Create your own beautiful and practical bag with this fantastic crochet pattern! Inspired by a detailed tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a spacious tote using 13 square motifs with a single, elegant color. This bag is a wonderful way to add a handmade touch to your style, showcasing a unique and modern aesthetic.
Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with granny square construction and joining motifs recommended)
Finished Size (Approximate):
- Individual Motif Dimensions: Varies based on yarn, hook, and tension.
- Bag Dimensions: Varies based on assembly of 13 motifs, but designed to be a medium-sized tote.
- Size can vary based on yarn, hook, and tension.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 150 grams of a durable yarn that creates a firm fabric. The video specifies “Caramel Baby” with a thickness of 2 mm and a length of 200 meters.
- A sturdy cotton, cotton blend, or acrylic yarn would be a good choice.
- Crochet Hook: 3.00 mm crochet hook.
- Choose a hook size that creates a firm, dense fabric with no gaps. This is crucial for a durable bag.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds or specific stitches.
- Leather Accent & Snap Closure (Optional): For a decorative and functional touch.
Gauge (Crucial for Motif Consistency!):
Achieving consistent gauge for your motifs is crucial to ensure they fit together properly during assembly. Work a swatch to ensure your stitches are tight with no visible gaps. If your fabric is too loose, go down a hook size.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- MR: Magic Ring
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Crochet Your Stylish Motif Bag!
This bag is constructed by creating 13 identical square motifs, then joining them in a specific pattern, and finally adding a strap and any desired closures. The video uses one color for a minimalist, elegant look.
Part 1: The Square Motifs (Make 13)
Each square starts with a circular center and then builds out into a square.
- Round 1 (Center): Create a Magic Ring (MR). Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 15 dc into the MR. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. (16 dc)
- Pull the MR tight to close. This forms the central point of your square.
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in each dc around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (16 sc)
- Round 3 (Forming the Square): Ch 1. (Hdc in the first st, hdc in the next st, ch 2, sc in the next st, sc in the next st). Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial hdc.
- The video uses a combination of hdc and sc stitches to start forming the corners of the square. The exact stitch count and sequence may vary, but this is a general interpretation.
- Round 4 & beyond: The video shows how to continue to build the square by working in a corner-and-side pattern.
- Corners are typically made with a stitch cluster, chain stitches, and another stitch cluster in the same space (e.g., [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc]). Sides are typically made with stitch clusters (e.g., 3 dc) in the chain spaces of the previous round.
- Continue working rounds in this manner until your motif is the desired size.
FO, leaving a long tail for weaving in. Repeat to make 13 identical motifs. The video mentions cutting the thread and using a lighter to secure it. This is a common practice with synthetic yarns, but be cautious and ensure proper ventilation.
Part 2: Assembly (Joining the 13 Motifs)
The video demonstrates arranging and joining the 13 motifs in a specific pattern. The arrangement is key to creating the bag’s shape.
- Arrange Motifs: Lay out your 13 motifs in the desired pattern. The video shows a configuration that folds to form the bag. A common method for a 13-motif bag is a “flower” or “star” arrangement. You can also lay them out in a rectangle (e.g., 3 rows of 4, with 1 on the bottom) to be folded.
- Join Motifs: Using your tapestry needle and the long tails, sew the motifs together along their edges. A whip stitch or mattress stitch is recommended for a neat and strong seam.
- The video shows using a needle to sew the squares together [10:11].
- Join all 13 motifs to create a single piece that can be folded and seamed to form the bag.
Part 3: The Strap & Finishing Touches
- Create the Strap: The video shows adding a strap. You can crochet a strap by chaining a long sequence of stitches and then working single or double crochet along it. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made leather or macrame strap.
- Add a Closure (Optional): The video demonstrates adding a small leather detail with a snap closure. You can attach a button and loop, a magnetic snap, or a simple clasp to the top opening of the bag.
- Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining loose yarn tails. This is especially important since you will have many motifs.
- Shape: Gently shape your bag, ensuring the seams are neat and the structure is firm.
Video tutorial
Versatile Uses for Your Stylish Motif Bag:
- Everyday Tote: A stylish and unique accessory for daily use.
- Project Bag: Perfect for carrying a small crochet or knitting project.
- Gift: A thoughtful and impressive handmade gift.
Customization & Tips:
- Color Combinations: While the video uses one color, you could use a different color for each motif or for each round of the motif for a vibrant, modern look.
- Size Adjustment:
- Larger Bag: Use a thicker yarn and larger hook, or create more rounds on each motif.
- Smaller Bag: Use a thinner yarn and smaller hook.
- Strap Style: Explore different strap options, such as a single long strap for a crossbody bag, or two short handles for a handbag.
Enjoy crocheting your own beautiful, unique, and stylish bag! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that’s sure to become a favorite.
