasten off invisibly. Tuck and trim ends.
Bag Lining
- Cut silk or similar fabric, fold wrong-side out.
- Position bag on fabric leaving 2 cm for seam allowances.
- Sew sides with 1 cm margin.
- Insert lining into bag, secure with pins/clothespins.
- Hand sew lining to bag sides just below opening, using invisible stitches.
Corner Shaping
Mark Corners
- Fold bag flat, mark 14 st for each side corner, 15 st for each center (total 58 st).
For Each Corner:
- Attach yarn at central marked st.
- Ch 1, sc in next 6 st (including ch).
- Dec over next 2 st.
- sc in next 6 st.
- Turn (no ch), sl st in each st except first and last st (11 sl st).
- Turn, ch 1, sc in each st (11 sc).
- Turn (no ch), sl st in each st except first and last (9 sl st).
- Turn, ch 1, sc in each st (9 sc).
- Turn (no ch), sl st in first 3 st.
- Next 2 st: dec over both.
- Sl st in last 3 st (total 6 st).
- Fasten off, sew across to close (with tapestry needle).
- Repeat for each corner.
Mega Rose Lid
Base:
- With finer yarn and 3.5mm hook (or use main yarn, stretch thinner), create magic ring.
- Ch 2, work 11 hdc in ring (counting ch).
- Pull to close, sl st to 2nd ch.
- Row 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st (24 hdc), sl st to 2nd ch.
- Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st alternately (taking back loop) — (36 hc), sl st to 2nd ch.
- Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in next 2 st, 2 hdc in next st alternately (taking back loop) — (48 hdc), sl st to 2nd ch.
- Fasten off, weave in ends.
Petals:
- Attach yarn to any loop from round 1 (total 12 loops).
- Ch 2, 3 hdc in same loop (counting ch as first).
- Rep for each loop.
- Turn, for each petal: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st across petal base for 12 st.
- Attach to fourth loop with sl st.
- Ch 1, Crab Stitch: Work reverse sc across each petal for decorative edging (12 sc, worked left-to-right).
- Attach petals as described; rep for additional rows with petals, increasing stitch count to 18, then 20 hdc per petal as described.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Rose Lining:
- Cut circle slightly larger than Rose base; sew to back for neat finish.
Bag Assembly
- Attach Mega Rose petal to back of bag using 6 stitches.
- Sew magnetic buttons and chain strap to bag.
- Attach metal rings; sew any necessary labels.
Conclusion
This elegant “Sofia” bag is durable and structured, combining a chic oval shape and a beautiful decorative Rose with crab stitch. It is suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate crocheters, offering hands-on experience with shaping, decorative stitches, and functional details.
Pattern Corrections & Tips
- Always check stitch count after increase and decrease rows; use markers.
- Work tightly for firm structure, especially for bag and Rose petals.
- Use crab stitch with enough space for a textured effect.
- Adjust lining size as needed to fit bag exactly.
- The Rose lid can be resized—add more rows or petals for extra drama.
- For neat invisible finishes, use tapestry needle for last stitches.
