Let's crochet a stylish and practical shoulder bag for beginners! This project is designed to be straightforward and uses fundamental crochet stitches, making it perfect if you're just starting out or want a quick and satisfying make. You'll learn how to create a sturdy bag body and a comfortable strap, resulting in a functional and fashionable accessory.
.jpg)
How to Make a Crochet Shoulder Bag for Beginners
This detailed guide will walk you through creating a simple yet chic shoulder bag. We'll focus on a basic stitch for a dense, durable fabric and clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure a successful first bag project.
Skill Level: Beginner
This project is perfectly suited for you if you're comfortable with (or ready to learn!):
Holding your hook and yarn: The fundamental grip.
Making a slip knot: The starting point for most crochet projects.
Chain (ch): The most basic stitch, forming your foundation.
Single Crochet (sc): A short, dense stitch, excellent for sturdy bags.
Working in rows: Crocheting back and forth across your work.
Fastening off: Securing your work.
Weaving in ends: The essential finishing touch.
Basic seaming: Joining two edges with a yarn needle or slip stitches.
Finished Shoulder Bag Dimensions (Approximate):
Using worsted weight yarn and the suggested hook, your finished shoulder bag will typically measure about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) wide and 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) tall when laid flat (excluding the strap). This size is versatile for everyday essentials.
Materials You'll Need:
Gathering your materials before you start makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Yarn: Approximately 300-400 yards (275-365 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn.
Why Cotton? Cotton yarn is highly recommended for bags because it's durable, has minimal stretch, and provides excellent stitch definition, helping your bag maintain its shape. Acrylic yarn can work, but may stretch more over time.
Color Choice: Pick a color you love! Neutrals like black, grey, cream, or navy are versatile, but a bold color can make a statement.
Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This hook size works well with worsted weight yarn to create a dense fabric, which is ideal for a sturdy bag.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): This is essential for neatly weaving in all your loose yarn tails and for seaming the sides and bottom of your bag. It has a blunt tip and a large eye, making it easy to thread yarn through.
Scissors: Any pair of sharp scissors will do for cutting your yarn.
Stitch Marker (Optional): Useful for marking the start or end of rows, especially when you're just starting out. A small safety pin or a scrap of contrasting yarn works too.
.jpg)
Understanding the Shoulder Bag Construction: Simple Panels
This shoulder bag is built in a very straightforward manner using two main panels:
Two Identical Panels: You'll crochet two identical flat rectangles that will form the front and back of your bag.
Side/Bottom Strip: A single long strip will form the sides and bottom of the bag, providing structure and depth.
Seaming: The panels and the strip will be sewn together to form the bag's body.
Strap: A sturdy crocheted strap will be added for carrying.
Let's Crochet Your Shoulder Bag!
Follow these steps carefully. The key is to maintain consistent tension for a neat-looking bag and straight edges.
Part 1: Crocheting the Front and Back Panels (Make 2)
These are the main flat pieces of your bag. We'll use single crochet (sc) for a dense, durable fabric.
Starting Chain:
Begin by making a slip knot with your yarn and placing it onto your H/5.0mm crochet hook.
Chain (ch) 41. (This will determine the width of your bag. For a wider bag, chain more; for a narrower bag, chain less. Just remember that the stitch count in subsequent rows will be one less than your starting chain.)
Row 1:
Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from your hook. (Remember, don't count the loop directly on your hook; count the first actual chain stitch after that.)
Continue to work 1 sc into each remaining chain across the entire row. You should end up with a total of 40 single crochet stitches.
Chain 1 (ch 1) (this turning chain does NOT count as a stitch; it just gives height for the next row).
Turn your work. This means flipping your crochet piece over, like turning a page in a book, so your hook is ready to work into the first stitch of the new row.
Rows 2-35 (or until desired height):
Work 1 sc into the first single crochet stitch of the previous row (this will be the very first stitch of the row you just turned).
Work 1 sc into each remaining sc stitch across the row. You should still have 40 sc stitches in each row.
Chain 1, turn your work at the end of each row.
Repeat this pattern for a total of 35 rows. This will create a rectangle that's roughly 10-12 inches wide and 10-12 inches tall.
Tip: To check your dimensions, lay the panel flat and measure. If you want a taller bag, add more rows. If shorter, make fewer rows.
Fasten Off:
After completing your last row (Row 35), cut your yarn, leaving a tail about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long.
Yarn over with your hook, pull the cut tail completely through the loop left on your hook, and gently tug to secure the knot. This is called "fastening off."
Repeat these steps to make a second identical panel.
.jpg)
Part 2: Crocheting the Side and Bottom Strip
This long strip will give your bag its depth and shape.
Starting Chain:
Make a slip knot with your yarn.
Chain (ch) 111. (This length is calculated as 40 stitches for the bottom + 35 stitches for one side + 35 stitches for the other side + 1 stitch for stability at the corner. Adjust if your panels are different sizes: [width of panel] + [height of panel] + [height of panel] + 1.)
Row 1:
Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from your hook.
Work 1 sc into each remaining chain across the entire row. You should end up with a total of 110 single crochet stitches.
Chain 1 (ch 1), turn your work.
Rows 2-5 (or desired thickness):
Work 1 sc into the first single crochet stitch.
Work 1 sc into each remaining sc stitch across the row. You should still have 110 sc stitches in each row.
Chain 1, turn your work at the end of each row.
Repeat this pattern for a total of 5 rows. This will create a strip that's roughly 2-3 inches wide (your bag's depth) and long enough to go around three sides of your main panels.
Tip: For a thicker bag, add more rows here. For a thinner bag, use fewer rows.
Fasten Off:
After completing your last row, cut your yarn, leaving a very long tail (at least 40-50 inches / 100-125 cm) for seaming. This is crucial for joining the strip to the panels.
Part 3: Assembling the Bag Body
This is where your flat pieces come together to form the bag!
Prepare for Seaming:
Lay one of your large panels flat.
Take your long side/bottom strip. Find the center of the strip's length. This will be the bottom center of your bag.
Align the center of the strip with the center of one of the long sides of your panel.
You'll be sewing the strip around three edges of the panel: one long side (the bottom) and two short sides (the height).
Seaming the First Panel:
Thread the very long yarn tail from your side/bottom strip onto your yarn needle.
Starting from one of the bottom corners of your main panel, begin to stitch the strip to the panel. Use a simple whip stitch or a mattress stitch. Aim to go through both loops of the stitches on both pieces for a strong seam.
Stitch down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side of the panel. Ensure your corners are neat. You can make an extra stitch or two in the corner to help it turn smoothly.
Continue stitching until the entire three sides of the first panel are securely attached to the side/bottom strip.
Secure the end of your seam (if you run out of yarn, simply join a new long piece and continue) and weave in any remaining tail neatly into the fabric.
Seaming the Second Panel:
Now, take your second main panel.
Align it precisely with the un-seamed edges of the side/bottom strip. Make sure all edges match up.
With a new long yarn tail (about 40-50 inches / 100-125 cm), thread your yarn needle.
Start stitching from one of the bottom corners, working your way up one side, across the bottom, and up the other side, just as you did with the first panel.
Ensure your seams are neat and tight. When you reach the end, secure the yarn and weave in the tail.
Tip: Take your time with seaming. Neat seams make a huge difference in the finished look of your bag.
.jpg)
Part 4: Crocheting and Attaching the Shoulder Strap
A comfortable and sturdy strap is essential for a shoulder bag.
Crocheting the Strap:
Make a slip knot.
Chain (ch) 101. (This will create a strap of about 25-30 inches / 64-76 cm. Adjust for desired length; a longer strap is often better for a shoulder bag.)
Row 1: Work 1 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Work 1 sc into each remaining ch across. [Total: 100 sc]
Chain 1, turn.
Rows 2-4: Work 1 sc into each sc across the row. [Total: 100 sc]
Chain 1, turn. (You can make more rows if you want a wider strap.)
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail (at least 15-20 inches / 38-50 cm) at each end of the strap for sewing.
Attaching the Strap to the Bag:
Lay your bag flat and find the center point of the top opening on each side.
Position the ends of your crocheted strap on the inside of the bag's top opening, aligning them with the side seams or slightly inward (about 1-2 inches / 2.5-5 cm in from the side seam).
Thread one of the long tails from the strap onto your yarn needle.
Stitch firmly back and forth, through the strap end and into the top edge of the bag, making sure to go through multiple stitches for a very strong attachment. Work your needle in a way that the stitches are discreet.
Repeat for the other end of the strap, ensuring it's not twisted.
Weave in all remaining strap tails very securely into the top edge of the bag.
Part 5: Final Finishing Touches
Weave in ALL Remaining Ends:
This is crucial for a clean, neat, and durable bag. You'll have tails from your panel starts, strip joins, and strap attachments.
Use your yarn needle to meticulously weave in every single loose yarn tail.
How to Weave Neatly: Thread the yarn tail onto your yarn needle. Weave the tail into the stitches of the same color. Go in one direction for at least 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm). To truly secure it, subtly change direction (e.g., weave along a row, then turn and weave back through some of the same stitches diagonally or perpendicularly) to "lock" the tail in place and prevent it from unraveling. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut any of your actual stitches.
Blocking (Optional but Highly Recommended):
Blocking can significantly improve the shape, even out any tension inconsistencies, and give your bag a more polished, professional look.
Method (Wet Blocking - Ideal for Cotton/Acrylic):
Gently mist your entire bag evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it's damp but not soaking wet.
Carefully stuff your bag with clean towels or crumpled paper to help it hold its shape while drying.
Smooth out any wrinkles and gently shape the bag to your desired dimensions.
Allow the bag to air dry completely and thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. This can take several hours to a full day, depending on humidity and ventilation. Ensure it's bone dry before handling or using it further.
Add a Fabric Lining (Optional but Highly Recommended):
A fabric lining provides a smooth interior, hides all your yarn tails, prevents small items from slipping through stitches, and adds significant durability and structure to your bag, especially with use.
Measure the inside dimensions of your finished bag precisely. Cut fabric pieces (typically two main body pieces and one bottom/side piece that matches your crocheted strip) adding a seam allowance (e.g., 0.5 inches / 1.25 cm) to all edges.
Sew the fabric pieces together to create an inner lining bag.
Insert the fabric lining into your crocheted bag.
Fold over the top raw edge of the fabric lining (using your seam allowance) and hand-stitch it neatly to the inside top border of your crocheted bag using a needle and matching strong thread.
Add a Closure (Optional):
For added security, you can add a simple magnetic snap, a button and loop, or a zipper to the top opening of your bag. If using a magnetic snap, sew it to the inside of the crocheted fabric or the fabric lining if you added one.
Congratulations! You've successfully crocheted a beautiful and functional shoulder bag! This handmade accessory is perfect for carrying your daily essentials and showcases your growing crochet skills. Enjoy your stylish new creation!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment