How to Crochet a Spiral Rope Cord | Step-by-Step Tutorial with Photos

Bright yellow and orange crochet spiral rope cords with gold hardware on a marble surface, perfect for bag handles and DIY straps.

Looking for a fun and easy way to make your own crochet bag handle or strap? This crochet spiral rope is the perfect project for beginners! All you need is a magic ring, some slip stitches, and a bulky yarn to create a durable, flexible rope that’s ideal for purses, totes, or even decorative accents.

This step-by-step tutorial walks you through simple image-based steps, and includes a free video tutorial and Amazon affiliate links for the exact tools I used.

๐Ÿš Why Youโ€™ll Love This Project

  • โœ… Beginner-Friendly โ€“ Uses basic stitches like single crochet and slip stitch. Great for practicing tension and shaping!

  • ๐Ÿงถ Quick & Relaxing โ€“ This spiral rope works up fast and makes a satisfying one-sitting mini project.

  • ๐ŸŒ€ Beautiful Spiral Texture โ€“ Slip stitches create a thick, bouncy cord with eye-catching dimension and twist.

  • ๐Ÿ‘œ Perfect for Bags & Accessories โ€“ Use it as a bag handle, purse strap, or keychain to elevate your crochet creations.

  • โ™ป๏ธ Great for Leftover Yarn โ€“ Ideal for using up bulky or colorful yarn scraps in fun combinations.

  • ๐Ÿงต Minimal Tools Needed โ€“ All you need is yarn, a crochet hook, and a tapestry needle.

  • ๐Ÿ“ Custom Length Options โ€“ Short for keychains or long for tote straps โ€” totally flexible.

  • ๐Ÿ”— Hardware-Friendly โ€“ Easily attach to D-rings, clasps, or chain straps for a polished finish.

โœจ Inspiration Behind the Design

I created this spiral rope as a functional and stylish way to upgrade my crochet bags and accessories โ€” without needing advanced stitches. The result? A sturdy, squishy cord that holds its shape beautifully and showcases the stitch texture.

Whether you’re using bright colors for a pop of personality or neutrals for an elegant look, this pattern adapts to any style. Plus, the method is so fun, youโ€™ll want to make more than one!

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Try alternating colors every round for a two-tone spiral effect โ€” perfect for playful or seasonal designs!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission โ€” at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my crochet blog! ๐Ÿงถ๐Ÿ’•

๐Ÿงถ Materials Youโ€™ll Need

โœ… Yarn Weight #5 โ€“ Bulky

Also Called: Chunky yarn, Rug yarn, Heavyweight yarn
Best For: Handles, rope cords, purse straps, and sturdy accessories
Fiber: 100% Nylon
Crochet Hook Size: 6.0 mm (J)
Texture: Thick and springy โ€” ideal for a soft but structured crochet rope

๐Ÿงถ Try This Yarn: Yarn Bee Scrub-ology Cotton Yarn

This is the exact yarn I used for both spiral ropes shown in my tutorial (orange and yellow versions). Itโ€™s ultra-durable, slightly stretchy, and forms a beautiful spiral texture with amazing stitch definition.

โœ… Crochet Hook

Youโ€™ll need a 6.0 mm / J Clover Amour crochet hook to work smoothly with the bulky yarn.

๐Ÿงต Try This Hook: Clover Amour 6.0 mm

I highly recommend Clover hooks for comfort and consistency. You can grab the single J hook or a full set if you want different sizes.

โœ… Tools to Finish the Project

These extra tools make finishing your spiral rope super smooth and professional.

๐Ÿชก Try This Tool: Clover Bent Tapestry Needle

Perfect for sewing the ends of the rope together and hiding the yarn tails.

โœ… Optional: Bag Hardware for Finishing

If you’re making this into a bag handle or wristlet, these accessories make it easy:

๐Ÿ”— D-Rings (4 pcs Set)

Attach to your bag and hook the spiral rope ends easily.

๐Ÿ‘œ 2 Pcs Purse Strap Set

Perfect for adding an elegant finish to your spiral rope project! These gold-tone ready-made straps save time and add a professional, polished look to your DIY bags and purses.

๐Ÿงบ Try This: Yarn Holder for Crocheting

This keeps your yarn smooth and untangled while working with slippery bulky fibers.

