Crocheting Beaded Bags: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Shimmering Accessories

Crocheted beaded bags are a unique and beautiful art form. The process of crocheting with beads involves stringing beads onto a thread and then working the stitches as usual or only working in the front or back loop to create a decorative line between the rows. The type of beads used can vary, from steel-cut and other metal beads to glass beads, and the size of the beads can range from tiny to larger wooden beads. The bags can be created in different sizes, from small coin purses to full-sized purses, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as running errands or a night out on the town. Creating crocheted beaded bags requires patience, dedication, and a careful eye for detail, but the end result is a functional and stylish accessory.

How to add beads to a crochet bag

Adding beads to a crochet bag is a fun way to elevate your crochet projects. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add beads to a crochet bag:

Prepare Your Materials

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials, including your crochet thread or yarn, beads, and crochet hook. Choose beads that complement the colour and style of your bag. You will also need a needle and thread for this project.

String Your Beads

Before you start crocheting, string your beads onto your thread. The number of beads you need will depend on the design and size of your bag. For example, a red bag design might require 160 beads. It is important to chart out and count your beads before you begin, especially if you are following a specific pattern.

Work Your Stitches

You can choose to work your stitches as usual or only work in the front or back loop, depending on the desired effect. Working in only one loop can create a decorative line between the rows. If you are adding beads in a row, work in the front loop only, as the beads will sit at the back of the stitch.

Add Beads to Your Rows

To add beads to your crochet bag, work a single crochet stitch with a bead in that stitch. Pull up a loop in the stitch below, slide the bead up, and then pull a loop through both loops on your hook. The bead will sit at the back of the stitch. Turn your work and repeat as needed to create the desired effect.

Join the Rounds

Always join the last stitch of the round to the first stitch with a slip stitch. Chaining at the beginning of each round and joining at the end will help create a neat and structured bag.

Create a Drawstring

If you want to add a drawstring to your bag, work a round with holes for the drawstring to pass through. You can do this by working a certain number of stitches, chaining, and then skipping a stitch before repeating.

Finish Your Bag

Once you have completed the desired number of rounds and added all your beads, finish off your bag by ending off and weaving in the thread ends. You can add a liner and zipper to your bag if desired, or leave it as an open crochet design.

Adding beads to a crochet bag is a creative way to enhance your project and make it unique. With these steps, you can create a beautiful and functional crochet bag with beads.

How to crochet a bag with a drawstring

To crochet a bag with a drawstring, you can follow a few simple steps. Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a crochet hook, crochet thread, and beads. You can choose any colour combination you like for the thread and beads, and select a hook size that is appropriate for the thread you are using.

Once you have your materials, you can begin by stringing your beads onto the thread. The number of beads you will need depends on the size and style of your bag. For example, one pattern suggests using 160 beads for a small bag, while another recommends 3 tubes of beads for a full-size purse.

After you have prepared your thread, you can start crocheting the bag. Begin by creating a foundation chain, ensuring it is long enough to form a circle. Then, work a series of stitches (such as single crochet or double crochet) to form the base of the bag. Join the last stitch of this round to the first one with a slip stitch.

Next, you will work on the body of the bag. Follow your chosen pattern to incorporate the beads into your crochet, creating the desired design. Work in rounds, joining and turning at the end of each round, until you reach the desired height for your bag.

Finally, you can add the drawstring. Chain a string long enough to fit through the holes in the bag and act as a drawstring. You can then add a tassel or other decorative elements to the drawstring, and your bag is complete!

How to crochet a bag with a zipper

To crochet a bag with a zipper, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a crochet hook, yarn or thread, beads, a zipper, and any other desired embellishments. The type of yarn, hook size, and bead size will depend on the specific pattern you choose.

Once you have your materials, you can start by stringing your beads onto the yarn or thread. The number of beads needed will depend on the pattern and the size of your bag. You can then begin crocheting your bag following the chosen pattern. Work your stitches as usual, or only work in the front or back loop to create a decorative line between the rows. Remember to join the last stitch of each round to the first one with a slip stitch.

After crocheting the main body of the bag, you can add the zipper. This can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. Create a liner for your bag and sew it in place, ensuring that the zipper is securely attached. You can then add any additional embellishments, such as a strap or tassels.

Finally, weave in any loose ends and admire your handiwork! Adding beads to your crocheted bag can be a fun way to personalize your project and create a unique, stylish accessory.

How to crochet a bag with a handle

To crochet a bag with a handle, you will need to first gather your materials. This includes your choice of yarn, beads, and crochet hooks. You can also opt for a crochet thread, which is thinner than yarn and will result in a more delicate bag.

For a simple beaded bag, you can follow these steps:

Start by stringing your beads onto the thread. The number of beads you need will depend on the design and size of your bag. For example, a red bag design may require 160 beads.

Next, you will create a foundation chain, which forms the base of your bag. Chain stitch (ch) according to your desired length, then turn your work and single crochet (sc) into each chain. This forms the first round of your bag.

Continue building upon this foundation by crocheting subsequent rounds. You can incorporate beads as you go, creating decorative lines between the rows or adding beads to specific stitches.

To add a handle, you can use a technique called the Romanian Cord. First, crochet a long chain, then sc into each chain, creating a sturdy strap. Attach the strap securely to the bag using D-rings or another preferred method.

Finally, you can add a liner and a zipper to your bag. This step is optional but will give your bag a more polished look and feel.

With these steps, you can create a beautiful and functional crocheted beaded bag with a handle.

How to crochet a bag with a strap

To crochet a bag with a strap, you'll need to gather your materials, decide on a pattern, and follow the steps below.

Materials

You will need a crochet hook, crochet thread, beads, stitch markers, a yarn needle, and any additional items for the bag lining and fasteners. The size of your crochet hook and thread will depend on the specific pattern you choose. For example, Heart Hook Home's Cross-Body Bead Bag pattern recommends a size F/3.75mm crochet hook and Curio #3 crochet thread.

Pattern

You can find free crochet patterns for beaded bags online, such as the Cross-Body Bead Bag pattern by Heart Hook Home or Ann's Beaded Crochet Amulet Bag pattern. These patterns include detailed instructions on how to incorporate beads into your crochet work. Alternatively, you can purchase patterns like the Beaded Shoulder Bag Crochet Pattern by Natalia Kononova, which includes written instructions, step-by-step pictures, crochet charts, and schematics.

Steps

Once you have your materials and pattern, follow these steps:

• String your beads onto the thread before you start crocheting. The number of beads you need will depend on the pattern and design you choose.
• Work your stitches as usual or only work in the front or back loop, depending on the placement of your beads.
• When adding beads in a row, work in the front loop only to create a decorative line between the rows, as the beads will be at the back of the stitch.
• Join the last stitch of each round to the first stitch with a slip stitch.
• For a bag with a drawstring, create holes for the drawstring by working a series of double crochets and chain stitches.
• Repeat rounds as needed to create the desired size and shape of your bag.
• Add a tassel or other embellishments to the bottom of your bag.
• Create a chain for the drawstring, ensuring it is long enough to weave in and out of the holes.
• Crochet the strap using a tutorial like the Romanian Cord tutorial referenced in the Heart Hook Home pattern. Secure the strap to the bag using D-rings or another fastening method.
• Add a liner and zipper to your bag, following a tutorial or your own preferred method.

By following these steps and choosing a pattern that suits your skill level and style preferences, you can create a beautiful and functional crocheted bag with a strap.

Frequently asked questions