
Woven crochet bags are a fun, stylish, and functional accessory that can be used for a variety of purposes, from holding groceries to carrying beach supplies. They come in a range of styles, including crossbody, shoulder, tote, and square bags, and can be made using different crochet techniques such as traditional crochet and Tunisian crochet. With their unique designs and vibrant colours, these bags are perfect for adding a touch of personality to any outfit. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or a beginner, creating your own woven crochet bag can be a rewarding project that showcases your creativity and style.
What You'll Learn
Woven crochet bag patterns
There are many different ways to crochet a bag, and the method you choose will depend on the type of bag you want to make. Here are some of the most common techniques:
Making Two Squares or Rectangles
You can sew two squares or rectangles together and add a handle to create a bag. This is a simple method that can be used to make a variety of bag styles, such as totes and handbags.
Working in the Round from the Bottom Up
This technique involves crocheting the bag in a circular motion, starting from the bottom and working your way up. This is a great way to create a seamless bag with a rounded shape.
Making the Base, Sides, and Handles Separately
Another option is to crochet the base, sides, and handles separately and then sew them together at the end. This method offers more flexibility in terms of bag design and allows for more intricate details.
Using Specific Stitches
When crocheting a bag, it's important to choose tight, durable stitches that hold their shape well. Some of the best stitches for bags include half double crochet, corner-to-corner (C2C) technique, herringbone double crochet, moss stitch, and knit stitch.
Choosing the Right Yarn
The type of yarn you use will depend on the style and functionality you want for your bag. For a sturdy and durable option, natural fibres like cotton are popular choices. Cotton is strong and has a smooth appearance, making it ideal for creating structured bags.
However, you can also use acrylic yarns, as long as they don't have a lot of stretch. When in doubt, choose a yarn that is specifically recommended for bag projects.
Adding a Lining
Adding a lining to your crochet bag is a great way to improve its durability and give it a more polished look. You can sew a simple fabric lining to your bag, ensuring that your belongings are secure and the bag maintains its shape.
Creating Handles
When it comes to handles, you have several options. You can crochet handles using sturdy stitches like the Romanian cord stitch, or you can opt for a different material such as leather or rope. Adding a lining to your handles can also help prevent stretching.
Personalising Your Bag
Crochet bags offer endless opportunities for personalisation. You can add decorative elements like tassels, pom-poms, lace edging, or crochet flowers. You can also include functional details such as pockets, zippers, or a fabric lining. Get creative and make your bag truly unique!
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Woven crochet bag lining
Adding a lining to your crochet bag can make it look more professional and store-bought, rather than homemade. It also adds structure and stability to the bag, preventing it from stretching out of shape, especially when carrying heavy objects. A lining will also protect the yarn from pilling and separating, which can lead to holes in the bag.
Choosing a Lining Fabric
When selecting a lining fabric, it is essential to consider the weight of your bag. If your bag is delicate and light, opt for a lightweight lining such as silk or cotton. For heavier bags, choose a more durable lining fabric that can withstand the weight without causing the bag to stretch or rip.
Cutting the Lining Fabric
Before cutting your lining fabric, iron it to ensure accurate measurements. The width of the lining fabric should be equal to the width of the bag plus twice the depth of the bag, plus an extra 1" for the seam allowance. The height of the lining fabric should be twice the height of the bag plus the depth of the bag, plus an extra 1/2" for the seam allowance.
For example, if your bag measures 15" in height, 15" in width, and 1" in depth, you would cut your lining fabric to be 31 1/2" in height and 18" in width.
Sewing the Lining
With the right sides of the lining fabric together, fold it in half, aligning the top edges. Sew the sides using a 1/2" seam allowance. You can use a sewing machine or sew by hand with a needle and thread.
If your bag has depth, you can create depth in the lining by sewing a boxed corner. Line up the bottom of the bag with the side seam to form a triangle in the bottom corner of the fabric. Measure from the endpoint of the triangle to the depth of your bag and mark a straight line. Sew along this line and repeat for the other side.
Attaching the Lining to the Bag
Turn the top of the lining down by 1/2" toward the wrong side and press it with an iron to hold it in place. Place the lining inside the bag with the wrong sides facing out, and use sewing pins to hold it in place if needed.
Stitch the lining to the top of the bag using small running stitches with a needle and thread. You can also use an invisible stitch by grabbing only one side of the hem and working the needle through each post, similar to a mattress stitch.
Additional Tips
If you want to add a zipper to your lining, unfold the fabric and lay one short edge, right side down, centered on the upper portion of the zipper. Bring the other short edge up to the bottom portion of the zipper, with the right side of the fabric facing the zipper. Iron the seams and sew down the sides of the fabric.
You can also add pockets to your lining or line the handles or straps to prevent stretching.
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Woven crochet bag sizes
Woven crochet bags come in a variety of sizes, from oversized beach bags to mini crossbody bags. The size of the bag will depend on its style and intended use. Here are some of the most common styles and their typical sizes:
Tote Bag
A crochet tote bag is usually large, with dimensions of approximately 16" width x 12" height x 5" depth. This style is perfect for carrying all your essentials and more, whether you're heading to the beach, running errands, or going on a weekend trip.
