Summer Crochet Project: Raffia Beach Bag Pattern

The raffia beach bag is a popular crochet pattern, with many online tutorials and kits available. The bag is a great summer project, with its simple and fast make, and interesting, lacy texture. The yarn used is stiffer, creating an openwork design, and the bag is often oval-shaped. Many of the patterns are aimed at beginners, with easy-to-follow instructions and basic crochet stitches.

Choosing the right yarn

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn refers to its thickness and is typically described using terms like lace, super fine, fine, light, medium, bulky, and super bulky. For crochet projects, it's important to match the yarn weight specified in the pattern to ensure your bag turns out the correct size. The yarn weight, along with the crochet hook size, will determine the drape or how the bag hangs. The Craft Yarn Council has standardised yarn weights, ranging from 0 (lace weight) to 7 (jumbo weight). For your beach bag, a medium weight yarn like worsted or aran/heavy worsted could be a good choice, as it is versatile and suitable for a range of projects.

Yarn Fiber

The fiber content of the yarn, whether natural, synthetic, or a blend, will impact the look and feel of your bag. Natural yarns, derived from animal fur, silk, or plants, offer benefits like durability and breathability. For example, animal fibers like wool and alpaca are long-lasting, while plant fibers like cotton are ideal for warm weather. Synthetic yarns, on the other hand, are often more affordable, easy to find, and suitable for beginners. They are also hypoallergenic and machine-washable. Blended yarns combine the best qualities of different fibers, improving characteristics like strength or shine.

Practical Considerations

When purchasing yarn for your raffia beach bag, keep the following in mind:

• Dye Lot: Ensure all the yarn you buy is from the same dye lot to guarantee consistent colour across your project.
• Care Instructions: Consider how you want to care for your bag. Different fiber types have varying washing instructions, so choose a yarn that aligns with your preferences.
• Yardage: Calculate how much yarn you need by checking the yardage on the pattern and the label of your chosen yarn.
• Price: As a beginner, it's wise to opt for more affordable yarns like cotton, wool, or acrylic to practice with before investing in more expensive options.

Yarn for Raffia Beach Bag

For a raffia beach bag, consider using a yarn like ISPIE raffia, which is available in natural colours and is soft and durable. Remember to choose a yarn that can be steam blocked, as this is an important step in creating a raffia bag.

Basic stitches for beginners

To make a raffia beach bag using a crochet pattern, you must first learn the basic crochet stitches. Here is a detailed guide on the six essential stitches for beginners:

Chain Stitch:

The chain stitch is the simplest stitch and the starting point for almost all crochet patterns. To make a starting chain, also known as a foundation chain, you'll need to:

• Make a slip knot and insert your hook.
• Yarn over and pull up a new loop.
• Repeat this process for the desired number of chain stitches.

Single Crochet Stitch:

The single crochet stitch, abbreviated as SC, is the next essential stitch to learn. It creates a smooth and solid fabric and is used in various projects, including scarves, hats, and baby blankets. To single crochet:

• Make a slip knot and a beginning chain (foundation row).
• Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.

Double Crochet Stitch:

The double crochet stitch, abbreviated as DC, is a beginner-friendly stitch used in patterns like granny squares and afghans. It is taller than a single crochet stitch. To make a double crochet:

• Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook.
• Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.

Half-Double Crochet Stitch:

The half-double crochet stitch, abbreviated as HDC, is similar to the single crochet stitch but starts with one extra yarn-over. It is perfect for projects like baby blankets, scarves, or sweaters. To make an HDC stitch:

• Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over again and pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook.

Treble Crochet Stitch:

The treble crochet stitch, also known as the triple crochet stitch and abbreviated as TR, is the tallest of the basic stitches. It creates a looser fabric ideal for open, lacy shawls and light blankets. To make a treble crochet:

• Yarn over twice, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook.
• Yarn over and pull through the next two loops.
• Yarn over again and pull through the last two loops.

Slip Stitch:

The slip stitch is a versatile technique used for joining elements, adding flourishes, and creating decorative edges. It is shorter than other stitches and is often used when working in rounds. To do a slip stitch:

Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through the stitch and the active loop on the hook.

With these six basic stitches, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful crochet projects, including your very own raffia beach bag!

How to crochet a perfect oval

To crochet a perfect oval, you need to understand the basic construction of the shape. Each crochet oval is made up of three different parts: a rectangle in the middle with a semicircle on either side. The rectangle determines the overall size of the oval, with the length of the foundation chain dictating its length. The finished size of the oval will be bigger than the rectangle because you will be increasing stitches at either end of the oval in each round, which will increase the length and width.

