Crafting A Chic Crochet Twine Bag

Crochet bags are a fun and practical project for crafters. With a growing awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastics, many people are opting for crocheted shopping bags, which can be made in various sizes and styles. These bags are often made with lightweight yarn, such as cotton or linen blends, and can be customised with different colours and patterns. Crochet bags are also versatile, doubling as eco-friendly shopping bags, beach totes, or even laundry bags. The process of crocheting a bag typically involves creating a flat base and then working in rounds to form the sides, with the handle added at the end. For those new to crocheting, a simple crochet bag pattern can be a great place to start, offering a functional and stylish end product.

Choosing the right yarn

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn refers to the thickness of the strand. Generally, the best yarn weights for bags are DK and heavier. For a crochet twine bag, a lightweight yarn is suitable, as it will be easier to scrunch up and store when not in use. However, you don't want to go too light, as lighter yarns are generally not robust enough for bags. A good option is a medium weight yarn, such as worsted weight yarn, which will give you a sturdy bag without being too heavy to carry.

Yarn Fibre

The fibre of the yarn will determine its washability, durability, and sheen. For a crochet bag, you want a yarn that is strong and durable. Most wools and acrylic yarns are elastic and prone to sagging, so they are not ideal. Cottons and linens are less stretchy and make excellent choices for bags. Cotton yarn, in particular, is a great option for a market bag with no lining, as it is strong and washable. If you want to use wool, consider a wool blend and be sure to test it for anti-pilling, as you don't want pills forming on your bag from friction against your clothes.

Yarn Colour

Colour is a critical factor when choosing your yarn. You want a colour that appeals to you and suits your style. Check that the yarn you're considering has your desired colour available. Also, test the yarn for colourfastness by tying a small bundle and soaking it in warm water for 20 minutes. This is important to ensure the dye doesn't transfer to your clothes when the bag rubs against them.

Yarn Price and Availability

While price may not be as much of a factor for smaller projects like bags, you still want to consider your budget. Luckily, there are many affordable options available. In addition, think about whether you want to buy your yarn online or in a store, where you can feel the yarn and test its durability.

Creating a flat base

If you choose to create a round base, you will need to know how many starting stitches to use depending on the type of stitch you are using. For example, if you are using a half double crochet stitch, you will need 8-10 starting stitches, while a double crochet stitch will require 10-12 starting stitches.

To create a flat bottom for a rectangular crochet bag, you will need to fold the bag so that the side seam lines up with the centre bottom of the bag, with the side seams on the outside. Using a ruler, slide the ruler up the side seam until you reach a point where the sides measure 2 inches across. Slip stitch along the ruler to join the bottom and side of the bag, creating a 2-inch flat section at the bottom. Repeat this process on the other side of the bag, and then turn the bag inside out so that the seams are on the inside.

For a square base, you can either work your stitch multiples back and forth in rows to create a row-by-row square, or you can start with a granny square. A granny square base pattern might look something like this:

• Chain 4, slip stitch to the first chain to create a loop, or use a magic circle.
• Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), [treble crochet in the next stitch, double crochet in the next 3 stitches], repeat 3 more times, join with a slip stitch to the first stitch. (4 treble crochet, 12 double crochet)
• Chain 2, double crochet in the next 2 stitches, [(2 double crochet, 1 treble crochet, 2 double crochet) in treble crochet (corner created), double crochet in the next 3 stitches], repeat 3 more times, (2 double crochet, 1 treble crochet, 2 double crochet) in the last treble crochet, double crochet in the next 5 stitches, join with a slip stitch to the first stitch. (28 double crochet, 4 treble crochet)
• Chain 2, double crochet in the next 4 stitches, [(2 double crochet, 1 treble crochet, 2 double crochet) in treble crochet, double crochet in the next 11 stitches], repeat 2 more times, (2 double crochet, 1 treble crochet, 2 double crochet) in treble crochet, double crochet in the next 7 stitches, join with a slip stitch to the first stitch. (60 double crochet, 4 treble crochet)
• Continue in this manner, placing a double crochet in each double crochet and (2 double crochet, 1 treble crochet, 2 double crochet) in each treble crochet until your base is the desired size.

