Tag Archives: bag

Crochet Granny square handbag – getting ready for spring!!

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Hey fellow crafters!  With the weather getting a little warmer, I thought that a nice spring handbag would be a great project – so here is one I made up.  I used mercerised cotton DK in 3 colours and a 3.5mm crochet hook.

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Each side of the bag is made by joining 9 granny squares, and then joined by crocheting single crochet through adjacent aligned squares. Below is the pattern of the granny square seen in this bag.

The granny square pattern

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Abbreviations (US terms):
CH – chain
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half double crochet
DC – Double Crochet
TC -Triple Crochet
DC2TOG – 2 DC together (for instructions of how to do this please refer to external link)
DC3TOG – 3 DC together also known as cluster stitch (for instructions on how to do this, please refer to this external link)

Round 1 : Using grey yarn, in a magic ring, CH, 8SC, join with slip stitch into the 1st SC to complete the ring. (8 stitches)
Round 2 : CH, 2SC in  each SC from Round 1, all the way round. Join with slip stitch into the 1st SC to complete the ring (16 stitches). Cast off.
Round 3 : Using the lilac coloured yarn, join the any SC from Round 2, and CH 2. In the same SC, DC. CH, Repeat (DC2tog in next SC, CH) all the way round . Join with a slip stitch into 2nd chain of the first 2 chains which you started the round with.  Cast off. (16 Stitches, 16 spaces)
Round 4 : Using the grey yarn, join in any chain space made in Round 3 and CH 2. In the same chain space, DC2tog, and CH 2. Repeat (DC3tog, CH 2) all the way round in each chain space from round 3. Join with a slip stitch into the 3nd chain of the first 2 chains which you started the round with. Cast off. (16 stitches, 16 spaces)
Round 5 : Using the white yarn, join in any chain space made in Round 4 and CH 3. In the same chain space, 2 DC. 3 HDC in next chain space. 3 DC in next chain space. (3 TC, CH2, 3TC) in next chain space – this forms the first corner of the granny square. Repeat {3DC in next Chain space, 3HDC in next chain space, 3DC in next chain space, (3TC, CH2, 3TC) in next chain space } 3 times. Join with a slip stitch into 2nd chain of the first 2 chains which you started the round with.  Cast off.

Joining

Once you have completed all 18 squares, join them by aligning 2 squares next to each other and using SC to join the corresponding stitches . I used the lilac yarn to do this, but you can choose the colour of your choice. Do this to create 2 panels of 9 squares joined together (one for the back and the other for the front of the bag).

To create some depth in the bag, with the external side facing you, join lilac yarn in any corner or panel and DC in each stich all the way around 3 of the sides of  the panel and cast off – do this for both front and back panels of the bag. Then, place the front and back panels on top of each other, so that the side where there is no DC rows aligned and with the inside of the panels facing you – i,e. this inside out. Using lilac yarn, join the panels on the 3 sides which you did a row of DC by doing SC through DCs on both panels – i.e  the SC would go through the DC on front and back panel. This way, the join which is created will be on the inside of the bag. Do this all the way round the 3 sides.  Do not cast off yet! Turn the bag the right way round . Do SC in each stitch on the edge which is the opening of the bag- this will define the opening of the bag nicely. 

Handles

This is always somewhat of a challenge – what handles to make ? I decided to try something different and came across a lace like design – while the pattern is for a much finer yarn, it has worked very well with DK too and I think make ideal fancy handles! Here is the tutorial of how to make them – though the video is not in English, it is very easy to follow. 

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  I am now off to make some more in other colours! Hope this has inspired you to make your own. Please share and Happy crocheting!

Cute little bag – with tapestry crochet base

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A few posts ago, I showed you my very first attempt at tapestry crochet, in which I made a little “bowl”.

Well, I was not satisfied and went on to transform it into a little bag. I did not make the sides using tapestry crochet, but instead made little puff stitches – like the ones used in the inifinty scarf which I posted about in my last post. Here it is – what do you think?

