Crocheting Zig Zag Bags: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to create a unique, colourful bag, crocheting a zig-zag bag is a fun and simple project. You can use a variety of yarn types, such as cotton or acrylic, and add a lining and handles to give your bag a professional finish. The zig-zag pattern is created by working in back loops and skipping stitches to form the chevron design. You can also add a zipper to your bag and line it with fabric, although this is optional.

Choosing yarn colours

Choosing the right yarn colours is an important step in crocheting a zig-zag bag. The colours you choose can make your bag stand out and showcase your personality. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect yarn colours for your project:

Choose a Colour Scheme

Decide on a colour scheme that you want to follow. This could be a specific theme, such as rainbow colours, pastel shades, or earthy tones. You can also choose complementary colours that go well together or create a gradient effect with different shades of the same colour.

Select a Variety of Shades

When choosing yarn colours, it's a good idea to select a variety of shades to add interest and dimension to your bag. In the source material, one crocheter used 20 different colours, including Rose Red, Antique Pink, Vintage Heather, Kingfisher, and Marine, creating a vibrant and eclectic look. You can also include "ugly, clashy" colours for a bold statement.

Consider the Yarn Type

The type of yarn you choose can also impact the colour selection. For example, acrylic yarn may not be the best choice for a crochet bag, as it can look tatty over time and warp out of shape. Cotton yarn, on the other hand, is sturdier and longer-lasting, making it a better option for bags.

Experiment with Colour Placement

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colour placements in your zig-zag pattern. You can follow a specific pattern, such as six rows of one colour, two rows of different colours, or create your own unique combination. Playing with colour placement will add a unique touch to your bag.

Use a Colour Wheel

If you need help selecting colours that go well together, a colour wheel can be a helpful tool. It will show you complementary colours and allow you to visualise how different shades will work together.

Choose Colours that Make You Happy

Ultimately, choose yarn colours that bring you joy and reflect your personal style. Crocheting should be a fun and creative process, so select colours that excite and inspire you.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful zig-zag bag with colours that complement each other and showcase your unique style.

Sewing a lining

Adding a fabric lining to your crochet bag can make it look more professional and store-bought. It also adds structure to the bag, preventing it from stretching too much when filled with items. A lining also protects the yarn from pilling and separating, which can cause irreparable holes.

To line your crochet bag, you will need fabric, a needle, thread, and a sewing machine (optional). You can also add a zipper and pockets to your lining.

First, measure your bag. Add about 1.5–2 inches to the bag width and double your bag height. Then, add about 1.5 inches to this measurement. This will give you the dimensions of the fabric you need to cut. For example, if your bag measures 6.25 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall, cut your fabric to about 8 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall.

If you want to add pockets to your lining, cut two pieces of fabric to these measurements. If you only want one pocket, cut one piece of fabric.

Fold your fabric in half with the right sides facing each other. Place your bag on top and draw where the seams need to be. Sew along these lines, then press the seams with an iron. Repeat this process for the second piece of fabric if you are adding pockets.

If you are adding interfacing to your lining, now is the time to do so. Attach the interfacing to the outer fabric before you begin sewing the lining together.

Next, fold the top of the lining down by about half an inch and place it inside the bag. Adjust the fold as needed so that the lining sits just over the stitches from the zipper (if you added one). Pin the lining in place.

Using a needle and thread, sew the lining to the bag by passing the needle through the liner, zipper fabric, and back into the liner fabric. Make sure that your stitches through the zipper are below the crochet stitches on the other side to ensure they are hidden. Continue making stitches around the bag before tying off and cutting your thread.

If you are adding pockets, place the inner pocket inside the outer pocket and hand stitch the two together.

Finally, attach any desired bag handles and embellishments, such as tassels.

Adding a zipper

Firstly, you will need to gather your supplies: a zipper, thread, a needle, a crochet hook, and some pins or clips. The zipper should be slightly longer than the width of your bag, and you can cut it to size if needed. If you do cut the zipper, be sure to sew around the teeth to create a new 'stopper' and prevent the zipper from falling off.

Next, you will want to pin the zipper in place, ensuring that the distance between the zipper teeth and the fold of the fabric remains consistent. It is important to take your time with this step and make sure that the fabric is not puckering anywhere. You will also need to fold the end of the zipper to form a 90-degree angle and pin through all layers of fabric and the zipper.

Once you are happy with the placement, you can start sewing. Using a needle and thread, sew through the folded-over portion of the zipper to secure it in place. Then, insert your needle through the crocheted portion of the bag and the zipper, taking care to work evenly around the bag and through each corner. You may not have the exact number of zipper stitches as you do bag stitches, so simply skip bag stitches where necessary to ensure the fabric lays smoothly.

Finally, when you reach the end, secure the thread with a knot and cut the excess. And there you have it—your very own crochet bag with a zipper!

Crocheting the zig-zag pattern

To crochet the zig-zag pattern for your bag, you can follow the steps below.

