Crochet Bag Design: Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Yours

Crocheting a bag is a fun and creative way to make a functional item that shows off your style. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to crochet a simple bag using basic crochet techniques. You'll need some yarn, a crochet hook, and a yarn needle.

First, decide on the size and style of your bag. This pattern can be adapted for different shapes and sizes. Choose your yarn – cotton or soft acrylic are good options for beginners. Most yarn labels will indicate the recommended hook size.

Next, create a chain stitch for the width of your bag. Then, single crochet back along the chain. Repeat this process until you reach the desired height.

Once your piece is tall enough, fasten off the yarn and fold it in half to create the bag shape. Sew the side seams together using a whip stitch.

Finally, crochet a strap and attach it to the bag. You can also add a lining to your bag for a more professional finish.

With these simple steps, you can create a stylish and unique crochet bag.

Choosing yarn and hook

Choosing the right yarn and hook is crucial when designing a crochet bag. The yarn and hook you select will determine the bag's durability, ease of care, and overall appearance. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your yarn and hook:

Yarn Type and Weight:

• Yarn Type: Cotton and linen yarns are popular choices for crochet bags because they are less stretchy and more durable than acrylic or wool yarns. Cotton yarns, such as mercerized cotton, are particularly favoured for their strength, colour retention, and stitch definition. However, wool yarns can be used if the bag will be felted.
• Yarn Weight: Medium weight yarns, such as DK (Category #3) and worsted weight (Category #4), are commonly used for crochet bags. They offer a good balance between durability and ease of handling. Lighter yarns may be used for string market bags, while heavier yarns can be fun for statement purses.

Colour and Appearance:

• Colour: Choose a yarn colour that speaks to you and fits your vision for the bag. Consider whether the yarn is available in the desired colour before selecting it.
• Appearance: Consider the finish of the yarn. Mercerized cotton, for example, has a slight sheen that can enhance the bag's aesthetic.

Hook Size:

• It is generally recommended to use the hook size indicated on the yarn label.
• For cotton yarns, a good rule of thumb is to use a hook size smaller than you normally would. This will create a denser and sturdier fabric for your bag. For example, if you typically use a 5 mm hook with 8-ply cotton, try using a 4 mm hook for your bag.

Additional Tips:

• Test Swatch: Create a small test swatch to gauge your tension and determine the number of stitches per inch. This will help ensure your bag turns out the desired size.
• Care Instructions: Consider the care instructions for the yarn. Some yarns may require special handling that could impact the ease of cleaning your bag.
• Cost: Compare the cost of the yarn to ensure it fits within your budget, especially if you plan to use multiple skeins.

Basic stitches

Chain Stitch

Chain stitch is often the first stitch that beginners learn as it forms the foundation for most crochet projects. Here is how you do it:

• Make a slip knot and insert your crochet hook into it.
• Yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook) and pull up a new loop.
• Repeat this process to make as many chain stitches as you need for your project.

Single Crochet Stitch

The single crochet stitch is another fundamental stitch that is used in many crochet patterns. This is how you do it:

• Make a slip knot and a beginning chain (foundation row).
• Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.

Double Crochet Stitch

The double crochet stitch is a beginner-friendly stitch that is taller than the single crochet stitch. This stitch creates a more open and flexible fabric. Here's how to do it:

• Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook.
• Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.

Half-Double Crochet Stitch

The half-double crochet stitch is similar to the single crochet stitch but with an extra step. It creates a fabric that is denser than the double crochet stitch but not as dense as the single crochet stitch. This is how you do it:

• Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on your hook.

Treble Crochet Stitch

The treble crochet stitch is the tallest of the basic stitches and is used to add height to a project. It creates a looser fabric that drapes well and is often used in light, lacy patterns. Here's how to do it:

• Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the next stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook.
• Yarn over and pull through the next two loops.
• Repeat the process one more time, pulling through the last two loops to create a single loop on your hook.

Slip Stitch

Slip stitches are small and simple and form the foundation of all crochet. They have various uses, such as joining one crocheted element to another or adding flourishes to a project. Here is how to do a slip stitch:

• Insert your hook into the next stitch.
• Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the active loop on your hook.

Creating a chain

Firstly, decide on the width of your bag. The number of chains you create will determine the width, so chain the amount of stitches you want the width of the bag to be. For example, if you want a width of 40 single crochet stitches, you will need to make an initial beginning chain of 41 stitches.

