The "Stella" Modern Crochet Clutch

Hello, amazing crocheters! Are you ready for your next must-make project? We’re taking inspiration from SANG DEWI CRAFT’s incredible tutorial, “METODE TERBARU MEMBUAT TAS RAJUT”, and transforming it into a luxurious, highly-detailed pattern for a chic, structured clutch. We’ve named this design “The Stella” for its star-like, repeating texture that is both sophisticated and fun to create!

This pattern is an intermediate-level project that utilizes an elongated double crochet oval base for a sturdy foundation, followed by a mesmerizing, compact shell motif. The result is a bag with beautiful drape and structure, finished with a sturdy rope handle and elegant D-ring attachments. The finished bag is perfect for everyday use or a night out, measuring approximately 23 cm long and 15 cm tall. Let’s gather our supplies and begin creating this modern masterpiece!

🧶 Materials & Tools

To craft the “Stella” Clutch, you will need:

Item	Details
Yarn	Durable medium-weight (Aran/Worsted, US 4) yarn. The original uses Nylon, but high-quality polyester cord, T-shirt yarn, or thick cotton are excellent alternatives for structure.
Hook	4.0 mm Crochet Hook (or size needed to achieve firm, tight fabric).
Notions	Stitch Markers (essential for marking increase stitches and pattern repeats)
	Yarn Needle
	Scissors
	2 x D-Rings (2 cm size) for strap attachment
	Optional: Fabric for lining and a zipper for a professional finish.

📝 Key Abbreviations (US Terminology)

Abbreviation	U.S. Terminology	Description
ch	Chain
sl st	Slip Stitch
sc	Single Crochet
dc	Double Crochet
fpdc	Front Post Double Crochet	Yarn over, insert hook from front to back around the post of the specified stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, complete dc.
st(s)	Stitch(es)
sk	Skip	Skip the indicated number of stitches.
rep	Repeat

🧱 Part 1: The Durable Oval Base (Alas)

The foundation is worked in rounds of Double Crochet (dc) to create a flat, firm oval. We will start with a chain of 35.

Initial Chain: Ch 35.

Round 1 (Foundation):

Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). In the 4th ch from the hook, make 2 dc. (This makes the first corner cluster: Ch-3 + 2 dc). Place marker in the top of the Ch-3.
Dc in the next 30 chains across.
In the last chain, work 6 dc. (This forms the second corner). Place markers in the first and 6th dc of this cluster.
Working on the opposite side of the chain, dc in the next 30 stitches across.
In the very first stitch (where you placed the initial 2 dc), work 3 dc. (Total of 6 stitches in the starting ch space).
Sl st to the top of the beginning Ch-3 to join the round.

Round 2 (Increase Round 1):

Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the same st.
Work 2 dc in each of the next 2 stitches. (Total 6 stitches increased on the first end). Move markers to the first and last of these increase stitches.
Dc in the next 30 stitches across.
Side Corner: Work 2 dc in each of the next 6 stitches (the stitches between the corner markers from Round 1). (12 stitches increased on the corner). Mark the first and 12th stitch.
Dc in the next 30 stitches across.
End Corner: Work 2 dc in each of the next 3 stitches. (This completes the 6-stitch increase cluster for this end).
Sl st to the top of the beginning Ch-3 to join.

Round 3 (Increase Round 2):

Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc).
Increase Sequence: *Dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st*. Rep from * to * until you reach the straight section. (Repeat this sequence 6 times on each end). Move markers to the first and last stitches of the increase section.
Dc across the straight section until you reach the side corner marker.
Repeat the Increase Sequence *(Dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st)* 6 times.
Dc across the straight section until you reach the next corner marker.
Repeat the Increase Sequence *(Dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st)* 3 times. (This completes the round).
Sl st to the top of the beginning Ch-3 to join.

Round 4 (Single Crochet Border):

Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in the same st and in each st around.
Sl st to the first sc to join.
Count Check: Your total stitch count must be a multiple of 3 for the body motif to work correctly. Adjust the final count in the straight sections if needed to ensure divisibility by 3.
Fasten off if changing color, or continue with the same color.

✨ Part 2: The Textured Body (The Fan Shell Motif)

The body is created using a 2-round repeat that alternates between a shell cluster and a textured front post double crochet (fpdc) for a woven effect. The pattern is worked in a spiral or closed rounds (closed rounds are easier to manage).