The stitch count for the rectangle will remain the same throughout, but the stitch count for each semicircle will increase by three stitches each round, meaning the total stitch count for the whole oval will increase by six stitches per round.

To start, you need to crochet a foundation chain. The length of this chain will determine how long your oval is. A longer chain will create a longer, more pointed oval, whereas a shorter chain will result in a rounder oval. The shortest chain you can start with is four chain stitches, as anything shorter will create a circle.

Once you have your foundation chain, you will crochet on both sides of it. Push your crochet hook through the loops on the underside of the chain and continue to crochet as usual. This will create the base for your oval.

Now, you will continue to crochet in a spiral, working in rounds. You will be increasing stitches at the ends of the oval to maintain its shape. In each round, you will single crochet and increase at the ends. Repeat this process until you reach your desired size.

• Start with 5 foundation chains. If you want a longer oval, you can start with a longer chain.
• Single crochet into the second chain from your hook.
• Single crochet into the next 2 chains.
• 3 single crochets into the last chain.
• Rotate your work and single crochet into the next 2 chains on the other side of the foundation chain.
• 2 single crochets into each of the next 3 stitches.
• Single crochet into the next 2 stitches.
• Repeat steps 6 and 7.
• (2 single crochet into the next stitch, single crochet into the following stitch) 3 times.
• Repeat step 9.
• (2 single crochet into the next stitch, single crochet into the next 2 stitches) 3 times.
• Single crochet into the next 2 stitches.
• Repeat step 11.
• Repeat step 6, increasing the number of single crochet stitches along the straight edges by 1, and increasing the number of stitches between each increase.

Remember, the key to crocheting a perfect oval is to ensure your increases only happen at the rounded ends, and to distribute these increases evenly across each end.

The best crochet bag pattern

If you're looking for a crochet bag pattern, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crocheter, you can find a pattern that's right for you. Here are some of the best crochet bag patterns to consider:

The Cabana Crochet Bag Pattern:

This pattern is perfect for a durable everyday tote bag for beach outings or picnics. The round style and raffia yarn give it a casual and summery feel. The pattern is easy to follow and includes helpful photos and tips. The bag is made by crocheting three separate pieces—two circles and a long rectangle—which are sewn together at the end. Don't forget to steam block each piece to ensure your bag has the correct shape.

Large Raffia Beach Bag:

This crochet bag pattern is perfect for a day at the beach. It features a round base straw tote handbag and is suitable for beginners. The pattern includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it easy to follow along. It's a great choice if you're looking for a quick and easy project, as it can be completed in a day.

Blue Star Crochet Raffia Bag:

This simple and fast crochet bag pattern is perfect for summer. It uses basic stitches like single and half double crochet, making it beginner-friendly. The half double crochet stitch creates an interesting, almost lacy texture. The stiff yarn pulls the stitches open, resulting in a beautiful openwork design. The main body of the bag is worked in rounds of half double crochet in the back loop only, joined by a slip stitch.

Japanese Knot Bag:

The Japanese Knot Bag is a unique and stylish crochet bag pattern. It features a knotted design and can be made in different sizes and styles. The pattern includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it a great choice for beginners. It's a fun and modern take on a traditional bag style.

Holiday Raffia Bag:

This free crochet pattern is perfect for a summer holiday. The bag is worked from the bottom up, with an easy-to-make handle created by simply crocheting a chain. It uses a solid shell stitch and is a quick project that can be completed in a weekend. The pattern includes a step-by-step video tutorial and is suitable for those with some crochet experience.

So, which crochet bag pattern will you choose? Whether you're looking for a casual tote, a beach bag, or a unique knotted design, there's a pattern to suit your needs and skill level. Happy crocheting!

How to assemble the bag

The crocheted raffia beach bag is made by crocheting three separate pieces: two circles and a long rectangle. You will sew them together at the end. The circles are crocheted in a continuous spiral, without joining at the end of each round. Instead, use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. The circles will not lay flat as you crochet, so it's important to steam block each piece to ensure your bag has the correct shape.

For the circles to lay flat, you will need to use a raffia yarn that can tolerate a little heat and steam. You cannot wet block this yarn as it will become floppy if it gets too much water. The full instructions for crocheting the circles are included in the pattern.

Once you have crocheted the two circles and the long rectangle, it's time to assemble the bag. Lay one of the circle panels on a flat surface, right side down. Sew one of the long edges 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 long edge of the rectangle to the outer edge of this circle panel.

Finally, sew the strap onto the outside of the gusset. Sew in any remaining ends, and your crochet raffia beach bag is ready to use!

Frequently asked questions