Cascade Ruffle Purse Free Crochet Pattern – Layered Ombre Tote
Cascade Ruffle Purse Free Crochet Pattern – Layered Ombre Tote
Carry a cloud of soft, cascading ruffles with this modern ombre tote, where each tier is crocheted in a dreamy gradient. The structured base and airy, textured body make it a statement piece for any season. This free crochet pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners who want to create a stunning, fashion-forward accessory that looks far more complex than it actually is.
With its dense, wavy ruffles and soft color transitions, this purse is guaranteed to turn heads. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market or a summer brunch, this layered tote adds a playful, romantic touch to any outfit. Best of all, it's worked in simple single and double crochet stitches, making it an achievable weekend project.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crochet session smooth and enjoyable.
Yarn
- Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in 4 shades of the same color family (e.g., blush pink: light, medium, dark, deepest) – approximately 200g total
- Suggested breakdown: 50g of each shade (deepest, dark, medium, light)
Hook & Notions
- 5.5 mm crochet hook (US I-9)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing handles
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for counting rounds)
- Scissors
Gauge
- 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) with worsted weight yarn
- Gauge is important for achieving the correct size, but this pattern is forgiving – even if your gauge is slightly off, the bag will still look beautiful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in continuous rounds for the base, then in joined rounds for the ruffle tiers. Take your time with the base – it's the foundation that gives the bag its structure.
Base (Worked in Continuous Rounds)
Round 1: With darkest shade, make a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into ring. Pull tight. (6 sts)
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54 sts)
Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60 sts)
Round 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (66 sts)
Round 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)
Round 13: *Sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (78 sts)
Round 14: *Sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (84 sts)
Round 15: *Sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (90 sts)
Round 16: *Sc in next 14 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (96 sts)
Round 17: *Sc in next 15 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (102 sts)
Round 18: *Sc in next 16 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (108 sts)
Round 19: *Sc in next 17 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (114 sts)
Round 20: *Sc in next 18 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (120 sts)
Fasten off. This forms a flat circle base. Weave in the starting tail from the magic ring.
Pro Tip: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to help you keep track of your increases. This is especially helpful in the early rounds when the circle is small.
Body – Ruffle Tier 1 (Darkest Shade)
Attach yarn to any stitch on the last round of base. Work in back loops only for this tier. This leaves the front loops free for the next tier.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (120 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st, *skip 1 st, 3 dc in next st* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (180 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each skipped st of previous round (work into the spaces between dc groups) – this creates a ruffled edge. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Understanding the Ruffle: The combination of the 3-dc clusters and the following sc round creates the wavy, ruffled texture. The sc round pulls the clusters together, making them fan out naturally.
Body – Ruffle Tier 2 (Medium-Dark Shade)
Attach yarn to any stitch in the front loop of the base round (the unused loops from Tier 1). Work in front loops only.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (120 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st, *skip 1 st, 3 dc in next st* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (180 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each skipped st of previous round. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Body – Ruffle Tier 3 (Medium Shade)
Attach yarn to the next set of unused loops (the front loops of the base round that are still free). Work in front loops only.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (120 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st, *skip 1 st, 3 dc in next st* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (180 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each skipped st of previous round. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Body – Ruffle Tier 4 (Lightest Shade)
Attach yarn to the remaining unused loops (the last set of front loops). Work in front loops only.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (120 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st, *skip 1 st, 3 dc in next st* repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (180 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each skipped st of previous round. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Why Work in Front Loops? By working each tier into the front loops of the base, you create a beautiful layered effect where each ruffle tier sits slightly above the previous one, like petals on a flower. The unused loops create a subtle ridge that separates each tier.
Handles (Make 2)
With darkest shade, ch 80.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (79 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly
Sew each handle to the inside of the purse, placing them on opposite sides, about 2 inches down from the top edge. Use the long tail and a yarn needle to securely stitch the handles in place. Make sure they are evenly spaced and firmly attached.
Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle. Trim any excess yarn.
Finishing Touches & Care
Your Cascade Ruffle Purse is now complete! Gently block the bag if desired to even out the ruffles. To block, lightly mist with water and shape with your hands, then allow to dry flat.
Care Instructions: Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry. Do not wring or twist, as this can distort the ruffles.
This bag is surprisingly roomy despite its delicate appearance. The structured base ensures it stands upright, while the ruffled tiers add volume and visual interest. You can easily customize the look by choosing different color families – think ocean blues, sunset oranges, or forest greens.
Happy crocheting! We'd love to see your finished Cascade Ruffle Purse – share your creation on social media with the hashtag #CascadeRufflePurse.