Round 1 (Cluster Shell Setup):

Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 2 dc in the same stitch. (This is your first 3-dc cluster).
*Sk 2 sts, work 3 dc in the next st (cluster)*.
Rep from * to * around.
Sl st to the top of the beginning Ch-3 to join.

Round 2 (Textured Shell):

Ch 1 (does not count as a st).
Working in the first cluster from the previous round: Work fpdc around the post of the first dc of the cluster below.
Work 2 dc in the space (the top of the second/middle dc) of the cluster below.
*Work fpdc around the post of the first dc of the next cluster. Work 2 dc in the next space (the top of the middle dc) of that cluster.*
Rep from * to * around.
Sl st to the top of the first fpdc to join.

Body Repeat Sequence:

The textured motif is created by simply repeating Round 2 until the bag reaches your desired height. The motif naturally shifts slightly, creating a staggered texture.

Repeat Round 2 a total of 14 times (or until the bag measures 15 cm tall).
Optional Color Change: The video shows a color change near the top. To replicate, change to a contrast color (Color B) after Round 14 and continue repeating Round 2 for an additional 2-4 rounds.

🔗 Part 3: Top Border & Hardware Tabs

After achieving the desired height (e.g., 18 rounds total), you will create a simple, strong border using single crochet.

Top Edge Rounds:

Ch 1. Sc in the same st and in each st around. Sl st to join.
Repeat Round 1 three more times for a total of 4 rounds of single crochet. This provides a clean, stable edge.

Hardware Attachment Tabs (Make 2):

The strap is attached to the bag using two small tabs that are sewn to the D-rings. The tabs are centered on the side edges of the bag.

Marking: Flatten the bag and locate the center stitch on one side edge. Optional: Use a stitch marker.
Tab Row 1: Counting back one stitch from the center marker, sl st to join yarn (Color A). Ch 1. Sc in that st, and sc in the next 3 sts. (4 sc).
Tab Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each of the 4 sts.
Tab Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2 five more times. (Total 7 rows of 4 sc).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Repeat steps 1-5 on the opposite side of the bag.

🎗️ Part 4: The Rope Strap (Tali Tas)

The final strap is a long, thin, cord-like handle, finished with an edge of single crochet. The total length is 100 cm.

Core Rope Construction:

Sl knot. Ch 2.
Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. (1 st).
Next Row: Do not turn. Insert hook into the single horizontal bar on the back of the sc just made, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops (sc).
Repeat: For every row after, you will insert your hook into the single horizontal bar on the side of the stitch you just worked to create a dense, vertical cord.
Continue repeating step 4 until the cord measures 100 cm long.
Do not fasten off.

Strap Border (Optional):

To give the cord a neat edge and more durability, you will now single crochet around the entire perimeter of the rope.

Ch 1. Working down the side of the cord, sc evenly into the ends of the rows. Aim for a consistent tension to prevent rippling.
When you reach the end, sc 3 times in the corner stitch.
Sc along the bottom of the foundation chain. Sc 3 times in the corner.
Sc up the other side of the rope. Sc 3 times in the corner.
Sc across the top edge.
Sl st to the first sc to join.
Repeat this sc border round for a total of 4 rounds (as shown in the video for thickness).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Video Tutorial:

✅ Finishing Touches

Attach D-Rings: Thread one end of the finished strap through a D-ring. Use the long tail from the strap to securely whipstitch the strap end back onto itself, just above the D-ring. Repeat for the other end.
Attach Tabs to Bag: Use the long tail left on the hardware tabs (Part 3). Loop the D-ring through the opening of the crocheted tab. Fold the tab over the top edge of the D-ring. Use the tail to securely sew the tab edges down onto the bag’s top border. Repeat for the second tab.
Weave in Ends: Use your yarn needle to securely weave in all remaining yarn tails.
Lining & Zipper: The final steps in the original video include installing a fabric lining and a zipper, which is highly recommended to give your bag shape and keep contents secure. If needed, consult the original video’s description for a link to a separate lining/zipper tutorial.

Congratulations! Your beautiful, textured “Stella” Clutch is now complete. Enjoy your stunning new handmade accessory!