Crocheting Lantern Bags: Creative Ways To Light Up Your Space

Lantern bag crochet is a fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween. Crocheting your own trick-or-treat bag in the shape of a jack-o'-lantern is a unique alternative to the traditional plastic pumpkin bucket. These bags can be made in various sizes, from toddler to adult, and can be customised with different colours and stitch patterns. The bags are typically made using worsted-weight yarn, such as cotton or acrylic, and a crochet hook. The finished product is a sturdy and festive accessory, perfect for a night of trick-or-treating!

Crocheting a Jack O'Lantern bag for trick-or-treating

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in black and tangerine (you can also use worsted-weight cotton or acrylic yarn)
• A crochet hook (5mm for a smaller bag, 5.5mm for a larger bag)
• A yarn needle for sewing on the facial features and weaving in the ends

Steps

Making the Bag

• Chain 21 (for a smaller bag) or 26 (for a larger bag).
• SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across, work 4 SC in the last stitch.
• Continue around so you are working on the other side of the chain. SC the next stitch and in each stitch across, make 3 SC in the last stitch (this will be the other side of the same stitch with the first SC of the round).
• Join with a sl st to the first SC, ch 1. (44 for the smaller bag, 54 for the larger bag)
• 2 SC in the first stitch, SC in the next 18 stitches. 2 SC in each of the next 4 stitches (these are the ones at the end of the chain), SC the next 18 stitches, 2 SC in each of the last 3 stitches. Join, ch 1. (52 for the smaller bag, 62 for the larger bag)
• Work this round in the back loops only. SC in each stitch around. Join, chain 1. (52 for the smaller bag, 62 for the larger bag)
• SC in each stitch around. Join, chain 1. (52 for the smaller bag, 62 for the larger bag; repeat this step for rounds 8-31 for the smaller bag and rounds 8-35 for the larger bag)
• SC in the first 8 stitches, chain 35, skip the next 11 stitches, SC in the next 16 stitches, chain 35, skip the next 11 stitches, SC in the last 6. Join, chain 1. (The chains will make the handles of the bag.)
• SC in each stitch around and in each of the chain stitches. Join, fasten off. Weave in ends.

Crab Stitch Edging

• With the outside of the bag facing you, join the yarn with a slip stitch in one of the stitches around the top of the bag under one of the handles.
• Chain 1 and crab stitch around each stitch under the handle, including on the bottom side of the handle too. When you are all the way around, slip stitch to the first stitch and fasten off.
• Repeat this step for the other handle.
• Join the yarn with a slip stitch in one of the stitches along the top of the bag. Crab stitch around the top of the bag, including over the top of each of the handles. Slip stitch to the first stitch and fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Jack O'Lantern Face

• Chain 9, SC in the second chain from the hook and in each across. Chain 1, turn. (8)
• SC DEC, SC in the next 4, SC DEC. Chain 1, turn. (6)
• SC in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (6)
• SC DEC, SC in the next 2, SC DEC. Chain 1, turn. (4)
• SC DEC, SC DEC. Chain 1, turn. (2)
• Fasten off, leave a long tail to sew onto the bag.
• Chain 7, SC in the second chain from the hook and in each across. Chain 1, turn. (6)
• SC DEC, SC in the next 2, SC DEC. Chain 1, turn. (4)
• SC in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (4)
• SC DEC, SC DEC. Chain 1, turn. (2)
• Fasten off, leave a long tail to sew onto the bag.
• Place the eyes and nose on the bag and line them up according to your preference. Use your yarn needle to sew each eye and the nose on to the bag. Sew around each eye and the nose by passing your yarn needle through each stitch on the eye/nose and then passing through the front layer of the bag. Be sure not to pass your yarn needle through both bag layers because you won’t be able to open your bag properly. Weave in all ends and cut tails.
• Use your yarn needle to stitch on the mouth. Start by cutting a long strand of yarn in the same colour used for the eyes and nose. Using your yarn needle, make long, diagonal stitches a couple of inches long from one side of the bag to the other, approximately the same width as the eyes and centred under the nose. Then work your way back and pass over your stitches again to make them thicker so the mouth stands out more. Secure ends and cut the yarn tails.

