Bags are a great summer craft becuase there is such a variety of patterns to choose from, yet they are both portable and useful. Bags can be anything from a beach bag to a makeup case to a reusable grocery bag. Crocheted bags can even be used to carry other crochet projects.
Choosing Materials for Crocheted Bags
The fiber type used for a bag is important for the bag's use and appearance. Different yarns create different textures, and affect how much weight the bag can support. Some yarns will stretch over time while others will retain shape better. Different yarns have different appearances, even with the same stitch.
Cotton yarn is good for bags that will be carrying a lot of weight, such as reusable grocery bags or beach totes. Cotton yarn has less give than other yarns, which means it is sturdier and does not stretch as much. A cotton bag will hold more weight without losing its shape than other materials such as wool.
Wool yarn is good for smaller bags like purses, particularly if a more solid appearance is desired. Wool can be felted, which gives the bag a more uniform appearance, as individual stitches are not visible. It has more give than yarns like cotton, so the bags have more drape and flow.
Nylon cord is one of the sturdiest materials for crocheting bags. It is good for making purses; many crocheted bags that are available for purchase in stores are made of nylon. It has less give even than cotton, but can be difficult to tie off and weave in, as the cord is slippery and does not compress in a knot like other yarns.
Types of Crocheted BagsBeach bags are a good summer project. They are useful in summer, and there is a lot of freedom of design with them. Some beach bags are simple mesh bags to hold a swimsuit and a towel, while others are solid and sturdier and can be used to hold snacks and drinks along with swimsuits and towels.
Reusable grocery bags are another good summer project. Like beach bags, grocery bags can be mesh or solid, depending on how many and what types of groceries will be purchased. Grocery bags are good for summer because they are typically made of cotton for sturdiness, and cotton is generally a light, breathable yarn. They can be a quick project if the pattern is a mesh bag, possibly quick enough to complete in one sitting.
Purses are good for the summer because they are usually small projects. They are usually crocheted into a denser fabric than beach or grocery bags, and often use a fabric liner. As a result, purses may be a more involved and lengthy project than other summer bags, but their small size means they are portable and can be worked on almost anywhere.
Bags are a very popular type of crochet project, and there are patterns widely available, many for free. Crochet Pattern Central offers many free bag patterns, and books like Crochet Bags!: 15 Hip Projects for Carrying Your Stuff by Candi Jensen and Hooked Bags: 20 Easy Crochet Projects by Margaret Hubert are available with patterns for every level of crochet ability.
Where to Find Crocheted Bag Patterns
 |
