# Coral Peony Barrel Handbag Free Crochet Pattern
I have a soft spot for bags that look expensive but cost almost nothing to make — and this coral peony barrel bag is my new favorite. The barrel shape is so satisfyingly structured, the coral color goes with literally everything in my closet, and the big peony bloom on the front makes people stop and ask where I bought it. The answer, of course, is “my couch, with a hook.”
The barrel shape is the clever part: two round side panels and one long rectangle that wraps around them. Once you seam it up, it holds its shape beautifully with nothing but a firm single crochet fabric. The peony is a separate applique you make from layered petals — it looks intricate, but it is just circles stacked on circles.
What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in coral, approximately 320 yards
- Worsted weight yarn in deep rose, approximately 40 yards (for the peony outer petals)
- Worsted weight yarn in soft pink, approximately 30 yards (for the peony inner petals)
- Small amount of worsted weight yarn in sage green, approximately 20 yards (for leaves)
- US size G-6 / 4.0 mm crochet hook
- US size F-5 / 3.75 mm crochet hook (for the peony petals)
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Two 1-inch metal D-rings (optional, for strap attachment)
- Magnetic snap closure (optional)
- 1/2-inch wooden or bamboo handles, or one 36-inch crocheted strap (instructions below)
Finished size:
- Approximately 10 inches wide, 8 inches tall, and 7 inches deep
- Strap drop approximately 12 inches
The Pattern
Side Panels (make 2)
With coral and the G-6 hook. Worked in joined rounds.
Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc into ring, pull tight. Sl st to first sc to join. (6 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around. Sl st to first sc. (12 sc)
Round 3: Ch 1, (sc 1, inc) repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (18 sc)
Round 4: Ch 1, (sc 2, inc) repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (24 sc)
Round 5: Ch 1, (sc 3, inc) repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (30 sc)
Round 6: Ch 1, (sc 4, inc) repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (36 sc)
Round 7: Ch 1, (sc 5, inc) repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (42 sc)
Round 8: Ch 1, (sc 6, inc) repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (48 sc)
Round 9: Ch 1, (sc 7, inc) repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (54 sc)
Round 10: Ch 1, (sc 8, inc) repeat around. Sl st to first sc. (60 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming. Each panel should measure about 7 inches across.
Body Panel
The long rectangle that wraps around the two side circles. With coral and the G-6 hook, chain 61.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (60 sc) Ch 1, turn.
Rows 2–52: Ch 1, sc in each st across. (60 sc) Ch 1, turn.
Fasten off after Row 52, leaving a long tail. The rectangle should measure approximately 22 inches long (enough to wrap the 60-stitch circumference of each side panel) by 8 inches tall.
Assembly
Whip stitch one long edge of the body rectangle around the full circumference of one side panel, easing evenly (60 sc to 60 sts — one sc per round edge stitch). Repeat with the second side panel on the opposite long edge. This forms the barrel. Turn the bag right side out.
Top Edging and Zipper Flap
With coral, join at the top edge seam.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire top opening (approximately 120 sc). Sl st to first sc.
Rounds 2–3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off after Round 3. Sew in the magnetic snap at the center of the top edge if using.
Peony Applique
With the F-5 hook. The peony is three layered rings of petals sewn together.
Center: With deep rose, magic ring, 8 sc into ring. (8 sc) Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Inner petals (make 6): With soft pink, ch 8.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next 2 chs, dc in next 3 chs, hdc in last ch. (7 sts) Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the 6 inner petals in a ring around the center, slightly overlapping.
Outer petals (make 8): With deep rose, ch 10.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next 2 chs, dc in next 4 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. (9 sts) Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the 8 outer petals in a ring behind the inner petals, overlapping.
Leaves (make 2): With sage green, ch 9.
Row 1: sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 chs, hdc in next 3 chs, dc in next ch, (dc, ch 1, sl st) in last ch to form the tip. Working down the other side of the chain: sl st, dc, hdc 3, sc 2, sl st. Fasten off, leaving a tail.
Sew the peony to the front center of the bag, with one leaf peeking out on each side.
Strap
Option A (crocheted strap): With coral, ch 8.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (7 sc) Ch 1, turn. Work in sc until the strap measures 36 inches long. Fasten off. Sew one end to each side of the bag at the top edge, or loop through the D-rings.
Option B (handles): Sew one wooden or bamboo handle to each side of the top edge with coral yarn, stitching firmly through the handle holes.
Weave in all ends.
Sophie’s Tips
- Keep your tension firm — a barrel bag needs dense fabric to hold its shape, so go down a hook size if your stitches look loose.
- Count the side panel rounds carefully; if one panel is bigger than the other, the barrel will sit crooked.
- A cotton or cotton-blend yarn gives the crispest structure; soft acrylics will make a floppier bag.
Coral, peonies, and compliments — what more could a bag need?
