Delia's Creative Corner: Crochet Bag Project

Delia Randall, the creator of the website 'Delia Creates', offers a variety of crochet patterns and tutorials for free on her website. One of her projects is a crochet mesh bag with a unique design that is beginner-friendly and customisable. The bag is part of a collection of reusable shopping bags and is described as having a denser and sturdier mesh than most produce bags. The pattern for the bag is provided in detail, along with a list of required materials and clear instructions, making it accessible for those interested in crocheting their own bag.

Crochet mesh bag pattern

Delia Creates offers a free pattern for a crochet mesh bag, which is a great addition to anyone's collection of reusable shopping bags. The bag is designed to be a little denser and sturdier than the average produce bag, with an interesting structural design that makes it beginner-friendly. The pattern uses basic stitches: chain (ch), sc, dc, and hdc, which are all covered in Delia's Crochet Basics video tutorial series.

The mesh bag is designed with longer handles for comfort and convenience, and the length and depth of the bag are also customisable. The pattern includes instructions for both a longer and shorter bag, depending on your preference.

To make the crochet mesh bag, you will need Category 4 or worsted weight yarn, approximately 250 yards, and a J/10 or 6.00 mm hook. The pattern begins with creating the front, back, and handles, which are worked in rows. The first row is created by chaining 70, then working hdc in the second chain from the hook, and hdc in each chain (70, including the skipped chain). Rows 2-10 involve repeating this process, with slight variations in the number of stitches and chains.

Rows 11 and 12 create the mesh pattern, which is then repeated nine to twelve more times. Row 11 is formed by chaining 2, then working dc, chain 1, skipping a stitch, and working dc in the next two stitches. This sequence is repeated across the row. Row 12 is a hdc row, with hdc worked in each stitch and chain space.

The bag is then seamed together by attaching the front and back pieces to the side panels and weaving in the ends. This pattern is a fun and practical project, perfect for those who are new to crocheting and want to create a unique and functional bag.

Delia's crochet bag inspiration

Delia's crochet creations are a wonderful source of inspiration for anyone looking to craft their own unique and functional pieces. Her crochet bag designs, in particular, offer a range of styles and skills for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.

One of Delia's most popular bag patterns is the Windowpane Crochet Tote, a collaboration with Hobby Lobby. This easy-to-make tote bag features a colourful windowpane design and uses only basic stitches, making it perfect for those new to crocheting. The pattern is similar to her four-strand crochet tote but with an added splash of colour.

For those seeking a more sustainable option, Delia's Crochet Mesh Bag is an excellent choice. Designed as a reusable shopping bag for produce, this bag has a denser and sturdier mesh structure. The bag is created by crocheting five separate pieces that are then seamed together, adding structural interest and making it a beginner-friendly project. The longer handles and washable yarn make this bag both comfortable and practical for grocery shopping.

Delia also offers a range of free cardigan crochet patterns on her website, including the Linen Stitch Crochet Cardigan and the Easy Rectangle Cardigan. These patterns cater to a wide range of sizes, from XXS to XXL, and feature simple constructions that are ideal for beginners. The Linen Stitch Cardigan, despite its name, does not use linen yarn but instead employs "linen" stitches to create a beautiful and unique texture.

In addition to bags and cardigans, Delia provides inspiration for a variety of crochet projects, such as the Classic Ribbed Crochet Beanie, a cold-weather staple with a defined texture, and the String of Hearts Crochet Garland, a beginner-friendly project perfect for Valentine's Day. With her creative designs and accessible patterns, Delia's crochet creations are sure to inspire your next handmade endeavour.

Crocheting for beginners

Crocheting is a craft technique that involves using a hooked needle to create fabric by interlocking loops of yarn or thread. It is similar to knitting, but instead of using two needles, crochet uses a single hook. With crochet, you can create a wide variety of items such as blankets, scarves, hats, bags, and even intricate lacework.

Getting Started

Firstly, you will need a crochet hook and some yarn. Crochet hooks come in different sizes and materials such as metal, plastic, bamboo, and wood. The size of the hook you choose will depend on the weight of the yarn you are using and the desired gauge. It is recommended that beginners start with medium-weight yarn in a light colour, as this will make it easier to see your stitches and correct any mistakes.

