Handmade Smiley Bag: Crochet Your Way To Happiness

The crochet smiley bag is a fun and cheerful accessory that can be crafted by crocheting together granny squares to form a unique pattern. The bag typically features a smiley face design on the front, often created using yellow and ivory yarn, with black yarn to outline the expression. This crochet project is perfect for those who want to add a whimsical touch to their wardrobe, and it can be customised with different strap lengths and closure options. The finished bag is usually around 9-12 inches in width and has a height of about 8-14 inches, making it a great size for everyday use.

Smiley crochet bag pattern

A smiley crochet bag is a fun and cheerful project that can be easily customised to your liking. This guide will take you through the process of creating a smiley crochet bag with a granny square design and a single strap. The estimated cost of the project is $30 to $40.

Materials

To make a smiley crochet bag, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn in ivory, yellow, and black colours.
• A pair of rings for the drawcord closure.
• A crochet hook (a 3 mm hook was used in the source pattern, but the size may vary depending on the yarn used).
• Other crochet tools such as a tapestry needle and scissors.

Pattern

The smiley crochet bag is constructed by crocheting individual granny squares and then joining them together. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating the bag:

• Crochet 11 solid granny squares and 2 smiley granny squares using the specified colours of yarn.
• Block the granny squares using an iron with a steam function to keep them flat and square.
• Arrange the squares diagonally, following a specific layout with each of the 4 corners facing up, down, left, and right.
• Join the granny squares together using a Flat Slip Stitch or your preferred joining method.
• Fold the centre piece in half, with one smiley facing up and the other facing down.
• Join the remaining squares on the sides to form the bag shape.
• Crochet a finishing border around the top of the bag.
• Add rings to the corners of the bag on one side.
• Crochet a cord strap from one of the corners without a ring, adjusting the length to your preference.
• Draw the cord through the rings and sew the end to the opposite corner.
• Hide all yarn ends to keep the bag neat.

Tips and Variations

• You can use other types of yarn suitable for making bags, such as fingering weight yarn or light-worsted yarn.
• The length of the strap can be adjusted to your preference, and you can even create two shorter shoulder straps instead of a single sling strap.
• You can experiment with different bag closure options, such as adding a loop and button.
• Feel free to use other granny square patterns or designs to create a unique smiley bag.

Smiley bag colour options

The Smiley Crochet Granny Square Bag is a cheerful and colourful accessory that can be customised in a variety of ways. The bag is made by crocheting together solid granny squares and smiley granny squares. The smiley face is created using yellow yarn for the circle and ivory or natural cotton yarn for the rest of the square. Black yarn is then used to outline the expression of the smiley face.

For the solid granny squares, you can use ivory or any other colour of your choice. If you want to stick to neutral tones, you could opt for colours like beige, taupe, or grey. Alternatively, you could go for bolder colours like navy, forest green, or burgundy. If you want to make the bag even more colourful, you could use different colours for each solid granny square.

The smiley face granny square will typically use yellow yarn for the circle and ivory or natural cotton for the rest of the square. However, you could experiment with different colour combinations for the smiley face. For example, you could use orange or red for the circle and a contrasting colour like blue or green for the rest of the square.

In addition to choosing colours for the granny squares, you can also select colours for the straps and edging of the bag. The straps can be made in a single colour or you can get creative by using multiple colours to create a striped effect. The edging can be used to complement or contrast with the colours of the granny squares, adding a unique touch to your bag.

When selecting colours for your Smiley Crochet Granny Square Bag, consider your personal style and the colours that you typically wear. You can also take into account the purpose of the bag; for example, whether you want to use it for casual outings, special occasions, or as an everyday bag. By mixing and matching colours, you can create a unique and personalised bag that reflects your taste and personality.

Smiley bag strap styles

The strap is an important feature of the smiley crochet bag, as it not only provides functionality but also adds to the overall style of the bag. Here are some ideas for creating different strap styles for your smiley bag:

Single Sling Strap

This style features a single strap that is slung over the shoulder. The bag is designed to be pulled closed by the strap, which passes through a pair of rings attached to the bag. You can adjust the length of the strap to your preference. This style is perfect for those who want a simple and casual look.