An oval base is a great option for zipper pouches, shoulder bags, or crossbody bags as the curved sides will fit the natural shape of your body better than a square or round bag. To create an oval base, your beginning chain will determine the length of your oval—the longer your beginning chain, the longer your oval will be. The shorter your beginning chain, the rounder your oval will be. Here is an example of an oval base pattern:

• Chain 2 (counts as double crochet), double crochet in the loop, chain 2, (2 double crochet, chain 2) repeat 5 more times, slip stitch to the first stitch to join. (12 double crochet, 6 chain-2 spaces)
• Chain 2, double crochet in the next stitch, [(double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in chain-2 space (corner), double crochet in the next 2 stitches], repeat 4 more times, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the last chain-2 space, double crochet in the next 2 stitches, slip stitch to the first stitch to join. (24 double crochet, 6 chain-2 spaces)
• Chain 2, double crochet in the next 2 stitches, [(double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in chain-2 space, double crochet in the next 4 stitches], repeat 4 more times, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the last chain-2 space, double crochet in the next 2 stitches, slip stitch to the first stitch to join. (36 double crochet, 6 chain-2 spaces)
• Continue to increase your oval until it's your desired size by chaining 2, then double crocheting in each stitch to the chain-2 space and (double crochet, chain-2, double crochet) in each chain-2 space. You should increase by 12 stitches each round.

Once you have created your flat base, you can move on to working on the body of your bag and adding handles.

Crocheting the sides

Now that you've crocheted the flat base of your bag, it's time to move on to the sides! This part is simple and fun – you'll basically just be crocheting around and around in continuous rounds, working sets of chain stitches to create a mesh pattern.

To begin, you'll want to start with a slip knot on your hook and then chain 4, slip stitch to join to form a ring. This will be the centre point of your bag's base.

Next, you'll start crocheting in a spiral, working your way up the sides of the bag. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet stitch), then double crochet 11 times into the centre ring. Slip stitch to join at the top of the chain 3 to close the round.

For the next round, chain 3, then turn and double crochet in the same stitch. Double crochet twice in each stitch around, then slip stitch to join at the top of the chain 3.

Continue working in this spiral pattern, adding an additional double crochet stitch in each round to create the sides of your bag. You can make the bag wider by adding more stitches, and longer by working more rounds. Just remember to keep an eye on your yarn supply, especially if you're making a large bag!

Once you've reached your desired length, you can start on the handles and finishing touches!

Adding handles

Planning Your Handles:

Before you begin crocheting your handles, it's important to consider the length and width you desire. The length of the handles will affect the placement on your bag, so plan accordingly. Generally, thinner and more lightweight yarns will stretch less than bulkier yarns since the stitches are tighter and smaller. You can also add a pop of colour with your handles if your bag is a neutral colour.

Crocheting Your Handles:

To begin, work a series of chain stitches to achieve your desired length. Then, work in rows to achieve your desired width. You can add slip stitches across both edges to smooth them out. To minimise stretching, you can place a piece of cord, macrame rope, or ribbon inside the handle and whip stitch around it. This will help the handle retain its shape. Be sure to sew the rope in place within the handle and onto the bag itself.

Attaching Your Handles:

Once your handles are crocheted, it's time to attach them to your bag. Carefully sew the handles onto the bag, ensuring they are secure and placed symmetrically. Form a square of stitches and then an X through the centre of the square to secure the handles. This will ensure they are tightly attached and can bear the weight of the bag's contents.

Alternative Handle Options:

If you don't want to crochet your handles, you can also attach premade handles or straps to your crochet twine bag. These can be made of various materials such as leather, vegan leather, wood, bamboo, straw, rope, plastic, metal, or even bone. You can attach perforated leather handles by hand-sewing them using a simple backstitch technique and the same yarn you used for the bag. For solder straps or chains, simply clip them onto the bag, inserting the lobster claw clasp into a couple of stitches or pre-attached D-rings.

Customising your bag

There are endless ways to customise your crochet twine bag and make it your own. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or a beginner, there are plenty of simple ways to add a unique twist to your creation. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose your own yarn: Selecting a unique type of yarn is a great way to customise your bag. You can opt for a chunky yarn to give your bag a cosy, textured look, or go for something lightweight and colourful to make it stand out. If you want to create an eco-friendly bag, consider using cotton or linen yarn. You can even recycle old t-shirts by cutting them into strips and using them as yarn!

Play with colours: Don't be afraid to experiment with different colour combinations. You can create a vibrant, rainbow-coloured bag or go for a more subtle approach with neutral tones. Adding a colourful trim or tassels to your bag is also a great way to incorporate multiple colours.

Add some embellishments: Embellishments such as buttons, beads, or antique toggles can give your bag a unique touch. You can also add a removable leather handle or a fun, colourful strap to make your bag more functional and stylish.

Personalise the pattern: If you're feeling adventurous, you can modify the crochet pattern to add your own twist. Try experimenting with different stitch patterns or creating a unique shape for your bag. You can make it wider or longer, or even add a fun fringe or lace trim to the edges.

Make it multifunctional: Why not design your bag to have multiple uses? You can add internal pockets or compartments to organise your belongings, or even crochet a matching pouch or wallet to go inside. You could also make your bag convertible by adding a detachable strap, so it can be worn as a crossbody or a shoulder bag.

With a bit of creativity, the possibilities for customising your crochet twine bag are endless! So grab your yarn and hook, and let your imagination run wild. Happy crafting!

Frequently asked questions