๐Ÿงถ Recommended Materials for This Spiral Rope Project

ItemType / DescriptionBest Use in This ProjectRecommended Size
Yarn Weight #5Bulky, 100% Nylon (Yarn Bee Scrub-ology)Main rope body โ€“ creates a sturdy, textured spiralโ€”
Crochet HookClover Amour HookSmooth slip stitch spiraling in bulky yarn6.0 mm (J)
Tapestry NeedleBent Tip (Clover)Sewing rope (one end) together, weaving in yarn tailNo. 13โ€“16
Bag HardwareD-Rings, Clasps, or Purse Strap SetAttaching spiral rope handle to bag or accessoriesโ€”

โœ… Skill Level

Level: Beginner
๐ŸŸข๐ŸŸข๐ŸŸขโšชโšช
3 out of 5 difficulty โ€“ perfect for practicing stitch control and working in the round

โœ”๏ธ Basic stitches used: magic ring, single crochet, slip stitch
โœ”๏ธ No increases or decreases โ€” simple spiraling motion
โœ”๏ธ Basic sewing required (joining and weaving in ends)

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: If you’ve made a granny square, a round coaster, or even just practiced slip stitch rows โ€” you’re ready for this! This pattern is a great confidence builder that looks advanced but is made with the most basic techniques.

โœ… Finished Size

๐Ÿ“ Final Dimensions: The finished size of your spiral rope will depend on your desired length and how many rounds you complete.

โœ”๏ธ Average Sample Lengths:

  • Short Handle (Wristlet): 8โ€“10 inches (20โ€“25 cm)

  • Bag Strap: 12โ€“16 inches (30โ€“40 cm)

  • Crossbody/Long Strap: 35+ inches (90+ cm)

This flexibility makes it perfect for:

โœ”๏ธ Creating custom straps for any bag or pouch
โœ”๏ธ Crafting keychains, lanyards, or decorative handles
โœ”๏ธ Making adjustable-length projects for gifting or market prep

๐Ÿ“š Note: Your finished length may vary based on yarn stretch, hook size, and your tension. You can try it on before closing the ends to ensure the perfect fit!

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๐Ÿงต Stitch Abbreviations (US & UK)

Abbreviation US Term UK Equivalent Description
ch Chain Chain Foundation or turning stitch
sl st Slip Stitch Slip Stitch Join or move without height
sc Single Crochet Double Crochet Short, tight stitch
dc Double Crochet Treble Crochet Taller stitch with one yarn over
tr Treble Crochet Double Treble Crochet Very tall stitch with two yarn overs
hdc Half Double Crochet Half Treble Crochet Mid-height stitch with one yarn over
inc Increase Increase Two stitches in one stitch
dec Decrease Decrease Two stitches worked together
FO Fasten Off Fasten Off Cut and secure yarn
st(s) Stitch(es) Stitch(es) General stitch reference
BLO Back Loop Only Back Loop Only Work into back loop for texture
STACKED SC Stacked Single Crochet Stacked Double Crochet (UK) Used in place of a turning chain

โœ‚๏ธ Tip: You can screenshot or print this Stitch Abbreviations Chart to keep next to your workspace. Itโ€™s especially handy if you’re switching between US and UK terms or learning new stitch names!

๐Ÿงถ Step-by-Step Instructions Magic Ring + First Round

โœจ Step 1: Make a Magic Ring

๐Ÿช„ Wrap the yarn around your fingers to form an “X”. This creates the base of your ring.

โœจ Step 1 ( Continued): Make a Magic Ring

๐Ÿงท Insert your hook underneath the front loop of the X

โœจ Step 1 (Continued): Make a Magic Ring

๐Ÿงท The hook goes under the front loop of the yarn and pull through to start your loop.

โœจ Step 1 (Continued): Make a Magic Ring

๐Ÿงท Once you pull it through, rotate the hook to form a loop in the hook.

โœจ Step 1 (Continued): Make a Magic Ring

๐Ÿ” Make your first stitch: Yarn over, and pull through the loop.

โœจ Step 1 (Continued): Make a Magic Ring

๐Ÿ” You now have one loop on the hook โ€” this is the center of your magic ring where you’ll place your stitches.

๐Ÿงต Step 2: Make 9 Single Crochet into the Ring

๐Ÿงถ Start placing single crochets directly inside the ring.

โžฐ Work 9 single crochet stitches evenly into the center of the ring.

๐Ÿงค As you stitch, hold the tail and working yarn together to keep tension steady.

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โœ‚๏ธ Step 3: Pull the Tail to Close the Ring

๐Ÿงต Once all 9 SC are in the ring, gently pull the yarn tail to tighten the center.

๐ŸŽฏ You should see a small closed circle of 9 single crochet stitches forming a flat base.

๐Ÿงฝ Tip: If the center doesnโ€™t close all the way, pull gradually while shaping the circle with your fingers.

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๐Ÿ”„ Step 4: Identify the Back Loop Only (BLO)

๐Ÿ”Ž Locate the back loop of the top V on each stitch โ€” itโ€™s the loop farthest from you. This is where youโ€™ll insert your hook from now on to create the spiral.

