Crafting A Crochet Squid Dice Bag: A Fun Project

The crochet squid dice bag is a fun and functional accessory for board game enthusiasts. The bag is designed to keep dice in one place, avoiding the hassle of finding them every time you play. The bag is also durable and long-lasting, making it a perfect accessory to be passed down through generations. The pattern is available for free and can be adjusted in size by using heavier weight yarns and bigger hooks. It is suitable for advanced beginners or confident beginners with specific crochet skills and requires around 50 yards of yarn.

How to crochet a squid dice bag

To crochet a squid dice bag, you will need around 50 yards of yarn. You can use worsted weight, fingering/sock weight, or DK weight yarns—the larger the yarn, the larger the squid and the more room in the bag. You will also need a 5mm crochet hook for fingering/sock weight and DK yarns, or a 5.5mm hook for worsted weight yarn. Other supplies include a darning or yarn needle, scissors, a stitch marker for keeping track of your rounds, safety eyes or buttons, and a very small amount of fiber fill or yarn scrap for the eyes.

The first step is to make the eyes. You will need to make two. Start by making six single crochet stitches (SC) in a magic ring (MR), then sew in after Round 2. In Round 2, increase (INC) in each around (12). In Round 3, SC then INC and repeat around (18). In Round 4, SC in each around (18). Add the safety eye in this round. In Round 5, SC then decrease (DEC) and repeat around (12). Finish off with a long tail for sewing to the squid body. Add a small amount of stuffing to the eyes before setting them aside.

Now, you will start crocheting the bag. Begin by making six SC in MR (6), then sew in after Round 2. In Round 2, INC in each around (12). In Round 3, SC then INC and repeat around (18). In Round 4, 2 SC then INC and repeat around (24). In Round 5, 3 SC then INC and repeat around (30).

At this point, you will crochet the legs of the squid. Start by making a slip stitch (SL ST) into the front loop only (FLO) of the loop, then chain (CH) 15-20, depending on how long you want the leg to be. Work back along the bottom of the CH, beginning from the 2nd CH from your hook. SL ST, then alternate 1 SC and 2 SC all the way back up to your original SL ST, working this in as well. After finishing the work on the CH, skip 2 stitches and SL ST into the FLO of the next stitch. To begin the next leg, SL ST into the next stitch. Repeat this process for each leg, spacing them evenly around the bag.

Once you have finished all the legs, you will continue crocheting the body of the bag. In the next round, back loop only (BLO) 4 SC then INC and repeat around (36). Move your stitch marker to the end of this round. In the next few rounds, half double crochet (HDC) in each stitch around (36). In the following rounds, decrease the number of stitches to shape the bag. Finally, double crochet (DC) in each stitch around (30).

To finish the bag, crochet a drawstring and feed it through the top of the bag. You can also use ribbon or lace for the drawstring if you prefer.

Yarn and hook size for a squid dice bag

The size of a crochet squid dice bag can be adjusted by using heavier weight yarns and bigger hooks. The pattern by 12Squared Creations suggests using fingering weight yarn, DK weight yarn, or worsted weight yarn, depending on the desired size of the bag. The hook size and eye size will also need to be adjusted accordingly. For example, if you want a bigger bag, you would use heavier weight yarn and a bigger hook.

The amount of yarn required will depend on the size of the bag you want to make. The pattern by 12Squared Creations calls for 40-55 yards (37-50 meters) of yarn, with the option to use scrap yarn in different colours.

When choosing a hook, consider the weight of the yarn you are using and the desired tightness of your stitches. A smaller hook will result in tighter stitches, while a larger hook will create looser stitches. The pattern by Lasheet uses a Size H (5.0mm) Amour crochet hook and a Size 7 (4.5mm) Amour crochet hook, with the option to use a smaller hook for surface crocheting.

It's important to note that the hook size and yarn weight are directly related, and changing one will impact the other. Adjustments may need to be made to the pattern to ensure the correct gauge is achieved.

