
The Woodstock bag is a simple, quick-sew bag with a cross-body, fanny pack, or over-the-shoulder style. The bag is designed with darts in the construction, allowing it to hold more than meets the eye. The bag's small size makes it comfortable to carry, and the easy-access top zipper facilitates hands-free convenience when shopping. The pattern is available as a PDF download for a small fee, or as a free Amigurumi crochet pattern.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Woodstock Bag |
Format | PDF pattern |
Price | $6.50 USD |
Shipping | Free shipping for domestic orders over $125 |
Sewing Difficulty | Simple in construction and a quick sew |
Approximate finished size | 10" W x 6" T x 3" D |
Style | Cross-body, fanny pack, or over the shoulder |
Zipper | Easy access top style |
Video tutorial | Available on YouTube |
What You'll Learn
Sewing pattern for a cross-body bag
If you're looking to sew a cross-body bag, there are plenty of patterns available online. SewCanShe offers 15 free cross-body bag patterns with simple tutorials and printable sewing instructions. These include the Perfect Cross Body Tote, the Quilted Cross Body Bag Pattern, the Easy Cross Body Zipper Tote, the Convertible Cross Body Tote, and the Double Compartment Cross Body Bag.
You can also find free cross-body bag sewing patterns on Etsy, such as the following:
- The Not So Bumbastic Bag
- Brandy Crossbody Bag Pattern
- Alpen Belt Bag Pattern
- Lil Mumma
- Crosstown Crescent Bag
- Ainsley Crossbody Bag
- Ultimate Boxy Pouch
- The Teloujay 1.0 Crossbody Bag
- Lois Cross Bag
- Martia Crossbody Bag
- Lianna Bag
Additionally, Hold It provides several cross-body bag sewing patterns, including video tutorials and SVG files for some:
- Ember Crossbody Bag
- Zuma Sling Bag
- Vignette Phone Crossbody Bag
- Clarendon Crossbody Wallet
- Tremont Crossbody Bag
- Corcoran Crossbody Bag
- Weatherly Crossbody Bag
- McPherson Square Tri-Fold Crossbody or Wristlet Wallet
- Gabrielle Shoulder Bag
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Amigurumi crochet pattern
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting yarn creatures. It comes from two Japanese words: "ami", meaning "crocheted or knitted", and "nuigurumi", which means "stuffed doll". Amigurumi only became popular in the US in the early 2000s, but Japan has practised this fun, adorable art for decades.
Amigurumi can be made with any yarn weight, although sport weight is the most common. You can also use worsted weight yarn or even larger options like Lion Brand's Vel-Luxe Jumbo Yarn. The best types of yarn for beginners are acrylic, cotton and cotton blends.
When it comes to hooks, most crochet projects require a hook that suits the yarn you've chosen. The same goes for amigurumi, although you may want to opt for a smaller hook to create a tighter fabric.
- Magic circle/magic ring
- Single crochet stitch
- Single stitch increase
It is also helpful to know a double crochet stitch and how to change yarn colour.
- Rectangle Bunny for Absolute Beginners: This free bunny pattern is made entirely from one simple rectangle.
- Chubby, Squishy Manatee: This pattern is suitable for any yarn from DK weight up to chunky chenille.
- Mini Crochet Kittens for Beginners: These amigurumi kitties are seamless, making them simpler for beginners.
- Cleo the Crochet Clam: This tiny clam amigurumi is made using the easiest crochet shapes.
- Penguin: This was the designer's first crochet amigurumi project and it can be yours, too.
- Beginner Friendly Crochet Cat Ami: This kitty pattern works up quickly, making it great for beginners.
- No-Sew Whale for Beginners: This whale pattern is a cute stuffed animal that requires no sewing at all.
- Squishy Kawaii Raindrop: This oversized raindrop pattern is quick and easy to make with minimal sewing.
- Beginner Friendly Crochet Tooth: Learn a new way to join two pieces together with single crochet using this unique pattern.
- Huggable Happy Pill Plushie: This pattern is worked in the round and is perfect for beginners.
- Jumbo Pencil Amigurumi: This fun squishy pencil is worked in continuous rounds using basic stitches.
- Rocket Crochet Pattern: This rocket amigurumi is beginner-friendly and includes a photo tutorial for sewing the pieces together.
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Lining a crochet bag
Choosing the Right Lining Fabric:
Select a lining fabric that complements the weight of your bag. If your bag is delicate and light, opt for a lightweight fabric like cotton or silk. For heavier bags, choose a more durable lining fabric. Ensure the weights of the bag and lining are well-matched to prevent the lining from pulling on the bag and causing stretching or tears.
Cutting the Lining Fabric:
Before cutting, iron your lining fabric for accurate measurements. You can use the following formulas to calculate the required width and height of the lining fabric:
- Width of the lining fabric = width of the bag + (2 x depth of the bag) + 1" for seam allowance
- Height of the lining fabric = (2 x height of the bag) + depth of the bag + 1/2" for seam allowance
Sewing the Lining:
With right sides together, fold the lining in half, aligning the top edges. Sew the sides using a 1/2" seam allowance, either by hand or using a sewing machine.
