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.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

All my tutorials are created for you to use and enjoy for free. However, if you would like to make a donation you can do so using the button below (all donations are gratefully received and will be used to fund future projects).

 

xx Thank you xx

Comments

[Z.]

Hi Lucy!
I love this bag and I'm going to have a go at it. Just a question though. What yarn did you use? Do you always work with Rowan cotton? Or do you use blends as well? Wool?
Thank you!
Z.

[Julia]

I am currently making this bag. I LOVE IT! So far I've completed the bottom and started the sides. Mine is 13 rounds for the bottom. I stopped increasing and I'm just doing one double crochet per chain. I think it looks like the bag is curving inwards. I don't believe I'm skipping any chains. Anyway.. do you think I'm doing something wrong? All of your pictures seem to look like the bag goes from the bottom being a little smaller to the top a little wider. Maybe it's just the way it's layed out. If you would like I can send a picture. Maybe that would help.

[Silvia]

Dear Lucy, I absolutely love your blog!! I visit it almost everyday to see if you posted something new :) I am making this lovely bag (still working on the bottom), but I am not sure I picked up the right colors. I will send you a photo when I finish it. Please keep on making us all happy with your blog and tutorials! Love, Silvia

[Cori]

I LOVE this bag! Thank you so much for sharing your "recipe" and I'm quite sure I can find appropriate yarn in my stash. I will gather materials, and when I get moving on it I will post on my blog at http://corithinks.blogspot.com and on my projects page at Ravelry.com

Thanks again! I am really enjoying your blog!

[humera]

good morning maam

am from india. i love your blog.its as though u are teaching face to face.this has been a help to me

thank u so much
hkazi

[amona]

Thank you for all the inspiration

i like ur bag and i will make one ,,

thank u alot

[Rebecca]

I just completed all of the parts for this bag and am currently assembling them. I love the muted colors that you used. I had a bunch of bright colors on hand so that is what I went with. I think it turned out pretty nicely.

Thanks for the pattern!

[Vanessa]

I stumbled upon this blog looking for ways to join granny squares. Your method and tutorial is wonderful, but what is even better is your bag! Hats off you madam, terrific job! ~Venus

[julia]

Hello Lucy :)

I wanted to share a pic with you, of the bag I made following your pattern! I am so over the moon with it and wonder how on earth I managed without one!

Thank you for sharing the pattern, its very lovely of you :)

With love
Julia

If you get the chance, here are some pictures to look at:

http://juliacrossland.blogspot.com/2009/05/life-and-its-little-luxuries.html

[Rhi]

Thank you so much for making such a fabulous easy to read how-to. This is my first finished crochet project and I'm addicted! You're an absolute inspiration. Here's my bag!
Rhi :)

[Debbie]

I've been following your blog for awhile, now, but I've just found this bag! I love it. I hope I can make it. Thank you for taking time to share the pattern. It's a lot of work to write it all out, take the pictures, and help all of us, so well, thank you!

[Janet]

I've just discovered your blog, I love it, so fresh and full of colour. I rushed out to get yarn to make this bag, thank you so much for sharing it. I'm using 8 ply wool though because I couldn't get 12 ply in nice colours. So far the first rounds look good.

[Carolyn]

I love this bag, thank you so much for the pattern. Have you posted somewhere how to make the flowers.

[Eloisa]

Lucy, It's wonderfulllllll

[Louise]

Hi Lucy!

Thank you for all your wonderful patterns. I love them all.

I just finished the bag yesterday. It's not as nice as yours but I'm satisfied with it. I've posted so pics on my blog if you'd like to see it.

Next up for me is creating something with the ripple pattern. :-)

Cheers,
Louise

[Linda Knadler]

Lucy,

You are so kind and generous to share your beautiful crochet patterns with others. I love them. I'm just learning to crochet after spending the last few years knitting, and am definitely planning to make something of yours.

Linda

[Sooz]

Many thanks for the pattern, here is my attempt :)

http://soozintheshed.blogspot.com/

[Crystal]

I love this bag! I found your pattern on ravelry. I already made one for toting my yarn but I'm working on a smaller one. I don't see how you made the flowers though. where can I find this?

[Crystal]

oops nevermind I see it now!

[cheryl]

Lucy:

I have been reading your blog for quite some time...in awe of all your crochet projects. Well, yesterday I thought that I would give it a whirl...and guess what? I have just completed my 7th round on the bottom of your bag and it's beautiful!!! I have never crocheted a thing in my life!!! Your instructions are so easy to understand. Thanks so very much.
cheryl xx

[vauney]

hi lucy, love your sense of colour and thanks for a really pretty - not to mention - practical bag. I shall try to reproduce it, sometime in the future. how are you on crocheting socks? now that has to be hard, at least I think so. maybe you could give it a go - I have a feeling in your hands it would be a really easy project.

[Olga]

good!!!Tatarstan.Olga

[Louise]

Hi Lucy,
Gosh I just finished making this bag and yet again I cannot thank you enough for sharing your so easy to understand tutorial. Is there a flickr group set up do you know for people to post photos of their bag? I would love to see others, mine is posted on my blog and it really makes me smile!
Your work is fantastic and I adore your blog.
Louise x

[Pinktulipza]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful bag pattern with us!

[Martha Gray]

Thank you so much, Lucy, for posting these directions which have just made my day -- I have admired your bag ever since I first saw it and I am so excited to buy my yarn and get started. Your directions and photos are so clear -- I know this must have been a lot of work, but it is very much appreciated.