Victorian Lattice Mini Crossbody: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Victorian Lattice Mini Crossbody is a sweet little flat pouch that looks far more intricate than it is to make. It's designed for beginners who have mastered single crochet and want to try their first taste of two-color tapestry crochet, since every row is just plain single crochet. The cream base is crossed by thin horizontal bands of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, repeating three times down the body for a delicate rainbow lattice effect. Worked in worsted cotton, it feels crisp and sturdy in the hand, and the shell-stitch edging gives it a soft, old-fashioned finish that makes it perfect for a small outing or a handmade gift.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight 100% cotton (such as Lily Sugar'n Cream). Cream (MC): 120 yd. Rainbow brights (CC) in 6 colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple): 10 yd each.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional), measuring tape
• Finished size: Bag body 6" wide x 7" tall (15 cm x 18 cm); strap 44" long (112 cm)

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• sk – skip: leave the next stitch unworked.
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rep – repeat
• MC – main color (cream)
• CC – contrasting color (rainbow brights)

Gauge

16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in tapestry crochet. Work a small swatch in single crochet carrying a second color, then measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 16, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Carry, don't cut. Keep the unused color lying along the top of the row and work your single crochets over it, so the fabric stays tidy and you never have to weave in a color mid-row.
• Change color in the last stitch. To switch colors, begin the final sc of the row as normal, but pull the new color through the last two loops. This keeps the color change crisp at the edge.
• Keep your tension even. Carrying a second strand can tighten your stitches; relax your grip slightly so the bag stays flat and the gauge holds.
• Count every row. Each row should have exactly 24 sc. A quick count at the end of each row saves ripping back later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (worked flat in tapestry crochet, carrying unused color)

Setup: With MC, ch 25.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, changing to CC1 in last st (24 sc).

Row 2: With CC1, sc in each st across, changing to MC in last st (24 sc).

Row 3: With MC, sc in each st across, changing to CC2 in last st (24 sc).

Row 4: With CC2, sc in each st across, changing to MC in last st (24 sc).

Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC3 (24 sc).

Rows 7-8: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC4 (24 sc).

Rows 9-10: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC5 (24 sc).

Rows 11-12: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC6 (24 sc).

Rows 13-14: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC1 (24 sc).

Rows 15-16: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC2 (24 sc).

Rows 17-18: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC3 (24 sc).

Rows 19-20: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC4 (24 sc).

Rows 21-22: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC5 (24 sc).

Rows 23-24: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC6 (24 sc).

Rows 25-26: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC1 (24 sc).

Rows 27-28: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC2 (24 sc).

Rows 29-30: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC3 (24 sc).

Rows 31-32: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC4 (24 sc).

Rows 33-34: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC5 (24 sc).

Rows 35-36: Repeat Rows 3-4 with CC6 (24 sc).

Fasten off.

Shell Edging (worked around entire perimeter)

With MC, join yarn at bottom right corner.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sk 2 sc, 5 dc in next sc, sk 2 sc, sl st in next sc; rep from * around, adjusting at corners to have a shell at each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Strap

With MC, ch 3.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in last ch (2 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (2 sc).

Rows 3-44: Repeat Row 2 until strap measures 44" (112 cm). Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold the bag body in half with right sides together. Using MC and a tapestry needle (or a slip-stitch seam with your hook), sew the two side seams closed. Turn the bag right side out and gently poke out the corners. Sew the two ends of the strap to the top corners of the bag, checking that the strap isn't twisted. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, then block lightly: mist the bag with water, shape it flat, and let it dry fully to even out the stitches and settle the shell edging.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the palette: Use a single contrasting color for a classic two-tone look, or pick Halloween hues like black, orange, and purple for a seasonal version.
• Make it a wristlet: Shorten the strap to about 8" (20 cm) and attach it to one side for a quick evening bag.
• Add a lining: Cut a cotton fabric rectangle slightly smaller than the bag, sew it into a pouch, and slip-stitch it inside the top edge for extra structure and a polished finish.