Crafting A Crochet Pattern For A Small Project Bag

If you're looking for a fun and functional crochet project, why not try making a small project bag? This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for storing your small crafts and can be made using simple stitches and various types of yarn. You can even find free patterns online, such as the Trinity Crochet Bag, which is ideal for carrying your work-in-progress projects. So, grab your yarn and hook, and let's get started on crocheting a small project bag!

Mini crochet project bag

The mini crochet project bag is a great way to carry around your crochet projects and tools while you're on the go. It's small, lightweight, and can fit all the essentials, including a skein of yarn, your work-in-progress, stitch markers, measuring tapes, and crochet hooks. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own mini crochet project bag:

Materials:

• Caron Cotton Cakes yarn (2 skeins) or any worsted-weight yarn in your preferred colour.
• 4.5mm Crochet Hook
• Darning Needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers or safety pins

Stitches Used:

• Single Crochet (SC)
• Single Crochet 2 Together (SC2tog)

Gauge:

10cm/4” square = 18 stitches wide x 20 rows tall in single crochet

Instructions:

Base:

• Chain 2. You can also replace this with a magic loop and work Round 1 in the centre of the loop, pulling tight.
• ROUND 1: Work into the 2nd chain from the hook (the one closest to the slip knot). Place a stitch marker (SM) in the first stitch. Single crochet 5 times into the second chain. You should have 6 stitches.
• ROUND 2: 2 Single crochet in each stitch around (12 stitches).
• ROUND 3: Single crochet, 2 single crochet in the next stitch; repeat until the end (18 stitches).
• ROUND 4: 2 Single crochet, single crochet in the next 2 stitches; repeat until the end (24 stitches).
• ROUND 5: Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch; repeat until the end (30 stitches).
• ROUND 6: 2 Single crochet, single crochet in the next 4 stitches; repeat until the end (36 stitches).
• ROUND 7: Single crochet in the next 5 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch; repeat until the end (42 stitches).
• ROUND 8: Single crochet in the next 4 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 6 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch; repeat until 2 stitches are left, single crochet in the last 2 stitches (48 stitches).
• ROUND 9: Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 7 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch; repeat until 4 stitches are left, single crochet in the next 4 stitches (54 stitches).
• ROUND 10: Single crochet in the next 2 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 8 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch; repeat until 6 stitches are left, single crochet in the next 6 stitches (60 stitches).
• ROUND 11: Single crochet in the next 9 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch; repeat until the end (66 stitches).
• ROUND 12: Single crochet in the next 5 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 10 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch; repeat until 5 stitches are left, single crochet in the next 5 stitches (72 stitches).
• ROUND 13: 2 Single crochet, single crochet in the next 11 stitches; repeat until the end (78 stitches).

Sides:

• ROUND 1: Single crochet in each stitch around (78 stitches).
• Repeat ROUND 1 until your bag measures approximately 13cm / 5" tall, or around 25 rounds.

Straps:

• ROW 1: Single crochet 2 together 2 times, single crochet in the next 21 stitches, single crochet 2 together 2 times, skip 9 stitches, place a stitch marker in the next stitch, turn (25 stitches).
• ROW 2-10: Chain 1, skip the first stitch, single crochet across until the second-to-last stitch, turn (14-18 stitches, depending on the row).

Assembly:

• Repeat the strap instructions for the second strap.
• With the wrong side facing up, whip stitch the tops of the straps together to form the handle.
• Remove all stitch markers and turn the bag inside out so that the right side is facing up.
• Insert your hook at the top of the handle and secure the yarn.
• Chain 1 and slip stitch evenly along the edge of the handle. When you reach the first slip stitch, slip stitch to join.
• Repeat the edging instructions for the second edge of the handle.
• Weave in all the ends.

And there you have it! Your very own mini crochet project bag, perfect for carrying your crochet projects on the go.

Yarn basket

The Adley Project Bag is a crochet pattern that doubles as a yarn basket. It is worked entirely in one piece and features a wide, flat handle that makes it comfortable to hold on your wrist. The bag is designed with a circular base, which allows for a more substantial amount of storage and helps the bag stand upright. The Adley Project Bag comes in three sizes: mini, midi, and maxi, each serving a different purpose.

The mini size is ideal for crocheting on-the-go, comfortably fitting one skein of yarn, a WIP, stitch markers, measuring tapes, and crochet hooks. It is lightweight and perfect for carrying around while waiting in line, on public transport, or at the park.

The midi size is a perfect in-between size, suitable for larger projects or for those who want to carry all their belongings in one bag. It is still comfortable to wear on the wrist or carry by hand.

