Third and final episode of our summer series "Crochet d’Estate: 3 crochet projects for your beach house (and beyond)". After the cinematic dive with the Shell Bag inspired by Mamma Mia! and the creative adventure among the waves with Paros, the trivet fish, today we land directly in Athens.

But don’t think about temples. Here we’re talking about Athens with a sea view, crochet bucket bags, blue and white weaves that smell of salt and freedom.

Ready to pack your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a book of Greek poems into your new handmade beach bag?

Athens is our crochet project for summer 2025—not your typical beach bag, but a wonderful, simple and elegant bucket bag for all your summer essentials.

Athens: a crochet bag that tells the story of Greece (and the best summer of your life).

Made with the TERNES cord by Tessiland, Athens is a soft, lightweight, and roomy bucket bag—perfect for anyone looking for a handmade accessory with a cosmopolitan flair.

The stitch alternates single and double crochets for an open mesh effect, just like the chic bags seen hanging from sunbeds in Mykonos or parked bikes in the alleys of Naxos.

The color choice is no coincidence: sky blue and milk white, a tribute to Cycladic rooftops and whitewashed houses. Athens is a bag that makes you feel on vacation—even in the city.

What you need to make it.

Recommended materials:

• 1 spool of sky blue Ternes cord
• 1 spool of white Ternes cord
• 5.5 mm crochet hook
• Darning needle, small scissors, and a bit of summer patience
• blue white hook

Crochet mood: how to make the Athens bag?

Round base of the bag

Start with a magic ring.

Work 6 single crochets into the ring. Pull tight and join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Round 2: Increase in each stitch (2 sc in each): 12 sc total.

Round 3: 1 sc, 1 increase, repeat 6 times = 18 sc

Round 4: 2 sc, 1 increase, repeat 6 times = 24 sc

Round 5: 3 sc, 1 increase, repeat 6 times = 30 sc

Round 6: 4 sc, 1 increase, repeat 6 times = 36 sc

Round 7: 5 sc, 1 increase, repeat 6 times = 42 sc

Round 8: 6 sc, 1 increase, repeat 6 times = 48 sc

Bag body (striped bottom section)

From round 9 onward, work in back loops only to create a fold line.

Work 3 rounds in back loop with the main color.

Decorative mesh section

Change color

Mesh pattern (repeat 5 times):

Round 1: 2 double crochets, 1 chain, skip 1 stitch → repeat all the way around

Round 1: with contrasting color, 1 sc in each stitch and chain space (48 sc)

Alternate the two colors and stitches to create 5 mesh stripe sections (10 rounds total)

Handle creation

Change color.

Work 4 sc, then make 30 chains (first handle), skip 16 base stitches, make 1 sc in the 17th.

Work 8 more sc, then 30 chains again, skip 16 stitches, and close with remaining 4 sc.

Next round (handle edging):

Decrease 3 stitches into 1 at the beginning and end of each handle arch.

Work 1 sc in each of the 28 remaining chains.

Repeat on the other handle.

Assembly and finishing:

Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Leave a long tail and cut it.

Use a darning needle or crochet hook to weave in the yarn along the last stitch to simulate a chain (invisible finish).

Weave in all remaining yarn ends.

Final tips:

• Change color during the closing of the previous round for a clean transition.
• For a firmer, neater edge, work with even tension—especially on the handles.
• Always double-check that you have 48 stitches in the mesh rounds.

This bag is perfect for those already familiar with the basic stitches and looking to try a practical, roomy model with a beautiful play of texture and color!

Why is it called Athens?

Athens means city, history, and modernity. It’s that mix of ancient and contemporary that also lives in this bag: classic lines, modern function, refined palette. A beloved destination, one of the most dreamed-of places for summer 2025, and today, it can become your very own project.

Athens is the crochet bag of summer 2025: here’s why

• Easy to make even for those with just a bit of experience
• Roomy and lightweight—perfect for the beach or a summer drink
• 100% Instagrammable: picture it among white stones and bougainvillea
• Fully customizable in colors to make it truly yours

Share your Athens Bag on Instagram, TikTok or in the Facebook group and use the hashtag #TessilandCrochetSummer—we want to see your creations from all corners of the Mediterranean.

And if you missed the first two projects of our summer series, catch up here:

• Shell Bag inspired by Mamma Mia!
• Paros: the Greek-style trivet fish

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Athens Bag

1. How long does it take to make the Athens Bag?

It depends on your skill level. On average, someone familiar with basic stitches can complete it in a day—or even half a day.

2. Is this project suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s perfect for those comfortable with basic stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet) and looking to try something a little more structured but still accessible.

3. Can I use colors other than white and blue?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the color palette. The mesh effect looks great with contrasting tones or natural shades. For a touch of elegance, try black and white.

4. Can I use a different type of yarn instead of TERNES cord?

Yes—just make sure it’s a strong, medium-thickness yarn (about 5 mm) with good structure to hold the bag’s shape.

5. How big is the bag?

With a 20 cm base diameter and approx. 21 cm height, it fits sunscreen, sunglasses, wallet, phone—and even a small beach towel.

6. How should I wash crochet bags made with cord?

Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild soap. Avoid machine washing to prevent deformation.

7. How can I make the bag even stiffer?

You can add a round rigid base—like a plastic circle—or work with tighter tension and a slightly smaller hook.

What are you waiting for? Head over to the Tessiland website and pick your combo to create this crochet vacation-vibes bag.

Thanks for following us on this Greek journey—see you at the next destination.

Rosaria Tessiland®