Little Zippy Bags :: Ta-dah!

Aren't zippers amazing little things when you actually stop and think about it? While I've been making these bags I've been zipping the cute little coloured zips back and forth and really appreciating their cleverness and usefulness. I haven't made many things with zips really, because sewing them into fabric (or crochet) always seems to be an overly complicated affair and just a step too far. That is why, when I hit on the idea of using a ready-made zippered bag, it seemed like such a GrEaT idea! Crocheting around the bag so that the zip is already inserted AND you have a ready made canvas liner.....well my goodness, that just sounds like loads of crochet fun waiting to happen without any of the sewing stress.

I think I mentioned before, I bought a pack of these small canvas pouches a few months ago. So when I had the idea to crochet around them, I already had everything I needed to jump in and try it out while the inspiration was hot and my Creative Mind wanted to explode with excitement.

The bags measure 21 x 12 cm (pencil case or make-up bag size) and I adore the different coloured zippers. I got them on Amazon - there are loads of different listings for them, but these ones are similar ((HERE)).

I decided to use Ricorumi DK and I love this cotton yarn for decorative projects. It comes in dinky little 25g balls, so you can really have a good load of colour play going on for an affordable amount of money.

My method of attaching the crochet to the bag starts with this ↑↑ a line of  chain stitches worked directly into the zipper with a sharp Chenille needle. It's a neat idea because the chains are spaced to simulate a crochet foundation chain all around the zipper, and can be crocheted into very easily....

......do you see? That's a round of double crochet worked into the stitched chain to form the beginnings of a stripe-fest.

I worked rounds of double crochet in back loops only to give a lovely surface texture.

The rounds are worked upwards, but also inside out.....eventually you will flip the crochet back down.....

....so that the right side is showing and the stripes completely cover up the canvas from the top down.

Wheeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

It's LOADS of fun playing with colours, and I love the slightly crazy clash of it all.

There are 26 little rounds in total, and because this is only a small thing and not a giant blanket, they whizz off your hook in no time. In my tutorial I teach you how to create an invisible join at the end of each round so that the whole thing is seamless, it really is neat.

Me being me, I couldn't resist a little added floral decoration....

....so I made a Polyanthus flower, a baby flower with a little French knot centre and a couple of leaves.

Oh, and as a little bougie extra, I also added a slender tassel to the zip.

Ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, my heart fell hard for this little stripy bag!

The one pictured behind with the turquoise zipper followed immediately after the first one, I was deep into obsessional territory by this point. I started the second one in exactly the same way, but the stripes are made with half trebles worked into the spaces between stitches which give a wider stripe but keep the dense kind of look.

On Monday I decided to try out this pattern with my extensive stash of Stylecraft Special DK, just to see how it compared to the cotton. These small balls are all leftovers from making my blankets and they make a wonderful working colour palette for stash-busting projects.

I used some fresh floral shades of SSDK and really love how it turned out.

I added a layered flower for a bit of extra something-something (I used my Triple Layer flower pattern, but only made two layers instead of three). Actually I think the stripes on their own are enough, but I just can't seem to stop myself with the flower thing.

The inside of these canvas pouches are little bit primitive because the edges of the zips aren't concealed inside, and the overlocked seams of the canvas are also visible. But I don't really think it matters too much, and they are certainly practical little  bags for storing your crochet hooks and bits and bobs, or for holding small things. I'm currently using one to keep tissues, paracetamol and a lip balm in my everyday rucksack which I use in place of a handbag (It's THIS one, in case you wanted to picture it)

Comparing these two finished bags (SSDK acrylic yarn on the top, and Ricorumi cotton yarn on the bottom), I have to say I prefer the look and feel of the cotton. I think the texture is very pleasing and I think it would be more hard wearing too. But as so many of you have probably got leftovers of Stylecraft Special tucked away, then honestly there is no need to purchase cotton - use the stash you have! Each stripe of SSDK only uses ONE GRAM of yarn, so less than 30g for the whole bag.

Do you feel inspired? Would you like to give this a try? Be warned....they are very addictive little things, and real time stealers too. You won't be able to step away once you get whizzing along on those stripes!

As promised, I've made a  full photo tutorial to show you step by step how to go about this project. It includes links to the canvas bags and other bits you'll need, I hope I've managed to explain myself OK.

The tutorial is free to use, and you can find it in the left hand sidebar list as usual. The following link will take you there >>

♥ ZIPPY BAG TUTORAL ♥

Well that's all from me for now - I'd love to hear what you think of this project and I hope if you give it a go that you enjoy the creative process. Happy hooking!

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♥ ZIPPY BAG TUTORAL ♥

 

 

Comments

[Stefani Corrigan]

Love these but my yarn keep getting stuck in the zipper when I open and close it. Has anyone else encountered this problem?

Any ideas?

[Annemarie]

Thank you so much for sharing this Lucy. What a lovely idea and so useful too.

[Debbi Robertson]

On an earlier post, Bettina said, "The lure of new projects remains irresistible". I couldn't agree more! Sending you love.

[ilona]

This is a great idea. I don't like putting zips in, would rather use velcro. I will look for some of those zippy bags. Thank you.

[Christine]

What can I say?! You are brilliant!! Love this colorful and simplified project!! Thank you!!

[Karen Hey]

I read your blog on holiday, ordered some canvas pouches for when I got home. I'm already half way through the first one using a multi coloured cotton I had in my stash. Thank you for another easy to follow pattern and inspiration! Xx

[Beth Caro]

Will there be another Yarndale?

[Sarah]

I made some small cotton granny squares and tried to line it and add a zip but these is such a better idea thank you.

[Rita]

Absolutely gorgeous, such a fabulous idea! Just what I needed in my life! I’m always needing a zip bag, I love cross stitch and this is perfect for those smaller projects, this way I can have my two favorite crafts at my fingertips! Thank you so much!

[Gaye Brodie]

Thank you Lucy! What a brilliant idea for using up little bits of yarn and would make lovely presents with a special something inside.

[Josie]

Love these little gems. I’m going to make some for Christmas presents and I will add a long strap to one for my little niece. Thanks for sharing 💕

[Jeffery Jefferson]

So clever and so pretty. I am making a tote bag like this and so excited for when it’s finished.

[Kim]

Can’t wait to try this pattern! Looks so fun!
Thank you for the pattern and tutorial!

[Linda in Texas]

These are just the cutest things ever! Just made a couple of little quilted bags for notions and such. Now I HAVE to make a few of these. Using the stitched chain as a foundation row is brilliant. Those old embroidery skills are good for something after all! I love the idea of making craft-y accessories for my craft-y tools and supplies!
Thanks for a very fun little project!

[Kristine S]

I can see this being done to a MUCH LARGER canvas shopping bag - no zip!
Thanks lovely Lucy xxx😘👍🎉

[Pamela Beeching]

Brilliantly addictive! I had no idea that I really needed at least 20 of these in my life!!!

[Jane Bishop]

I love these little pouches! They will make great Christmas presents with a little gift inside… I have sent for the pouches and the chenille needles which were sold out on Amazon (the Lucy@Attic24 effect!) but I found them on Jaycotts webpage.
Thanks Lucy x

[Sheery]

They're so pretty!

[Pam]

My bags arrived on Wednesday, loads of colours in my stitch. Will start today. I may use them as little stocking fillers

Pam

[Jenny]

Thank you Lucy, A great idea 😊. I think I'm going to make them and fill them as mini pamper gift bags for the nursery teacher's Christmas this year 💜

[Tina]

I can‘t wait to give this a try!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Love,
Tina

[Jane McLellan]

So clever!

[Lish]

You did it again, Lucy! They are adorable and cleverly designed. I’m so excited to start creating again. Sunday I’m back home from holiday and can’t wait to start on it as soon as the washing is in the washing machine;) Thank you! 😘

[Bettina]

These are brilliant, Lucy! Looks like Christmas and birthday gifts are all sorted for the forseeable. I'm sitting in my loungeroom in the middle of sewing new lounge covers wondering how many purses I need to buy :-) The lure of new projects remains irresistible.

[Shelly Bower]

Brilliant way to use up my yarn leftovers!