I've sewn a lot of bags in the past but haven't crocheted anything with handles! So when I saw these handles at my local Lens Mill store, I couldn't resist a project! I saw a pattern on Ravelry that I loved, but it was only in print so I looked around online and found some great instructions that I followed. My step by step process is detailed below!
Materials:
- 5 mm crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn (I used Bernat Super Value in Plum Mist Heather)
- Tapestry needle
- Lining fabric, mine was some leftover polka dot lightweight cotton
- Thread (I used white and purple)
- Purse handles (mine are wooden ovals, would work just as well with circles)
- Scissors
Pattern:
I found this amazing blog post and followed it almost exactly, except for the handles. I did the exact instructions for the creation of the bag piece (I've inserted the chart here for reference)
This makes a pocket-shaped piece, just like the blog says.
I cut the lining to be a tiny bit bigger than the folded-in-half outer bag, then I top stitched a folded and pressed seam all the way around in white thread, and seamed up the 4 sides. Then I simply pinned the lining in place on the pocket and sewed it all the way around to the crocheted piece using purple thread.
Then I followed the rest of the instructions. For this I did 5 rows of sc on either side to make the band, and then SEPARATELY joined the yarn to the handles and then did a row of sc to join the handles to the band on each side. I used this video to create the handle:
And voila! A pretty awesome bag! Note that the first time I constructed it, I accidentally sc'ed up the sides between the handles, so when I finished the bag it wouldn't actually open. Oops!
The finished bag is 12" wide by 8" tall. A great size for a multi-function bag! I'd love to see your finished projects so link them in the comments below.
Happy crafting!