 

Turquoise sturdy handbag

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Did I mention I love bags? Well, I couldn’t help making this one and I am very pleased with how it turned out. I will be making more in different colours…..and maybe even mixing colours up a bit 🙂

The free pattern can be found at : http://www.thelavenderchair.com/daisy-fields-beach-bag-crochet-pattern/

TIP: While the pattern calles for a chunky cotton yarn, if you like, you can also crochet this using two strands of DK acrylic – and a 6.5mm hook. It will take amost 4 x 50g balls.

TIP 2: I cut out a piece of cardboard in the shape of the base of the bag (from a shoe box , which I was going to throw away), covered it nice fabric, and put it in the bag. That way, the base stays flat. It is not sewn in so you can easily remove it before washing the bag.

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The Jackfield Tile Bag

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I love bags ! And when I came across this gorgeous bag by Christine Bateman – I could not resist! It’s so very cute! And a fantastic use for left over yarn. For the lining, I used a ready made fabric tote bag – which I adjusted to the correct size, however, it is not as stiff as I would like – so next time, I will try a hessian type stiff bag as suggested in the design.

Here is the link to the pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-jackfield-tile-tote-bag

 

Lined Net Shoulder Bag

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Do you remember those plastic bag/baskets which had holes and used to be quite popular for carrying grocery shopping?- It’s baskets like the green one shown below that I remember seeing commonly used by housewives doing their grocery shopping at the corner grocer shop. Today, there are very few little grocers left – being replaced by the large supermarkets or chains of mini-marts. Also, few people have baskets like this – often opting for totes or other branded shopping bags which you can buy from the supermarket which checking out.

Image result for retro flexible plastic basket with handles

 

This bag is inspired by the pastic one above. I have lined it as well so that it stays sturdy, but this is not a requirement. But if you do line it, then it’s perfect for carrying a laptop and notebooks/books .Here is my bag:

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I used Katia’s multicolour cotton yarn (Funny rainbow star) for this using a 3.0mm hook. You will need approximately 100g. The instructions are written using US terms.

Abbreviations:

CH – chain stitch
SlSt -Slip Stitch
SC – single crochet
HDC – half double crochet
DC – double crochet
TR – triple crochet

Instructions:

Bag Body

CH 101

Row 1 – 100 HDC in front loop of each chain starting from the 2nd chain.

Row 2 – 100 HDC in back loop of each chain and SlSt into the 1st HDC made in Row 1.

Row 3 – CH 2, DC in each HDC all the way round , joining with a SlSt into the 2nd chain you started this row with.

Rows 4-5 – Repeat Row 3.

Row 6 –  CH 2, DC 4, (CH 3, skip 2 stitches) x 30 times. 10DC, (CH 3, skip 2 stitches) x 30 times, 5 DC, and join with SlSt into 2nd chain you started this Row with.

Rows 7-10 – repeat Row 6.

Row 11 – CH 2, 199 DC all the way round and join with SlSt.

Rows 12-16 – repeat Row 6.

Row 17 – Repeat Row 11.

Rows 18-22 – repeat Row 6.

Row 23 – repeat Row 11.

Rows 24-28 – Repeat Row 6.

Row 29 – Repeat Row 11.

Rows 30-34 – Repeat Row 6.

Row 35-36 – Repeat Row 11. Cast off.

Lining

I took some cream coloured cotton fabric and cut and sewed it into a bag that would fit. Then, I sewed it to the crochet bag at the bottom, and also at intervals – I chose to do so through Rows 11, 17. 23 and 29, making sure as much as possible that there are bo creases in the fabric inside bag and it sits straight. Fold the top of the bag over the inner fabric bag and sew along the edge.

To finish this off nicely, using a very small hook (I used a 1.1 mm), 200 SC over the top and into the fabric all the way round the rim of the bag. SlSt to close and cast off.

