Crafting A Colorful Crochet Shell Bag: A Two-Tone Tutorial

Crochet is a fantastic way to unwind and relax, and creating a two-color shell bag can be a delightful project for anyone looking to make something beautiful and functional. This bag is perfect for a day at the beach, a trip to the market, or simply as a unique accessory to your wardrobe. With its charming design and customizable features, this bag is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The process involves using DK yarn, preferably cotton or a cotton blend, along with a 4mm crochet hook, and the length of the handle can be adjusted to your preference. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this two-color shell bag is a fun and rewarding project to try!

Choosing the right yarn

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn refers to its thickness, with lighter yarns labelled from 0 to 3 and heavier yarns from 4 to 7. For a two-color shell bag, a medium weight yarn is a good choice as it is easy to work with and commonly available. Specifically, a DK weight yarn (also known as light worsted weight) is recommended for this project. This weight of yarn will give your bag a nice drape and is suitable for a variety of crochet projects, from garments to accessories.

Yarn Fiber

Yarn can be made from a variety of fibres, both natural and synthetic. Natural fibres include animal fibres such as wool, alpaca, and silk, as well as plant-based fibres like cotton and bamboo. Synthetic fibres are man-made and include acrylic, nylon, and rayon. Blended yarns combine natural and synthetic fibres to create a new material with the best qualities of each. For a shell bag, cotton or a cotton blend is a good choice as it is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for a summer bag. Wool is another option, especially if you want a warmer bag for winter. Acrylic yarn is also versatile and easy to care for, but it may not be as soft or breathable as natural fibres.

Yarn Colour

When choosing the colours for your two-color shell bag, consider your personal style and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. You can opt for complementary colours, such as different shades of blue, or create a bold statement with contrasting colours like yellow and purple. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with multicoloured yarns to add a unique touch to your bag.

Yarn Brand

While the specific brand of yarn is not as crucial as the weight, fibre, and colour, it is important to choose a reputable brand that offers quality yarn. Reading reviews and comparing different brands can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, some brands may specialise in certain types of yarn or offer a wider range of colours, so it's worth exploring your options before making a purchase.

Practical Considerations

When purchasing yarn for your shell bag, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. First, check the dye lot number to ensure that all the yarn for your project is from the same batch and will have the same colour. Second, consider the care instructions and washing requirements for the yarn. Some yarns may require hand washing or special care, so choose a yarn that aligns with your desired level of maintenance. Finally, pay attention to the yardage and price to ensure you purchase enough yarn for your project within your budget.

Selecting a crochet hook

It's worth noting that using the wrong hook size can impact the gauge of your project, affecting the final size of your bag. Therefore, it's advisable to make a gauge swatch before starting. This involves crocheting a small sample using the recommended hook size and yarn weight, allowing you to measure the number of stitches and rows per inch. You can then adjust your hook size accordingly to achieve the desired gauge.

Another factor to consider when selecting a crochet hook is the material it is made of. Different materials offer distinct advantages and suit specific project needs. Here are some common crochet hook materials and their characteristics:

• Aluminum: Lightweight, durable, and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for beginners. They are available in various colors and sizes.
• Steel: Thinner and sharper, ideal for working with fine yarns or creating intricate designs. Steel hooks are often used for thread crochet and lacework.
• Bamboo: An environmentally friendly option, bamboo hooks have a warm feel and are quieter than metal hooks. They are less likely to split or snag delicate yarns.
• Plastic: Affordable, lightweight, and gentle on the hands, making them suitable for extended periods of use. Plastic hooks are often available in bright colors, making them fun for children learning to crochet.

When choosing a crochet hook material, consider the type of project, the weight of the yarn, and your personal preferences. The ideal crochet hook should feel comfortable in your hand and allow you to work efficiently and effectively.

Additionally, crochet hooks come in different head styles, such as tapered or inline, and you can choose between straight or ergonomic hooks. Ergonomic hooks feature rubber handles or other ergonomic designs, providing extra cushion for your hands and helping to avoid strain during prolonged crocheting sessions.

The length of the handle

To make the bag handle, you will need to join your chosen yarn (Yarn C) to one of the marked edge stitches on either side of the bag. Specifically, you will start by joining the yarn with a slip stitch to the chosen stitch. This will be the first stitch of Round 27.

Rounds 27 to 29 of the pattern will involve crocheting a single crochet stitch into the same stitch and into each stitch and chain-one space from the previous round. These rounds will be worked in a continuous spiral, without joining or turning your work. Remember to move your stitch marker up each round to keep track of the first stitch. There should be 120 single crochet stitches in each of these rounds.

