The Ultimate Russian Bucket Bag Crochet Pattern Guide

The Russian bucket bag crochet pattern is a fun and creative project for crafting enthusiasts. With its unique cylindrical shape, deep interior, and sturdy sides, it's no wonder that bucket bags are making a fashion comeback. This particular pattern, inspired by Russian crochet designs, adds a stylish twist to a functional and spacious accessory. The pattern is suitable for beginners and can be adapted to create different strap lengths and colours. So, whether you're a crochet novice or an experienced crafter, this project is a great way to express your creativity and make a unique fashion statement.

Russian crochet bag by Bernhard Ulmann Co

The Russian Crochet bag by Bernhard Ulmann Co. is a free pattern published in the Glossilla Book of Crochet Novelties in 1912-13. The bag is categorized as a purse or handbag.

To make the Russian Crochet bag, you will need DMC Coton Perlé 3, a ball of cotton thread, and several rings. Specifically, you will need one ring with a 2-inch diameter and four rings with a 3/4-inch diameter. The pattern calls for 146 yards / 50 grams of the DMC Coton Perlé 3 thread, which has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8 votes.

The Glossilla Book of Crochet Novelties, published by Bernhard Ulmann Co., includes this Russian Crochet bag pattern and an Irish Crochet Opera Bag pattern. The book was first published in July 1912 and has since been updated, with the latest update in June 2023.

The Russian Crochet bag pattern is available online through the Internet Archive (Wayback Machine). The page for this pattern on Ravelry includes links to the free pattern and shows that 7 people have queued the pattern and 1 person has completed a project using it.

Bucket bag with a square base

A bucket bag with a square base is a fun and unique option for a crochet bag. Square bases offer stability and maximise the use of space in your bag, making it easier to organise and fit items. This guide will take you through the process of crocheting a bucket bag with a square base, from the materials you will need to the step-by-step instructions for crafting the base and the bag itself.

Materials

To get started, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn (raffia yarn is recommended)
• A crochet hook (a 3 mm crochet hook is recommended for raffia yarn)
• A tapestry needle
• Scissors
• An iron to block the bag
• Pliers (if you opt for a drawstring bag)
• O or D rings (if you opt for a drawstring bag)

Crocheting the Square Base

To begin, you will need to create a foundation ring. Make a slip knot, followed by a chain stitch, and then slip stitch it to the first chain to form the ring.

For the first round, chain three stitches to raise the stitch, and then crochet two double crochet stitches into the foundation ring. This will total three double crochet stitches. Then, chain two stitches to create the corner chain space.

Repeat the pattern of "three double crochet, two chain" three more times, and then end the round with another three double crochet stitches and finish with a half double crochet stitch into the first stitch of the round.

Each subsequent round will increase the number of stitches to make the base bigger. For example, the second round would involve crocheting two stitches (an increase) in each stitch around, resulting in a larger circle. You can adjust the number of starting stitches and the rate of increase depending on the size of the bag you want.

Crocheting the Bucket Bag

Once your square base is complete, you can start working on the bucket bag's height. The basic stitches used in this pattern are:

• Half double crochet (hdc)
• Double crochet (dc) and its decrease and increase stitches

The bucket bag is worked from the bottom up, so you will now build upon the square base you just created. The corners of the square base will become the peaks of the chevron pattern on the body of the bag, while the valleys of the chevron will be the midpoints between the corners.

To create the valleys of the chevron, the first round of the body pattern will involve making decrement stitches. The chevron pattern will become more visible after the second round, especially if you choose to crochet with a different colour yarn.

You can opt for a single-colour bag or add a chic vibe by using colourful yarn. Don't worry if the bag looks uneven at this stage—once you block the bag with an iron, the fabric will straighten out.

Straps and Finishing

After finishing the body of the bag, you have the option of adding short straps to carry the bag on your wrist or a long sling strap to wear it over your shoulder or cross-body.

For short straps, simply continue crocheting after completing the final round of the top edge. Crochet a single crochet stitch from the first peak of the chevron to the second peak, and then make the short strap. Skip the valley and proceed to the third peak to continue with single crochet until the fourth peak.

For a long sling strap, create a foundation chain and slip stitches. You can add tassels to the strap for a stylish touch. If you want to create a drawstring bag, add four rings to the bag's peaks and thread the strap through them. Fasten the strap near the tassel to create a closed loop.