๐Ÿ“ธ This photo shows the difference between both loops, highlighting which one to use for texture.

๐Ÿช„ Step 5: Insert Hook into BLO

๐Ÿงถ Insert your hook under the back loop only of the first stitch.

๐Ÿ“Œ This is the foundation of the spiral effect and gives the rope its twisty, textured shape.

๐Ÿ” Step 6: Slip Stitch in Spiral

๐Ÿ” Begin working slip stitches in the BLO. You do not chain or join โ€” simply continue around in a spiral.

๐Ÿ“ท As shown in the image, the spiral begins to form as you complete each BLO slip stitch.

๐Ÿง˜ Keep your tension even and relaxed.

๐Ÿ“ Step 7: Continue โ€“ Watch It Grow!

๐Ÿ“ Keep working BLO slip stitches until your rope reaches your desired length.

๐Ÿ“ท The image shows a length of about 3โ€“4 inches โ€” enough for a keychain or small strap.

๐Ÿ‘œ Repeat until you have enough length for a bag strap, handle, or wristlet.

๐Ÿ“ Step 7: Continue โ€“ Watch It Grow!

๐Ÿ“ Keep working BLO slip stitches until your rope reaches your desired length.

๐Ÿ“ท The image shows a length of about 5 + inches โ€” enough for a keychain or small strap.

๐Ÿ‘œ Repeat until you have enough length for a bag strap, handle, or wristlet.

๐Ÿชก Step 8: Prepare for Assembly

๐Ÿชข Once your rope is finished, fold it evenly on one end.

๐Ÿชก Use a tapestry needle to begin stitching one end point together.

๐Ÿ“ธ The image shows a clean alignment of both ends before sewing.

โœ‚๏ธ Step 9: Weave In the Tail

๐Ÿงต After sewing, insert the tail into the ropeโ€™s center to hide it.

๐Ÿ“ฆ This creates a neat, invisible finish that keeps the rope sturdy and professional-looking.

๐Ÿ‘œ Step 10: Attach D-Rings or Hardware

๐Ÿ”— Add your D-rings, clips, or metal findings to turn your crochet rope into a strap.

๐Ÿ“ท The photo shows how to slide D-rings onto each side of the spiral for a clean, finished look.

๐ŸŽ Now itโ€™s ready to attach to a bag, keychain, or gift project!

๐ŸŽฌ Video Tutorial

Prefer to follow along step-by-step? Watch the full video tutorial below!

In this video, I walk you through every part of the Spiral Rope โ€” from the magic ring to finishing with hardware. ๐Ÿงถโœจ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Grab your yarn, hook, and letโ€™s crochet together!

๐Ÿ“Œ Pattern Terms of Use & License

  • โœ… You are welcome to sell finished products made from this pattern โ€” handmade with love is always appreciated!

  • ๐Ÿšซ You may not sell, reproduce, or redistribute the pattern itself in any form, whether digital or printed.

  • ๐Ÿงต For kits, workshops, or mass production, please contact me directly to request permission.

๐Ÿ“ธ If you share your finished Spiral Rope, Iโ€™d love to see it! Please credit: ๐Ÿ‘‰ YarnCreationIdeas.com

Tag me on social media so I can cheer you on! ๐Ÿ’•

๐Ÿ”— Want to share this pattern with others? Youโ€™re welcome to share the blog post link directly so others can enjoy the free tutorial too! Please donโ€™t copy and paste the pattern elsewhere.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments & Questions

Have a question about the pattern? Need help with a stitch? Iโ€™m here to help!

๐Ÿงถ Feel free to leave a comment below โ€” I love hearing from you. Whether itโ€™s a question, a finished project you want to show off, or just saying hello, your messages mean a lot! ๐Ÿ’•

๐Ÿ“ธ If you made the Spiral Rope, be sure to tag me on social media or share it using the hashtag #YarnCreationIdeas so I can celebrate your creativity!

Letโ€™s stitch and grow together! ๐ŸŒŸ

๐ŸŒฑ Call to Action | โค๏ธ Keep the Yarn Love Going!

Loved this free pattern? Hereโ€™s how you can support and stay inspired:

๐Ÿ“Œ Pin this post to save it for later and help others discover it too! ๐Ÿ” Explore more free patterns on my blog โ€” from cute amigurumi to creative home decor projects. ๐ŸŽฅ Subscribe to my YouTube channel for step-by-step video tutorials and new ideas each week!

โค๏ธ Your support helps keep these patterns free and fuels even more crochet fun. Thank you!

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  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Pin it to save and share with others
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๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Visual Overview โ€“ Magic Ring Steps 1โ€“9
Prefer to see all the steps at a glance? Here’s the full visual guide:

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