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 treble 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 US 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.

The pattern for the crochet flowers and leaves that sit neatly at the base of the handles can be found HERE. The flowers add such a sweet finishing touch, but they also do a good job at covering up the stitching/base of the handles.

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.



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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All my tutorials are created for you to use and enjoy for free. However, if you would like to buy me a coffee you can do so using the button below....wishing you lots of Happy Hooky!!

 

xx Thank you xx

Comments

[Linda Woodman]

Dear friend,
I'm delighted to read your useful blog. How refreshing it is to read something from someone who is happy. I'm not from the UK but I'm sure your pattern will not be as difficult as the Swedish one I've been working on. Will you have yarn bundles to purchase for the woodland autumn blanket?

[Martine Pépin]

Bonsoir

Votre sac est vraiment très beau.
Connaitriez-vous quelqu'un qui pourrait le traduire en français SVP ?

J'en serais très heureuse.

Merci beaucoup

Martine

[janet brokofsky]

Hi Lucy
Another wonderful pattern to make. I always find something to make when I come to your site. Thank you for sharing all your exceptional work with us. I have started making from my scrap yarn. Should turn out beautiful like yours when it is done.
Janet

[Lorraine]

Thankyou for this pattern I'm already now for 5/1 /18

[Jessica Wyke]

Thank you Lucy. I have just made a very shallow basket using this pattern, to put all our Autumn treasures in...conkers, acorns, leaves and pine cones. My little boy will love it.
I am getting rather addicted to your blog...I'm spending hours breastfeeding my baby and looking at all the beautiful things I will be able to make when I have more time on my hands. Sadly he doesn't like me crocheting while he feeds. I recently donated for the sunny log blanket which is taking me an age to make, and will do so again for this bag/basket pattern. I really hope most people donate as you so deserve it for your talent, cheerfulness and generosity. Thank you again. Xx

[Jackie Jukes]

Hi Lucy, What a wonderful website this is, I adore all of the colors that you put together to make these masterpieces. I am currently making this bag to hold all my yarn in that I have got in the last few days.
How long did it take you make this bag? I am only on row 8 and it feels like I have been crocheting this bag forever. Mind you I have only learnt to crochet about a year ago.

[wonder woman]

hello lucy, well i just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your inspiration and wonderful tutorials, patterns and banta you kindly give us all. i dont know how you manage the comments on your site, i see you get a lot of erm... questions and wotnot that aren't really to do with the pattern/tutorial etc. i hope you enjoy lots of calming tea and know not everyone is quite so cheeky, lacking in ability to READ what it says and so on and that you are appreciated immensley in all you do. i am quite knew to crochet and love that i'm learning THROUGH you! books have availed me nothing in my knowledge to grow with it but your clear instructions and pics do teach me. thank you! truly and mahoosively! i shall indeed click on donate and enjoy a serene/soothing cup of whatever you fancy from Baldock, Hertfordshire. God bless. xx i do not know how you handle all the repeated questions and requests to add things, change things etc. hohum. xxx

[Ita]

Hi Lucy, thank you so much for this fun pattern. I only learned how to crochet two months ago and this was my third project and it turned out beautifully! I have just bought you a coffee through the donation link. I will certainly come back to make more of your patterns!

[Natacha Oliveira]

Hello!
I can´t find your pattern for this bag...I would like so much to have it...

https://www.google.pt/search?q=crochet+bags&rlz=1C1CHZL_pt-PTPT683PT683&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiS5La-rP7TAhXHthQKHZ6aCU8Q_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=638#imgrc=T6v1aX8KAnHGuM:

[Sar Reed]

How wide is the bottom before you start the sides?

[Bernadette Remond]

Un très joli sac ! merci pour les explications !

[Diane Beeson]

How much Aran wool would I require please?

[Esme Render]

Love the this pattern. My first attempt not quiet like yours. Have used up my wool that seems to keep growing. Next one will use recommended wool. But I loved making this bag it's a bit bigger then yours but will use for the storing of wool , as I am half way through your granny stripes blanket. Which is Really great to crochet. Makes me smile as again using colours in my stash. Husband not so happy as he said I had too much wool and since so far there are 18 different colours in my granny stripes I think he had a point. But as I said to him these are all for projects.

[Mary]

Is there a yarn pak for this..I love the color themes you come up with..I did the Moorland afghan..getting getting to start your new one as soon as the yarn comes in..am now looking at your other things..

[Ricki Lieberman]

HI, I love the bag pattern, but I walk with a walker and I would like a pattern that includes straps that close with a button, so it can hang on my Walker when I walk out of the house. Is that possible? Do you have a pattern for a bag that closes this way? I really love this bag! Maybe you can just send me a pattern for the straps my way to this wonderful bag! Thank you for considering this! Ricki

[Nancy]

Hi, please let me know pattern for the bag in which handles are worked in - not attached, I can't find that pattern, thanks!

[Janifer Keel]

How much yarn did you use for your bag? I only want to use 3 colors , and so how many should I buy .

[Kiymet]

Thank you. I like lucy. From turkey

[Katie]

Thank you so much, i'll try to make follow ur guide

[Sonia ward]

Hi I started this bag tonight but I'm only on row 8 and it won't lay flat it's rippling ? I'm using style craft dk on size 4 hook doing trebles as stated is the wool wrong as mine doesn't seem as tight as yours and definitely won't be flat by row 14!

[Lorraine Grantham]

Hi Lucy

Thank you so much for the patterns (I have printed the smaller bag as well). I have Myboshi No 1 wool in gorgeous colours to use up so I'm hoping it will work well for these patterns. For the lady who was asking about having a print button on your patterns - I have found it works well to select the pattern (right click and copy down the pattern) and copy it into a Word document. You can save the pattern as a Word document and print it from there. Thank you again and regards from Lorraine in New Zealand

[Martha]

Thank you for sharing your own pattern l'll try but different kind of wool I live in Colombia s.a. we can't find thin yarn here I'll get another one very similar

[Jenelle Glanz]

I'm making the bag and must have done something wrong. The bottom turned out huge so I took out 4 rows and started on the sides. I think it is still too big. Any suggestions? I'm thinking about tearing out some rows and making the bottom smaller. I don't know why it is so different from yours. Thanks!!

[Heather]

Thank you, I made this bag last weekend I'm so pleased with it

[Jewelz]

LOVE THIS PATTERN! Thank you for all your wonderful info. How do you attach the handles? I am having a hard time figuring this out for any pattern!
Jewelz