The Perfect Everyday Carry: Hanjan Crochet Man Bag

The Man Bag is a crochet pattern designed by Hannah Cross for HanJan Crochet. The pattern is available for purchase on Etsy and LoveCrafts. The bag is made using cotton Aran that is doubled and uses a smaller hook than usual, resulting in a strong and durable bag. The pattern is suitable for beginners and uses a half herringbone stitch to create a beautiful texture. The bag is made in one piece, so there is no need for seaming or shaping. It measures 38cm wide by 15cm deep and 34cm tall and can be customised with different colour combinations.

Hayden Bag – Free Mosaic Crochet Tote Bag Pattern

The Hayden Bag is a fabulous crochet tote bag pattern, perfect for summer. The bag is made in one piece using the mosaic crochet in the round technique and a clever play of colour to achieve a detailed look. The bag is constructed by a base made in rows and then a top section worked in rounds using the mosaic crochet technique. The pattern is considered to be of intermediate difficulty, but with tutorials and videos, a confident beginner could also attempt it.

Materials Required

Along with your yarn, you will need the following:

• 5.5mm (US J) crochet hook
• Stitch markers (optional)
• Pair of 50cm bag straps

Mosaic Crochet in the Round Technique

The technique for overlay mosaic crochet may look complicated but is simple once you get the hang of it. It involves working a US sc/ UK dc into the back loop only (blo) of every stitch of the round unless instructed otherwise. When indicated, you need to work a US dc/ UK tr into the front loop only (flo) of the stitch 2 rounds below. This creates the overlapping stitch look. Each square on the chart represents a blo st to work for the round. Every star (*) symbol indicates where to place a flo st 2 rounds below.

Pattern

The bag measures 28cm by 12cm by 36cm without handles. The pattern includes a bonus section on the mosaic crochet technique, how to read a mosaic crochet chart, and how to adjust the size of your bag. It also comes with a free video tutorial.

Straps and Side Ties

Add the side ties and straps of your choice to personalise and finish your bag. You can make these ties as long or short as you like.

The Quotidian Satchel – a free crochet messenger bag pattern

Introducing the Quotidian Satchel, a versatile and stylish crochet messenger bag that will quickly become your everyday staple. This free pattern is inspired by the Hanjan Crochet Man Bag, offering a unique and modern take on the traditional messenger bag style. With its sleek design and practical features, this satchel is perfect for those seeking a handmade accessory that combines functionality and fashion.

The Quotidian Satchel is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a spacious main compartment and an additional front pocket for easy access to your essentials. The flap closure ensures the security of your belongings, while the adjustable strap provides a comfortable and customizable fit. This crochet project is ideal for intermediate crocheters or ambitious beginners looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience.

To begin crafting your own Quotidian Satchel, you'll need approximately 600 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn in the color of your choice. Opt for a neutral shade like beige or gray for a versatile look, or make a statement with a bold color like navy or forest green. You'll also require a 5mm crochet hook, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and two buttons for the closure – choose ones that complement your yarn color for a cohesive finish.

The pattern begins with creating the front pocket, which sets the foundation for the overall structure. You'll then work on the main body of the bag, crocheting in a solid stitch pattern to ensure durability. Once the body is complete, you'll attach the adjustable strap, securely fastening it to the sides of the bag. Finally, sew on your chosen buttons and create button loops for a secure and customizable closure.

Recycled Jeans Bag – Free crochet pattern and yarn tutorial

This week, I've been thinking about repurposing, reusing, and re-loving items around the house. A while ago, I cut up some old jeans to make jeans yarn to crochet with, and it was so much fun! I decided to turn it into a recycled jeans bag, and I love it!

Materials

• 12mm (US O) crochet hook – Furls Streamline Swirl or Clover Amour crochet hooks are my favourites.
• Stitch markers (optional)
• An old pair of jeans (preferably straight or wide-legged)
• A pair of large sharp scissors

Measurements

The finished bag measures 29cm by 22cm, but you can make yours bigger or smaller if you like. Tension isn't essential for this project.

