What shape to make your evening bag?
Clutch style bags are very easy to construct. Basically you just need one long strip of crochet with enough crochet to fold over to form a flap. I like to add a decorative edge to the flap of my bags and to the sides. If you decide to add a decorative edge to the side of your bag you can crochet your bag together saving time on sewing! You can also insert decorative rows, such as rows of clusters or shells into the long strip of crochet as you go along.Round shaped evening bags are very pretty and the easiest way to make them is with five motifs, one for the bottom and four for the sides. This also has the benefit of giving you an endless choice of motifs and designs to choose from. Use a see through lacy motif and make your bag lining a fundamental part of your design.
Alternatively round evening bags can be made by using a round base and then building up the sides. Make your base plain and make the sides decorative with popcorn stitches or front and back posts. Start with 8dc’s (sc’s) and increase on each row beginning with an increase in every stitch. Then increase in every other stitch, into every second, then third and so on. Stop increasing to work up the sides.
Which yarn to use for your bag?
It’s surprising that even a wool based yarn can produce a lovely bag. Try a sequin yarn or one with a sparkly thread running through it or a silk blend for a touch of luxury. I like to use Double knit (light worsted yarn) but 4 ply or chunky would work just as well. Yarns with soft sheens make very elegant crochet evening bags, Sirdar Baby Bamboo DK (light worsted) is ideal as is Sirdar Toscana 100% cotton which is a gorgeous blended silky cotton. Cotton yarns make strong durable bags.
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| Crochet Evening Bag |
Which stitches to use?
Double crochet (single crochets) stitches work well, as do half trebles (half double crochets) and these create a lovely ridge effortlessly. You can also use a looser stitch or open work lacy style crochet when the lining will show through and this can look very effective. Front and back row post stitches look good, create pretty ridges and are useful for defining changes in rows. For example use front posts trebles (dc’s) before you add a band of cluster stitches.
Finishing your bag
Always line your bag. This really does make the difference between a professional looking bag that will not only look better and be one that will last longer. If you can line your bag with a cotton or cotton rich fabric to protect your work and to make your bag stronger.
Try to use a material lining that doesn’t fray. Satin or a satin stripe would look lovely as would a lining in a contrasting material to the crochet you have made. Line the base of your bag to prevent stretching and make sure you leave a small gap of crochet around the edge of your lining so you can stitch together.
Add a decorative fastening, a crochet flower or crochet button and you can also add beads to your yarn to crochet them in as you go along. Add a centre button or flower with a loop for a fastening . Add a decorative draw string to the top of tour bag with an oversized tassel and handle.
Handles crochet or bought?
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| Crochet Evening Bag |
I like strong carrying handles on the bags I make and there are different ways to achieve this. You can make a strip of crochet using dc’s (sc’s) for your handle and double it over when finished by stitching the sides together. Alternatively use your yarn double, doing this creates a lovely strong tweed style effect. You can also buy leather and wooden handles in craft stores and these work well.
Another alternative is to make thinner handles by making a length of crochet and stitching around strong plastic tubing which you can buy from craft stores. I make shoulder straps in the same way as handles for some of my bags.
