The Ultimate Beach Bag: Crochet A Spacious Summer Carryall

Large beach bags are a summer staple, and crocheting your own is a fun and creative way to obtain a unique accessory. Whether you're headed to the pool or the beach, a crochet beach bag is a great way to carry all your essentials in style.

There are several free crochet patterns available online for large beach bags, with options for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced crocheters. These patterns offer a range of design elements, allowing you to customise your bag to your personal taste. You can choose from a variety of stitches, such as the star stitch, shell stitch, or single crochet, and select your preferred yarn type, such as cotton or raffia, to create a bag that is both functional and fashionable.

So, if you're ready to make your own large beach bag, grab your crochet hook and yarn, and explore the array of free patterns available to find the perfect project for your next summer adventure!

Large beach bag crochet pattern with Greek-inspired design

This large beach bag crochet pattern is inspired by the 'Evil Eye' symbol, which is commonly found on jewellery, key chains, pottery, and charms in Greece. The design of this bag is intended to bring good vibes to its owner. This project is great for advanced beginners and serves as an introduction to creating a flat circle, an essential technique for anyone looking to develop their crochet skills further.

Materials

To make this bag, you will need the following materials:

• 4 x Mixtape Yarn (super bulky) – you can substitute with Lion Brand – Fast Track Yarn, Wool and the Gang – Mixtape Yarn, or YarnArt – Ribbon.
• 10mm (US N/15) Crochet Hook
• Bag Handles – Bamboo circle handles by Prym – 9.5 inches diameter

Process

The bag is made in three pieces: two circle pieces for the front and back, which are identical, and a side/bottom panel. The two circular panels are created by joining the yarn in the round and using single crochet. The circle is grown through a series of increases on every alternate round. The pattern involves counting and checking that you are reaching the stated number of stitches.

The bag is then seamed together using single crochet, and the bamboo bag handles are stitched on to finish. You can adapt the handles to your personal style, choosing different shapes and sizes.

Measurements

The bag has the following measurements:

• Diameter = 20.5″ / 52cm
• Handles = 9.5″ / 25cm diameter
• Gauge = 10 sts in 12 rows in 4 inches

How to crochet a flat circle

To crochet a flat circle, you'll need to start by choosing the right yarn and hook for your project. For beginners, a smooth worsted weight yarn and a size H (5.0 mm) hook are recommended. The type of yarn you use will impact the size of your finished circle, so keep that in mind when making your selection.

Now, let's get started with the steps to crochet a flat circle:

Step 1: Start with a Magic Ring or Chain Stitches

Create a magic ring or a loop of chain stitches to begin your flat circle. The magic ring method will give you a circle with no noticeable hole in the centre, but it can be tricky to master. Alternatively, you can start with a single chain as the centre or a chain loop, which is easier but will leave a slightly larger hole.

Step 2: Make the First Round of Stitches

For the first round of stitches, work into the magic ring or the chain stitches. The number of stitches you need will depend on the type of stitch you're using.

• Use 6-8 stitches for single crochet.
• Use 8-10 stitches for half double crochet.
• Use 10-12 stitches for double crochet.

Step 3: Increase Stitches Evenly

In each subsequent round, you will increase the number of stitches evenly. The basic concept is to increase by the same number of stitches you started with in the magic ring. So, if you started with 6 stitches, you would increase by 6 stitches in each round.

Step 4: Join the Rounds

You can choose to join each round with a slip stitch or work in continuous rounds (spiral rounds), depending on the look you want. Joining the rounds will create a more defined circle shape, while working in a spiral will give you a continuous spiral pattern.

Step 5: Repeat Rounds and Increase Stitches

Continue repeating rounds, increasing by the same number of stitches each time. For example, if you started with 6 stitches, you would increase to 12 stitches in the second round, 18 stitches in the third round, and so on. This will ensure your circle remains flat.

Step 6: End the Circle

You can end your crochet circle once it reaches the desired size. If you want a neater edge, you can slip stitch in each stitch around the circle. You can also add a scalloped border or other edging to finish it off.

Best yarn for a crochet beach bag

When it comes to choosing the best yarn for a crochet beach bag, there are a few factors to consider, such as durability, elasticity, and washability. The type of bag you want to make and its intended purpose will also play a role in your decision. Here are some of the best yarn options for crochet beach bags:

Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn is a popular choice for crochet bags due to its durability and elasticity. It is essential for beach bags as it can withstand the weight of your belongings and is less likely to sag like other yarn materials. Cotton yarn also typically performs well in stretch tests, ensuring your bag is both sturdy and elastic. In addition, cotton yarn is environmentally friendly as it is 100% biodegradable. It holds its shape well, ensuring your bag looks great whether it's empty or full. However, cotton yarn can be more challenging for beginners to work with and may be more expensive than other options.

