Looking for a bright, summery and practical way to carry your phone?
This cheerful handmade crochet phone bag is crafted from soft raffia-style yarn in a full spectrum of rainbow colours. With bold horizontal stripes, a decorative circular floral motif on the flap, a natural wooden bead closure and a matching multi-coloured braided strap, it is the perfect lightweight accessory for warm weather, holidays, festivals or everyday use.
Description
This slim crossbody phone pouch is carefully crocheted using lightweight raffia or raffia-look yarn that gives the bag a fresh, natural texture ideal for summer. The main body is worked in clean horizontal stripes that travel through the colours of the rainbow — vibrant red, warm orange, sunny yellow, fresh green, bright turquoise, soft blue and rich purple. The stripes create a lively, eye-catching design that feels playful yet stylish.
The front flap is the highlight of the bag. It features a beautifully worked circular mandala-style flower motif with a golden-yellow centre surrounded by layers of petals in pink, coral, orange and teal. A smooth natural wooden bead sits at the centre of the flap, serving as both a decorative detail and a simple, secure closure. The long braided strap is made from the same colourful yarn strands, twisted or plaited together to form a strong yet flexible cord that can be worn comfortably across the body or over the shoulder.
Lightweight, breathable and full of personality, this bag is designed to hold a smartphone securely while leaving room for a few cards, cash or other small essentials. Its cheerful colour palette and handmade quality make it a standout accessory for beach days, city walks, markets or casual outings, and it also makes a wonderful gift for anyone who loves colour and craft.
Finished Size (approximate)
- Width: 11–13 cm / 4.25–5 in
- Height: 17–19 cm / 6.75–7.5 in
- Strap length: fully adjustable (typically 100–120 cm / 40–47 in)
- Designed to fit most standard smartphones (with or without a slim case)
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
Materials
- Yarn: Raffia, raffia-style paper yarn, or a high-quality lightweight cotton/raffia blend
- Colours: Full rainbow spectrum including red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, purple and accent shades for the floral motif
- Hook: 3.5 mm – 4.5 mm (choose according to the thickness of your raffia yarn)
- Notions:
- One natural wooden bead (approximately 1–1.5 cm diameter)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Optional: small metal rings or D-rings for strap attachment, stitch markers
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
Pattern Notes
- The main body of the bag is worked in single crochet or a similar dense stitch, changing colours at the end of each stripe to create sharp, clean horizontal bands.
- The circular floral motif on the flap is worked in the round (using a granny-square or mandala-style construction) and then sewn or crocheted onto the flap.
- The wooden bead is threaded onto a short chain or loop that forms the simple button-style closure.
- The strap is created by braiding or twisting several strands of the multi-coloured yarn together to form a strong, flexible cord.
- Maintaining even tension is important so the bag keeps a neat rectangular shape and the stripes remain straight.
- Raffia or raffia-look yarn is ideal for this project because it is lightweight, holds its shape well and has a lovely natural summer texture. If pure raffia feels too stiff, a softer raffia-blend or cotton-raffia yarn can be used instead.
Step-by-Step Overview
- Main body: Begin at the bottom and work upward in single crochet, changing colours at the end of each stripe to create the rainbow effect. Continue until the bag reaches the desired height.
- Flap and motif: Crochet a separate circular floral motif in the centre colours, then attach it to the flap. Shape the flap so it folds neatly over the top of the bag.
- Closure: Create a short chain or loop on the flap and thread the wooden bead onto it to form the fastening.
- Strap: Braid or twist several strands of the leftover rainbow yarn into a long, strong cord. Attach both ends securely to the upper corners of the bag (with or without metal rings).
- Finishing: Weave in all yarn ends carefully on the inside. Gently shape the bag so the stripes are even and the floral motif sits flat and centred. If desired, lightly steam or block the piece to perfect the shape.
Care Instructions
Raffia and raffia-style yarns require gentle care.
Wipe the bag clean with a slightly damp cloth when needed. If a deeper clean is required, hand wash very carefully in cold water with a mild detergent — do not rub, wring or soak for long periods.
Reshape the bag immediately while it is still damp and lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Do not tumble dry, iron or dry clean.
Store the bag flat or lightly stuffed with tissue paper to help it keep its shape when not in use.
This handmade rainbow raffia phone bag is more than just a practical accessory — it is a little piece of summer you can carry with you every day. Bright, cheerful and full of handmade character, it is ready to bring colour and joy to any outfit.
