The Ultimate Crochet Guide: Baguette Bag Edition

The baguette bag is an iconic fashion accessory that is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in the 2020s. Characterised by its small size and short single strap handle, it is a versatile wear-everywhere purse. The baguette bag is a popular item for crocheters to make, with patterns available for beginners and advanced beginners. Many different styles of the bag are available, from oversized to mini, and in a variety of materials, including cotton, wool and yarn.

Crocheting a baguette bag for beginners

Baguette bags are a great accessory and an excellent project for beginner crocheters. The process is simple and only requires you to know the basic chain stitch and how to single crochet. The size of your bag will depend on the size of your needle and yarn, as well as your desired size. You can easily adjust the pattern to create a smaller or larger bag by using different gauges of yarn or hooks.

Materials

To get started, you will need to gather your materials. The type of yarn and needle size will depend on your personal preferences and the size of the bag you want to make. A medium-sized baguette bag typically requires worsted or medium yarn. For a unique look, you can opt for multicoloured stripes.

Pattern

The bag is worked in three separate parts: two side panels and a piece for the bottom, sides, and strap. These pieces will then be sewn together to form the bag. It is recommended to read through the entire pattern before beginning to ensure you understand all the steps. Don't forget that closures and embellishments are optional!

Tips

When crocheting your baguette bag, keep in mind that the exact gauge is not crucial, but it will affect the final size of your bag. To achieve a medium-sized bag, aim for a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows in single crochet for a 10x10cm swatch. This will result in a bag that measures approximately 25x14x4cm.

Care

Once your baguette bag is complete, proper care will ensure it stays in its original form. If you've used delicate materials, it's best to store your bag flat to prevent any alterations in shape.

Different types of yarn for crocheting a baguette bag

When choosing a yarn for crocheting a baguette bag, it's important to select one that is attractive, strong, and hard-wearing. Medium weight or bulky yarns are ideal, while most wools and acrylic yarns are too elastic and prone to sagging. Instead, opt for yarns with less stretch, such as those made from cotton or linen. Here are some specific yarn options that are suitable for crocheting a baguette bag:

Cotton Yarns

Cotton yarns are a popular choice for crochet bags as they are strong and durable. Some specific cotton yarns that can be used for a baguette bag include:

• Lily Sugar’n Cream Worsted: Made from 100% American-grown cotton, this yarn comes in a range of weights and colours. It is unmercerized, which creates more friction when you work with it—useful for constructing heavy-duty tote bags.
• Patons 100% Cotton DK: This light-weight mercerized yarn is very smooth and perfect for making string bags.
• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton: A slightly heavier option that is ultra-smooth and mercerized.
• Dishie Cotton: This medium-weight cotton yarn is suggested for projects like the Tapestry Zipper Pouch and Easy Project Bag.
• Catania: This yarn is recommended for the Summer Crochet Shoulder Bag pattern.
• Yarn Bee Sugarwheel Cotton: A worsted-weight cotton yarn that is great for projects like the Easy Crochet Water Bottle Holder.

Linen Yarns

Linen yarns are another good choice for their strength and durability. However, they can be hard on the fingers when crocheting. Blended linen yarns can offer a softer alternative:

• Patons Linen: A light DK yarn spun from 65% cotton and 35% linen. It is said to be soft and comfortable to work with, making it a good choice for those who are new to crochet.
• Lion Brand’s Touch of Linen: A slightly heavier option that is a worsted weight yarn containing 49% linen.

Cotton-Linen Blends

Cotton-linen blends combine the benefits of both fibres and are ideal for bag-making. Scheepjes Softfun is a smooth and bouncy blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic, making it a good choice for a soft and comfortable baguette bag.

Other Options

While cotton and linen yarns are ideal, there are other options to consider as well:

• Polyester: Polyester bag-making cords and ropes are available and can be used for crocheting bags.
• T-shirt yarn: This type of yarn is usually made from recycled t-shirts and can be used for bags.
• Raffia: A natural raffia paper yarn can be used for crocheting bags, such as the King Cole Raffia suggested for the Street Fair Crochet Boho Purse.