Different types of crochet stitches

A crochet squid dice bag is a fun and handy project for any crocheter to take on. The bag is a great way to store dice for board games and can be made using a variety of stitches. Here is an overview of some common crochet stitches that can be used to create different effects and textures for your squid dice bag.

Basic Crochet Stitches

The fundamental stitches in crocheting are the chain stitch, the slip stitch, the single crochet, the half double crochet, the double crochet, and the treble crochet. Each of these stitches adds height to the fabric and creates different textures and designs. These stitches are essential for any crocheter to master as they form the basis for more advanced stitches and techniques.

Technical Crochet Stitches

Technical stitches involve variations of the basic stitches to achieve specific results or shapes. Some examples include the magic loop, which is used to create a seamless first round of stitches, and the invisible decrease stitch, which creates neat and inconspicuous decreases. The crab stitch, or reverse crochet, is another technical stitch that allows you to crochet in the opposite direction without turning your work.

Crochet Stitches for Colour

Colourwork techniques in crocheting include Fair Isle, tapestry crochet, and intarsia. Fair Isle leaves the unused yarn at the back of the fabric, while tapestry crochet locks it underneath stitches. Intarsia, on the other hand, uses separate yarn balls for each colour section. Mosaic crochet is a popular colourwork technique that creates precise, two-tone geometrical designs.

Crochet Stitches for Texture

Post stitches, such as the crochet cable and basket weave stitch, create raised textures on the fabric by inserting the hook around the "leg" of the stitch rather than the top. The puff stitch, bobble stitch, and popcorn stitch add soft puffs or pronounced bumps to the fabric, perfect for scarves, blankets, and modern sweaters.

Advanced Crochet Stitches

Advanced stitches include Solomon's knot, which creates an open, airy mesh fabric, and the knit stitch, which mimics the look of knitted fabric. Tunisian crochet, hairpin lace, broomstick crochet, and beaded crochet are other advanced techniques that require additional tools or preparation but offer unique and intricate results.

How to add eyes to a squid dice bag

Adding eyes to your crochet squid dice bag is a fun way to bring your creation to life! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:

Materials Needed:

• Yarn in your preferred colour (worsted weight yarn is recommended)
• A crochet hook (5mm for fingering/sock weight and DK weight yarn, or 5.5mm for worsted weight yarn)
• Darning or yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch marker (optional)
• Safety eyes or buttons (12mm size is suggested)
• A very small amount of fiber fill or yarn scrap for eye stuffing

Step 1: Creating the Eyes

Form the eyes by crocheting two rounds. Start by making 6 single crochet stitches (SC) in a magic ring (MR). Sew them in after Round 2, but do not draw too tight if you plan to add safety eyes later. For Round 2, increase (INC) in each around (12). In Round 3, alternate between single crochet and increase (18). In Round 4, single crochet in each around (18).

Step 2: Adding the Safety Eye

Now, it's time to add the safety eye to one of the eyes. If you are using safety eyes, push it through the hole in the middle of the magic ring, and then add the washer. If you prefer, you can paint the eyes or use plain black ones. At this stage, you can also add a small amount of stuffing to the eyes to give them a fuller appearance. Set the eyes aside for now.

Step 3: Assembling the Dice Bag

Continue crocheting the bag by following your chosen pattern. Once you have reached the desired size and shape for your bag, it's time to attach the eyes.

Step 4: Attaching the Eyes

Place the eyes approximately 7-8 stitches apart, with the bottom of the eyes in Round 6B and the top in Round 9. Attach the eyes securely with a whip stitch that goes down into the bag, through both parts of the stitch in the eye, and then back up through the bag, catching the surrounding stitches as you go.

Final Touches:

Finish your squid dice bag by sewing in any loose ends on the inside of the bag. You can also add a drawstring to keep the dice secure inside the bag.