Wool Yarn

Wool yarn is a beginner-friendly option that is perfect for those looking for a cosy winter crochet bag. It is a sustainable and high-quality material, but it can be more expensive and may not be suitable for those with wool allergies. Wool yarn is also excellent for frogging, the process of unravelling and reusing the yarn.

Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn is a good choice for crochet beach bags, especially for beginners, as it is typically easy to work with and affordable. However, it is important to invest in good-quality acrylic yarn to ensure your bag is durable. Acrylic yarn also performs well in stretch tests, making it a suitable option for beach bags.

When choosing yarn for your crochet beach bag, it is essential to consider the bag's purpose and the specific features you require. For example, if you plan to carry heavy items, durability and elasticity may be your top priorities. On the other hand, if you prioritise sustainability and ease of use, you might opt for wool or acrylic yarn. Ultimately, cotton, wool, and acrylic yarns are all excellent choices for crochet beach bags, each offering unique benefits.

How to make a large crochet beach bag

To make a large crochet beach bag, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn: Mixtape Yarn (super bulky), Lion Brand – fast-track yarn, Wool and the Gang – mixtape yarn, YarnArt – ribbon, or t-shirt yarn.
• Crochet hook: 10mm (US N/15) or Size 12 mm / US: O / UK: –.
• Bag handles: bamboo circle handles, or flat circle rings.
• Other: stitch markers, scissors, tape measure, yarn needle/tapestry needle, lining fabric (optional), closure (optional), and embellishments (optional).

Once you have gathered your supplies, you can start by creating the main round panels of the bag. This will involve crocheting two identical circular panels for the front and back of the bag, as well as a side/bottom panel. The circular panels are created by joining the yarn in the round and using single crochet stitches. You will need to increase the number of stitches on every alternate round to create a flat circle.

After completing the circular panels, you can move on to making the side panels. These will be rectangular pieces that you will attach to the circular panels to form the bag's structure. Make sure to leave a gap at the top for the bag's opening. Stitch the side panels to the circular panels using single crochet stitches, and remember to keep the seams on the inside of the bag.

Finally, attach the bag handles to the sides of the bag, and you're almost done! You can add any extra embellishments or decorations you like, such as pockets or a closure. And that's it! You now have a large crochet beach bag ready to carry all your essentials.

For a more advanced project, you can try making a beach bag with a giant shell stitch pattern. This pattern creates a unique and playful bag with a wide opening, perfect for a day at the beach. The pattern is worked from the base upwards and requires intermediate crochet skills. You will need raffia yarn, a crochet hook, stitch markers, a tapestry needle, and flat circle rings to complete this project.

How to attach bag handles

When it comes to attaching bag handles to your large beach bag, there are a few methods you can use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach handles to your crochet bag:

Planning the Handle Placement

Before you begin crocheting your handles or attaching them to your bag, it's important to plan their placement. Decide on the position of the handles, typically around 3-4 inches from the top of the bag. You can also determine the length and width of the handles to suit your preference and the size of your bag. Mark the placement with stitch markers or pins to ensure accurate attachment.

Crocheting the Handles

If you plan to crochet the handles separately from the bag, start by working a series of chain stitches to achieve the desired length. The number of chains you make will determine the length of your handles. Remember that bulkier yarns may stretch over time, so consider using thinner, more lightweight yarn for more durable handles. Work in rows to achieve the desired width, ensuring that the number of rows corresponds to the width of the handle.

Attaching Separately Crocheted Handles

Once your handles are crocheted, you can attach them to the bag. First, smooth out the edges of the handles by slip stitching across both sides. Place stitch markers to indicate the area that will remain flat and be sewn onto the bag. Pinch the sides of the handle together and whip stitch the edges to form a tube shape. You can also place a piece of cord, macrame rope, or ribbon inside the handle to minimise stretching. Sew the ends of the handles to the bag, ensuring they are secure and positioned correctly.

Crocheting Handles Directly onto the Bag

Alternatively, you can crochet the handles directly onto the bag, eliminating the need for fastening them separately. Work your final round of the bag in single crochets, and then calculate the spacing for the handles. Take your stitch count from the last round and divide it by two. Subtract the number of stitches you want to leave unworked between the handles, and then divide the remaining number by two again to determine the spacing on each side of the bag. Place your markers accordingly and crochet along the sides, leaving the marked-off stitches unworked for the handle space.

Adjusting Handle Length

You can adjust the length of the handles by changing the number of chains you make in the first round of the handles. For subsequent rounds, simply work a single crochet into each stitch and/or chain around.

With these methods, you can confidently attach handles to your large beach bag crochet project. Remember to plan the placement, consider the type of yarn for durability, and calculate the spacing accurately for a stylish and functional bag.

Frequently asked questions