The Pierrot raffia bag is a crochet pattern by Pierrot (Gosyo Co., Ltd) that is available for free in both English and Japanese. The bag is crocheted with raffia yarn, which gives it a casual and summery feel. The pattern is for a round-style bag with a shoulder-length strap and is rated as easy to crochet. The finished bag measures about 10.5” wide and 38″ long, but crocheters can continue adding rounds to make the bag larger. The raffia yarn used in this pattern is durable but not stiff, so a larger bag may turn out floppy.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Company | Pierrot (Gosyo Co., Ltd) |
Pattern | Raffia Bag, Raffia Marché Bag |
Difficulty | Easy |
Stitch | Single crochet (US) |
Hook size | Japanese size 6/0 crochet hook (3.5mm), Japanese size 7/0 crochet hook (4.0mm) |
Yardage | 457 - 494 yards (418 - 452 m) |
Rating | 4.1 from 8 votes |
What You'll Learn
Free crochet patterns for a raffia bag
If you're looking to create a raffia bag using crochet, there are a variety of free patterns available online. Pierrot Raffia Bag by Pierrot (Gosyo Co., Ltd) offers a free pattern that is available in both English and Japanese. The pattern is fully charted using standard knitting and/or crochet symbols. To make this bag, you will need:
- Japanese size 7/0 crochet hook (4.0mm)
- 30g (67.8m) color 77
- 170g (384.2m) color 73
- Japanese size 6/0 crochet hook (3.5mm)
- 25g (56.5m) color 75
- 160g (361.6m) color 71
- 25g (56.5m) color 80
- 160g (361.6m) color 71
Alternatively, Etsy offers a wide range of crochet raffia bag patterns, with prices starting from $3.33. Some patterns are available as an instant digital download, while others may require shipping. The patterns vary in difficulty, with some catering to beginners and others challenging intermediates. Before purchasing, be sure to check the reviews, as these can provide valuable insights into the quality and ease of the pattern.
Another option is the Vadella Bag Pattern from Wool and the Gang. This free intermediate crochet pattern exudes vintage-style sophistication. To create this bag, you will need one roll of Ra-Ra Raffia yarn and approximately 8 hours of your time. By following this pattern, you will master single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch techniques.
With a variety of free and affordable patterns available, you can easily find one that suits your skill level and style preferences to create your own crochet raffia bag.
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Crocheting a raffia bag with a flat circle
To crochet a raffia bag with a flat circle, you'll need to start by crocheting 3 separate pieces: 2 circles and a long rectangle. The circles are crocheted in a continuous spiral, without joining at the end of each round. Instead, you will use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. It's important to note that these circles will not lay flat as you're crocheting, due to the texture of the raffia yarn. However, they will even out when you steam block the pieces.
- Start with a magic circle.
- Round 1: work 8 hdc in the circle, remembering to mark the first hdc with a stitch marker.
- Round 2: 2 hdc in each stitch around.
- Round 3: [2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in the next stitch] repeat around.
- Round 4: [2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches] repeat around.
- Continue increasing in this manner until you reach the desired circle size.
- Slip stitch into the next stitch and fasten off. Cut the yarn and sew in the ends.
Once you have crocheted the circles and the rectangle, you will sew them together to form the bag. However, before sewing, it is crucial to block each piece. Lay out all the pieces on blocking mats or an ironing board and use stainless steel t-pins to hold them flat and in shape. Use a steam iron on the lowest heat setting that produces steam and hold it about 1" above the pinned pieces for a few seconds. Repeat this process across all the pieces. Allow the pieces to cool completely before removing the pins, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
Now you're ready to assemble your bag! Lay one of the circle panels on a flat surface, right side down. Sew the long edge of the rectangle (the gusset) to the outer edge of the circle panel. Then, lay the other circle panel on top, right side up, and sew the other side of the gusset to it. Finally, sew the strap onto the outside of the gusset, and your raffia bag with a flat circle is complete!
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Steam blocking raffia yarn
Raffia yarn is a unique natural fibre with an airy quality that is perfect for summer accessories like the Pierrot raffia bag. The yarn is vegan, biodegradable, and water-repellent. It is derived from the leaves of the Raphia farinifera palm tree, which are harvested, cut into narrow strips, and dried. While the natural colour of dried raffia is a light beige, it can be dyed into any shade.