How to Make Jeans Yarn

• Cut both legs off the jeans as close as you can without cutting the pockets – save these for other craft projects!
• Lay each leg out flat and cut 2cm strips as far as the side seam – do not cut through the side seam.
• When you've cut the strips the whole way up the leg, snip the first seam so that you can work in spirals up the leg to make a long strand of yarn.
• Once finished, cut the yarn in half again to get 1cm-wide yarn. It doesn't matter if the fabric is a bit uneven – it will add character!

How to Make the Recycled Jeans Bag

Stitch key and glossary

• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Sc – single crochet (US terms)
• Dc – double crochet (UK terms)
• The ch1 at the beginning of a row does not count as a stitch.

Pattern – UK and (US terms)

• Foundation chain: ch26
• Row 1: RS – dc (sc) in 2nd chain from hook and each across [25]
• Row 2: ch1, dc (sc) in BL of each across
• Row 3: ch1, dc (sc) in FL of each across
• Rows 2 and 3 create the pattern
• Rows 4-12: Repeat the pattern
• With RS facing inwards, fold the work in half and sew up sides.
• Carefully cut the waistband from the jeans. Cut to size to fit around the top of the bag. Pin in place and sew securely.
• Cut one of the seams from the gusset of the jeans for the strap. It needs to be about 30cm long so that when you double it over, it sits neatly over your wrist. Sew in place to one side on the inside of the bag to complete.

That's all there is to it! What will you make with your jeans yarn? I think a rug, cushion covers, or a backpack would be amazing! So many ideas and possibly not enough jeans!

Summer Stripes Beach Bag – Free Crochet Bag Pattern

The Summer Stripes Beach Bag is a fantastic beginner's crochet bag pattern that is both classic and modern in design. The bag is made using a half herringbone stitch, which gives it a beautiful texture. The best part about this pattern is that it is made in just one piece, so there is no need for any seaming or shaping. All you need is some cotton Aran yarn, a 6mm crochet hook, and some sash cord for the handles.

To make the bag, you will start by creating a foundation chain using Pearl Grey yarn. Then, you will work in continuous rounds, changing colours as you go to create the stripes. The pattern is written in both UK and US terms, so you can follow along in the terminology that you are most comfortable with.

The Summer Stripes Beach Bag measures 38cm wide by 15cm deep and 34cm tall, making it the perfect size for all your beach essentials. To shape the top of the bag, you will place stitch markers in specific sets of stitches and then join them with a slip stitch seam. Finally, you will create the handles using sash cord and knot them securely in place.

The Summer Stripes Beach Bag pattern is a great way to personalise your bag with your favourite colour combinations. So, grab your yarn and hook, and get ready to crochet your way to the beach in style!

The Danbury Rectangle Bag – a chic bag pattern

The Danbury Rectangle Bag is a fabulous crochet pattern that embodies simplicity at its best. This bag is perfect for those seeking a stylish and functional accessory to accompany them on their summer adventures. With its rectangular shape, it offers a unique twist to the typical bag design, adding a touch of modern elegance to your ensemble.

The pattern is designed by Briana, one of the talented designers collaborating on the Season's Collection Crochet Along. Briana, known for her love of Disney weekends and aviation cocktails, has also crafted a lightweight cardigan and a fun geometric bag as part of this collection.

The Danbury Rectangle Bag is a beginner-friendly pattern, making it accessible to crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels. It is a wonderful project for those who wish to expand their crochet skills and venture into creating geometric bag designs. The pattern includes written instructions, video tutorials, and community support, ensuring that you have all the guidance you need throughout the process.

This bag is a testament to Briana's creativity and attention to detail. It is a versatile accessory that can be customised to suit your unique style and preferences. You can choose your favourite colours, add embellishments, or adjust the size to create a bag that truly reflects your personality.

Whether you're strolling on the beach or attending a ball, the Danbury Rectangle Bag will be your trusted companion, adding a touch of sophistication and charm to your outfit. So, gather your crochet hooks, choose your favourite yarn, and get ready to embark on a fun and rewarding journey of crafting your very own chic bag. Happy crocheting!

Frequently asked questions