Crocheting a baguette bag with stripes

Materials

You can make a baguette bag with stripes using yarn and a crochet hook. The size of the yarn and hook will depend on how big you want your bag to be. You can also use different colours of yarn to create stripes. Other materials you may need include a needle and thread for sewing the pieces together, and embellishments (optional).

Pattern

The baguette bag is worked in three separate parts: two side panels and a piece for the bottom/sides/strap. The pattern is suitable for advanced beginners and can be amended to create a smaller or larger bag by adjusting the yarn weight and hook size. It is recommended that you read through the pattern completely before beginning to ensure you understand all the steps.

Stitch Guide

To make a baguette bag, you need to know how to do chain stitches and single crochet. You can find tutorials for these stitches online or in a crochet guidebook.

Construction

Once you have crocheted the three pieces, you will need to sew them together. The side panels will be sewn to the bottom/sides/strap piece, forming the bag. You can then add a closure and embellishments if desired.

Tips

When choosing your yarn and hook, make sure to consider the gauge and adjust as needed to create a stiff and tight fabric suitable for a bag. The exact gauge is not crucial, but it will affect the final size of the bag. For example, a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows in single crochet for a 10x10cm swatch will result in a bag that measures 25x14x4cm.

Selling a baguette bag you've crocheted

Know your market

Baguette bags are an iconic fashion accessory that has been on-trend since the '90s and has seen a resurgence in the 2020s. With many people now opting for smaller purses over heavy totes, the baguette bag is a perfect alternative. Its small size and short single strap handle, which can be worn on the shoulder or held, make it a versatile and popular choice.

Choosing a platform

There are a variety of online platforms you can use to sell your handmade baguette bag, such as Etsy, eBay, or Ribblr. These sites allow you to reach a wide audience of potential customers interested in unique, handcrafted items.

Pricing

When setting the price for your baguette bag, consider the time and materials that went into creating it. Handmade items are often priced higher than mass-produced goods to reflect the craftsmanship and skill involved in their creation. You can also offer discounts or sales to attract buyers, such as offering a percentage off the original price or including free shipping for purchases over a certain amount.

Description and photos

Provide a detailed description of your baguette bag, including the materials used, its size, and any unique features or techniques you employed in its creation. For example, is it made from 100% cotton crochet using an artisanal crochet technique, or is it suitable for beginners with only basic stitching knowledge? Include clear and attractive photos that showcase the bag from different angles, highlighting its best features.

Shipping and returns

Be transparent about shipping costs and delivery times, especially if you are shipping internationally, as there may be additional customs fees and taxes. Clearly state your return policy, including whether you accept returns and the timeframe in which buyers can request a refund or exchange.

Oversized baguette bags

The baguette bag is an iconic fashion accessory that has made a comeback in the 2020s. The oversized baguette bag is a great option for those who want to carry more than just the essentials. The larger size means you can fit in all your essentials and more, making it a versatile option for everyday use or even as a summer accessory.

The oversized baguette bag in melon from Faithfull the Brand is a great example of this style. Handcrafted from 100% cotton crochet, it features an oversized baguette shape, a fixed shoulder strap, and multicoloured stripes. Each bag is handmade in Bali and takes 6 days to carefully complete each piece. The open-top bag has a tie closure and is designed to be a staple accessory for sunny days.

If you're looking to make your own oversized baguette bag, there are crochet patterns available online that cater to different skill levels. For instance, the Iconic Baguette Bag pattern from Ribblr is suitable for advanced beginners and can be amended to create a larger version by using a yarn and/or hook with a different gauge. The Baguette Bag pattern from the same website is also a great option for beginners, as it only requires knowledge of chain stitches and single crochet.

Whether you're purchasing or crafting your own, the oversized baguette bag is a stylish choice that offers a convenient size and a trendy look.

Frequently asked questions