Fringed Fun: Crochet A Boho Shoulder Bag

A crochet shoulder bag with fringe is a fun, stylish, and functional project to make. It can be used as a beach bag, a tote, or a market bag, and it is an excellent way to showcase your style and personality. You can find various patterns and designs for crochet shoulder bags with fringe online, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. These bags are usually made with durable yarn, such as cotton, to ensure they are long-lasting. Adding a liner to your bag is also recommended to give it a professional look and extra security for your belongings.

Patterns and tutorials

The Urban Nomad Boho Bag

This boho bag is made up of two squares and two triangles, which are sewn together. The pattern includes three purse strap options: a basic crochet strap, a leather belt, or a six-strand braid. The bag also features an optional fabric liner, a toggle button, and bohemian fringe.

Lacy, Yet Sturdy Crochet Shoulder Bag

This bag is suitable for advanced beginners and experienced crocheters. It features a solid bottom and an openwork design, with optional beaded yarn tassels. The bag is constructed with single crochet stitches in a spiral and joined and turned rounds to avoid visible seams.

Wildrose Shoulder Bag

This bag is made up of 15 unique granny squares, which are seamed together in a unique way. The pattern includes a crocheted strap, but you can also add a leather strap. The bag is perfect for carrying your essentials, and the simple construction makes it a quick project.

Everyday Boho Bag

This boho bag is perfect for beginners as it doesn't require a lot of material. The bag features a crochet fringe and a ruffle at the bottom. You can also add some crochet flowers for extra detail.

Bohemian Fringed Crochet Bag

This bag is made up of three main pieces: a front, a back, and a closure flap. It features richly textured circles and a fringed design. You can finish the bag with crocheted details or add a button and a leather strap.

Yarn and materials

The yarn and materials you will need to make a crochet shoulder bag with fringe will vary depending on the specific pattern you choose. Here is a list of some common materials you may need:

• Yarn: Different patterns call for different types of yarn. Some popular options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Lion Brand Rewind Yarn, and Red Heart Soft Yarn. You will also need to consider the weight and colour of the yarn.
• Crochet Hook: The size of the crochet hook will depend on the pattern and the type of yarn you are using. Some patterns specify the size, such as a 4.00mm or 5.75mm crochet hook.
• Other Tools: You may also need additional tools such as stitch markers, a tapestry needle, scissors, and a DVD case (for cutting even fringe).
• Fastenings: You can choose from a variety of fastenings for your bag, such as buttons, magnetic snaps, or zippers.
• Straps: You can make a crochet strap or use a leather strap for your bag. If you are using a leather strap, you may also need to purchase strap fasteners.
• Lining: Adding a fabric liner to your bag is optional but can add a professional touch and extra durability.

Fringe-cutting techniques

• Planning the Fringe: Before cutting the fringe, it is crucial to plan its length. Typically, the fringe pieces should measure approximately 32 inches before attaching them to the bag. This length can be adjusted to your preference, but maintaining uniformity is essential.
• Cutting the Fringe: To ensure all fringe pieces are the same length, a simple technique involves wrapping the yarn around a piece of cardboard that is approximately 16 inches tall. Once wrapped, cut along one end to create multiple strands of the same length.
• Attaching the Fringe: Positioning the fringe correctly is key. Starting at the top of the purse, insert your hook from the front towards the back. Grab five strands of fringe and pull them partially up to the front, creating a loop. Insert your fingers through this loop and pull the fringe tails through.
• Spacing the Fringe: Repeat the attachment process every fourth or fifth stitch along the sides of the purse. Continue until you have created approximately 10 sections of fringe on each side of the front. Then, flip the purse over and mirror the process on the back.
• Trimming the Fringe: Once all the fringe sections are attached, it's time to trim them to your desired length. For a more uniform look, ensure that each fringe section is the same length. The sample bag in the instructions features fringe trimmed to approximately 14-15 inches.
• Customization: You can further customize your crochet shoulder bag by adding tassels, pom-poms, or other decorative elements. Tassels can be made using cardboard templates or even a cell phone as a guide for their length. Attach them to the bag to add a pop of colour and a unique touch.

Attaching fringe to crochet

Adding fringe to a crocheted item is a beginner-friendly process that can be done in several ways. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to attach fringe to your crocheted items, such as a shoulder bag.

Preparation:

First, decide how many strands of yarn you will need and how long you want them to be. The number of strands will depend on how thick you want your fringe to be. For light yarn, it is recommended to use three or more strands, while for worsted weight yarn, two or three strands are usually enough. As for the length, cut your strands to twice the length of your desired fringe, plus a little extra for trimming. For example, if you want a 5-inch fringe, cut your strands to about 11-12 inches.

Attaching the Fringe:

Now that you have your strands of yarn ready, it's time to attach them to your crocheted item. Here are the steps to follow:

• Fold the strands of yarn in half to create a loop at one end.
• Place your crocheted item with the wrong side facing you.
• Insert your crochet hook from the wrong side at the point where you want to add the fringe.
• Pull the looped end of the yarn through the crocheted item.
• Reach through the loop and grab the yarn tails.
• Pull the yarn tails back through the loop and in the direction you want the fringe to lie until the knot is snug.
• Repeat this process for each group of yarn strands along the edge of your crocheted item.

Trimming the Fringe:

Once you have attached all your fringe, you can trim the ends to ensure they are straight and even. You can also incorporate any loose ends from your crocheted item into the fringe by pulling them through the fringe knot.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful, fringed crocheted item. Feel free to experiment with different lengths, numbers of strands, and spacing to achieve the look you desire.

Lining and finishing

Now that the crocheted part of your bag is done, you can finish it off with a lining and some fringe!

You can choose to add a lining to your bag to give it a more professional look and ensure that your belongings are safe and sound inside. Adding a lining is simple and will increase the quality and durability of your bag.

If you want to add a zipper to your bag, you can follow a tutorial online or add a button or magnetic snap as a closure.

To add fringe to your bag, you will need some extra yarn. Cut your yarn into even strands by wrapping it evenly around a DVD case (or something similar) and then cutting through the top and bottom. You will need four bundles of 54 evenly cut strands of yarn for four rows of fringe.

To attach the fringe, you will use a simple slip knot called the Lark's Head Knot. Take one strand of yarn, fold it in half, and slide your hook down into the extra loop left on the row. Pull the centre of the fringe through the loop with your hook, yarn over your hook with both ends of the fringe, and pull through the centre of the fringe. Repeat for each loop around the bag.

Now your crocheted shoulder bag with fringe is complete!

Frequently asked questions