If your bag has depth, create depth in the lining by sewing boxed corners. Line up the bottom of the bag with the side seam to form a triangle, then measure and mark a line from the triangle's endpoint to the depth of your bag. Secure with pins and sew straight across the line. Repeat for the other side.
Attaching the Lining to the Bag:
Fold and press the top of the lining toward the wrong side. Place the lining inside the bag with wrong sides out, using pins to hold it in place if needed. Use a needle and thread to stitch the lining to the top of the bag with small running stitches, ensuring the stitches are invisible from the right side.
Adding a Zipper (Optional):
If you want to add a zipper to your lining, start by laying your zipper face down and unzipped. Place one short edge of the lining, right side down, centered on the upper portion of the zipper. Bring the other short edge up to the bottom of the zipper, with the right side of the fabric facing the zipper. Iron the seams, manipulate the zipper to line up the top corners of the fabric, and sew down the sides of the fabric. Finish with an overcast stitch.
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Choosing the right yarn
Yarn Weight
The weight of the yarn refers to its thickness and is usually called one of the following: lace, super fine, fine, light, medium, bulky, or super bulky. The yarn weight will affect your project's drape, so it is important to follow the suggested weight in the pattern you are using. If you are not using a pattern, a worsted weight yarn is a good medium-weight option for beginners.
Yarn Fiber
Yarn can be made from a variety of natural, synthetic, or blended fibres. Natural yarns are derived from animal fur, silk, or plants, while synthetic yarns are manufactured from materials such as polymers, coal, or petroleum. Blended yarns combine different fibre types to enhance certain characteristics, such as adding nylon to wool for strength.
When choosing the fibre content of your yarn, consider the drape, stitch definition, structure, and heaviness of your desired final product. For example, wool is a resilient and forgiving fibre, making it a good choice for practising crochet stitches, while cotton is inelastic and better suited for projects where you want the item to hold its shape. Acrylic is a popular choice among crochet enthusiasts due to its wide availability, variety of colours, and affordability. However, some of the cheapest acrylics can be challenging to work with as they may split apart.
Additional Considerations
- Choose a smooth yarn in a light colour to avoid frustration and to see your stitches clearly.
- Consider the price of the yarn, especially if you are a beginner and may not want to invest a lot of money in your first projects.
- Check the yardage of the yarn to determine how many balls you will need for your project.
- Pay attention to the dye lot to ensure that all the yarn for your project comes from the same dye lot and has the same colour.
- Look at the washing instructions, especially if you are crocheting something that will require frequent washing.
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Crocheting a sturdy handle
To crochet a sturdy handle for your bag, you can try a few different methods. One way is to crochet a handle with a rope inside, which will help the handle keep its shape and minimise stretching. You can use macrame cording, rope, or ribbon as the rope inside your crocheted tube.
Firstly, chain stitch to your desired length. The number of rows you crochet will determine the width of your handle. Remember that a thinner and more lightweight yarn will stretch less than bulkier yarns since the stitches are tighter and smaller. After you've reached your desired width, slip stitch across both edges to smooth them out. Place stitch markers approximately 2"/5 cm from each edge. The area between the stitch markers and the edge will remain flat so you can sew them onto the purse. Pinch the sides of the handle together and whip stitch the edges shut to form a tube. Place a piece of cord, macrame rope, or ribbon onto the handle and whip stitch around it. Finally, sew down the rope onto the purse so that it can't move within the tube.
Another method to create a sturdy handle is to crochet a rope handle. This will be more comfortable to wear than a flat crochet handle and will stretch less than other styles. To make a crochet rope handle, you will need yarn, a crochet hook, and scissors. You can adjust the diameter of your rope handle by changing the number of stitches in the first round. Remember that the larger the diameter, the flatter your handle will lay when worn.
To begin, leave a 12" tail of yarn for sewing and chain 2, then work 5 single crochet stitches into the second chain from your hook. Do not join. In the second round, single crochet in each stitch around. In the third round, with the right side of the single crochet stitches facing the centre of the rope, work into the back side of the stitches and into the third loop from the previous round. Repeat the third round until your rope reaches the desired length, then fasten off, leaving a 12" tail of yarn for sewing.
A third method for creating a sturdy handle is to crochet a non-stretchy strap using fishing line. This technique involves crocheting over fishing line to reinforce your strap and prevent it from stretching. You will need yarn, a corresponding hook, stitch markers, and fishing line or another long fibre. Cut a piece of fishing line that is slightly longer than your desired strap length. Create a slip knot with your fishing line, then crochet over it, ensuring that it lays flat along the top of your stitches. Work as many rows as needed for your strap, then securely finish off the fishing line by creating another slip knot and weaving the tail into your stitches.
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Frequently asked questions
The Woodstock bag is a simple, quick-sew bag that can be worn cross-body, fanny pack style, or over the shoulder. The pattern is available as a PDF for $6.50.
You will need vinyl, a zipper, and a small (optional) pocket.
The approximate finished size is 10" wide x 6" tall x 3" deep.
The pattern is suitable for beginners to intermediate crocheters. It is crocheted in a spiral and uses US terms.
You can find the pattern on Ravelry or on the Sew Hungry Hippie website.