If you're looking for a fun new project, why not try crocheting a box bag? It's a stylish and useful item to make, and there are plenty of patterns and kits available online. You can find free patterns on sites like Ravelry, Marlybird, Yarnspirations, and Mama In A Stitch, or you can purchase a kit from POPSEWING that includes everything you need to get started, like crochet hooks, yarn, and tutorial videos. With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect pattern to create a unique and trendy box bag.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Big Easy Crochet Bag Pattern |
Difficulty | Easy |
Time | Reasonably short |
Stitches | Single crochet, chain, crochet in the back loop, seed stitch |
Tools | Size H hook, tapestry needle |
Yarn | Lion Brand Hometown USA Yarn in Los Angeles Tan (4 skeins) and New York White (1 skein) or another super bulky yarn |
Dimensions | 15 inches across, 11 inches tall, 3.5 inches wide |
Pattern | Forgiving, can be modified to be simpler |
Base | Big rectangle |
Sides | Worked individually |
Base Fabric | Tight enough to hold pens and pencils without slipping through |
Lining/Zipper | Not necessary, but possible |
What You'll Learn
Adding a zipper
Prepare the Zipper:
Before you begin, ensure you have the right length of zipper for your bag. If it's too long, you can shorten it by machine-stitching back and forth about 1" above your desired cutting line, or by whipstitching with a needle and thread. Use pinking shears or scissors to trim the zipper neatly.
Step 1: Centre the Zipper:
Place one side of the zipper on the inside edge of your bag, with the right side of the zipper facing up. Pin it to the wrong side of the last row or round of your bag every few inches to hold it in place as you sew.
Step 2: Sew the Zipper:
Using a needle and thread, knot one end of your thread and sew the zipper to the last row/round of your bag using a basting stitch. Start on the inside of your bag, removing pins as you work. Weave in the ends and fasten off. You can choose to work one or two rows of parallel basting stitches for added security.
Step 3: Repeat on the Other Side:
After securing one side of the zipper, open it up and pin it to the opposite side of the bag. Sew it in place using the same method as before.
An Alternative Method:
If you prefer, you can crochet the zipper onto your bag using a steel crochet hook (size US C or smaller). Here's how:
Punch your crochet hook through the zipper fabric about 1/4" in and down from one corner edge. Chain 1, then single crochet evenly across to the corner, making 3 single crochets in the corner. Repeat this process three more times, joining the round with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Insert the zipper inside your bag and clip or pin it evenly in place. Join the yarn by inserting your hook through the first stitch of the bag's edge and the closest corresponding stitch of the zipper. Pull the loop through, and single crochet in that stitch all the way around, working 3 single crochets in each corner.
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Using different types of yarn
When choosing a yarn for your crochet box bag pattern, it's important to keep in mind the functionality and aesthetics you desire. The yarn you select should be attractive, strong, and durable. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right yarn for your crochet box bag:
Yarn Weight
The weight of the yarn will impact the overall structure and appearance of your bag. Medium weight or bulky yarns are commonly used for crochet bags. Lighter yarns, such as DK weight (#3 Light), are suitable for creating string market bags that can be folded down compactly when not in use. On the other hand, heavier yarns can be fun for statement purses, but keep in mind that they will add considerable weight to your bag.
Yarn Material
The choice of yarn material will influence the elasticity, durability, and texture of your bag. Most crochet bags are crafted using yarns made from cotton or linen, as these fibres are less stretchy and more suitable for maintaining the bag's shape. Wool and acrylic yarns, on the other hand, tend to be more elastic and prone to sagging over time, especially when carrying heavier items. If you plan to use pure wool yarn, consider felting it to reduce its elasticity and create a sturdier bag.
Colourfastness
When working with dyed yarns, it's important to consider colourfastness to avoid dye transfer or bleeding during laundry or unexpected rain showers. Commercially produced bulk-dyed yarns tend to be more colourfast than hand-painted or hand-dyed yarns. It's advisable to test a small swatch of the yarn before committing to a larger project to ensure colourfastness.
Smooth Fibres and Tightly Twisted Yarns
To minimise pilling, opt for smooth fibres and tightly twisted yarns with multiple plies. Pilling occurs due to friction when bags rub against clothing, and it can be unsightly. Smooth and tightly twisted yarns will help you create a more durable and attractive bag that withstands everyday use.
Yarn for Specific Bag Types
If you're crafting a soft tote bag that you can fold and carry for light essentials, consider using lighter-weight cotton yarns or raffia. These materials offer softness and flexibility while still maintaining their original shape. For a durable and sturdy tote bag that can withstand heavy items, choose a #3 Light/DK weight yarn or heavier, paired with strong fibres like hemp, jute, or chunky cotton. These yarns will provide the necessary structure and strength to support the weight of your belongings.
