Creative Crochet Bag Holder Patterns For Beginners

If you're looking for a fun and functional crochet project, why not try making a bag holder? These handy creations are perfect for storing plastic grocery bags and can be made with just one skein of yarn. You can choose from a variety of patterns, from simple solid colours to more intricate designs, and even add your own personal touches with stripes or other details. With a crochet bag holder, you'll never have to worry about those loose plastic bags cluttering up your space again!

Using a hair elastic as a base

Materials:

• Regular-sized hair elastic : Preferably a new, thicker hair elastic that is not stretched out.
• Yarn: Choose a yarn that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. For a clean and finished look, cotton yarn is recommended. You will need approximately 150-175 yards of DK weight (size 3) or worsted weight (size 4) yarn.
• Other supplies: Scissors, a tapestry needle, and a crochet hook (size H/8-5.00mm or 5.5mm) are also required.

Steps:

• Begin by making a slip stitch into the hair elastic. This will secure the yarn to the elastic and serve as your starting point.
• Round 1: Chain 1, and then crochet 40 half-double crochets (hdc) inside the hair elastic. Join the first and last hdc with a slip stitch.
• Round 2: Chain 2, and crochet double crochets (dc) in each stitch around, increasing in every fourth stitch. Join with a slip stitch at the end.
• Rounds 3-4: Repeat Round 2, crocheting dc in each stitch around and joining with a slip stitch.
• Rounds 5-32: Experiment with different stitch patterns to create a unique design. You can follow online patterns or create your own. Join each round with a slip stitch.
• Finalize the top opening: Depending on your design, you may want to add a drawstring or a loop for hanging. For a drawstring, weave a long yarn piece into the bag and stitch the ends together. Alternatively, crochet a separate loop and sew it onto the bag for hanging.
• Finishing touches: Sew in any loose ends and trim any excess yarn. Your crochet bag holder is now complete and ready to use!

Crocheting with cotton yarn

Cotton yarn is a great choice for crocheting bag holders, due to its durability, absorbency, and ability to create a clean and finished look. Here are some tips and tricks for crocheting with cotton yarn:

Choosing the Right Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn is a versatile choice for crocheting, as it can be used for a wide range of projects, from kitchen accessories to home decor and wearable items. When choosing cotton yarn for your bag holder, consider selecting a worsted weight cotton yarn. Some popular options include Dishie Cotton, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, I Love This Cotton from Hobby Lobby, and Lily's Sugar and Cream. These yarns will give your bag holder a neat and polished appearance.

Benefits of Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn is known for its absorbency, making it ideal for projects like dishcloths and washcloths. Additionally, cotton is a durable and hard-wearing fibre, perfect for items that will be used frequently, such as bag holders. It is also a good choice for projects that might get wet, as it absorbs water well. Cotton yarn is also breathable, making it suitable for warmer weather projects.

When crocheting with cotton yarn, it is important to select the appropriate hook size to achieve the desired gauge. Cotton yarn can be worked with a smaller or larger hook than recommended to create firmer or looser fabrics, respectively. Keep in mind that cotton yarn takes a while to dry, so it is important to wring it out and hang it to dry after use.

Care Instructions for Cotton Yarn Projects

Most cotton yarns are machine washable and dryable, but it is always a good idea to check the care instructions on the yarn label. For cotton projects like bag holders, occasional washing will help keep them looking neat and tidy.

Design Ideas for Cotton Bag Holders

When designing a bag holder with cotton yarn, you can get creative and incorporate different stitches and techniques. Consider adding a hanging loop or adjusting its length to fit over a doorknob or hook. You can also experiment with colours and patterns to create a modern and functional bag holder that you'll want to display.

Creating a loop for hanging

Another method is to crochet a separate loop and sew it onto the bag holder. This is a good option if you want to add a loop to a bag holder that doesn't have one, or if you want to make the loop a different size or material than the rest of the piece. This method is mentioned by one of the testers for the crochet bag holder pattern on Crochet n Crafts, who crocheted a separate loop and sewed it on for hanging.

If you want to be able to adjust the length of the hanging loop, you can leave a long tail when you finish off the piece and use that to tie a knot or create a loop of the desired length. This is a versatile option that allows you to easily adjust the hanging length to fit over a doorknob or hook.

When planning the placement of your bag holder, consider using a magnetic hook if you want to hang it on the fridge, or a command hook attached to the inside of a kitchen cabinet door for easy access.

Making a drawstring

To make a drawstring for a crochet bag, you will need to cut your chosen yarn to the desired length. The length will depend on the style of your bag and how you want to wear it. For example, if you want to be able to wear your bag as a backpack, you will need a longer drawstring.

For a simple drawstring, chain the desired number of stitches and then slip stitch into the second chain from the hook and each chain across. Cut the yarn and weave in the ends.

You can then thread the drawstring through the bag. If you want to add a pom-pom or tassel to the ends of the drawstring, you can do so by using a smaller hook to pull the yarn ends through the centre of the pom-pom or tassel.

Alternatively, you can crochet a drawstring by creating a chain long enough to go around your bag and then half double crocheting in the second chain from the hook all the way down the chain. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

You can also make a drawstring using macrame rope, which adds extra functionality to your bag.

Using a foundation single crochet stitch

To start, make a slip knot and chain 2. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull a loop through. You should now have two loops on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through the first loop only, maintaining two loops on the hook. Yarn over once more and pull through both loops on the hook to complete a single crochet.

For the next foundation single crochet, insert your hook into the chain part of the previous stitch. Yarn over and pull a stitch through, ensuring you have two loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through the first loop only, then yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete the next single crochet.

Repeat these steps for each subsequent stitch, always inserting your hook into the chain part of the previous stitch. This will create a neat, straight edge with consistent tension.

The foundation single crochet is a useful technique to master, as it ensures your stitch count is always correct and gives your project a professional finish. It is a chainless way to start a crochet project, saving time and effort.

Frequently asked questions