Crochet the Herringbone Clutch: Free Crochet Pattern
Hey there! I’m always excited when I have a brand new pattern to share with you. Today’s pattern is a super fun accessory…the Herringbone Clutch! Along with the free pattern that you’ll find below, I’ve also put together a stitch tutorial for the Herringbone Half Double Crochet and a tutorial for adding a zipper and lining. I’ve done my best to make sure this clutch is super approachable, even if you’re new to the stitch or to working with zippers. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy the whole process is. So let’s get started!
The following is a free pattern available for use on my website, if you would like to purchase a detailed, ad-free PDF version of this pattern, please visit my Etsy or Ravelry shop. All rights reserved.
**This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. This is a great way to support my small business AND get the supplies you need for your project!**
About the Clutch
So first off, let’s talk about the Herringbone Clutch. This fab clutch comes in 3 different sizes: shortie, standard, and fold-over. My goal with the sizing options was to make sure that you could do this clutch with either 2 or 4 balls of the recommended yarn (more on yarn below!). So if you are making on a budget, you can simply make the smaller version to save a little money.
My other thought with the extra sizing was about adding a zipper. Even though I’ve got a super easy tutorial for you where you won’t even need a sewing machine if you don’t want one, I know zippers aren’t for everyone. If you wanted to skip adding a zipper, you can simply make the fold-over version and close the clutch with a tie or button.
Overall, this clutch is super easy to adjust to whatever size you want and had lots of options to make it your own.
Love it?! Pin it for Later!
About Snuggle Puff Yarn
So before we get too far into the details, let’s talk yarn! This clutch was designed with Snuggle Puff yarn from WeCrochet. WeCrochet sent me this yarn for free to try out. It’s pretty unique in that it’s a cotton blend yarn that is also super soft and fluffy. The makeup is 70% Cotton and 30% Nylon. It’s aran weight, blown yarn.
So I thought I’d give a few pros and cons about this yarn, just in case you wanted to give it a try. Overall, I thought it was pretty fun to work with. It’s always fun to work with a really soft yarn, especially if you’ve been working with kitchen cotton a lot. And if you’re allergic to animal fibers, this is a great option. But since it was so delicate feeling and I was worried about sturdiness of a finished piece, I opted to design this clutch holding the yarn double-stranded. And while this yarn label says machine washable, I probably would stick to hand-washing (or spot cleaning). And fair warning, it sheds a bit while you’re working.
Pros
- Super Soft
- Lightweight
- No Animal Fibers
Cons
- Sheds while you’re working
- Delicate (not super sturdy)
- I wouldn’t machine wash
Yarn Subs
As with most of my patterns, I like to give some options for substituting yarn. I had a few people volunteer to test this clutch with different types of yarn. They all had relatively good success at meeting gauge with holding various worsted weight yarn double or using a bulky 5 yarn single stranded. Here’s a few of their colorful creations.
I think any of these are great options. If you’re planning to add a fabric lining, I’d say you can get away with using any yarn fiber. But if you’re going to skip that step, I’d recommend using a cotton or cotton blend yarn for sturdiness.
About the Stitch
So the Herringbone Clutch uses the same stitch throughout..the Herringbone Half Double Crochet stitch. Most of the variations come from working more rows or incorporating colors changes. If you’re familiar with the half double crochet stitch, you’ll get the hang of this stitch in no time! But just in case you need help, I have a full step-by-step stitch tutorial and video available for you.
Adding the Finishes
So when it’s time to do finishes for the Herringbone Clutch, there’s a whole bunch of options…
Lining & Zipper
First of all, you will need to decide if you are going to add a lining to your project. This stitch is dense enough for the clutch to be ok without a lining, but it’s a great (and easy!) finishing touch.
I highly recommend adding a zipper to the smaller versions of this clutch. I’ll be the first to admit that zippers were intimidating to me before I started working on this project. But I’ve got an easy-to-follow tutorial for you to help you through. You can keep scrolling for the video below.
Stabilizer
So one thing that I did with my clutches (that’s totally optional, btw) was to add a heavyweight fusible interfacing to the lining. Basically what this does is to give my finished piece some structure. So instead of a soft, floppy clutch, I have a structured clutch that holds it shape. I go over this a bit in my lining tutorial as well.
