Japanese Knot Bag: Crochet Your Own Cute Bag

Japanese knot bags are a unique style of tote bag with asymmetrical handles. One handle is longer than the other, allowing the wearer to pass the longer handle through the shorter one to close the bag. This style of bag is very practical and versatile, and can be worn over the wrist or the crook of the arm. The bag can be customised to the wearer's preferences, with the size easily adjusted by adding or decreasing rounds or rows. The stitch, yarn weight, hook size, and yarn colour combinations can also be experimented with. There are many free crochet patterns and tutorials available online to create your own Japanese knot bag.

The best crochet stitch for a bag

The choice of stitch also depends on the desired look of the bag. For instance, the moss stitch, also known as the linen stitch, produces a beautiful texture while maintaining a minimal look, making it perfect for a minimalist aesthetic. The bobble stitch is another option that creates a beautiful texture.

When crocheting a purse, it is important to use tight, dense stitches to ensure durability. Basic stitches like single crochet or highly textured stitches like bobbles are good choices. It is also recommended to use a smaller hook size than suggested to achieve tighter stitches.

Additionally, the yarn chosen for the bag should be sturdy and durable. Cotton yarn is a popular choice due to its strength and durability. Other options include hemp, nylon, and synthetic yarn. It is important to avoid stretchy yarns, as they can cause the bag to lose its shape over time.

How to line your bag with fabric

Adding a fabric lining to your crochet bag elevates its look and functionality. It gives your bag structure, protects the yarn, and makes it look more professional. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to line your crochet bag with fabric:

Prepare the Fabric:

Before you begin, press your fabric well to remove any creases or wrinkles. Then, fold the fabric in half, selvedge to selvedge, with the right sides touching. This will ensure that your lining has a clean finish.

Calculate Lining Size:

The size of your lining will depend on the dimensions of your bag. Here are the formulas to determine the length and width of your lining:

• Length = height of the purse + width of the base + height of the purse + ½” seam allowance (¼” per edge)
• Width = width of the purse + ½” seam allowance (¼” per side)

Using these formulas, trim the sides and top of your fabric accordingly. For example, if your purse has a height of 11", a base width of 6", and a purse width of 13", your lining length would be 28½" and width would be 13½"..

Create the Lining:

There are two common methods for creating a fabric lining: a plain lining and a zippered lining.

Plain Lining:

• Fold one top edge (short side) of the fabric ¼” over with the wrong sides together, and press with an iron.
• Fold the same edge again by ¼” and press.
• Repeat this process for the other side.
• Sew down the folded edges to create a neat hem.
• Now, you should have a rectangle of fabric hemmed on the short sides. Fold the fabric in half, hem to hem, with right sides touching.
• Sew down each side with a ¼” seam allowance, and finish by serging or overcasting the edges.

Zippered Lining:

• Lay your zipper face down and unzipped.
• Place one short edge of the fabric, right side down, centered on the upper portion of the zipper.
• Bring the other short edge up to the bottom portion of the zipper, with the right side of the fabric facing the zipper.
• Iron the seams where the fabric and zipper meet.
• Line up the top corners of the fabric by manipulating the zipper.
• Sew down the sides of the fabric and finish with an overcast stitch.

Attach the Lining to the Bag:

Once you've created your lining, it's time to attach it to your crochet bag:

• Insert the lining into the bag and pin it in place.
• Using an invisible stitch, hand sew the liner to the top of the bag, grabbing only one side of the hem. Ensure that the needle and stitches are not visible from the right side. Work the needle through each post of the crochet stitches, similar to a mattress stitch.

Finalize the Bag:

Now, your crochet Japanese knot bag with a fabric lining is almost complete! Here are some additional tips to finalize your project:

• If desired, add a tassel or other embellishments to your bag.
• If you plan to sell your crochet bags, adding a fabric lining can increase their value.
• Experiment with different fabrics, such as cotton fabric with a tight weave, to achieve the desired look and durability.

How to create the bag handles

To create the bag handles, you will need to work in rows, not in continuous rounds. The short handle should be worked on first, followed by the longer handle.

For the shorter strap, begin by chaining two, then turn. Single crochet in the chain-one gap, chain, and repeat this sequence seven times. Single crochet in the chain-one gap, then into the space between the starting chain-two and the first single crochet of the previous round. There should be eight single crochets in total for this round. Repeat this round, chaining two and turning until the strap reaches about 12 cm. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.

For the longer strap, lay the bag flat and attach the yarn to the very right side of the bag. Chain two, then single crochet in the chain-one gap, chain, and repeat this sequence seven times. Single crochet in the chain-one gap. There should be eight single crochets in total for this round. Repeat this round, chaining two, turning, and single crocheting until the strap measures 30 cm. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.

Sew the ends of the two straps to the other side of the bag and weave in all ends. If desired, add a cloth lining inside the bag for added durability.

The different types of yarn to use

When it comes to yarn choices for your crochet Japanese knot bag, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the weight and type of yarn will determine the size and drape of your bag, and secondly, you may want to choose a yarn that is easy to work with and care for. Here are some yarn options to consider:

Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn is a popular choice for crochet bags as it is durable, easy to work with, and has minimal stretch. This means your bag will hold its shape well and won't stretch out over time. Cotton yarn creates a nice, neat stitch definition, which is perfect for showcasing intricate stitch patterns. It is also a good choice if you want to create a bag with a lining, as it is similar to the fabric often used for bag linings. Look for a medium weight or worsted cotton yarn for your Japanese knot bag, such as the Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton® Yarn.

Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn is another option for your crochet bag. It is known for being soft, lightweight, and easy to care for. Acrylic yarn is also durable and colourfast, so your bag will be long-lasting and won't fade over time. If you want to add some texture to your bag, you could choose an acrylic yarn with a twist, such as the Hobbii Twister Summer yarn.

Wool Yarn

If you're looking for a natural fibre option, wool yarn could be a good choice. Wool is warm, durable, and has a beautiful drape, making it perfect for a cosy winter bag. Wool yarn also blocks well, so you can achieve a nice, neat finish for your bag. However, keep in mind that wool can be more delicate and may require hand washing.

T-shirt Yarn

For a unique and sturdy bag, you could try using t-shirt yarn. This type of yarn is made from recycled t-shirts and creates a thick, textured fabric. A Japanese knot bag made with t-shirt yarn would be perfect for the market or the beach as it is durable and can hold heavier items.

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn you choose will also affect the size and drape of your bag. For a delicate and elegant bag, you could choose a light weight yarn such as sock yarn or DK yarn. For a standard-sized bag, a medium weight yarn, such as worsted weight, is a good option. If you want to make a larger bag, you could try using a super bulky weight yarn or even chunky yarn.

How to make a bag with a unique shape

A Japanese knot bag is a unique type of bag with asymmetrical handles. One handle is longer than the other, allowing the wearer to pass the longer handle through the shorter one to close the bag. This closure method eliminates the need for clasps, zippers, or other traditional fasteners.

To make a bag with a unique shape, such as a Japanese knot bag, you can follow these steps:

Planning Your Bag

Before you begin crocheting, it's important to have a clear idea of the shape and size of your bag. Japanese knot bags are typically small and bucket-shaped, but you can modify the design to create a different style. Consider the purpose of your bag and the items you plan to carry in it. This will help you determine the ideal size and shape.

Choosing Your Materials

Select the type of yarn and hook size appropriate for your project. The choice of yarn will depend on the desired look and feel of your bag. For a sturdier bag, choose a non-stretchy yarn such as 100% cotton. If you want a bag with more movement and stretch, you can use yarns with different weights and colours. You can also experiment with different stitch patterns, such as the moss stitch or alpine stitch, to create a unique texture and appearance.

Creating the Base

The base of your bag will set the shape. To create a bucket-shaped bag, start with a wider base and gradually decrease the number of stitches to form the sides. You can adjust the size of the base by adding or subtracting chains in the starting chain, ensuring you have an odd number. Work in rounds, increasing or decreasing stitches as needed to achieve the desired shape.

Adding the Handles

Once you have completed the base, it's time to create the handles. The handles of a Japanese knot bag are typically made in rows, with one longer handle and one shorter one. Attach the yarn to the corner of the bag and single crochet towards the centre. Repeat this process for the desired length, then fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing. Create the second handle in the same way, ensuring it is longer than the first.

Assembling the Bag

After completing both handles, sew them to the other side of the bag. Weave in any loose ends to secure them. You can also add a fabric lining to your bag to provide more support and cover any raw edges. This step is optional but can enhance the durability and aesthetics of your bag.

Embellishments

To make your bag even more unique, consider adding embellishments such as crocheted flowers, embroidery, or other decorative elements. You can also experiment with different colours and yarn combinations to create a bag that reflects your personal style.

Frequently asked questions