Crochet Bag Pattern

Way back in July, you may remember me making this bag. It's my own design, made on a whim and I was/am absurdly proud of it. It has received much admiration when I jaunt about with it on my shoulder, and it has proven to be a very practical bag for stashing yarn in. Very Crochety indeed.
I've had countless emails and requests for this pattern, and in truth I have been putting it off a little. Well more than a little, seeing as it is now more than three months down the line. I find writing patterns so daunting, but I will try to do my very best for you, to share this woolly baggy goodness with you all.

First some yarn info :: I used Debbie Bliss yarn, called Merino Aran. I got it in a sale, and it has now been discontinued, and I don't think there is an equivalent. It is not to be confused with her Cashmerino, which is softer and lighter. This Aran yarn is pure wool and quite thick, and is known as "aran weight", where as the Cashmerino is a DK weight. But really you can use whatever yarn tickles your fancy, just that the sizing might be smaller if you use a lighter weight yarn.
Hook size :: I used a 4mm hook. Even though it's supposed to be a 5mm hook size for this weight yarn, I used 4mm and it made the stitches quite tight, which turned out good for this type of bag.

Now before we begin, can we just clarify the difference between UK and US terms :: this bag is made using a UK treble crochet (tr) stitch, which is equivalent to US double (dc). For this pattern I am going to use UK terminology.
 
Begin by chaining 4 and joining to form a ring.

For the very first round you will work out of the central ring, but for all other rounds, work out of the stitches. When I work out of the stitches, I insert the hook through both loops of the stitch (as shown above), because I think it makes a stronger stitch. But you can just go through the back loop if thats what you're used to.

Round 1 :: chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 10 more dc stitches INTO THE RING.
Join with a slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3.
Don't fasten off, keep same colour. (you should have 11 stitches in your circle)

Round 2 :: slip stitch into first tr stitch to begin.
 Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then 1 tr into SAME STITCH.
*tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between **, making two tr's into each stitch.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off (you should now have 22 stitches in your circle)

Round 3 ::  join a new colour by knotting it tightly and leaving tails to darn in, then pull a loop through to the front (as shown above).
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next stitch, then tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between **, alternating between single and double tr's in each stitch.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 4 :: Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to front to begin.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next 2 stitches, tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you complete the round.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 5 :: Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to front to begin.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next 3 stitches, tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you complete the round.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 6 :: Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to front to begin.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next 4 stitches, tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you complete the round.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 7 :: Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to front to begin.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next 5 stitches, tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you complete the round.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Can you see the pattern emerging here? Each round you increase the gap between the 2-tr stitches by 1.
You should be producing a reasonably flat circle which forms the bottom of the bag, and you can choose how big to make it. My bag has 14 of these increase rows in total, so in the final row 14, there should be 12 single tr's in between each 2-tr. Hope that makes sense.

Now when you're happy you have the size of bottom you require (!!), all you need to do is stop increasing, ie stop making any 2-tr stitches. In the picture above, my last increase round was the deep red colour :: the mustardy yellow  colour was then the first round with no increase, see?
Isn't this so easy?
All you do now is continue changing yarn colours and simply work tr stitches all the way round (I think its roughly 154 stitches for each round, I just counted on my bag). Remember to continue working with the outside/right side facing you, don't get confused and suddenly begin working from the inside like I did, cos it goes all wrong.
You can decide how deep you wish to make it :: my bag has 38 rows total :: 14 for the bottom, and 24 to make the sides.



SHELL EDGING
This is a lovely way to finish off the top of the bag, and is pretty easy to do. It only involves clusters of dc stitches and slip stitches, with gaps in between.
Make sure the outside of the bag is facing you, you are working the edging from the outside.
Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to the front to begin.
*Skip 2 stitches, then tr 7 times into the next stitch.
Skip 2 stitches, then slip stitch into the next stitch.*
Repeat between **



HANDLES
These can be as long or short as you like :: the ones I made measure 64cm long.
I wanted them quite tight and strong so I used long lines of Double Crochet (single crochet for UK peeps).
So make a long chain the length you would like the handles to be, I think mine were roughly 95 stitches.
*Begin in 2nd chain from hook and work a row of dc to the end.
Now you can tie in a new colour if you like, or keep the one single colour.
Chain 2 and turn*.
Continue working rows of dc as above between **, making the straps as wide as you like (mine were 7 rows, 3cm wide).

I know it's obvious really, but don't forget you'll need to make two handles.

Position the handles on the bag (I spaced mine to have 4 "shell edgings" between each end of the handle (see top picture). Pin in place, overlapping the handle onto the outside of the bag by about 4cm or so. Stitch in place :: stitch thoroughly right round the end of the handle, as firmly as you can make it. You'll be able to cover up the stitching with a flower motif so don't worry too much about what it looks like, just make it strong.

