For this project, you only need to know how to do the chain stitch (usually abbreviated “ch”) and a single crochet (usually abbreviated “sc”).
If you’re planning on carting a particular item in your new bag, measure it in advance (e. g. , your laptop) or measure a similar style bag so that you have the basic dimensions and shape in mind. Keep in mind, yarn “stretches”!
As a general rule, the thicker the hook, the thicker the yarn will need to be. If you want to complete your project faster, choose a thicker yarn and hook. The stitches will be larger, and you’ll build up rows faster. Larger stitches do “stretch” more than smaller stitches, so take this into account.
Making a test swatch can help you gauge (determine) your tension (how loose or tight your stitches are) and figure out how many stitches you will have in one inch.
More advanced projects will allow you to create different shapes, such as an isosceles trapezoid where the top tapers in. You’ll need to learn how to decrease stitches to be able to make this shape. For small to medium size bags, between 30 and 60 stitches should work well. Be sure to remember how many stitches you included in this initial, beginning chain. You will want to write it down, and if your chain is particularly long, you will want to use markers every ten to twenty stitches to help you keep count.
To turn your work, simply rotate clockwise, (as if turning a page in a book), so that your last stitch in the current row becomes the first stitch in the new row you are starting.
You will be folding up the bottom part of the bag (the top will fold down as a flap). Keep this in mind as you crochet up. Don’t make your piece too short. If you want your bag to be 12" high (when the flap is folded over) with a 6" flap, you’ll want to crochet your piece to be 30" tall.
Simply cut off your yarn from the skein of yarn, leaving a tail of at least 6 inches (15. 2 cm). Pull the tail of yarn on your hook all the way through the last loop of the last stitch. Pull on the yarn to tighten it. Then, using a “yarn needle”, weave the tail through the stitches in your top row.
Check to see if there is a “wrong” side to your piece of crochet fabric; if you prefer the look of one side, make sure that side is facing out as you fold up. Using a matching color yarn (most likely the same yarn you crocheted with, unless you like the look of a contrasting colored seam). To sew the side seams together, start at the fold and use what is called “a whip-stitch” to make the seam. Stop at the point where you want the flap to fold over.
The beginning steps of this alternate project are the same as the envelope-style bag. You’ll want to make sure that you are comfortable with the basic crochet stitches, have carefully selected your yarn and hook, and have thought about what you want your final project to look like. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to start crocheting your new bag!
For example, if you want a bag that is 12" tall with a flap, you’ll want to make your back piece longer—crocheting to 18" will give you a 6" flap.
If your chain is particularly long, you may find it helpful to use markers every ten or twenty stitches to help you keep count.
To turn your work, simply rotate clockwise halfway so that your last stitch in the current row becomes the first stitch in the new row you are starting.
Remember that if you want a flap for back, the back piece will need to be longer (taller) than the front piece.
Once you’ve completed your last row, cut the yarn from the skein, making sure to leave a few inches. Draw the tail of the yarn onto your hook, remove the hook and pull on the yarn to tighten it. Then, weave the tail through the stitches in your top row.
You’ll probably want to use the same color yarn to sew your pieces together, but it may be fun to use a contrasting color.
Option one: Make a chain as long as you want your strap to be. Turn the chain, and single crochet back along to the end of the chain. Repeat the single crochet until the strap is as wide as you want it to be. Finish off the strap, and then sew the ends of the strap into the corners of your bag. Be sure to use plenty of stitches when attaching the straps to your bag; nothing is worse than having a strap break, causing you to drop the contents of your bag! Option two: Attach your yarn to the opening of the bag using your crochet hook and a slip-stitch. Chain one, single crochet across edge of bag making 4 single crochet stitches on on side of the seam and continue till you have 4 single crochet on the other side of the seam. Continue in rows until strap is desired length. Attach other end to bag using either slip-stitches or sewing on in same way used for seams.