Creating a pumpkin-shaped bag with a zipper and straps

Materials Required:

• Yarn in desired colours (e.g. orange, black, green)
• Crochet hook in appropriate size (e.g. 5mm or 5.5mm)
• Zipper
• Straps for the bag
• Yarn needle for sewing
• Scissors

Steps to Create the Pumpkin-Shaped Bag:

Choosing the Right Yarn and Hook:

For this project, you can use worsted-weight yarn, such as cotton or acrylic. Select colours that reflect a pumpkin, such as orange, black, and green. A 5mm crochet hook is recommended for a smaller bag, while a 5.5mm hook can be used for a larger bag.

Starting the Bag:

To begin, you will need to create a chain that serves as the base of your bag. The length of the chain will determine the size of your bag. For a smaller bag, you can start with a chain of 21, and for a larger bag, a chain of 26 is suggested.

Shaping the Bag:

Once you have your starting chain, you will work in rounds to shape the bag. The number of stitches and increases will vary depending on the size of your bag. You will be working in single crochet stitches (SC) and increasing stitches to shape the bag. Follow a pumpkin-shaped bag pattern for specific instructions on stitch counts and increases.

Adding the Zipper:

After you have crocheted the main body of the bag, you will need to install the zipper. Carefully sew the zipper along the top opening of the bag, ensuring that it functions smoothly. You can use a yarn needle to sew the zipper in place.

Creating the Straps:

To make the straps, you can use purchased straps or create your own by crocheting chains. Attach the straps securely to the inside of the bag, ensuring they are centred and evenly placed. You can refer to online tutorials for guidance on attaching straps.

Embellishing the Bag:

Now, it's time to add the pumpkin details! Using black yarn, embroider a jack-o'-lantern face onto the front of the bag. You can stitch triangles for the eyes, a nose, and a smiling mouth. You can also add a stem and leaves at the top of the bag using green yarn.

Finishing Touches:

Finally, weave in any loose ends and trim any excess yarn. Your pumpkin-shaped bag with a zipper and straps is now complete! You can adjust the size of the bag by starting with a longer or shorter chain, depending on your desired dimensions.

Remember to credit the pattern designer if you are following a specific pattern. Enjoy crafting your unique pumpkin-shaped bag!

Using reflective yarn for a bag with a jack o'lantern design

Using reflective yarn for a bag with a jack-o'-lantern design is a fun and creative way to increase visibility and safety during the Halloween season. Here are some tips and instructions to help you get started:

Materials and Tools:

You will need reflective yarn in neon orange and neon green, along with black yarn to create the jack-o'-lantern design. You can use Red Heart with Love yarn in black and Red Heart Reflective Yarn in the neon colours. A 5mm crochet hook is recommended for a smaller bag, while a 5.5mm crochet hook can be used for a larger bag. Additionally, you will need a yarn needle for sewing on the facial features and weaving in the ends.

Basic Instructions:

The bag is created by holding two strands of yarn together, which makes it extra sturdy and helps maintain its shape. You can adjust the size of the bag by starting with a longer chain. The pattern includes instructions for creating the bag, adding handles, and sewing on the jack-o'-lantern face.

Jack-o'-Lantern Face:

To create the face, you will use the yarn needle to sew on the eyes, nose, and mouth. Be sure to pass the yarn needle through each stitch on the face features and the front layer of the bag only, so you don't sew through both layers and affect the bag's functionality.

Crab Stitch Edging:

The crab stitch, also known as the reverse single crochet, is used to create an edging around the top of the bag. This is done by working single crochet stitches in the opposite direction. You will work these stitches around the inside of each handle and then around the rest of the bag.

Safety Considerations:

When using reflective yarn, ensure that it is suitable for your needs and visible to others, especially if it is intended for children during trick-or-treating. Test the visibility at night or in low-light conditions to ensure it meets your requirements.

Creating a jack-o'-lantern bag with reflective yarn is a fun project that can enhance visibility during Halloween activities. By following these instructions and adjusting the size and design as needed, you can make a unique and practical bag for the spooky season.