Two Shorter Shoulder Straps

For this style, you can modify the crochet pattern to create two shorter shoulder straps instead of a single sling strap. The metal rings are not needed for this design. The length of each strap is typically around 20 to 22 inches, allowing the bag to be comfortably worn on the shoulder. This style gives the bag a more structured and elegant look.

Cross-Body Tote

If you prefer a longer strap, you can make the bag into a cross-body tote by increasing the length of the strap. This design allows the bag to be worn across the body, providing convenience and a stylish look. You can adjust the strap length to your desired size.

Drawcord Closure

Another strap style option is to create a drawcord closure. This involves adding rings to the corners of the bag and crocheting a cord strap that passes through the rings. The cord can be made to your desired length, typically around 35 to 40 inches. This style adds a unique and functional detail to the bag.

Colour Block Strap

You can get creative with the colours of the strap to add a unique twist to your bag. For example, you can opt for a colour block design, where the strap is a different colour from the body of the bag. This can be a fun way to add a pop of colour or to match the strap to your personal style.

Smiley bag washing instructions

Please carefully read and follow these instructions to ensure correct care for your crochet smiley bag.

Washing

Hand wash your bag carefully with cold water and a mild soap. Avoid using hot water as it may cause the colour to bleed and affect the shape of the bag. Do not put your bag in the washing machine as it is delicate and may be damaged by the machine.

Drying

After washing, gently squeeze out any excess water from the bag. Do not wring or twist the bag as this may affect its shape. You can lay the bag flat on a towel and gently pat it dry, or you can air-dry it by hanging it up.

Bleaching and Ironing

Do not use bleach on your crochet smiley bag as it may damage the colour and material. Similarly, do not iron the bag as direct heat can also affect the shape and material. If you need to remove any wrinkles, you can gently steam the bag with a steamer or iron it at a low temperature setting, ensuring that you do not directly touch the bag with the iron.

Storage

When storing your crochet smiley bag, make sure it is completely dry. You can fold it neatly and store it in a drawer or hang it in a dust bag in a well-ventilated area of your wardrobe. Ensure that the bag is protected from direct sunlight and heat sources to avoid discolouration and damage.

Stain Removal

For light stains, you can try gently rubbing the affected area with a damp cloth soaked in mild soap and cold water. Do not scrub the bag harshly as it may damage the crochet material. For more stubborn stains, it is recommended to consult a professional cleaner who has experience with delicate items.

Smiley bag size options

The Smiley crochet bag is a fun and cheerful project, and there are several size options to consider. The finished size of your crochet bag will depend on the type of yarn and hook size you choose, as well as the number of squares you decide to make.

Firstly, let's look at the yarn weight and hook size. Using a lightweight yarn such as raffia or a similar alternative will allow you to create a bag with approximate dimensions of 12" W x 12 3/4" H for the bag and a strap length of about 18" from the shoulder. This bag is created using a 3mm crochet hook. If you opt for a heavier yarn, such as light-worsted or worsted-weight yarn, your bag will be larger. For this type of yarn, a 4mm or 5mm crochet hook is recommended.

Now, let's discuss the number of squares. The Smiley crochet bag is typically made using 13 squares—11 solid granny squares and 2 smiley granny squares. However, you can adjust the size by adding or removing squares. Each square measures approximately 4" x 4". Increasing or decreasing the number of squares will affect the width and height of your bag.

If you're looking for a specific size, you can carefully plan your project by considering the above factors. For example, the Lion Brand Smiley Face Tote pattern results in a bag with a finished width of about 13 1/2" and a finished height of about 14", not including the handles. Alternatively, the Elena Handbags Smiley Bag in natural cotton has dimensions of 22cm wide by 18cm tall (9" x 8"), while their retro cotton crochet bag is 20cm wide by 20cm tall (30cm including the handle).

Frequently asked questions