Hello, fellow yarn lovers! If you are looking for a quick, trendy, and eco-friendly project to accessorize your favorite handbag, you are going to love this tutorial. The Crochet Raffia Fish Bag Charm combines the rustic, natural texture of raffia yarn with a playful, whimsical design.
Whether you want a chic beach-inspired neutral or a vibrant pop of tropical color for summer, this lightweight charm adds instant personality to bags, backpacks, or keychains without adding bulk. Grab your hook, and let’s dive right in!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Natural or synthetic raffia yarn (approx. 20-30 yards)
- Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm (depending on your raffia’s thickness)
- Notions: Yarn needle with a large eye, scissors, and stitch markers
- Hardware: Metal keyring, lobster clasp, or small carabiner
- Optional: Small wooden beads or embroidery thread for details
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- sl st: slip stitch
- Note: Raffia can be slightly stiff. Maintain a relaxed, even tension to keep your stitches neat without straining your hands.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- The Head: Start with a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring, pull closed, and join with a sl st to work in continuous rounds if preferred. (6 sts)
- Body Increases: Round 2: [inc] around. (12 sts) Round 3: [sc in next st, inc in next st] around. (18 sts)
- The Body: Rounds 4 through 8: sc in each stitch around to elongate the fish body. (18 sts)
- Shaping the Tail: Round 9: [sc in next st, dec in next st] around to taper the body. (12 sts)
- Finishing the Tail: Flatten the end of the body closed by working sc across both sides (6 sts). Chain 5, sl st back down the chain to form the first tail fin, ch 5, sl st down the chain for the second tail fin. Fasten off.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Weave Carefully: Raffia can fray if pulled too harshly. Use a large-eye yarn needle to secure your ends neatly inside the body.
- Add Details: Use embroidery thread to stitch a cute little eye or gills for extra character.
- Attach Securely: Loop your keyring or lobster clasp through the top of the fish head, ensuring it is securely fastened so it won’t pop off during daily use.
- Embellish: Slide a small wooden bead onto the attachment loop for an extra boho touch!
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: