Creative Crochet: Monster Pencil Bag For Kids

A crochet monster pencil bag is a fun and creative way to store your stationery. This bag is a variation of a basic pencil bag, with added features such as spikes, eyes, and teeth to give it a monster-like appearance. The bag is approximately 9 x 5 inches in size and can be made using worsted weight yarn in different colours. The process involves crocheting a basic bag, and then adding the monster features, such as sewing on the eyes and mouth, and attaching spikes to the top edge. This unique and whimsical creation is perfect for children, especially during back-to-school season, and can also be used as a makeup kit or a fun way to store diabetic supplies.

Basic crocheted pencil bag

The basic crocheted pencil bag is a simple crochet pattern that forms the base for many fun variations, including the monster pencil bag. The bag measures about 9 x 5 inches with a flap that folds over to the back and buttons closed.

To make the basic bag, you will need worsted weight yarn (such as Vanna's Choice Radiant Lime), sewing thread for attaching buttons, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. The pattern begins with a single crochet (sc) foundation, and the majority of the bag is created by repeating the second row: chain 1, turn, sc in each stitch to the end. For rows 39-43, you will decrease the number of stitches to create an angled flap.

Once you have crocheted the rectangle, fold it in half, wrong sides together, so that the first 18 rows form the back of the bag and rows 19-36 form the front. Single crochet through both layers up one side of the bag, across the angled flap, and down the other side. Finish off and weave in the ends. To finish the bag, fold the flap down to determine button placement and sew on your buttons.

Now that you have the basic bag, you can add fun embellishments like spikes, eyes, and teeth to create a monster pencil bag or any other variation you can imagine!

Creating the monster features

To create the monster features for your crocheted monster pencil bag, you will need to make the eyes, teeth, and spikes separately and then sew them onto the basic bag.

For the eyes, you will need small amounts of worsted weight yarn in black and white. Begin by making a magic ring with black yarn, then chain 1 and single crochet 8 stitches into the magic ring. In the second round, change to coloured yarn and single crochet 2 stitches into each stitch. For the final round, change to white yarn and single crochet in the first stitch, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this around and leave a long end for sewing.

The teeth are made by chaining 21 with white yarn. Slip stitch in the first chain, single crochet in the next, double crochet in the next, skip 2, slip stitch in the next, chain 3, then slip stitch in the first chain. Repeat this pattern 4 more times to create a total of 6 teeth. Leave a long end for sewing.

To make the spikes, begin with a magic ring in a contrasting colour and work in a spiral without joining at the end of the rounds. In the first round, chain 1 and single crochet 4 stitches into the magic ring. In the second round, single crochet 3 in the first stitch, then single crochet 1, 3 single crochet in the next, and single crochet 1. For the third round, single crochet 1, 2 single crochet in the next, single crochet 1 in the next 3 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next, and single crochet 1 in the next 2 stitches. Continue increasing in this manner for each round, always ensuring that you have an odd number of stitches so that your spike can come to a point. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Once you have created all the monster features, sew the eyes and mouth onto the front of the bag. Sew the spikes onto the top edge of the bag, where the flap folds over, making sure to sew through both layers of the spikes.

Sewing the monster features

To sew the monster features, you will need worsted weight yarn in black and white for the eyes and mouth, and in a contrasting colour for the spikes. You will also need two buttons, a yarn needle, and a sewing needle and thread for attaching the buttons.

Begin by crocheting the eyes. Using black yarn, start with a magic ring, chain 1, then single crochet eight stitches into the magic ring. For the second round, change to coloured yarn and single crochet two stitches into each stitch. For the third round, change to white yarn and single crochet one stitch, then two stitches into the next stitch, repeating this pattern around. Leave a long end for sewing.

Next, you will crochet the teeth. With white yarn, chain 21, then slip stitch in the first chain. Single crochet in the next chain, double crochet in the next, skip two chains, then slip stitch in the next. Repeat the following pattern five more times: chain three, slip stitch in the first chain, single crochet in the next, double crochet in the next, skip two of the original chains, then slip stitch in the next stitch. Leave a long end for sewing.

Now, it's time to assemble your monster! Sew the eyes and mouth onto the front of the bag. Sew the spikes onto the top edge of the bag, where the flap folds over, being sure to sew through both layers of the spikes. Finally, fold the flap down to determine button placement and sew on the buttons.

And there you have it—your very own crocheted monster pencil bag, complete with fun and functional monster features!

Yarn and hook size

The yarn and hook size you will need for your crochet monster pencil bag will depend on the specific pattern you are following. Most patterns suggest using worsted weight yarn, which will give your bag a nice thickness without being too heavy. For the main bag colour, you can use a bright shade such as Vanna's Choice Radiant Lime, or a more subdued colour like Vanna's Choice Aqua for the spikes. You will also need small amounts of black and white yarn for the eyes and mouth.

If you are making a basic bag to later transform into a monster, you can use any worsted weight yarn. Suggested yarns include Vanna's Choice, Red Heart Super Saver, Red Heart Super Tweed, and Deborah Norville Everyday. Any yarn similar in weight to these options will work well.

For a Cookie Monster bag, you will need blue yarn and small amounts of white, black, and two shades of brown yarn. The pattern suggests using acrylic yarn, but notes that you may need to add rows or adjust the tension to achieve the desired size.

When it comes to hook size, a 5mm hook is recommended for the main bag pattern, while a smaller 3mm hook is used for the eyes and cookie details on the Cookie Monster bag.

Remember, it's important to use the same type of yarn and hook size throughout your project to ensure that your stitches are consistent and your bag turns out evenly.

Variations on the monster theme

The monster pencil bag is a variation of the basic pencil bag. The basic bag is made first and then the monster features are added. The monster features include eyes, teeth, and spikes. The eyes and mouth are made using black and white yarn, and the spikes are made using a contrasting colour yarn. The spikes are sewn onto the top edge of the bag, where the flap folds over, and the eyes and mouth are sewn onto the front of the bag.

There are a few different ways to vary the monster theme:

• Colour: The main bag can be made in different colours, such as green, blue, or any other colour of your choice. The spikes can also be made in a contrasting colour to the main bag.
• Monster Type: Different types of monsters can be created by changing the colour and shape of the eyes, teeth, and spikes. For example, a more friendly-looking monster could have round eyes and fewer spikes, while a scarier-looking monster could have angular eyes and more spikes.
• Embroidery: Details such as eyebrows, scars, or other features can be embroidered onto the bag to give the monster more character.
• Fabric: Different fabrics can be used to line the bag, adding a unique touch to each creation.
• Size: The size of the bag can be adjusted to make it more suitable for different age groups or purposes. For example, a larger bag could be used as a lunch bag.
• Character-themed: The monster bag can be designed to resemble a specific character, such as the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. This variation includes adding a cookie shape to one side of the bag and embroidering eyes and a mouth that resemble the character.

Frequently asked questions