Free Scrunchie Bag Pattern: A Collaboration with purlJam

Lately I've been spending time working on purlJam, the 'pocket studio' we've been creating. Last week, I decided to use the pattern generation feature to see what it would make of a "scrunchie bag" - slouchy hobo bags with the lovely ruffled handles.

I asked purlJam to generate a pattern for me, and in a few seconds, I had a full set of instructions.

The Pattern and the Process

When I started working through the purlJam pattern, I found that while the core shaping and overall idea was good, some of the aspects were not to my personal preference. It's a reminder that sometimes a pattern is just a starting point and your own experience and taste play an important role in the final result.

I made a few changes to the original pattern as I went:

• A Sturdier Base: The pattern suggested a softer htr stitch for the bottom, but I decided to swap it for a dense dc (UK terms). I wanted the bag to have a bit more "heft" so it wouldn't stretch out. This also meant some minor changes to the row count to allow for the different stitch height.

• The Alpine Texture: For the sides of the bag, the pattern suggested a textured mix of fptr and htr stitches placed in a random order. I swapped these for the Alpine stitch. I prefer the symmetrical, diamond-like texture it creates.

• The Structured Body: The pattern included some minor shaping at the top in htr's. Again I replaced this with dc stitches to mirror the bottom section but kept the decrease pattern to create a slight curve at the top of the bag.

• A Different Handle: The generated pattern suggested threading a cord through a crocheted tube to create the structure of the handle. Instead, I crocheted a short, flat handle in firm dc's and threaded that through the ruffles. It created a comfy handle that felt more secure and gave the "scrunchie" effect a more even gather.

• An Easier I-Cord: Rather than creating a traditional crocheted i-cord for the top fastening, I opted for a simpler method that looks almost identical but is much easier to work up.

A Balanced Way to Create

This is a great example of how you can use purlJam in your own creative process. It can be a perfect starting point, and shows how you can adapt a pattern to your own taste and preference.

By letting the generator handle the initial logic - the yardage, the starting chains, and the general shaping - I could focus entirely on the texture, details, and finishing touches I love. Sometimes a pattern works perfectly as-is, and other times it provides the "structure" that you then adapt with your own creativity.

A Workspace for Your Projects

As I worked on the scrunchie bag, I was able to edit the pattern directly to reflect my stitch changes, and once the bag was finished, I uploaded my own photos to the project page. It’s a lovely way to keep a complete, personal record of every project from the first stitch to the final photograph.

I’m really happy with how this bag turned out. If you’d like to make your own, the textured scrunchie bag is available for free in the purlJam curated patterns. Whether you follow it to the letter or use it as a starting point for your own ideas, I’d love to see what you create.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the Scrunchie Bag pattern?
You can find it right in the purlJam curated patterns. I’ve shared it as a free pattern so you can use the technical draft I created as a starting point for your own bag.

Is it always okay to change the stitches in a pattern?
Absolutely. Swapping stitches is one of the best ways to make a project your own. The key is to consider how the change might affect the final size or "drape." For example, when I swapped the base of this bag to a denser stitch, I knew I’d need to adjust my row counts to compensate for the different height.

How do I choose the right yarn for a project like this?
For bags, I generally recommend something with very little stretch, like a cotton or linen blend, to ensure it holds its shape. When you're using the tools in purlJam, you can input your specific yarn weight and the studio will handle the logic of the calculations for you.

What is the benefit of keeping a digital record of my making?
It’s really about memory and growth. Being able to look back at your exact row counts, the notes on why you changed a specific handle, and photos of the finished piece creates a beautiful, organised history of your journey as a maker.

Does purlJam support both knitting and crochet?
Yes, it’s designed to be fully terminology-aware for both crafts. Whether you’re working on a delicate knitted shawl or a sturdy crocheted bag, it provides a consistent, peaceful space to gather your patterns and notes.

I’m a beginner; is customising patterns too advanced for me?
Not at all. In fact, making small changes—like choosing a different texture for the sides of a bag—is the best way to learn how different stitches behave. Having a technical foundation from purlJam gives you a safe "starting point" so you can experiment with confidence.