Hey, guys! Jessica here from The Hook Nook! Spring is here, the sun has come out to play and the local farmer’s markets have reopened. I don’t know about you, but I love having a plethora of bags on hand for market trips and spur of the moment outings. We may all have our fair share of “regular” bags for these occasions, but this time I wanted to add to my stash with something a bit more dressy because, why not?!
Now, if you any of you know me at all, you’ll know that I REALLY like dressing up, even for no occasion at all! I’m a firm believer that you should always dress for the job you want, but this mentality may have also overflowed into my daily wardrobe as well. Even for those casual days, I love to still wear “real” outfits. I was so excited to make a new bag to accompany me on my trips this spring and summer and really wanted to try to revamp the traditional “crochet bag” that is typically associated with markets and other warm-weather shenanigans.
Want to make one yourself?! Follow the steps below!
Want to snag a printer-friendly and beautifully templated version of this pattern?! Head over to Etsy, Ravelry, and Love Crochet to snag your copy! Thank you for supporting me!!
This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of Jessica Carey, designer of The Hook Nook. This post was sponsored by JOANN Stores but all ideas and opinions are my own.
To make your own eyelet bag, you will need:
• Two skeins of Sugar ’n Cream cotton yarn
• Size 6mm crochet hook
• Purse straps
• 22” black fringe (available by the yard at your local JOANN Store!)
• Tassels (I found tassel ties in the curtain ties section!)
• Scissors
• Psssst! Get 20% off your purchase when you order from JOANN Stores here!
Key:
CH: Chain
Sl St: Slip Stitch
SC: Single Crochet
sk: Skip
BLO: Back Loop Only
sts: Stitches
First, you’ll need to crochet the front and back panels of your bag. You may choose to make your bag larger than I did by simply increasing your initial chain amount! You’ll want to increase your amount by 5’s to keep the stitch sequence even (for example, instead of an initial CH 39, you may increase to CH 44, CH 49, or even 79! Making your bag larger allows for more room to be able to carry your laundry to the laundromat, or for your next beach trip!).
CH 39.
1. Starting in the second CH from your hook, SC across. (38)
2. CH 1, turn. SC in BLO across. (38)
3. Repeat Row 2.
4. Repeat Row 2.
5. CH 1, turn. SC in first three sts. (CH 2, sk 2 sts, SC in next 3 sts) Repeat () across.
6. CH 1, turn. SC in first three sts. (2SC in CH-2 space, SC in next 3 sts) Repeat () across.
7. Repeat Rows 6 and 7 until your panel measures 15”.
8. Finish off, weave in ends. (Repeat steps 1-8 to make the second panel)
Next, place your two panels on top of each other with the lined/BLO detail sides facing each other (these will be the outside of the bag). Using your hook and excess yarn, (Sl St, CH 1) along both long sides of your bag. Do not close up the bottom of your bag, yet.
Now, time to play with that fun fringe! Line up the fringe with your bag and fold in half. Using your sewing needle and embroidery thread, sew the two sides together.
Grab your sewn panels and flip it so the seams are on the inside. Lay your fringe on the bottom portion of your bag, in between the panels. Being careful to keep your fringe straight, sew the three pieces together (front and back panels, fringe). Be sure to keep your stitches small to keep the stitching tight and strong! Note: You can also use pins to hold your fringe in place while sewing, I just didn’t have any on hand to use.
Now, these tassels (I can’t swoon hard enough for these things) I knew I wanted to add another detail element and as I’m perusing the aisles, I saw these curtain ties and knew they would be the perfect addition! The two tassels are connected by a cord, and I simply weaved in the tassel through the large holes of the bag. This not only offered a fun detail element, but it also provided a way for me to cinch close the top, if I needed.
I also chose to fold over the top for another fun detail, but you can definitely choose to keep yours elongated!
Lastly, I wanted to add a handle/strap that wouldn’t stretch over time due to the weight of the objects inside the bag. Adding the black leather strap to match the black leather fringe was the perfect addition. It added the “luxe” feel, wouldn’t stretch over time and contributes to the mixed-materials opportunity in this project.
The strap came with pre-made holes so I simply used my embroidery thread and needle and sewed both sides of the strap onto my bag, keeping in mind where I wanted to fold the top down, I even double-stranded the thread to give it extra strength and security.
And voila! After a couple productive afternoons, I now have a SUPER cute bag to join me this weekend at the market. However, my daughter has officially claimed this bag as hers now, so I guess it’s time to make #2!
Do you enjoy going to your local farmer’s market? I sure do! I can’t wait to see your custom market bag! Be sure to post your photos to social media and use #handmadewithjoann so we can all see!
Remember, you can get a downloadable, printer-friendly version of the Hooded Bliss Blanket crochet pattern on Etsy, Ravelry, and Love Crochet! Thank you for supporting me!!
Don't forget to share your progress online and use hashtags #handmadewithjoann and #thehooknookers so share with our communities! Be sure to follow along with me on Instagram to see more fun inspiration and stay in the loop with whats to come! Thank you to my friends at JOANN Stores for helping me create such a fun project!
xo,
Jessica
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