
If you're looking to design your own round bottom bag using crochet, there are several options to consider. You can choose from a variety of materials such as jute cord, dense yarn, or cotton yarn. The type of yarn and hook size you select will determine the thickness and sturdiness of your bag. For instance, using flat tape style yarn or substituting two strands of worsted-weight cotton or jute will result in a sturdy bag. Additionally, you can opt for a simple design with single crochet stitches or explore more intricate patterns with increases and stitch markers.
When it comes to the actual process of crocheting the bag, you can start by creating a long rectangle that will serve as the sides and bottom of the bag. You can then connect circular rows to form the bag's shape. Don't forget to add straps or handles, which can be made from the same material or leather for a more polished look. Lastly, you can line your bag with plastic canvas or a fabric circle to give it a firm base.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Yarn | Jute cord, Lion Brand Rewind, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn, Bernat Maker Home Dec |
Hook | 4.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 10-10.5 |
Stitch | Single crochet, slip stitch |
Bag size | 17" across, 9.5" straps hang, 25cm/10" height, 20cm/8" base |
What You'll Learn
Choosing your yarn
Choosing the right yarn for your crochet project is essential, as it can make the difference between loving or loathing your creation. The yarn you select will determine how much you enjoy the process and the final product's appearance and durability. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect yarn for your round bottom bag:
- Yarn Weight: The thickness of the yarn is an important factor to consider. The weight of the yarn refers to the number of times it can be wrapped around a 1-inch section of a ruler (wraps per inch). Different crochet projects call for different yarn weights, so it is essential to match the weight specified in the pattern. Using a larger yarn than recommended can result in a much larger bag than expected. Standard yarn weights range from 0 (lace weight) to 7 (jumbo), with higher numbers indicating thicker yarn.
- Fiber Content: The material the yarn is made of, such as natural (animal or plant fibres) or synthetic fibres, will impact the drape, stitch definition, structure, and heaviness of your bag. Natural fibres like wool, cotton, and alpaca offer warmth and resilience, while synthetic fibres like acrylic and nylon are often more affordable and easy to care for.
- Practical Considerations: When purchasing yarn for your bag, consider factors such as dye lot, care instructions, yardage, and price. Ensure that the yarn you select has enough yardage to complete your project and that you buy extra to avoid interruptions. It is also essential to check the dye lot to ensure that the colours match if you are using multiple balls of yarn.
- Yarn Colour: Choosing the right yarn colour is a personal decision, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Light-coloured yarn is generally easier to work with, as it allows you to see your stitches clearly. Pastel and neutral colours like sage green, lilac, and tan are popular choices for beginners, as they are gentle on the eyes and help you focus on your stitching.
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Selecting a crochet hook
When selecting a crochet hook, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the crochet hook corresponds to specific weights of yarn, so it is important to choose a hook that is appropriate for the type of yarn you are using. Most crochet patterns and yarn labels will provide a suggested hook size to help you select the right one for your project.
Crochet hooks are measured in either letters (US) or metric units (UK), and the sizes are usually indicated on the hook itself. The smaller the hook size, the smaller the letter or metric size. For example, a US size H-8 or UK size 5mm hook is commonly used for worsted weight yarn, while a US size D-3 or UK size 3.25mm hook is suitable for fingering weight yarn. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a set of hooks ranging from sizes E-J (US); 3.5mm - 7mm (UK).
Another factor to consider is the type of crochet hook. Hooks typically fall into two categories: inline hooks and tapered hooks. Inline hooks have pointy heads that are the same size as their shafts, while tapered hooks have rounded heads with smaller throats than the shaft. Some crocheters prefer inline hooks for creating uniform stitches and consistent tension, while others find tapered hooks easier to work with due to their longer shaft length.
Additionally, crochet hooks come in various materials such as wood, plastic, ergonomic, and steel. Wooden hooks provide a warm and earthy feel, and are suitable for slippery yarns. Plastic hooks are lightweight, inexpensive, and readily available, but may snap under heavy use. Ergonomic hooks feature larger handles for a more comfortable grip, which can be beneficial for those with hand fatigue. Steel hooks are the smallest and strongest, typically used for fine thread crocheting such as lace or doilies.
When selecting a crochet hook, it is important to consider the type of yarn you are using, the recommended hook size, and your personal preference for hook type and material. Experimenting with different hooks will help you find the ones that suit your unique crocheting style and provide the desired results for your round bottom bag project.
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Creating the bag's base
Firstly, you will need to knit a long rectangle that will serve as the bag's bottom and two sides. To do this, use a crochet hook (number 10-10.5) and jute cord or any dense yarn to create three circular rows of a chain consisting of 46 chains.
Next, you will need to bind the two sides of the circle. For the first side, wrap the thread around your finger twice and tie it with a single crochet. Pull the thread to close the binding in a circle.
Now, you can knit circular rows according to the scheme or any other pattern you prefer.
At this point, you will need to knit a chain of 30 chains, which will serve as the bag's handle. Knit it through 13 stitches from the beginning of the chain in a circle in the 14th stitch.
Start knitting a circle in the opposite direction, towards the place where the side band should join. Attach the band to the circle at equal distances from the handle.
Tie this strip to the circle, but instead of tying two loops, tie the slip stitch through two stitches to create a seam from the side of the circle.
Continue knitting the round until you reach the beginning of the handle. Knit the handle with a slip stitch.
Fasten and hide the thread at the junction of the handle with the circle.
The second circle is knitted similarly and sewn to the other side of the strip. And that's it! You've created the base for your round bottom bag.