Crocheting a bag for toddlers to carry on Halloween

Toddlers can also join in on the fun of trick-or-treating on Halloween, and you can make it even more exciting for them by crocheting a special bag they can carry to collect their treats. Here's a guide to help you create a cute and sturdy bag that your toddler will love:

Materials and Tools:

• Yarn: You can use any worsted-weight yarn, such as cotton or acrylic. For a festive look, consider using colours like black and orange. You will need approximately 180 yards of yarn for a smaller bag and 430 yards for a larger one.
• Crochet Hook: Use a 5mm crochet hook for a smaller bag and a 5.5mm hook for a larger one. You can adjust the size of the bag by starting with a longer or shorter chain.
• Yarn Needle: This will be used for sewing on the facial features and weaving in the yarn ends.

Basic Crocheting Skills:

To make this project, you should have a basic understanding of crochet and be familiar with the following stitches and techniques:

• Slip Stitch (Sl St)
• Single Crochet (SC)
• Crab Stitch (also known as reverse single crochet)
• Joined Rounds: At the end of each round, join the last stitch to the first one with a slip stitch.

Bag Size:

The bag size can vary depending on the age of the toddler and how much candy they plan to collect. Here are some approximate measurements to consider:

• Smaller Bag: 7" wide by 8" tall, perfect for a toddler.
• Larger Bag: 9" wide by 10" tall, suitable for a 2-5-year-old.

Instructions:

The following are step-by-step instructions for crocheting the bag:

• Round 1: Chain 21. SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Work 4 SC in the last stitch. Continue around to the other side of the chain. SC in the next stitch and each stitch across, then make 3 SC in the last stitch. Join with a slip stitch to the first SC, chain 1. (44)
• Round 2: 2 SC in the first stitch, SC in the next 18 stitches. 2 SC in each of the next 4 stitches (at the end of the chain), SC in the next 18 stitches, 2 SC in each of the last 3 stitches. Join, chain 1. (52)
• Round 3: Work this round in the back loops only. SC in each stitch around. Join, chain 1. (52)
• Rounds 4-31: SC in each stitch around. Join, chain 1. (52)
• Top of Bag and Handles: In these rounds, you will create the handles/straps for the bag. You can adjust the length and width of the handles by adding or removing chain stitches.

• Round 32: SC in the first 8 stitches, chain 35, skip the next 11 stitches, SC in the next 16 stitches, chain 35, skip the next 11 stitches, SC in the last 6. Join, chain 1. (The chains form the handles.)
• Round 33: SC in each stitch around, including the chain stitches. Join, fasten off, and weave in the ends.

Crab Stitch Edging: Work crab stitches (reverse single crochet stitches) around the top of the bag, including the inside and outside of the handles. This adds a nice finishing touch to the bag.

Jack O' Lantern Face:

To complete your lantern bag, add a fun Jack O' Lantern face using the yarn needle and black yarn:

• Eyes and Nose: Cut a long strand of yarn and sew on two eyes and a nose, passing the yarn needle through each stitch and the front layer of the bag. Ensure you don't pass through both bag layers to allow the bag to open properly.
• Mouth: Cut another long strand of yarn and use diagonal stitches to create a smiling mouth. Go over the stitches again to make them thicker and more prominent.

Now your toddler's lantern bag is ready for Halloween! You can adjust the size, add embellishments, or even create different characters, like a witch or a cat, to make it more personalised and fun.

Making a bag with a longer chain for a larger size

To make a larger bag, you can start by chaining more stitches than the pattern indicates. This will create a longer foundation chain, which will result in a wider bag. For example, if you are making a jack-o'-lantern trick-or-treat bag, you can use a longer starting chain to make the bag larger. This adjustment will give you more space to store all those delicious treats!

When increasing the length of your starting chain, keep in mind that the width of your bag will be slightly larger than the length of the chain. This is because the first few rounds of crochet will increase the base of the bag before you start working on the height. So, if you want a bag that is significantly wider, you may need to add quite a few extra chains.

Additionally, when making a larger bag, consider the placement of the handles. As the width of the bag increases, you may need to adjust the position of the handles to ensure they are centred and evenly spaced. You can find helpful tutorials and videos online for guidance on placing bag handles accurately.

By following these simple steps, you can easily adjust any crochet bag pattern to create a larger size. So, whether you are crafting for a toddler, an older child, or an adult, you can ensure your project is the perfect fit. Happy crocheting!

Frequently asked questions