Button flap

I’ve used a double crochet method to have a nice and sturdy flap. This is how it’s done:

Using the 3.0 mm hook, skip 38 SC from previous step.

Step 1 – 26 SC in back look of SCs from the Lining Instructions above. Turn.

Step 2 – CH 1, 26 SC though front loop of  SC just made + loop which you didnt use from the previous SC (lining Instructions).  Turn.

Repeat Step 2 till the flap measure 6 cm.

Now, we will make the button hole.

Step 3 – CH1, 11 SC (through front loop of previous SC + loop from the row before), CH4, 11SC (through front loop of previous SC + loop from the row before). Turn

Step 4 – CH 1, 11 SC (through front loop of previous SC + loop from the row before), 4 SC in back loop of CHs , 11 SC (through front loop of previous SC + loop from the row before). Turn.

Repeat Step 2 twice. Cast-off.

Find an appropriately sized button and sew it onto the bag, making sure that it lins up with the button hole.

Strap

I decided to make a braided strap. To do this,  crochet 3 cords measuring around 70 cm as follows:

In a magic ring, 3CH, 6 DC. Join to 3 CH with SlSt.

Repeat 3 CH, 6 DC, join to 2CH with SlSt  – will cord measures around 70 cm.

Once you hve made 3 cords, braid them – securing them by sewing together along the way, so make sure they don’t unravel. Then each end of the braid to opposit ends on the inside of the opening of the bag.

Flower 

Here is how to crochet the flower:

Step 1 – In a magic ring, CH3, 12 DC, and close by joining with SlSt.

Step 2 – Repeat (CH 4, skip 1 DC, SlSt into the next Stitch) all the way round – you should have 6 loops.

Step 3 – Repeat (CH 5, skip 1 DC, SlSt into the same Sticth as in step before this) all the way round.

Step 4 – Repeat (CH 6, skip 1 DC, SlSt into the same Sticth as in step before this) all the way round.

Step 5 – Working in the 4 Ch loops formed in Step 2, Repeat (SlSt into loop, SC, DC, SC, SlSt) in each 4 chain loop. Close by SlSt into first SC.

Step 6 – Working in the 5 Ch loops formed in Step 3, Repeat (SlSt into loop, SC, DC, TR,DC, SC, SlSt) in each 5 chain loop. Close by SlSt into first SC.

Step 7 – Working in the 6 Ch loops formed in Step 4, Repeat (SlSt into loop, SC, DC, 2TR, DC, SC, SlSt) in each 6 chain loop. Close by SlSt into first SC. Cast off.

Sew the flower onto the bag.

Eco-Friendly Market Bag

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This cute bag is really easy to make and, in fact, I have got hooked and made several. I used DK cotton yarn for these – and you will need approximately 50g to make this. The instructions are written using US terms.

Abbreviations:

CH – chain stitch
SlSt -Slip Stitch
SC – single crochet
HDC – half double crochet
DC – double crochet
TR – triple crochet
TR2Tog – 2 TR together
TR3Tog – 3 TR together

Instructions for bag (oranges not included 🙂 )

Bag Body

Round 1: In a magic ring, CH 1, 18 HDC, join with SlSt to top of 1st HDC

Round 2: CH 1, 2 HDC in each stitch all the way around and join with SlSt to top of 1st HDC. Don’t worry if it looked a little warped – this will straighten out as you go along.