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Crocheting the bag's body
Crocheting the Bag Body
The crochet round bag pattern is worked in one piece in the round, so there is no joining or turning. Work in a spiral and use a stitch marker to keep your place. The gauge for this pattern is 4"x4" (10x10cm) = 13 stitches and 14 rows.
Start by making a magic loop with 10 sc into the magic loop (10)
Round 2: 2 sc into each stitch (20)
Round 3: *1 sc, 2 sc into the next stitch*, repeat until the round is complete (30)
Rounds 4 & 5: sc all stitches (30)
Round 6: *1 sc in next 2, 2 sc in next stitch*, repeat until the round is complete (40)
Round 7: *1 sc in next 3, 2 sc in next stitch*, repeat until the round is complete (50)
Round 8: sc all stitches (50)
Round 9: *1 sc in next 4, 2 sc in next stitch*, repeat until the round is complete (60)
Round 10: sc all stitches (60)
Round 11: *1 sc in next 5, 2 sc in next stitch*, repeat until the round is complete (70)
Round 12: sc all stitches (70)
Round 13: *1 sc in next 6, 2 sc in next stitch*, repeat until the round is complete (80)
Round 14: sc all stitches (80)
Round 15: sc all stitches INTO BACK LOOP ONLY (80)
Because you are working in a spiral, there will be a small jog (gap) in round 15 where you work into the back stitch. It won't be very noticeable, and it doesn't affect the overall look of the bag.
The sides are super easy to make; just crochet all the stitches until the bag is as tall as you like. Rounds 16-51: sc all stitches for 36 rows (or until the side is 25cm/10" tall). Slip the last stitch and weave in the end.
This part is simple. Lay the crochet section flat and clip on the bag straps an equal distance apart, about 3 rows down from the top edge. The crochet fabric is very strong, so there is no chance the bag will tear or break. You may get a little stretching in the stitch gap. Weave the leather cord in and out of the stitches, about 4 rows down for the first cord, and 5 rows down for the second cord, with about 2 inches of spacing. Make sure the ends of each cord finish facing out and on opposite sides. Tie off the leather cord ends.
Optional Step for a Firmer Base
If you prefer a firmer base for your bag, cut out a circle from a plastic sheet to fit the base (plastic packaging is ideal). I quite like a soft, floppy bag, so I left this step out.
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Adding straps and handles
The bag handles consist of two parts: the straps themselves and tabs to cover the place where the straps attach to the bag. Try adding leather or faux leather straps to create a cute bag with extra texture.
To make the tabs, use a smaller hook and the contrast colour (CC) yarn. Chain 9. Skip the first chain, then single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain to the end of the row. Turn your work, chain 1, then single crochet in the first stitch, single crochet front loop only in each stitch to the last stitch, then single crochet in the last stitch. Repeat this row 8 more times. You should now have a rectangle with 10 rows.
With the right side facing, chain 1, then single crochet in each stitch to the last stitch, then 3 single crochet in the last stitch. Working down the side of the tab, single crochet in each raw row edge to the last row, then 3 single crochet in the last row. Single crochet in each chain of the foundation to the last stitch, then 3 single crochet in the last chain. Single crochet in each raw row edge along the second side of the tab, then 2 single crochet in the same space as the first single crochet, and join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Fasten off, leaving a 24-inch tail to sew the tab to the bag.
The straps are worked in spiral rounds. Using the smaller hook and CC, chain 12, then join with a slip stitch to the first chain. Single crochet in each chain to the end of the round. Repeat this round until the strap measures 24 inches. Adjust the length for shorter or longer straps, then fasten off, leaving a 24-inch tail for seaming.
Pin each strap to one circle, ensuring that the straps appear fully vertical (not slanted to one side). Using a tapestry needle and existing yarn tails, whip stitch each strap to the circle. The closer and more frequent your whip stitches are, the more secure the attachment will be.
Pin each tab in place on top of a strap end, again ensuring that the tabs appear vertical and not slanted. For extremely sturdy handles, thread a 24-inch piece of nylon webbing through each strap before attaching to the bag.
With the larger hook and main colour (MC), chain 30. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain to the end of the row. Turn your work, chain 1, then single crochet in each stitch to the end of the row. Repeat this row 28 more times for a total of 30 rows. Fasten off, leaving a 36-inch tail for joining.
Using the leftover yarn tail, pin the pocket to the wrong side of one circle in the desired location. Use a tapestry needle and whip stitch to join the pocket to what will become the inside of the bag. Take care to seam only the wrong side loop of the circle so that the joining stitch is not visible on the outside of the bag.
Attaching Straps and Tabs
Pin each strap to one circle. Where the straps join the circle, take care to ensure they appear fully vertical (not slanted to one side or the other). Using a tapestry needle and existing yarn tails where possible, whip stitch each strap to the circle. The closer and more frequent your whip stitches are, the more secure the attachment will be.
Pin each tab in place on top of a strap end. Again, ensure the tabs appear vertical and not slanted. For extremely sturdy handles, thread a 24-inch piece of nylon webbing through each strap before attaching to the bag. This can be purchased by the yard at any fabric store and will prevent the handles from stretching.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a jute cord or any dense yarn and a crochet hook.
You can start by knitting a long rectangle in circular rows of a chain consisting of 46 chains. Then, connect 3 circular rows.
You can make the bag handles by knitting a chain of 30 chains and then knitting it through 13 stitches from the beginning of the chain in a circle in the 14th stitch.
You can attach the bag handles to the bag by pinning each strap to one circle and then using a tapestry needle and existing yarn tails to whip stitch each strap to the circle.