And there you have it. One crocheted bag.
I am absolutely crocheted out, my head hurts. I am seeing stars.
I hope for those of you who have waited for this pattern, that it was worth the wait, that it makes sense and that you might be inspired to give it a go.
I am too tired to write about the little crochet flowers and leaves right now, but will do this for you sometime next week. They are an extra, and you can be making the bag in the meantime. I would be thrilled to hear of any of you making this bag, I really would so keep me posted.



Now I'm off to have a cup of tea and a rock bun and a weeny rest......I think I deserve it.

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Comments

[Melibu]

Hi--I LOVE the crochet bag & the hexagon blanket...please can you help me with a pattern for both?! I'm a newbie & can't find a pattern that matches what you've done. Also, what yarns, size hook...etc.
I'm in Los Angeles & want to start these 2 projects asap to keep my sanity out here! :) Thanks.

[Cláudia]

Lindo! Lindo! LIndo!
Hi Lucy!
I'm Brazilian and love yours works.
Congratulations!!
Bye

[Melibu]

How's the crochet bag pattern coming along? When you are ready, we're ready in Los Angeles!
Thanks,
Melibu

[Mary]

San Francisco is waiting very patiently for your crochet bag pattern...I love, love, love it!!
I am going to try to find a good hexagon pattern too unless you want to share that??!! I enjoy your blog so much!

[Mary]

Lucy:

Thank you so much for your reply! I will be anxiously awaiting--I had been trying to think of a way to get from San Francisco, California to Knit and Natter to track you down!
Seriously, I do enjoy your blog so much and look forward to the patterns for the crochet bag and the hexagon!

[Cele]

Oh !
I'm so excited i've been waiting for you to post this pattern. Can't wait to try it.
Thankyou

[Lara]

This is superb! I love your use of colour and your enthusiasm for crochet. Thanks so much for the pattern.

[Francine]

Thank you for taking the time to write out this pattern for us. I love your bag and will definitely be making one for myself. Can't wait to try it.

Also love the hexagon blanket you are making and plan on trying that one out too.

I was drawn to your blog because of the choice of colors that your use in your projects, as they are the colors that love to use myself. I think that bright colors are so cheerful.

Love from New York,
Francine

[Debbie]

Oh No! Hexagons and bags to make and I am still sitting rippling! Is it normal to want to do everything? Thank goodness the winter is coming. It is a good excuse to sit and crochet my heart out.Thanks for taking the time to do up the patterns-I know I will be at these projects soon.

[Mary]

I can hardly wait to get at it!!!

[Michelle]

Thank you so much for the pattern AND for explaining the uk/us thing right at the start there. I don't mind trebling when you say double ; )

[Michelle]

Thank you so much for the pattern AND for explaining the uk/us thing right at the start there. I don't mind trebling when you say double ; )

[patonslake]

Another big thank you for your pattern and the great pictures. Looking forward for more of your projects. Anything in mind for Christmas???

[nora halim]

i love your bag..thanks a lot for sharing the pattern..

[Mary]

I am halfway through the bag!!

Mary in San Francisco

[Melibu]

YOU ROCK!!!!
Just going to order all my supplies & begin your amazing & rock'in project!!!
Thanks sooo much.
Melibu in LA

[susan]

This is wonderful. I always figured I wouldn't be able to do that bag as I am a very beginning crocheter but you have explained it all so thoroughly that I'm going to make one!

[Debbie Tucker]

I just found your site and love it, love it, love it. How cool that you are so gifted and willing to share. I have put your site in my favorites and will be checking weekly (if not more often).
Have a wonderful day and God Bless.

[Kristi]

It is so lovely! I'm making it now and I'm wondering, did you weave in all of those ends, or did you just snip them since it's on the inside? That's a lot of ends!!

[nora halim]

hi..
wanna show you the one that i made using your pattern.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/noraizhar98/3084881169/

thanks a bunch for sharing it.

[Marie]

There are just too many fabulous crochet patterns on your blog Lucy! I discovered the summer flowers blanket one yesterday and started on squares for that this morning, now I've seen this one and I want to go home and start making it straight away!! I have designs on a black, white and grey one. My house will be even messier than usual at this rate!! Thanks for sharing though :)

xMx

[Eileen]

Thank you for all this great information. I went to ebay and bought 3 skeins of Rowan Handknit DK Cotton, (free shipping). The cheap yarn I have is not working very well for Hexagons. I love your blog Lucy and will come back often!

[Jenny]

LOVE IT! Thank you so much for sharing!

[The Girl from Mozambique]

I so love this bag. I have made one for myself and smaller versions for my girls. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Kennan]

I made this bag. It was a really awesome pattern. here's the URL if you want to see it.
http://londonknitter.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/i-put-a-spell-on-you/

By the way i love your blog.