The maxi size is huge and can fit up to twelve 50g skeins of yarn and all your notions. It is great for super chunky yarn projects, sweaters, or any larger projects that take up a lot of space. The longer strap of the maxi size also makes it comfortable to carry on the shoulder.

The Adley Project Bag is a simple construction, with the base and sides of the bag worked in a continuous spiral and the straps worked back and forth in rows and sewn together to form a handle. The majority of this yarn holder is worked in single crochet, with a few single crochets and an easily slip stitch edging. The project begins with crocheting a small circle into a magic loop or a chain, which is then extended to form the base of the bag.

The Trinity Crochet Bag is another ideal crochet project bag, featuring a video tutorial and utilising only three different stitches or stitch patterns: single crochet, the trinity stitch pattern, and the waistcoat stitch. The pattern is easy and fast to make and can also be used as a market or tote bag.

Trinity stitch

The Trinity stitch is a fun, easy-to-crochet stitch with a gorgeous, dense texture. It is perfect for almost any project, from scarves to household items, and is especially good for projects that need to be warm or protective. It is named the Trinity stitch because it uses the decrease sc3tog: Single Crochet 3 Together, which creates 3 spokes.

To make the foundation row of the Trinity Stitch:

• Chain an even number of chains.
• Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
• Sc3tog (Single Crochet Three Together) using the same stitch you just went into and the next two chains.
• Sc3tog using the same stitch you just went into and the next two chains.
• Repeat steps 3 & 4 to the end of the row.
• Place one more single crochet in the same as last stitch.

To continue the Trinity Stitch, repeat the following row:

• Chain one and turn.
• Single Crochet in the first stitch of the row.
• Sc3tog using the same stitch, top of next stitch, and the next chain.
• Sc3tog using the same stitch, top of next stitch, and the next chain – all the way to the end of the row.
• When you get to the end, place a single crochet in the same as the last stitch.

Note that the outside single crochet stitches should NOT have a chain next to either of them. Not after the first single crochet of the row and not before the last single chain of the row.

The Trinity Stitch is a great stitch to add to your crochet project bag, as it is so versatile and dense.

Tunisian crochet

To get started with Tunisian crochet, you will need a regular crochet hook and some yarn. Eventually, you will want to invest in a longer crochet hook, as the stitches stay on the hook for part of the process, and you will need to accommodate however many stitches are in a row of your project. Tunisian crochet hooks with cables will fit any size project and are therefore more versatile than long, straight hooks.

The most common Tunisian crochet stitch is called the Tunisian Simple Stitch (abbreviated TSS). You can make many wonderful things with this one stitch, but there are also many other Tunisian crochet stitches to experiment with, such as Tunisian crochet lace.

When choosing a hook, look for hooks with a fairly pointy head, as this will make working your Tunisian stitches much smoother and faster. You will also want to go up in hook size from what you might use for a typical crochet project. Tunisian fabric can be dense, so to let the stitches flow easily and the fabric drape well, you will probably want to go up by 2-3 hook sizes from what is listed on your yarn label.

Using cotton yarn

Cotton yarn is a great choice for crocheting a small project bag. Its strength, smoothness, and inelasticity make it ideal for creating bags that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. You can choose from a variety of styles, such as classic granny square designs, market bags, or colourful tote bags.

When selecting a cotton yarn for your small project bag, opt for a DK or aran weight cotton yarn. These options will give your bag the necessary strength and sturdiness to hold your crafting supplies. The Adley Project Bag, for instance, uses We Crochet Dishie Yarn, an aran cotton yarn known for its sturdiness and softness.

If you want to experiment with different colours, consider using mercerized cotton yarn. This type of cotton has been chemically treated to increase its luster and dye affinity, resulting in more vibrant colours. You can also blend cotton with other fibres, such as synthetic materials, to add elasticity and warmth to your project bag.

When crocheting with cotton yarn, it's important to note that it tends to be inelastic. This means that your stitches may not stretch as much as they would with other types of yarn. Keep this in mind when deciding on the size and shape of your small project bag.

Cotton yarn is also known for its absorbency and heat resistance. These properties make it suitable for crafting items that require durability, such as bags that can withstand daily use. Additionally, cotton yarn is machine washable, making it easy to care for your finished project bag.

In terms of stitch choices, the single crochet stitch is a popular option for creating a sturdy base and sides for your small project bag. Increasing stitches at the beginning of each round will help you achieve a nicely rounded spiral shape. You can also incorporate other basic stitches like the half double crochet and slip stitch to add variety to your design.

When crocheting a small project bag with cotton yarn, feel free to get creative and experiment with different colours, stitch patterns, and yarn weights. You can find free crochet patterns suitable for cotton yarn on crafting blogs, yarn manufacturer websites, and community platforms like Ravelry.

Frequently asked questions