# Baby Blue Daisy Barrel Bag Free Crochet Pattern
There’s something about a barrel bag that just makes me happy — that satisfyingly round shape, the way it sits up all by itself, the roomy middle that swallows everything. This one is worked in soft baby blue cotton with the sweetest little daisies scattered across the front, and I honestly can’t decide whether I love it more as an everyday purse or a project bag for my yarn. (Don’t tell my other bags, but this one gets grabbed the most.)
The construction is simpler than it looks: two flat circles for the ends, one big rectangle that becomes the tube, and two sturdy straps. The daisies are quick little appliques you can scatter however you like — I did five across the front, but a whole meadow of them would be adorable too.
What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn:
- Baby blue — approximately 350 yards
- White — approximately 60 yards
- Yellow — approximately 20 yards
- US H-8 / 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Optional: 2 magnetic snaps or buttons for a closure, and a small piece of fabric if you’d like to line it
Finished size:
- Approximately 10 inches long with a 7-inch diameter — roomy enough for a wallet, phone, keys, and a small crochet project
- Gauge: 14 half double crochet x 10 rows = 4 inches
The Pattern
All stitches use US crochet terms. The chain 2 at the start of a half double crochet row does not count as a stitch.
Round Side Panels (make 2)
With baby blue:
Round 1: 6 half double crochet in a magic ring. (6 hdc)
Round 2: 2 half double crochet in each stitch around. (12 hdc)
Round 3: *Half double crochet in the next stitch, increase; repeat from * around. (18 hdc)
Round 4: *Half double crochet in the next 2 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (24 hdc)
Round 5: *Half double crochet in the next 3 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (30 hdc)
Round 6: *Half double crochet in the next 4 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (36 hdc)
Round 7: *Half double crochet in the next 5 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (42 hdc)
Round 8: *Half double crochet in the next 6 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (48 hdc)
Round 9: *Half double crochet in the next 7 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (54 hdc)
Round 10: *Half double crochet in the next 8 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (60 hdc)
Round 11: *Half double crochet in the next 9 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (66 hdc)
Round 12: *Half double crochet in the next 10 stitches, increase; repeat from * around. (72 hdc)
Round 13: Single crochet in each stitch around for a crisp outer edge. Join and fasten off. (72 sc)
Each panel should measure about 7 inches across. If yours curls, give it a quick steam block before assembly.
Body Tube
With baby blue, chain 36.
Row 1: Half double crochet in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (34 hdc)
Rows 2 to 60: Chain 2, turn, half double crochet in each stitch across. (34 hdc each row)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. The rectangle should measure about 10 inches wide and 21 inches long.
Fold the rectangle in half so the two short ends meet, and whipstitch them together with the long tail to form a tube.
Daisy Appliques (make 5)
Petals: With white, make a magic ring. *Single crochet in the ring, chain 3, 2 double crochet in the ring, chain 3, slip stitch in the ring; repeat from * 7 more times to make 8 petals. Pull the ring closed, join, and fasten off.
Center: With yellow, make a magic ring.
Round 1: 6 single crochet in the ring. (6 sc)
Round 2: increase in each stitch around. (12 sc) Join and fasten off, leaving a tail.
Sew one yellow center onto each white petal ring. Then sew the finished daisies onto the front of the bag body — I spaced five of them evenly across the middle, but arrange yours however makes you smile.
Straps (make 2)
With baby blue, chain 100.
Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (99 sc)
Rows 2 to 3: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch across. (99 sc each row)
Fasten off, leaving long tails at both ends. Each strap measures about 28 inches — the perfect shoulder length, and you can shorten them by folding more under when you attach them.
Assembly
1. Pin one circular panel to each open end of the body tube, right sides facing out, and whipstitch all the way around with baby blue yarn. Take your time here — easing the tube evenly around the circle is what gives the bag its crisp barrel shape.
2. Attach the straps: sew one end of each strap to the inside top edge of the bag on each side, about 2 inches down from the top edge, spacing the two straps about 4 inches apart on each side. Sew a sturdy square with an X through it — this bag will get heavy and you want those straps to stay put.
3. If you’re adding a closure, sew your snaps or buttons to the inside top edges now.
4. Weave in every end, turn the bag right side out, and admire your work.
Sophie’s Tips
- Cotton yarn is the hero here — it holds the barrel shape beautifully and doesn’t stretch out the way acrylic can. If you substitute, pick something with minimal stretch.
- Count your tube rows before seaming: the rectangle needs to wrap the full circle with just a little ease. If your gauge is off, add or remove rows until the length matches the panel circumference.
- Lining sounds fussy but it’s just one rectangle of fabric whipstitched inside — it keeps little things from poking through the stitches and makes the bag feel so much more finished.
Round, roomy, and covered in daisies — what’s not to love? Happy crocheting, friend!
