Hello fabulous crocheters!
Get ready to add a pop of color and texture to your wardrobe with this stunning drawstring bag! Whether you choose a bold red, sunny yellow, or any shade that inspires you, this bag is designed to be both stylish and practical. The unique textured stitch gives it a luxurious feel, and the braided strap adds a touch of bohemian flair. It’s perfect for carrying your essentials with a handmade touch!
Difficulty Level: Intermediate (Adjust this based on the actual complexity of the stitch and strap)
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn:
- Approx. [Yarn Quantity – e.g., 300-400g] of [Yarn Type, e.g., T-shirt Yarn / Bulky Cotton Cord] in your chosen color (e.g., Red or Yellow)
- (Note: Adjust yarn quantities based on your desired size and yarn weight. It’s always a good idea to have a bit extra!)
- Crochet Hook: [Hook Size, e.g., 9.0mm (M/N) or 10.0mm (N/P)]
- Stitch Marker
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
- 2 Metal D-rings or Rectangular Rings (for strap attachment)
- 1 Lobster Clasp (for tassel)
- Optional: Fabric for lining, sewing needle and thread.
Finished Dimensions (Approximate):
- Height: [e.g., 9 inches / 23 cm]
- Base Diameter/Width: [e.g., 7 inches / 18 cm]
Gauge:
[e.g., 3 stitches and 2 rows of the main textured stitch = 2 inches (5 cm) using a [Hook Size] hook.] (Achieving the correct gauge is important for your bag to turn out the intended size and shape!)
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch – chain
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- FO – fasten off
- rep – repeat
- [Specific Textured Stitch Abbreviation] – [Full description of your chosen textured stitch, e.g., “Puff st: (Yo, insert hook into st, yo, pull up loop) 3 times in same st, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook.”]
Let’s Get Crocheting!
Notes:
- This bag is worked [e.g., in continuous rounds, from the bottom up]. Do not join rounds unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your first stitch.
- [Add any other important notes about tension, stitch placement, or color changes if applicable.]
Pattern:
Base of the Bag (Worked in [Chosen Color])
- Magic Ring (or Ch 2, 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook): 8 sc into magic ring. (8 sts)
- Round 1: Inc in each st around. (16 sts)
- Round 2: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) rep 8 times. (24 sts)
- Round 3: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) rep 8 times. (32 sts)
- Continue increasing in this manner (sc in X sts, inc in next st) until your base reaches the desired diameter. Ensure the last round has an even number of stitches if your textured stitch requires it.
- Self-correction: The image suggests a round or slightly oval base. Adjust increase rounds accordingly.
- Last Base Round: [Provide specific instructions for the final round of the base, e.g., sc in BLO for a defined edge, or simply sc around.]
Body of the Bag (Worked in [Chosen Color] with Textured Stitch)
- Round [e.g., 8]: [Begin working the textured stitch. E.g., Ch 1, turn, work [Textured Stitch] in each st around. Join with sl st to first st. (This may vary depending on the stitch.)]
- Round [e.g., 9]: [Continue with the textured stitch, or alternate with sc rounds if your stitch requires it. E.g., Ch 1, turn, sc in each st around.]
- Repeat these [e.g., 2] rounds until the body of the bag reaches your desired height before the drawstring channel.
- Self-correction: The specific textured stitch will dictate how many rounds are needed and how they are worked. Be very precise here.
Top Edge and Drawstring Channel (Worked in [Chosen Color])
- Round [e.g., 25]: Sc in each st around.
- Round [e.g., 26 – Drawstring Channel Row]: [Instructions for creating the channel. E.g., Ch 1, (sc in next 3 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st to first sc.]
- Self-correction: The image shows small gaps for the drawstring, so chain spaces are likely involved.
- Round [e.g., 27]: [Continue building the top edge. E.g., Ch 1, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space around. Join with sl st to first sc.]
- Round [e.g., 28]: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. FO.
Braided Strap:
- Creating the Strands: Cut [e.g., 6] long pieces of yarn, each approximately [e.g., 60-70 inches / 150-175 cm] long. (Adjust length for desired strap length.)
- Braiding: Divide the 6 strands into three groups of two strands each. Secure one end (e.g., tape to a table). Braid the three groups together tightly.
- Finishing the Ends: Once braided to your desired length, secure the ends with a tight knot.
- Attaching D-Rings: Fold one end of the braided strap over a D-ring. Use a yarn needle and a length of yarn to securely sew the end of the braid to itself, enclosing the D-ring. Repeat for the other end of the strap and the second D-ring.
- Attaching Strap to Bag:
- Find the side seams or center points on each side of the top edge of your bag.
- Using extra yarn, securely sew the D-rings to the top edge of the bag, reinforcing the attachment points for strength.
Drawstring Cord:
- Using [Chosen Color], create a long crocheted chain: Ch [e.g., 120-150] or desired length for your drawstring. Make it long enough to tie a bow.
- Weaving: Starting from the front center of your bag, weave the crocheted chain through the holes created in the drawstring channel (Round [e.g., 26]). Weave in and out all the way around.
- Pull the ends even. You can tie a knot at each end or add beads if desired.
Tassel:
- Using [Chosen Color], cut several strands of yarn approximately [e.g., 12-14 inches / 30-35 cm] long.
- Gather the strands together and fold them in half.
- Tie a separate piece of yarn tightly around the folded loop, about [e.g., 0.75-1 inch / 2-2.5 cm] from the top.
- Wrap another piece of yarn tightly around the top section of the tassel to form the “head.”
- Trim the bottom loops to create an even fringe.
- Attach the tassel to the lobster clasp, and then clip the clasp to one of the D-rings on the bag or to the drawstring itself.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all remaining loose ends securely on the inside of the bag.
- Consider adding a fabric lining to your bag for extra durability and to prevent items from falling through stitches.
