Crocheting Yin Yang: A Bag Of Harmony And Balance

yin yang crochet bag pattern

The Yin Yang crochet bag pattern is an intermediate-level crochet pattern that can be purchased on Etsy. The pattern is designed to guide makers in crocheting a Yin Yang-themed purse or bag with a sturdy strap. The finished bag is approximately 14.5 by 14.5 in size, featuring identical front and back sides, and a metal curb chain strap with crocheted sides. The pattern includes detailed instructions for each step of the process, as well as a list of required materials and stitches used. It is written in English, using US terminology, and is available for instant download after purchase.

Characteristics Values
Type Crochet bag pattern
Skill level Intermediate
Gauge Tapestry part (Yin-Yang circle): 10 stitches x 5 rounds: 1.18" x 0.8" (3 cm x 2.5 cm)
Border rows: 10 stitches measure approx. 1.4" (3.5 cm) in length
Materials Crochet hook size D (3 mm), optional: size H (4.5 mm) for pulling through fringes
Yarn in white, black (each approx. 75 g, 206 yds, 188 m), mocha (approx. 125 g, 344 yds, 313 m), mint (approx. 15 g, 42 yds, 38 m)
Stitch marker, tapestry needle, pins, scissors
Metal curb chain for creating the strap, approx. 51" (130 cm) (length of each link: 0.06" (16 mm))
Stitches used Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half/double/triple crochet, front post double crochet, increasing, decreasing, working through back of loops/both loops, working between stitches, bobble stitch, tapestry technique, optional: blocking
File type PDF
Finished size Approx. 14.5" x 14.5" (37 x 37 cm)

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The best type of yarn to use

When choosing a yarn for your crochet bag, you want to select one that is attractive, strong, and hard-wearing. Medium weight or bulky yarns are ideal, while lighter yarns are generally not robust enough for bags unless you are making a string market bag. Heavier yarns can be fun for statement purses, but they will be heavy to carry.

Most wools and acrylic yarns are elastic, meaning they will sag out of shape over time. Therefore, it is best to opt for yarns with minimal stretchiness, such as cotton or linen. Cotton yarns, including "kitchen cotton" or "craft cotton", are inexpensive, sturdy, and have great stitch definition. They also do not snag or pill easily, but they can be heavy and hard on your hands to work with. A good alternative is cotton cord, which has a nice give to it and will stretch as a market bag gets filled.

If you are looking for a smooth and bouncy yarn, Scheepjes Softfun is a blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic that is perfect for crochet bags. It comes in 89 colours and is great value. For a light DK yarn, Patons Linen is a blend of 65% cotton and 35% linen that is soft and comfortable to use.

If you are planning to felt your crochet bag, choose a single-ply pure wool yarn. Malabrigo is a premium yarn brand that offers 100% merino wool from Uruguayan sheep herds in a range of beautiful shades. However, if you do not felt the bag, the yarn will pill quickly.

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How to create the Yin Yang circle

To create a Yin Yang circle, you will need to know how to crochet a circle. There are many ways to do this, but the basic idea is to start at the centre and work outward, crocheting in rounds.

First, you will need to make a slip knot, followed by two chain stitches. Then, you will make your starting circle. There are a few ways to do this:

  • Single Chain Starting Method: Make one more chain than you need for your stitch. For example, if you plan to use a double crochet stitch, you will need four chains. Then, make your magic number of stitches (see below) in the first chain.
  • Chain Loop Starting Method: Make a slip knot and crochet 3 or 4 chains. Then, join with a slip stitch to form a ring. This will look like a lump of yarn and may be challenging for beginners.
  • Magic Ring Starting Method: This method is best if you don't want a noticeable hole in the centre of your circle. It involves making a sliding loop, like a drawstring, but it can be challenging to master.

Once you have made your starting circle, you will need to crochet your first round. The number of stitches you will need depends on the type of stitch you are using:

  • Single Crochet Stitch: Use 6-10 stitches.
  • Half Double Crochet Stitch: Use 8-12 stitches.
  • Double Crochet Stitch: Use 10-14 stitches.

For the second round, you will need to double the number of stitches. For example, if you started with 6 single crochet stitches, you will need to add 6 more stitches for a total of 12 stitches.