How to line a crochet bag

A crochet squid dice bag is a fun and handy creation to store your dice in style. Adding a fabric lining to your crochet bag can make it look more professional and store-bought. It also adds structure to your bag, preventing it from stretching and looking out of shape. Moreover, it protects the yarn from pilling and separating, ensuring that pointy objects don't create irreparable holes.

Materials Required:

• 1/2 yard of fabric (for a single layer of fabric lining and a pocket)
• 1-1/4 yard of fusible woven interfacing (such as Pellon Shapeflex SF101)
• Scissors or a rotary cutter and mat
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Iron and ironing board
• Zipper (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric:

Start by pressing and ironing your fabric well. This step ensures that your fabric is free of wrinkles and ready for the next steps. If you plan to add interfacing, follow the manufacturer's instructions to iron it onto your fabric.

Step 2: Determine the Lining Size:

To calculate the size of your lining, use the following formulas:

• Length = height of the purse + width of the base + height of the purse + ½" seam allowance (¼" per edge)
• Width = width of the purse + ½" seam allowance (¼" per side)

For example, if your squid dice bag has a height of 11", a width of 13", and a base width of 6", your lining length would be 28½" (11" + 6" + 11" + ½)", and the width would be 13½" (13" + ½)".

Step 3: Cut and Hem the Fabric:

Based on the measurements from Step 2, cut the sides and top of your fabric. Fold one top edge (short side) by ¼" with the wrong sides together, and press. Repeat this step by folding the same edge again by ¼" and pressing it. Do the same for the other side. Sew down the folded edges to create a neat hem.

Step 4: Sew the Sides:

Fold the fabric in half, hem to hem, with right sides touching. Sew down each side with a ¼" seam allowance. Serge or overcast the edges when finished to prevent fraying.

Step 5: Create a Pocket (Optional):

If you want to add a pocket to your lining, cut two 8" x 7" squares from the remaining fabric. Iron interfacing onto both sides of the pocket fabric. Pin the right sides of the pocket fabric together, and sew three sides, leaving the bottom open. Clip the corners, turn the pocket, and iron it flat. Topstitch about 1/8" away from the top folded edge, if desired. Center and pin the pocket to one side of the bag lining, aligning the unfinished edge with the bottom edge of the lining. Sew the three sides of the pocket to secure it in place.

Step 6: Prepare the Top Edges:

Turn over the top edges of the bag lining, approximating where the bag will open, and press over the top edge by 1/2" to the wrong side. You may need to clip the corners for a neat finish. If you plan to add a closure, such as a magnetic snap, determine its placement and cut a small piece of iron-on stabilizer to secure it in place. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach the snap or chosen closure.

Step 7: Sew the Sides and Bottom of the Lining:

With right sides together, sew the sides and bottom of the lining using a 5/8" seam allowance, leaving the top open. This slightly larger seam allowance ensures that the lining fits properly inside the crochet bag.

Step 8: Attach the Lining to the Bag:

Turn the lining inside out so that the wrong sides are facing out. Slip the lining into the crochet bag, ensuring that the lining fills up the bottom and sides of the bag. The top edge of the lining should sit about 1/2" below the top edge of the bag. Using a needle and thread, hand sew the lining to the opening of the bag, using an invisible stitch. Be sure to grab only one side of the hem, and work the needle through each post, similar to a mattress stitch.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to add a zipper to your lining, unfold the fabric, and lay the zipper face down, unzipped. Center one short edge of the fabric, right side down, on the upper portion of the zipper. Bring the other short edge up to the bottom portion of the zipper, with the right side of the fabric facing the zipper. Iron the seams and sew down the sides of the fabric. Finish with an overcast stitch.
• When choosing fabric for the lining, consider the colour and thickness. If your crochet bag has large holes, you may want to opt for a double-thickness lining to prevent items from slipping through. Additionally, choose a colour that complements your yarn colour, as the lining may peek through your crochet work.

Frequently asked questions