The Crocheted Shoulder Bag: A Stylish, Handmade Accessory

The crocheted shoulder bag is a versatile accessory that can be used for various occasions, from a day at the beach to a trip to the farmer's market. With its sturdy structure and airy design, it is perfect for holding all your essentials without weighing you down. Crochet bags come in a variety of styles, including totes, crossbody bags, and backpacks, offering both functionality and style. They can be made with different types of yarn, such as cotton or acrylic, and often feature fun additions like tassels or pom-poms. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or a curious beginner, creating your own crocheted shoulder bag is a fun project that allows you to showcase your unique style.

Patterns and tutorials

There are many different patterns and tutorials for crocheted shoulder bags available online. Some websites, like Etsy, offer paid patterns, while others, like Sarah Maker, offer free patterns.

• Summer Breeze Free Crochet Tote Bag Pattern by A Crocheted Simplicity: This bag features a solid single crochet bottom and an openwork design on top. It is customisable with tassels, poms, and different colours.
• Street Fair Crochet Boho Purse by Make and Do Crew: This bag is super simple to make. Simply crochet two identical circles to form the body of the bag, then add a strap and tassels.
• Granny Square Bag Free Crochet Pattern by Sarah Maker: This bag is made by crocheting 24 granny squares and then sewing them together. It is customisable with different colours and thicker handles.
• Crochet Farmer's Market Bag Pattern by Sarah Maker: This bag is versatile and stretchy, great for beginners and intermediate crocheters.
• Crochet Tote Bag Pattern by Ribblr: This pattern is specifically designed for beginners and is customisable with different colours.

There are also many paid patterns available on Etsy, with prices ranging from $2.58 to $7.97. These patterns also often come with tutorials and can be downloaded as PDFs.

Yarn and hook size

The yarn and hook size you choose for your crocheted shoulder bag will depend on the specific pattern you are following and the desired size of your bag.

For example, the Summer Breeze Tote Bag pattern by A Crocheted Simplicity calls for a size G (4.00 mm) crochet hook and Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn (weight: 4/worsted – 400 yards, 3.5 oz). This particular pattern is designed to be versatile, functioning as both a fun summer beach bag and a solid tote. The Lion Brand 24/7 cotton yarn comes in a range of colours and has a beautiful sheen that will give your bag fantastic stitch definition.

Another option for yarn is Bernat Softee Baby Cotton Yarn, which is recommended by DeeMakesCreations for their beginner-friendly crochet shoulder bag pattern. This pattern also suggests using a 4.00 mm crochet hook or any hook that is suggested by the yarn brand you choose.

When selecting your yarn and hook size, it's important to consider the type of bag you want to make and the durability you need. Natural fibre yarns like cotton are often stronger and more durable than acrylic yarns, so they are a popular choice for crochet bags. Medium-weight cotton yarn is a common choice for many patterns, and Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is a recommended option.

Additionally, you can add your own creative touches to your bag by playing around with colours or adding tassels, poms, and more!

Bag shapes and styles

Crocheted shoulder bags come in a variety of shapes and styles, with options to suit all tastes and occasions. From farmers' markets to the beach, a handmade crocheted bag is a functional, stylish, and unique accessory.

A crocheted shoulder bag can be made in a variety of ways, from creating two squares or rectangles and sewing them together, to crocheting in the round from the bottom up, or making the base, sides, and handles separately and sewing them together. The bag can be as big or small as desired, and the colour and material can be chosen to fit the maker's style.

Some popular styles of crocheted shoulder bags include:

• Tote bags
• Beach bags
• Bucket bags
• Crossbody bags
• Drawstring bags
• Backpacks
• Fanny packs/bum bags
• Zipper pouches/coin purses
• Satchels
• Messenger bags
• Boho bags
• Hobo bags

Lining and finishing

Step 1: Choosing the Fabric

Select a fabric that complements your crochet bag. You can opt for store-bought fabric or upcycle old fabric items like pillow coverings, blouses, pyjamas, or jeans. Take your crochet bag with you to the store to ensure you purchase the correct amount of fabric. The fabric piece should be more than twice the length of your bag and cut in one long piece. The width should be at least 2 inches wider on each side than your bag laid flat. Choose a thread that closely matches the colour of your yarn to sew the lining.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric

Place your crochet bag on the fabric and trace its outline, adding an additional ¾” in width and ½” in length. This extra width will allow for ¼” seams on each side and some ease for the stretch of the crochet fabric. Cut your fabric according to these measurements.

Step 3: Sewing the Lining

With the pattern facing in, fold the top hem down several inches and pin the sides. Start sewing from the bottom of one side, working a backstitch seam to join the sides of the fabric. Once both sides are seamed, turn the lining right side out.

Step 4: Attaching the Lining to the Bag

Turn your crochet bag inside out and slip the lining over it. Fold the top of the lining in and align it with one of the top rows of your bag. Using a stitch similar to a whip stitch, sew the lining to the bag, keeping as close to the top edge of the lining fabric as possible. This will create an almost invisible seam.

Step 5: Final Touches

Turn your bag right side out and add any desired handles or closing notions. You can also add a stiff piece of cardboard to the bottom of the bag to help it retain its shape. And that's it! Your crocheted shoulder bag is now complete and ready to be admired and used.

Where to buy

There are many online retailers where you can buy a crochet shoulder bag. Etsy, for example, has over 5,000 results for crochet shoulder bags, with prices ranging from $3.00 to $155.00. You can also find crochet shoulder bags on Amazon, with prices ranging from $11.69 to $179.00.

If you're looking for something a little more specific, like a crochet hobo bag, you can find those on Amazon as well, with prices ranging from $11.99 to $107.00. Or, if you're looking for a high-end option, you could try The Sak, which offers a range of handcrafted crochet bags made from recycled materials. Their bags range from $119.00 to $179.00.

Finally, for a more affordable option, you could try Elena Handbags, which offers a range of crochet bags, including shoulder bags, for $35.00 to $48.00.

Frequently asked questions