Australian crochet terms used in this pattern.
I tend to make up the pattern as I go with these bags. Cotton yarns work well as they don’t stretch out as much as wool or acrylic yarns do. I use various weights of yarn, with an 8ply, I use a 3.5mm hook, with a 10ply a 4.5mm hook. Experiment to find what works for you.
Approximately 100gms of yarn is used, but this will depend on the size of the bag you make. I used Scheepjes Soft Fun available in my webstore HERE
Once you understand the construction they are fast and fun to work up.
Base
Start with 5 chains and join into the staring chain with a slip stitch to form a loop.
Round 1 Work 3 chains and 12 trebles into the loop, join with a slip stitch into third chain.
Round 2 Work 3 chains, then work 2 trebles into each treble to make 24 trebles, join with a slip stitch into third chain.
Round 3 Work 3 chains, then work (1 treble then 2 trebles) repeating (around, increasing by another 12 stitches to make 36 stitches, join with a slip stitch into third chain.
Continue increasing 12 stitches in each round until the base is as large as required.
So round 4 would be ( 1 treble, 1 treble, then 2 trebles) repeated. Round 5 would be (1,1,1,2)
I make my bag bottoms 5 rounds.
Hint: to help keep track of the increases, always V stitch in the centre of a V stitch.
Sides of bag
Are made with chain loops which are slip stitched into every second stitch to anchor them.
The length of the chain loops can be varied. Less stitches smaller holes, more stitches bigger holes and a bigger bag. I like 7 chains, I do like prime numbers!
Work the chain loops in a spiral until the bag is the desired length.
Top of Bag
Can be left without a top border, as in a produce bag and a long chain made and threaded through the top loops to double as the handles and closure.
Or can be crocheted around to give a firm edge. I work two or more double crochet stitches into each loop and one into the slip stitch. The number of stitches worked determines how wide the opening of the bag will be. Work in a spiral until the edge is as wide as you would like.
Handles
Built in Handles..
Can be incorporated into the edge by twice making a large chain and skipping a section of the double crochets before anchoring down and completing the round. Try to make sure the chain loops are balanced opposite each other. On the next round add double crochets into each of chains in the chain loops from the previous round. Work a few more rounds to make a wider handle.
Long handles
On the final round add the handle by working back and forth over a few stitches until the handle is long enough. Work out where the opposite point is and attach the handle by crocheting it together with the opposite edge. More stitches wider handle, less narrower. Handles and bags stretch a lot when carrying items so ensure handle is not too long.
PLAY …. string bags are fast to make and very easy to experiment with.