Materials Needed
2-4 Balls of WeCrochet Snuggle Puff (or 280–560yds of comparable yarn)
Size G (4.5mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Stitch Marker
Scissors
Measuring Tape
All Purpose Zipper 12-14”
Cotton Fabric (optional for lining)
Heavyweight Fusible Interfacing (optional for structure)
Sewing machine or Fabric Glue
Sewing needle & Thread
Stitches Used
Ch – Chain
HHdc – Herringbone Half Double Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Skill Level
Experienced Beginner
Gauge
Herringbone HDC 15 st x 14 rows = 4” Square
Finished Measurements
Shortie: 11”w x 6”h
Standard: 11”w x 7”h
Fold-Over: 11”w x 11”h
Pattern Notes
- This pattern is worked back and forth in rounds, turning at the end of each round. It is recommended that you use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch.
- You can customize the size of your clutch! For a wider clutch, increase the number of foundation chains. for a taller clutch, continue row repeats until it reaches desired height.
- The recommended closure method for this pattern is to add a zipper. Tie closure is an additional closure option for the fold-over clutch.
- Adding a lining is optional. For a stiffer clutch that holds it’s shape, add a layer of heavyweight fusible interfacing between the clutch and the liner. For the fold-over clutch, only add interfacing to the bottom 7” section of the lining.
- Step-by-Step Tutorial for adding zipper/lining can be found in the video below!
Colorblock Tips
- This Shortie Clutch is made from one color (2 balls of Snuggle Puff) yarn.
- The Standard Clutch is made from two colors (3-4 balls of Snuggle Puff). The color change occurs after using all of the first color (approximately 20 rows). There are 3 rows of the second color in the sample clutch.
- The Fold-Over Clutch is also made from two colors (4 balls of Snuggle Puff). The color change occurs after using all of the first color (approximately 20 rows). There are 17 rows of the second color.
Special Stitches/Techniques
Herringbone Half Double Crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch. Pull up a loop and slip it under second loop on hook. Yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.
For a video on this technique, check out https://youtu.be//wsPSW9latZs .
Pattern
Using 4.5mm (G) hook and holding yarn double stranded. Ch 43.
Round 1 (RS): HHdc in second ch from hook. HHdc each ch across. Rotate the piece 180 degrees. HHdc in each loop along the backside of the foundation ch. Sl st to first HHdc to join. (84)
Round 2 (WS): Ch 1 and turn. Working in the opposite direction, HHdc in each st around. Sl st to first HHdc to join. (84).
Round 3 (RS): Ch 1 and turn. HHdc in each st around. Sl st to first HHdc to join. (84).
Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 for a total of (20, 23, 37) rows following color changes according to Colorblock Tips section (or as desired). Tie off and weave in ends.
Finishing
Zipper & Optional Lining
If adding a lining, attach lining to zipper and stitch them to the inside of the clutch. For a stiffer clutch, add a layer of heavyweight fusible interfacing to the lining before stitching into the clutch. For more detailed instructions, please reference How to Add a Lining & Zipper PDF included with this pattern or check out this video tutorial.
Tie Closure
Note: This closure is only recommended for the fold-over clutch. Fold the top half over so the piece measures 7”. Locate/mark the center 2 stitches of the top half of the clutch. Attach yarn to one of the stitches and ch until cord reaches approx 24”. Repeat with second marked stitch. To close. wrap ties in opposite directions around clutch and tie in a box around center-front of clutch.
Tie & Button Closure
Note: This closure is only recommended for the fold-over clutch. Fold the top half over so the piece measure 7”. Locate/mark the stitch of the top half of the clutch. Attach yarn to one of the stitches and ch until cord reaches approx 24”. With the top half of the clutch still folded over, mark a spot on the center halfway between the folded edge and the bottom edge. Sew a button on the marked spot. To close, wrap tie around the clutch completely, then around button 2-3 times to secure.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed making the Herringbone Clutch. I’d love to see your finished makes, so be sure to tag me on Facebook @craftingforweeks or on Instagram @craftingforweeks. I always try to share your photos when I can. You can also use the hashtag #theherringboneclutch when posting your photos.
You can also check out some of my other accessory patterns:
The Scrapadoodle Clutch
I-Cord Wrap Bracelets
Summer Crossed Pair Headband
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