And there you have it! Your very own crocheted bucket bag with a square base.

Using leather cord for the drawstring

Leather cord is a great way to add sophistication, strength, and texture to your crochet bag. Here are some tips and instructions for using leather cord for the drawstring of your Russian bucket bag:

Choosing the Right Leather Cord

When selecting a leather cord for your drawstring, opt for a soft and pliable variety such as chrome-tanned leather. Veg-tanned leather may be cheaper, but it tends to be too rigid for this purpose. The cord should be thin enough to fit through the holes in your bag but strong enough to bear the weight of the bag's contents.

Cutting the Leather Cord

Cut two pieces of leather cord of equal length for the drawstring. The length will depend on the size of your bag and how long you want the drawstring to be. Leave a little extra length so you can tie the ends together securely. You can also add beads or decorations to the ends of the cord before tying them together.

Attaching the Leather Cord

To attach the leather cord, you can use a method similar to that described in the "How to Add Leather Handles to a Crochet Bag" instructions. First, use a leather punch to make a small hole in the bag, just large enough for the leather cord to fit through. Cut a small square of plastic canvas and place it inside the bag, behind the hole. This will reinforce the hole and prevent the cord from pulling through the crocheted fabric. Thread the leather cord through the hole, from the inside of the bag to the outside. Tie a secure knot at the end of the cord, then repeat the process on the other side of the bag.

Finishing Touches

Once you've attached the leather cord drawstring, you can add further embellishments to your bag, such as tassels or pom-poms. You can also line the inside of the bag with fabric for a more polished look. Experiment with different colours and types of leather cord to create a unique and stylish Russian bucket bag.

Chevron bucket bag pattern

The Chevron Bucket Bag crochet pattern is a free pattern that can be used to make a stylish and functional everyday bag. The bag is comfortable and light, with a drawstring closure to keep belongings safe inside. The finished bag measures 11.8×9.4×5.9 inches (30x24x15 cm).

The pattern is worked in the round from the bottom to the top, starting with a magic ring. The bag features a chevron pattern on the sides, created using double crochet stitches in the main colour and single crochet chevron stitches for the colour stripes. At the top of the bag, eyelets are created to add a drawstring and a metal or fabric strap.

The recommended yarn for this pattern is Worsted (#4) or Bulky (#5) weight yarn, as you want the bag to be sturdy. For this pattern, YarnArt – Eco Cotton XL yarn was used, which is a Worsted weight yarn made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester.

The Chevron Bucket Bag crochet pattern is available as a free PDF download from the Made by Gootie blog, or you can purchase the ad-free, printable version on Ravelry or Etsy.

Using raffia yarn

Raffia yarn is a great choice for your Russian bucket bag crochet project. It is a strong, lightweight, and biodegradable material that is perfect for creating a spacious and functional bag.

When choosing your raffia yarn, consider the weight and thickness of the yarn. For a bag, you will want to select a thicker yarn, such as a light worsted or DK weight, to ensure your bag is sturdy and durable. Raffia yarn comes in a range of thicknesses, from 2mm to 5mm, so look for options that fall within this range.

The amount of raffia yarn you will need depends on the size of your bag. A typical bucket bag pattern may require a quantity of yarn ranging from 100 grams to 250 grams. Check your specific pattern to determine the required amount.

Raffia yarn is available in a variety of colours, including natural shades of beige, brown, and white, as well as vibrant hues like orange, pink, and green. You can choose a colour that suits your personal style or the purpose of the bag. Some raffia yarns are also variegated, meaning they have multiple colours throughout the yarn, creating an interesting colour effect in your finished bag.

When working with raffia yarn, it is important to consider the care instructions. Raffia yarn is often washable, but it may require special care. Some raffia yarns are machine washable, while others may need to be hand-washed or spot cleaned. Always check the care instructions on the yarn label or with the manufacturer to ensure your bag can be properly maintained.

Lastly, raffia yarn is typically crocheted with a hook size between 3.5mm and 5mm. Adjust your hook size accordingly to achieve the desired stitch tension and fabric density for your bag.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right raffia yarn, you can create a unique and stylish Russian bucket bag that is both functional and eco-friendly.

Frequently asked questions