Round 3: CH 1, SC in same stitch, CH 3, *skip next HDC, SC in 2nd HDC from hook, CH 3,* repeat * * around and join with SlSt to top of 1st SC

Round 4: 1 SlSt into 1st CH 3 space, CH 4, 2 TR in same CH 3 space, CH 5, *SC in next CH 3 space, CH 5, 3 TR in next CH 3 space, CH 5,* repeat * * around and join with SlSt to top of CH 4

Round 5: CH 3, TR2Tog (this counts as the first TR3Tog), CH 5, SC in 1st CH 5 space, CH 5, SC in next CH 5 space, *CH 5, TR3Tog, CH 5, SC in next CH 5 space, CH 5, SC in next CH 5 space*, repeat * * around, CH 5, join with SlSt to top of first TR3Tog

Round 6: CH 1, SC in same stitch. * Repeat (CH3 , SC in the next CH 5 space) 3 times.  CH 3, SC in top of the next TR3Tog* . Repeat * * all gthe way around and join with SlSt to top of 1st SC.

Round 7: 1 SlSt around CH 3 space, CH 1, SC in same CH 3 space, CH 5, *SC in next CH 3 space, CH 3, SlSt into SC just made, CH 5,* repeat * * around and join with SlSt to top of 1st SC. CH 5, SlSt to same SC.

Round 8: 2 SlSt around CH 5 space, CH 1, SC in same CH 5 space, CH 5, *SC in next CH 5 space, CH 5,* repeat * * around and join with SlSt to top of 1st SC

Round 9-10: Repeat Round 8

Round 11: 2 SlSt around CH 5 space, CH 1, SC in same CH 5 space, CH 5, *SC in next CH 5 space, CH 3, SlSt to SC just made, CH 5,* repeat * * around and join with SlSt to top of 1st SC, CH 5, SlSt to same SC

Round 12: 2 SlSt around CH 5 space, CH 1, SC in same CH 5 space, CH 5, *SC in next CH 5 space, CH 5,* repeat * * around, join with SlSt to top of 1st SC

Round 13-14: Repeat Round 12

Round 15: Repeat Round 11

Round 16-18: Repeat Round 12

Round 19: Repeat Round 11

Round 20-22: Repeat Round 12

Round 23: Repeat Round 11

Round 24-26: Repeat Round 12

Round 27: Repeat Round 11

Round 28-30: Repeat Round 12

Round 31: 1 SlSt around CH 5 space, CH 1, SC in same CH 5 space, CH 3, *SC in next CH 5 space, CH 3,* repeat * * around, join with SlSt to top of 1st SC

Round 32-33: Repeat Round 31

Straps:

Round 1: CH 90. Skip 9 3 chain spaces and attach the with Sl st.

Round 2: SC in next stitch on bag and then 90 SC  into the chains just made.

Round 3-6: Repeat Round 2.

Repeat (2 SC into 3 CH space, SC into SC)  across 9 3-CH spaces., to where you will start the next strap.  Repeat from Round 1-6 and cast-off. Weave in any loose threads.

Summer Beach Themed Tote Bag

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This  beach themed bag reminds me of the sun & sea with it’s 3D starfish and conch shells as decorations. I was inspired by the Maltese summers an beaches in Malta.

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I’ve made it using the same base pattern that I published earlier ( https://manjrisplace.wordpress.com/2019/06/20/boho-tote-bag/) .  The starfish and  conch shells I adapted from a free pattern found on Ravely (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sea-shell-motifs–garland).

Boho Tote Bag

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This tote bag design brings to my mind , the flower power generation, the 60s, hippies, Boho-chic – I think of music festivals, painted Volkswagon Beetles and vans – even the scoobie Doo mystery machine…..

So now, I will share with you my pattern to make this gogeous tote. I used a variagated yarn by “Katia” to make the bag and handle, but you can mix your own colours. The little daisies were made using acrylic yarn. All in all, one ball of 150g (approx 540m) was sufficient to make the a bag measuring approx 32 x 32cm +  handle with yarn left over. For the sake of illustrating the pattern, however, I decided to use a lighter colour yarn as the photos are clearer – but the pattern used for the main picture above is the same. You can then choose how you want to decorate it – be it with little flowers, beads or whatever you fancy.

N.B. this pattern is written using US terms.