Now, take your crochet hook and yarn, and begin to chain. To start, cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Make a slip knot by forming a loop and pulling the tail through. Place the slip knot on your crochet hook and tighten it. You can now start to chain. Wrap the yarn around your hook and pull it through the loop. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of chains.

Once you have created your foundation chain, you will need to join the ends to form a circle. To do this, put your crochet hook through the first loop and wrap the yarn around the hook. Then, pull your crochet hook through the first and last loops to join them. You now have your first round and can begin to crochet the bag by working in circles or rows, depending on the style of bag you are making.

Sewing the bag together

Sewing the Sides and Bottom:

• For a simple bag, fold the crocheted piece in half, ensuring the "wrong" side is facing out. This will form the bag's body.
• Using a matching yarn colour, sew the side seams together, starting from the fold. A "whip-stitch" technique is recommended for a neat finish.
• Continue sewing until you reach the desired height for the bag, leaving the flap unsewn if you plan to have one.
• For a tote-style bag with two identical pieces, place the pieces with their "wrong" sides together. Sew along the bottom and side edges, leaving the top open.

Adding a Flap (optional):

• If you want a flap for your bag, crochet a longer piece for the back. For example, crochet an additional 6" for the flap on a 12" tall bag.
• After sewing the sides and bottom, fold the flap over to the desired length and sew across to secure it in place.

Creating Straps:

There are a few options for creating straps:

• Option 1: Chain stitch a length equal to the desired strap length. Then, single crochet back along the chain until the strap reaches the desired width. Finish off and sew the ends of the strap securely into the corners of the bag.
• Option 2: Attach yarn to one corner of the bag opening using a slip stitch. Chain one, then single crochet across the edge of the bag, making four single crochets on each side of the seam. Continue in rows until the strap reaches the desired length. Attach the other end to the bag using slip stitches or sew it in place.
• Option 3: For a sturdier strap, create a separate strap by chaining a length and then crocheting rows until it is wide enough. Sew the ends of this strap securely to the corners of the bag.

Final Steps:

• Weave in any remaining tails of yarn and trim them neatly.
• If desired, add a lining to your bag. Cut fabric to fit the bag's dimensions, allowing for seam allowances. Sew the sides of the lining, then insert it into the bag and sew or attach it along the top edge.

Adding straps

Planning the Straps

Before you begin crocheting your straps, it's essential to plan their placement and length. If you're creating a tote-style bag with two identical pieces, you'll want to attach the straps at the corners. For a bag with a flap, you can attach the straps to the sides of the bag, near the top edge. The length of your straps will depend on their placement and the desired drop length. You may want to measure the drop length of an existing bag you have to get an idea.

Crocheting the Straps

There are a few methods to crochet straps for your bag:

• Option 1: Start by making a chain as long as you want the strap to be. Then, turn the chain and single crochet back along to the end. Repeat the single crochet rows until you achieve the desired width for your strap. Finish off the strap by cutting the yarn, leaving a tail, and weaving it through the stitches to secure it. Finally, sew the ends of the strap to the corners of your bag securely.
• Option 2: Using your crochet hook and a slip stitch, attach your yarn to one opening of the bag. Chain one, then single crochet across the edge of the bag, making four single crochet stitches on each side of the seam. Continue in rows until the strap reaches your desired length. Attach the other end of the strap to the bag using slip stitches or sew it in place with a matching yarn colour.
• Option 3: If you're creating a drawstring bag, you can make a chain space for the strap. Crochet until you reach the point where you want the strap, then create a chain space and continue crocheting to the end of the row. Finish with a slip stitch.

Embellishing the Straps

You can add various embellishments to your straps to make them more comfortable and stylish. Consider crocheting a separate piece to cover the strap, creating a padded effect. Alternatively, you can braid or twist multiple strands of yarn together to form a strap, giving it a unique texture. Adding beads or tassels to the straps can also elevate the design.

Attaching the Straps

When attaching the straps, ensure they are securely sewn to the bag. Use a sturdy yarn needle and a matching yarn colour to stitch the straps in place. You may want to reinforce the stitching by sewing back and forth a few times at each corner. Test the straps by gently tugging on them to ensure they can withstand the weight of the bag and its contents.

Remember, the placement and style of your straps can significantly impact the overall look of your bag. Feel free to experiment with different strap ideas and get creative with your designs!

Frequently asked questions