Basic Stitches

There are several basic stitches that form the foundation of most crochet projects. These include:

• Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects.
• Single Crochet (sc): A simple stitch often used for tight, dense fabric.
• Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch that creates an open fabric.
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): A stitch that falls between single and double crochet in height.

Delia Creates Crochet Bag

Delia Creates offers a free pattern and tutorial for a beginner-friendly crochet tote bag. The pattern is similar to a four-strand crochet tote but with a splash of colour and a windowpane design. It uses exclusively beginner-friendly, basic stitches: chain (ch), single crochet (sc), and double crochet (dc).

Tips for Beginners

• Take your time: Crocheting is a skill that improves with practice. Be patient and give yourself time to learn and make mistakes.
• Practice with a foundation chain: Before starting your project, practice making a foundation chain on its own to get comfortable with creating chain stitches.
• Mark your stitches: Use stitch markers or contrasting yarn to mark the first stitch of each row to keep track of where your rows begin.
• Count your stitches: Counting your stitches as you go will help ensure that you haven't accidentally skipped or added any.
• Utilize video tutorials and diagrams: Sometimes, seeing the process in action can be incredibly helpful. Look for video tutorials or crochet diagrams that demonstrate the techniques.
• Join crochet communities: Online crochet communities and forums can provide valuable support and advice. You can ask questions, share your progress, and learn from experienced crocheters.

Remember, crocheting takes time to master, so be patient and embrace your mistakes as learning opportunities. With practice, your skills will improve, and you'll be creating beautiful crocheted items in no time!

How to seam the bag together

To seam the bag together, follow these steps:

Firstly, align a side panel along one of the tall sides of one of the front/back pieces. Insert your hook through both layers at the end of one side and work a sc stitch. Then, work a sc through the sides of each hdc and dc stitch until the sides are sewn together. Tie off. Repeat this process for the other side panel.

Next, attach the other front/back piece to the other side of the side panels. Seam the bottom panel in place.

Finally, weave in all ends and your bag is complete!

This method of seaming the bag together creates a cool structural look and makes the project accessible to beginners.

Choosing the right yarn

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn, or its thickness, is an important factor in determining the overall look and feel of your crochet bag. Most crochet bags are made with medium weight or worsted weight yarns, as lighter yarns may not provide enough structure and support. However, for projects like string market bags, lightweight yarns can be ideal as they allow the bag to fold down into a small space when not in use. On the other hand, heavier yarns can be perfect for statement purses or bags with a unique texture.

Yarn Fibre

The fibre of the yarn will impact the durability, elasticity, and overall appearance of your bag. Natural fibres, such as cotton and linen, are popular choices for crochet bags as they are less stretchy and more resistant to sagging over time. Wool and acrylic yarns, on the other hand, tend to be more elastic and may sag out of shape with heavy use. However, pure wool can be an excellent choice for bags that will be felted, as the felting process reduces elasticity.

Colour and Appearance

The colour and appearance of the yarn will play a significant role in the overall design and style of your bag. Consider whether the yarn is available in the colour(s) you desire and whether it complements your personal style. Additionally, the sheen or texture of the yarn can add visual interest to your bag. Smooth fibres and tightly twisted yarns are also more resistant to pilling, which is important if your bag will be rubbing against your clothes.

Yarn Care

When choosing a yarn for your crochet bag, consider the ease of care and maintenance. Look for yarns that are easy to spot clean, as bags may not be machine washable, especially if they have linings and handles. Check the yarn's care instructions, including its washability and any special care requirements. Additionally, test the yarn for colourfastness by soaking it in warm water to ensure that the dye does not bleed or transfer onto your clothes.

Practical Considerations

When purchasing yarn for your crochet bag, keep in mind the yardage or length of the yarn and the number of skeins required for your project. Most crochet bags use around 500 yards of yarn, or two to three skeins. While price may not be as much of a factor due to the relatively small amount of yarn needed, it is still worth considering your budget and whether the yarn fits within it.

Frequently asked questions