When steam blocking raffia yarn, it is important to be careful not to over-steam the fibres, as this can cause them to wilt. Steaming is best suited for flat pieces, such as bags. To steam block a raffia bag, pin the bag flat onto an ironing board and give it a light steam.
If you are working with a raffia project that needs to be unravelled, you can restore the yarn to its original appearance by rewinding the unraveled raffia into a skein, lightly misting it with water, and then steaming it until the fibres straighten out.
Raffia is also excellent for shaping three-dimensional pieces, such as hats. To block the shape of a hat, lightly spray your garment with water and then cover it with fabric (a pillowcase works well). Weigh it down with something heavy and leave it overnight.
When working with raffia yarn, it is important to choose the correct hook size and maintain consistent tension to create even stitches and a polished final product. Raffia can be slippery, so maintaining tension is crucial. Additionally, raffia can be rough on the hands, so consider using hand cream or wearing thin, breathable gloves during long crocheting sessions.
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Crocheting a purse strap
The Pierrot raffia bag is a crocheted bag with a pattern available for free from Pierrot (Gosyo Co., Ltd). The pattern is available in both English and Japanese and uses standard knitting and crochet symbols. To crochet a purse strap that complements this bag, there are several methods you can use to ensure it is sturdy and stylish.
One popular method to prevent stretching in crochet straps is to line them with fabric. You can use a double band of linen or grosgrain ribbon, sewing it to the strap either before or after attaching the strap to the bag. Be sure to firmly attach the ribbon and strap to the bag by stitching a box with an X inside for added strength. If you don't want your stitches to be visible, hand sewing is recommended.
Another method to reduce stretch is to crochet the straps horizontally, creating long rows for the length of the strap. This integrates the strap with the body of the bag, making it sturdier. Additionally, you can crochet around a sturdy cord or rope, such as cotton clothesline, to add structure and reduce stretch.
If you prefer a non-crocheted option, you can also purchase pre-made fabric straps or use leather or canvas straps to attach to your bag. These options require less work and provide a durable solution.
Remember to consider the colour and style of your strap to ensure it complements the Pierrot raffia bag's design.
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Sewing the bag together
Now that you have crocheted all the pieces of your Pierrot raffia bag, it's time to sew them together and bring your creation to life! This process will require some careful work, but if you follow these steps, you'll have a beautiful and durable bag.
To begin, lay one of your circle panels on a flat surface, with the right side facing down. Take the long gusset piece and align its long edge with the outer edge of the circle panel. Using a whip stitch, carefully sew them together along this edge. This will form the base of your bag and give it its structure.
Next, take the other circle panel and place it on top of the gusset, with the right side facing up this time. Again, use the whip stitch to sew the other long edge of the gusset to the outer edge of this circle panel. This will complete the circular base of your bag and enclose the interior space.
At this point, you should have a cylindrical shape with two open ends. Now, it's time to attach the strap. Sew one end of the strap to one side of the gusset, and then sew the other end to the opposite side of the gusset. Make sure to reinforce these attachments securely, as the strap will bear the weight of the bag and its contents.
Finally, sew in any remaining loose ends of yarn to ensure that your bag is neat and tidy. Give your bag a gentle shake to remove any excess fibres, and it's ready to use!
Your Pierrot raffia bag is now complete and ready for your summer adventures, whether it's a trip to the beach or a picnic in the park. Enjoy your handmade creation, and don't forget to show it off to your friends!
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Frequently asked questions
The Pierrot Raffia Bag is a crochet bag pattern by Pierrot (Gosyo Co., Ltd). The pattern is available for free and is fully charted using standard knitting and/or crochet symbols.
The pattern for the Pierrot Raffia Bag can be found on the Ravelry website. It is available in both English and Japanese versions.
The Pierrot Raffia Bag can be made using ISPIE raffia yarn in the color Oatmeal. This yarn is made from a cotton/wood blend and can be purchased on Amazon.
The Pierrot Raffia Bag pattern is considered an easy skill level. Basic crochet stitches are used and the tutorial is simple to follow with helpful pictures and tips along the way.