Smaller bag instructions:

Chain 31, single crochet (SC) in the second chain from the hook and in the next 28 stitches, make 4 SC in the last stitch. Working on the other side of the chain, SC in the next 28 stitches, make 3 SC in the last stitch. Join to the first SC with a slip stitch. Ch 1. (64)

2 SC in the first stitch, SC in the next 28 stitches, 2 SC in each of the next 4 stitches, SC in the next 28 stitches, 2 SC in the last 3 stitches. Join, Ch 1. (72)

Half double crochet (HDC) in each stitch around. Join, Ch 1. (72)

Rounds 4-14: Work these rounds in the back loops only. HDC in each stitch around. Join, Ch 1. (72)

Bigger bag instructions:

Chain 35, SC in the second chain from the hook and in the next 33 stitches, make 4 SC in the last stitch. Working on the other side of the chain, SC in the next 32 stitches, make 3 SC in the last stitch. Join to the first SC with a slip stitch, Ch 1. (72)

2 SC in the first stitch, SC in the next 32 stitches, 2 SC in each of the next 4 stitches, SC in the next 32 stitches, 2 SC in the last 3 stitches. Join, Ch 1. (80)

HDC in each stitch around. Join, Ch 1. (80)

Rounds 4-20: Work these rounds in the back loops only. HDC in each stitch around. Join, Ch 1. (72)

Custom-size bag instructions:

Chain your desired length for the bag size you'd like to make. SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across until there is one stitch left. Make 4 SC in the last stitch. Now, working on the other side of the chain, SC in each stitch across until you have one stitch left. Make 3 SC in the last stitch. Join to the first SC with a slip stitch. Chain 1.

2 SC in the first stitch, SC in each stitch across until you get to the last 4 stitches around the end of the chain (where you made 4 SC in the same stitch in the previous round). Make 2 SC in each of the next 4 stitches. Then continue SC in each stitch around until you have 3 stitches left. Make 2 SC in each of the last 3 stitches and join with a slip stitch into the first stitch of the round. Chain 1.

HDC in each stitch around. Join, Ch 1.

Rounds 4-?: Work these rounds in the back loops only. HDC in each stitch around. After each round, join with a slip stitch into the first stitch of the round and chain 1.

Zig-zag pattern:

The zig-zag pattern can be created by following a chart or written instructions. The chart shows that each box counts as one HDC stitch. The pattern should be repeated a few more times to get to 72 stitches.

Round 1: Chain 101, turn. Row 2: Starting in the second chain from the hook, double crochet two together (dc2tog), 5dc, 3dc in the next stitch, *7dc, miss 2 sts, 7dc, 3dc in the next stitch; repeat from * to the last 7 sts, 5dc, dc2tog, turn. Rows 3-120: ch1 (does not count as a stitch), working in the back loops only dc2tog, 5dc, 3dc in the next stitch, *7dc, miss 2 sts, 7dc, 3dc in the next stitch; repeat from * to the last 7 sts, 5dc, dc2tog, turn.

Fasten off and, with a needle and yarn, sew the two short ends together. Make sure the fabric is folded with right sides together. With the piece still inside out, work around the bottom and tie each end firmly together with its next neighbour. Then, using these ends, sew the bottom of the bag closed. Turn right side out to begin working a few rounds for the top of the bag.

For the following pattern, remember that I’m still working in UK terms, a UK half treble (htr) is a US half double crochet (hdc). Rnd 1: Attach the yarn to the top of the bag and chain 1, 1dc in the end of each row around, join with a slip stitch and do not turn. Don’t change the colour after this round, wait until you have completed Rnd 2. Then, change the colour as often as you like. Rnds 2-5: 1ch, htr in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch, do not turn. Fasten off and sew in ends.

Attaching bag handles

When it comes to attaching bag handles, there are a few methods you can use. One option is to sew the handles onto the bag using a needle and thread. This method is straightforward and secure, but it does require some basic sewing skills. You can sew the handles onto the bag by hand or using a sewing machine, depending on your preference and skill level.

Another option for attaching bag handles is to use a crochet technique called whipstitching. This method creates a seamless finish and is a good choice if you want to avoid sewing. To use the whipstitching method, follow these steps:

• Start by placing stitch markers on the handle, approximately 2 inches/5 cm from each edge. This will create a flat area that can be sewn onto the purse.
• Pinch the sides of the handle together and use a yarn needle to whip stitch the edges shut, forming a tube.
• To minimise stretching, you can place a piece of cord, macrame rope, or ribbon inside the handle and whip stitch around it. This will help the handle keep its shape.
• Be sure to sew the rope in place within the tube so that it cannot move around.
• Position the handles on the purse where you want them to be attached. For a balanced look, place them approximately 4.75 inches/12 cm from the top and 2.75 inches/7 cm from the sides.
• Carefully sew the handles onto the purse by stitching around the edges of the square.

You can also add a lining to your crochet bag to hide the stitches where the handles are attached. This can be done by hand-sewing or using a sewing machine. Adding a lining will also make your bag sturdier and more durable.

When choosing a method for attaching bag handles, consider the type of yarn or material you are using, as well as the overall design and functionality of the bag.

Frequently asked questions