ABBREVIATIONS

CH – chain

SC – single crochet

DC – double crochet

Step 1 – CH 73

Step 2 – 72 SCTote-001.jpg

Step 3 – Work all the way round the row from Step 1, making another 72 SC across from what you made in step 2. Join to first SC from step 2 with a slip stitchtote-002

Step 4 – CH 1. 144 SC in the back loop of SC from steps 2 and 3. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.

Step 5 – CH 1. Repeat (DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 10 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row)) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.

Step 6 – CH 1. Repeat (SC in back loop. DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 8 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row), skip 1 SC, SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.

Step 7 – CH 1. Repeat (2 SC in back loop. DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 6 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row), skip 1 SC, 2 SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-012.jpg

Step 8 – CH 1. Repeat (3 SC in back loop. DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 4 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row), skip 1 SC, 3 SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-013.jpg

Step 9 – CH 1. Repeat (4 SC in back loop. DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 2 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row), skip 1 SC, 4 SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-014.jpg

Step 10 – CH 1. Repeat (6 SC in back loop. 2 DC in front loop of next 2 SC from previous row. Skip 2 SC. 6 SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.

Step 11 – CH 1. Repeat (4 SC in back loop. DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 2 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row), skip 1 SC, 4 SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-017.jpg

Step 12 – CH 1. Repeat (3 SC in back loop. DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 4 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row), skip 1 SC, 3 SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch. (N.b. photos from this point on show one side of the bag only)tote-018

Step 13 – CH 1. Repeat (2 SC in back loop. DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 6 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row), skip 1 SC, 2 SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-019.jpg

Step 14 – CH 1. Repeat (SC in back loop. DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 8 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row), skip 1 SC, SC in back loop) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-020.jpg

Step 15 – CH 1. Repeat (DC in front loop of SC from previous row. Skip 1 SC. 10 SC in back loop of SC. DC in front loop of SC under the next SC (i.e. DC is in SC from previous row)) 12 times. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-021.jpg

Step 16 – Repeat from Step 6 to Step 15 6 more times.

Step 17 – CH 1. 144 SC in the back loop of SC . Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-022.jpg

Step 18 – CH 1. 144 SC in the front loop of same SCs in whose back loops you used in step 17. Join to first SC with a slip stitch.tote-023.jpg

Step 19 – CH 1. 144 SCs through SCs made in step 17 and 18 – i.e. the SCs you make now are through both SCs from previous 2 steps. Join to first SCs with slip stitch.

Now the body has been completed, but don’t cast off yet, as you will make the handle.

Step 20 – 2 slip stitches in 2 SC from previous step.

Step 21 – CH 151. Slip stitch into SC on top of bag main part on the opposite side

Step 22 – 150 SC into chains from step 21. Slip Stitch into top of bag.tote-027.jpg

Step 23 – Turn and make another 150 SC across into same Chain from step 21 – so you will have two SCs in each chain fom step 21. Slip stitch into SC on main bag to secure.tote-028.jpg

Step 24 – CH 1. Slip stitch into SC on main bag. 150 SC through back loop of SC from step 23 and SC from step 22. Slip stitch into SC on main bag to secure.tote-029.jpg

Step 25 – CH 1. Slip stitch into SC on main bag. 150 SC through back loops of SCs from step 23 and 24. Slip stitch into SC on main bag to secure.tote-030

Step 26 – Repeat Step 25  12 times.

Step 26 – CH 1. Slip stitch into SC on main bag. 150 slip stitches into the  SCs from last 2 steps . Slip stitch into SC on main bag to secure. Cast off and weave in the ends.tote-031.jpg

Ancient Roman mosaic inspired Tote

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There is nothing new under the sun – this phrase is from the Book of Ecclesiastes – and one I choose to interpret this as – there is a lot of inspiration to be found in history.

This Tote bag design is inspired by ancient Roman mosaic found in the the Domvs Romana, in Mdina Malta.  The Domus (or house) is believed to have been built in 1st century BC .