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Creating a sturdy base
Choose the Right Yarn
The type of yarn you use plays a crucial role in determining the sturdiness of your crochet basket. Super bulky weight yarn or t-shirt yarn is ideal for creating a tight fabric that will hold its shape. T-shirt yarn is thicker than most super bulky weight yarn and is highly durable. It won't become fuzzy over time, ensuring that your bag maintains its original look.
Use a Smaller Hook
To achieve a tight fabric, it's essential to use a smaller hook than recommended. This will allow you to create tighter stitches, resulting in a denser and stiffer fabric. Your hands might feel sore from maintaining such tight tension, but it's worth it for the sturdy base you'll achieve.
Crochet a Flat Circle for the Base
Begin by crocheting a flat circle for the base of your bag. This will provide a solid foundation for the rest of the structure. Once you have your flat circle, slip stitch in the back loops only all the way around the circle. This will create an "invisible round," making the base thicker and stronger.
Work Over the Invisible Round
After creating the invisible round, you'll work over it to further strengthen the base. Single crochet in each stitch around, but instead of inserting your hook under the top loops of the slip stitches, insert it into the same place as you did for the invisible round. This will create a thick and sturdy foundation for the sides of your bag.
Use Fishing Line
In addition to yarn, you can incorporate fishing line into your crochet work to add extra strength and structure. Choose a clear fishing line that is thin, long, strong, and flexible. Work it into your crochet stitches, especially in the base and straps, to create a non-stretchy and sturdy bag. The fishing line will bear the weight and pressure, preventing the bag from stretching out of shape.
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Crocheting in the back loop
When crocheting in a row, using the back loop only will create a staggered or layered appearance, with the layer behind the front loop. This can be used to create a textured look, such as in an amigurumi's pleated skirt. When crocheting in the round, the appearance is more different between the front loop only and the back loop only. The front loop only will create an elevated circle, while the back loop only will create a narrower round, which is how a cylinder starts.
You can also create taller stitches in the back loop only, such as half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), and treble crochet (tr). For a hdc, yarn over first and insert the hook between the front loop and back loop, then out behind the back loop. Yarn over again, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and then draw through all three loops. For a dc, follow the same steps as for a hdc, but at the end, draw through only two of the three loops. Then yarn over for the final time and draw through the last two loops. For a tr, start by yarning over twice, then insert the hook only into the back loop. Yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and then draw through two of the four loops. Yarn over, draw through two of the three loops, and then yarn over and draw through the last two loops.
The choice between crocheting in the front loop, back loop, or both loops often comes down to the desired appearance of the project and the specific pattern being followed. Crocheting in the back loop only can create unique textures and shapes that are not possible with other techniques.
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Lining the bag
Lining a crochet bag is a great way to add structure to your bag and prevent your belongings from slipping through the stitches. It can also help to protect the yarn from pilling and separating.
Choosing a Lining Fabric
When choosing a lining fabric, it is important to consider the weight of your bag. If your bag is delicate and light, choose a light-weight fabric such as silk or cotton. If your bag is heavier, select a more durable fabric. Ensure that the lining fabric is similar in weight to your bag to avoid any pulling or stretching.
Cutting Your Lining Fabric
Before cutting your lining fabric, iron it to ensure accurate measurements. You can calculate the width and height of your lining fabric using the following formulas:
- Width of the lining fabric = width of the bag + twice the depth of the bag + 1" for seam allowance
- Height of the lining fabric = twice the height of the bag + the depth of the bag + 1/2" for seam allowance
Sewing the Lining
With right sides together, fold the lining fabric in half, allowing the top edges to meet. Sew the sides using a 1/2" seam allowance. You can use a sewing machine or sew by hand with a needle and thread.
If your bag has depth, you can create depth in the lining by sewing a boxed corner. Line up the bottom of the bag with the side seam to create a triangle in the bottom corner of the fabric. Measure from the endpoint of the triangle to the depth of your bag and mark a straight line. Sew along this line and repeat for the other side.
Attaching the Lining to the Bag
Turn the top of the lining down 1/2" toward the wrong side and press with an iron. Place the lining inside the bag with the wrong sides facing out and use sewing pins to hold it in place. Using a needle and thread, stitch the lining to the top of the bag using small running stitches. Be sure to use invisible stitches that are not visible from the right side of the bag.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 3-5 hours to assemble a crochet box bag.
Yes, the crochet box bag is a great project for beginners. You'll just need to know how to single crochet, chain, and crochet in the back loop.
You can use any type of yarn for the crochet box bag, but a super bulky yarn will give it a tighter and sturdier fabric.
The size of your crochet box bag will depend on your personal preference and what you plan to use it for. A bag that measures about 15 inches across, 11 inches tall, and 3.5 inches wide is a good size for carrying a beach towel, books, and other essentials.
To make the base of the bag, you will crochet a large rectangle using the single crochet stitch. Then, you will start working on the sides individually by crocheting in the back loop only.