To create the Yin Yang design, you will need to work in black and white yarn, alternating colours as you go. You will also need to stuff the circle to create a 3D effect.

Round 1: With black yarn, make 6 single crochet stitches into the second chain from the hook. Slip stitch to join the end of the round.

Round 2: With black yarn, make 2 single crochet stitches in each stitch (12 stitches total). Slip stitch to join.

Round 3: With white yarn, make 2 single crochet stitches in the next stitch, then alternate between 1 and 2 stitches (18 stitches total). Slip stitch to join.

Round 4: With black yarn, make 1 single crochet stitch in the next stitch, 1 single crochet stitch in the following stitch, and then 2 single crochet stitches in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around the circle, slip stitch to join (24 stitches total).

Continue this pattern, adding one more single crochet stitch before working 2 single crochet stitches in the same stitch, and alternating colours each round.

You can end your crochet circle once it reaches your desired size. To create a more finished edge, slip stitch around the circle. You can also add a scalloped border or other edging.

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How to attach the bag strap

When it comes to attaching the strap to your Yin Yang crochet bag, there are several methods you can use. The best method for your bag will depend on the type of strap you have created.

If your strap is crocheted, you can attach it to your bag by sewing it on with a yarn needle and yarn. This method is especially good for a pouch bag as it will be carrying weight. You can sew the strap onto the edges of the bag, or further down the sides, depending on your design. When sewing, make a couple of neat passes back and forth for stability, and be sure to sew the corners down securely. You can also use slip stitches to attach the strap, if you prefer.

If you want to avoid sewing, you could try crocheting your strap directly onto the bag. To do this, you will need to create a tail of chain stitches, the length of which will be the width of the strap. Take your cord and place it behind the work, then start making single crochet stitches over it. If you are crocheting on the right side, the cord should stay behind your work, and if you are crocheting on the wrong side, it should be carried in front. When done correctly, the cord will not be visible from either side.

If you have created a non-crocheted strap, such as an i-cord, you can also sew this onto your bag using the method described above.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to test the strength of your strap thoroughly before using your bag.

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How to finish the bag

Once you have crocheted the main body of the bag, it's time to finish it off! Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Sewing and Gluing

Firstly, you will need to sew together any smaller pieces of the bag. You can also use fabric glue on these smaller pieces, which can work wonders and be a good alternative to sewing.

Adding the Strap

Next, you will add the metal curb chain strap. The pattern suggests a chain of around 51” (130 cm) in length, with each link measuring around 0.06” (16 mm). You will crochet sides for the chain strap to create a sturdy handle for your bag.

Final Touches

Finally, you can add any extra decorations or embellishments you wish to include. You could add a tassel or a pom-pom, or perhaps a lining for the bag. You could also add a button or clasp to keep the bag closed. Once you are happy with your bag, give it a once-over to make sure there are no loose ends or stray pieces of yarn, and then you're done!

Your Yin Yang crochet bag is now complete and ready to be shown off to the world!

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Other Yin Yang crochet patterns

Etsy offers a wide range of Yin Yang crochet patterns, including:

  • A Yin Yang bucket hat
  • A Yin Yang bag
  • A Yin Yang coaster
  • A Yin Yang jewellery dish
  • A Yin Yang pillow
  • A Yin Yang blanket
  • A Yin Yang sweatshirt hoodie

In addition, Little Crochet Farm offers a free pattern for a Yin and Yang crochet heart. The pattern is suitable for beginners and can be accessed by signing up for email updates.

Frequently asked questions

You will need sport weight mercerized cotton yarn (acrylic or wool will also work), a crochet hook size D (3mm), a larger crochet hook size H (4.5mm, optional), white, black, mocha and mint-coloured yarn, a stitch marker, tapestry needle, pins, scissors, and a metal curb chain to create the strap.

You will need to know how to do the following stitches: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half/double/triple crochet, front post double crochet, increasing, decreasing, working through back of loops/both loops, working between stitches, bobble stitch, and tapestry technique.

The skill level required is intermediate.

The finished bag will be approximately 14.5” x 14.5” (37 x 37 cm).

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