Round 30 is where the length of the handle comes into play. This round will involve crocheting 18 single crochet stitches, followed by a chain of 60, skipping 26 stitches, then crocheting 34 single crochet stitches, another chain of 60, skipping 26 stitches, and finally, 16 single crochet stitches. In total, this round will have 68 single crochet stitches and 120 chains.

To complete the handle, continue working single crochet stitches in a continuous spiral for three more rounds (Rounds 31 to 34). In Round 31, you will work the single crochet stitches directly into the chains from Round 30. At the end of Round 34, you have the option to either join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet of the previous round and fasten off, or use an invisible join method for a seamless finish. There should be 188 single crochet stitches in each of these final rounds.

And that's it! You have now created a handle for your crochet two-color shell bag, customized to your preferred length.

Techniques for changing colours

Changing colours in crochet is a great way to add visual interest to your piece. Here are some techniques to help you seamlessly switch colours in your crochet projects:

Half-Colour Change Technique

This method ensures a neater colour change when adding stripes to your crochet piece. It can be adapted for various stitches, such as single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet. Here's how to do it:

• On the last stitch with the old colour, insert your hook into the stitch as usual.
• Start the stitch and draw up a loop with the old colour.
• Yarn over with the new colour and pull through both loops on the hook to finish the stitch using the new colour.
• Continue crocheting with the new colour.

Changing Colours at the End of the Row

If you want to change colours at the end of a row, follow these steps:

• Work the previous stitch until there are two loops left on your hook.
• Instead of pulling through with the old colour, pull the new colour through the last two loops to create a new loop in the new colour.
• Work the next stitch over both the yarn tail of the new colour and the old colour.
• If you are done with the old colour, work a few stitches (3-4) over both strands and then cut them. Weaving in the ends later is not necessary with this method.
• If you plan to change back to the old colour, do not cut the ends. Carry the unused yarn strand by working over it with your subsequent stitches. This technique is called Tapestry Crochet.

Changing Colours in the Middle of the Row

To change colours in the middle of a row:

• Crochet your rows until you reach the desired length for the first colour.
• Stick your hook through the next loop as you normally would, wrapping the yarn around the hook and pulling it through the stitch.
• On your final yarn over, add the new colour by wrapping it around your hook and pulling it through the loops already on your hook.
• Tug the new yarn from the back to tighten and adjust it.
• Crochet as usual with the new colour until you want to change colours again.
• If you plan to switch back to the previous colour, carry the yarn by changing colours but keeping the strand of the old yarn against the loops you are working with.

With these techniques, you can confidently add a pop of colour to your crochet shell bag or any other crochet project!

Lining the bag

Lining your crochet bag is a great way to add structure to your bag and protect your yarn. It can also give your bag a more professional, finished look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to line your crochet bag:

Prepare the Fabric

First, decide on the type of lining you want. You can choose a plain lining, a zippered lining, or even add pockets to your lining. If you want a pocket, cut out two pieces of fabric measuring 8" by 7" each. For the lining itself, you will need to calculate the size based on the dimensions of your bag. The formula for the length is: height of the purse + width of the base + height of the purse + ½” seam allowance (¼” per edge). The formula for the width is: width of the purse + ½” seam allowance (¼” per side). Cut your fabric according to these measurements.

Create the Pocket (Optional)

If you chose to add a pocket, pin the right sides of the pocket fabric together and sew three sides, leaving the bottom open. Clip the corners, turn the pocket inside out, and iron it flat. Top stitch about 1/8" away from the top folded edge if desired. Center the pocket on one of the bag sides, lining up the unfinished edge with the bottom edge of the bag, and pin it in place. Sew the three sides of the pocket to secure it to the bag lining.

Prepare the Top Edges and Attach Any Closures

Fold over the top edges of the bag lining (approximately where the bag will open) and press it over to the wrong side. You may need to clip the corners for a neat finish. If you are adding a magnetic snap or any other type of closure, determine its placement and attach it following the manufacturer's instructions.

Sew the Sides and Bottom of the Lining

Place the right sides of the bag lining together and sew the sides and bottom using a 5/8" seam allowance. Leave the top of the bag open.

Attach the Lining to the Crochet Bag

Turn the lining inside out so that the wrong sides are facing out. Slip the lining into the crochet bag. Pin the top edges, ensuring that the lining fills up the bottom and sides of the bag and that the top edge of the lining is 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.

Tips for Using a Sewing Machine

If you are using a sewing machine, you can choose a thread color that matches your bag and lining. The sewing machine will have a top thread and a bottom thread, so you can select colors that match the outside and inside of your bag, respectively. It is recommended to sew the lining by hand to the crochet bag, as the stitches are less likely to show.

By following these steps, you will create a beautiful and functional lining for your crochet bag!

Frequently asked questions