Crossbody Bag
Crossbody bags are designed to be worn across the body, with a long strap that can be adjusted for comfort. They are typically smaller in size, ranging from 8" to 11" in width and height, and 1" to 3" in depth. This style is ideal for carrying essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys when you're on the go.
Shoulder Bag
Shoulder bags are designed to be worn on the shoulder or across the body, with a longer strap that can be adjusted. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small to large. A typical medium-sized shoulder bag might measure around 12" to 14" in width and height, with a depth of 4" to 6". This style is versatile and can be dressed up or down, making it a popular choice for many women.
Clutch Bag
Clutch bags are small and sleek, designed to be held in the hand or tucked under the arm. They usually measure around 9" to 11" in width and 5" to 7" in height, with a depth of about 1" to 2". Clutches are perfect for a night out or a formal event when you only need to carry a few essentials like your phone, cards, and lipstick.
Bucket Bag
Bucket bags are characterised by their round or oval shape and drawstring closure. They come in a range of sizes, from mini to medium. A typical bucket bag might measure around 10" to 12" in height and 8" to 10" in width and depth. This style is perfect for achieving a casual, yet stylish look.
Mini Bag
Mini bags are a popular choice for those who want to carry only the essentials, like a phone, cards, and lipstick. They usually measure around 6" to 8" in width and height, with a depth of about 1" to 3". This style can be dressed up or down and is perfect for a night out or a day of sightseeing.
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Woven crochet bag yarn
When choosing yarn for a crochet bag, it's important to select one that is durable and will withstand wear and tear. The specific type of yarn you choose will depend on the type of bag you are making. For example, if you are making a market bag without a lining, a cotton yarn would be a great choice. For a handbag that will be carried under your arm, you might opt for a wool or wool-blend yarn.
When selecting a yarn, it's a good idea to test it for colourfastness and pilling, especially if the bag will be carried next to the body and rubbed against clothing. You can test for colourfastness by tying a small bundle of the yarn and letting it soak in warm water for at least 20 minutes, and you can test for pilling by crocheting a swatch and rubbing it together.
In terms of specific yarn recommendations, DK and worsted weight yarns are often good choices for crochet bags. Some popular options include:
- Lily Sugar’n Cream Worsted: A 100% American-grown cotton yarn that comes in a range of weights and colours.
- Patons 100% Cotton DK: A lightweight, mercerized yarn that is smooth and fine, making it perfect for string grocery bags.
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton: A mercerized cotton yarn that is durable and holds up to repeated washings, making it a good choice for a market bag or tote bag.
- Lion Brand Heartland: A premium acrylic yarn with a heathered look that is durable and holds up to wear and tear.
- Biggo Yarn from We Crochet: A soft and billowy bulky yarn that comes in a variety of colours and is machine washable.
- Berroco Comfort Chunky: An affordable acrylic mix that is soft and durable.
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Woven crochet bag handles
Woven crochet bags are a fun and creative way to express your style. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or just starting out, making your own bag handles is a great way to add a personal touch to your bag. Here are some detailed tips and tricks to guide you through the process:
Planning Your Handles:
Before you begin crocheting your handles, it's important to plan ahead. Use stitch markers, scraps of yarn, or any other materials you have to mark the spots where you want the handles to attach to the bag. This will ensure that your handles are placed correctly and securely.
Length and Width of Handles:
When crocheting the handles, consider the length you want them to be. Do you want them just big enough to slip your hand through, or long enough to wear the bag across your body? You can adjust the length by adding more rounds to the handle pattern. Additionally, think about the thickness of the handles; adding more rounds will make them thicker, and using shorter stitches will make them sturdier.
Preventing Stretching:
Crochet handles tend to stretch and lose their shape over time, especially if they are made with bulkier yarns. To minimize stretching, use thinner and more lightweight yarn, as the tighter and smaller stitches will stretch less. You can also sew a pretty ribbon along the inside of the handles; match the colour to the yarn or choose a contrasting shade for a pop of colour!
Attaching the Handles:
Once you've crocheted your handles, it's time to attach them to your bag. First, determine the placement by measuring approximately 4.75 inches from the top and 2.75 inches from the sides. Carefully sew the handles in place by stitching around the edges.
Adding a Pop of Colour:
If your bag is in a neutral colour, consider using a bright and colourful yarn for the handles to add a fun and unique touch. You can also experiment with different stitch patterns to create texture and visual interest.
Using Cording or Ribbon:
To further reinforce your handles and prevent stretching, you can use macrame cording, rope, or ribbon. Place it inside the handle before whip-stitching the edges shut, creating a tube with the cording inside. Be sure to sew the cording in place within the tube to prevent it from moving around.
With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating stylish and functional crochet bag handles that reflect your personal style and creativity. Happy crocheting!
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Frequently asked questions
Etsy has a wide range of crochet woven bags for sale, as do Patricia Nash and Elena Handbags.
Prices vary depending on the seller and the bag's specifications. Etsy's prices range from $3.47 to $205.97, while Elena Handbags' prices range from $35.00 to $45.00.
Yes, there are many free crochet bag patterns available online. For example, Stitch11 offers a free pattern for a woven crochet bag.
You will need yarn, a crochet hook, a yarn needle, and possibly a fabric liner.
Use a durable yarn that suits your project, check your gauge to get the right size, and consider adding a lining to your bag for a professional look and extra durability.