Hello, fellow Hook Nookers, I am Louise, the creator and designer behind Handy Little Me, my knitting and crochet blog and I am sharing with you in this post a super easy crochet bag pattern! I have a true love for being creative, one of my favourite things is to sit with a notebook, some markers, my project bag and plan/create my next design. I am an experienced textile designer – my background is in textiles and surface design, I am obsessed with knitting and crochet and have taught both to many students in the past. It's a wonderful thing to be able to help others develop their skills, teaching new techniques or sharing patterns with people who are as obsessed with making as you are!
A few years ago I was a college lecturer in the UK and head of arts, which included fine art, graphic design and textile design. Life as a lecturer was never boring and I loved every minute, my ex-students have gone on to design for well-known companies, run their own businesses and have sold out art shows.These days I blog full time and have never been happier! I have finally found my true place in life. I love to connect to like-minded people and see what everyone is creating! Sharing WIPs and having a giggle is a great way to make new fibre friends :)
The wristlet bag design came from an idea that I had, for making a going out bag that was stylish, functional and made from raffia. Raffia is so popular right now in bag design, which of course makes it perfect for those summer vacations. A raffia bag paired with a simple sundress and sandals will look stylish, while you sight-see, wander through archaeological ruins or cool off with gelato. This bag is meant for those summer nights you want to go for drinks and possibly dance, the bag handles are made from bangles/bracelets that I got from a dollar store and are easy to wear. You could make the bag from any yarn it doesn't have to be raffia and to match any outfit - that is the beauty of the design - it can coordinate perfectly with your own personal style.
Supply List / Materials
- 2 x King Cole Raffia - in the colour Reeds - (1462) 100g
- For the tassel - Gold cord (half a metre)
- Optional - bead
- 2 x gold bangles – for the handles.
- (You could substitute this with circular bag handles)
Tools
- Crochet Hook - Size 5.5mm (US 9/I) Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Tape measure
- Darning needle
Notes
- Do not turn at the end of the round, but continue working in a spiral, with the right side (RS) always facing.
- Keep count of the sts by placing a marker (PM) on the last st of each round.
- There are no turning chains in this pattern.
- Pulling and stretching the raffia out a little when the circle begins to grow can help to keep it flat when working.
- The circle bag measures – diameter of the bottom circle of the bag = 5 inches Bag height = 7 inches
- Handles = Diameter = 3 inches
- Tassel length = 8 inches
- Gauge = 15 sts / 15 rows in 4"
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Abbreviations
- CH - Chain
- PM - Place marker
- SC - Single crochet
- SS - Slip stitch
- RS - Right side
Pattern
The base of the bag – make 1
Make a 4 ch and join with an ss in the first ch to form a ring.
Round 1: (RS) 1ch; 8 sc in ring (8sts) PM (see notes)
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc (16sts)
Round 3: * 1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* rep from * to end. (24sts)
Round 4: 1 sc in each sc
Round 5: * 1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc * rep from * to end. (36sts)
Round 6: 1 sc in each sc
Round 7: * 1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc * rep from * to end. (48sts)
Round 8: 1 sc in each sc
Round 9: sc all the sts into the back loop only
The body of the bag
*Please note – keep the marker to denote which is the beginning/end of the round.
Continue to work in a spiral - sc all of the sts in every round (in both loops) – until the bag measures = 7 inches
(Round 10 – Round 34 )
You can make the bag as tall as you like.
The wrist strap
From the marker, sc into 9 sts
Place another st marker, ch 1 and turn,
Sc into the 9 sts, ch 1, turn, then sc into the 9 sts
Continue to do this for every row - on the 9 sts, until the wrist strap measures 2 inches (7 rows of sc)
Secure and leave a long length of yarn (around 10 inches).
The handle
Place one gold bangle or circular bag handle over the crochet flap and stitch the flap down into place. Secure – weaving in any loose ends.
Repeat this process on the opposite side of the bag.
Fold the bag in half and PM opposite the markers on the side with the handle.
Mark/pm in the corresponding sts and you should have 9 sts in-between the markers.
Sc into the 9 sts, ch 1, turn and rep for 7 rows / 2 inches.
The Tassel
Add a long tassel to the base of the bag – I added a painted bronze bead on top of the tassel.
Stitch into place through the bottom panel - where the hole is for the beginning of the circle base and secure.
To make the tassel – please visit the tassel tutorial here.
The drawstring bag
If you want your bag to have a fabric bag inside, you will need the following;
Half a metre of fabric – I used calico
Scissors
Tape measure
Pins
White thread
Sewing machine
Iron
White yarn or string – for the drawstring
Instructions
Cut two pieces of fabric – 10 inches wide by 11 inches high.
Fold over the top of both pieces – around 1 inch and iron a flat seam. Stitch this seam down.
Cut two lengths of fabric – 10 inches wide and 2 inches high – stitch to the main panels, about 1.5 inches from the top of the fabric piece – this is where the drawstring will pass through.
Stitch the sides together, with the right sides facing, with a 1-inch seam allowance around the edges of the bag.
Leave gaps at both of the sides where the 10” x 2” panels have been stitched down – this is where the drawstring will pass through.
Turn the right side out and poke the corners so they are neatly out.
Cut two lengths of yarn/string/cord around 24 inches long. With one length of cord, thread into the darning needle and weave it through one side of the bag, passing through one panel and the other.
Do the same on the opposite side.
You should be able to pull the cords and the top gathers together.
You can knot the ends of the cord, so they do not pass into the bag when you open it out.
You can then place the drawstring bag inside of the crochet bag and leave a little of the fabric which is visible from the top of the bag.
So there you have it! Call your friends up, arrange to meet for drinks, preferably somewhere you can sit outside and enjoy the warmer weather while showing off your new bag.
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I love seeing your finished projects!
If you enjoyed making the wristlet bag, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook page and share a photo, I’d love to see your work.
