The Roxy Bag - Crochet Pattern

**Pattern available on Etsy - click here for an ad-free, PDF formatted printable for your convenience. Thank you for supporting my blog!**

**It is also available on Ravelry!**

I'm not much of a purse type of girl. I'm more of a grab a bag and put in everything I might need type of girl because #momlife, and I'm always expected to have all the things when we are out.  I'm a fan of big spacious bags where I can throw in my wallet, phone, snacks, wipes, small toys, and sometimes even a small blanket. These bags come in handy especially during the summer time when we spend hours at the park or outdoors in nature.

I've had the same bag from H&M years ago when I used it for college and I frequently switch between the large bag and a small backpack that was easy to carry and shove stuff into while running out the door. When I browsed Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton Yarn collection, I picked a combination of colors I liked and decided it was a great palate to make a bag with!

I love the mochila bags I've seen on pinterest and was armed to give it a try, but once I got down to it, I knew it was way too much for me at the moment. I just finished a large project (my Woodland Afghan Series) and wanted some mindless crocheting. I tucked away the mochila bag design and instead, I looked for a stitch that was still edgy, fun, and looked like I put a lot of effort into it without the effort.

I still wanted to keep the overall shape of the mochila bag, so I started with a circle for the base alternating colors as I went. At this point, I knew I wanted to ditch the single crochets and find something that would work up quicker.

After doing a sample of v-stitches, I knew it was the stitch I wanted to use for my bag. This whole bag is comprised of basic stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. Once I got the base down and past the first few rows of the bag it was smooth sailing of all double crochets.  How's that for mindless crochet?

Although it has the shape of the mochila bag, it is not rigid or would stand upright on its own. It's frumpy and flowy, which I like because it forms to my side when I wear it.

I'm so happy to share with you the finished project! The colors are far from neutral and I'm loving it! Who doesn't need a little color in their life? I have not lined this bag with fabric, but I do plan on setting aside some time to do so. Do you need to line the bag? No, but if you do want to carry heavy loads, the bag will stretch. I have made market totes that are stretched out to 3x the length and wish I would've lined those.

The bottom of the bag hits right about mid-thigh for me, which is perfect! I've only carried around a small WIP so far, so I was not afraid it would stretch out. Before I really get down to using it full-time, I will line it so it doesn't stretch to below my knee. Being a short girl, I know how awful it is to have a way too long bag full of heavy stuff hit you right smack in the back of the knee while trying to juggle ALL the bags while opening the front door. (See: market totes that stretched out to 3x it's length).

Also, be mindful of how long you make your straps! They may stretch overtime so don't over-do it. I made the straps long enough to be comfortable but kept in mind it may stretch an inch or so overtime from the weight in my bag.

Okay, let's get to it!

Materials I Used:
1 skein each of I Love This Cotton in White, Black, Bright Teal, and Coral
G hook
Tapestry needle for sewing
Scissors

Notes: The base/bottom of the bag is made in rounds, increasing each round. Once the base is completed, the sides will also be worked in the round but without increases.
The chains starting the rounds do not count as a stitch.
I had just the right amount of black for this project, you may or may not need an additional skein depending on your tension. I tend to crochet loosely and had enough.
HDC increase: 2 HDC into same stitch
Starting at Row 19, the V stitch will begin. The V stitch is essentially making 2 DC in between the 2 DC in the previous round, continuing to do that all the way around.

Starting with black

Row 1: Magic ring, HDC 10 into ring, join

Row 2: Chain 1, HDC increase in each stitch, join - change to Coral

Row 3: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next stitch, repeat from* , join

Row 4: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 2 stitches, repeat from* , join - change to Bright Teal

Row 5: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 3 stitches, repeat from* , join

Row 6: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 4 stitches, repeat from* , join - change to White

Row 7: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 5 stitches, repeat from* , join

Row 8: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 6 stitches, repeat from* , join - change to Black

Row 9: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 7 stitches, repeat from* , join

Row 10: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 8 stitches, repeat from* , join - change to Coral

Row 11: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 9 stitches, repeat from* , join 

Row 12: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 10 stitches, repeat from* , join - change to Bright Teal

Row 13: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 11 stitches, repeat from* , join 

Row 14: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 12 stitches, repeat from* , join - change to White

Row 15: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 13 stitches, repeat from* , join

Row 16: Chain 1, *HDC increase, HDC in next 14 stitches, repeat from* , join - change to Black

Row 17: Chain 1, *HDC evenly around in back loops only, join

Row 18: Chain 2, *2 DC into next stitch, skip two stitches, repeat from * , join - change to Coral

Row 19: Chain 2, *2 DC in between the 2 DC in the previous round, repeat from * , join 

Row 20 -46 : Repeat Row 19 changing color after each round in the following pattern: Coral, Bright Teal, White, Black

There are three rows to finish off the top that will hold the pull string:
Chain 2, DC around evenly, join
Chain 2, *DC into next 4 stitches, Chain 2, skip next two stitches, repeat from *, join
Chain 2, HDC around evenly, join
Fasten off.

This completes the body of the bag.


Strap - worked in rows:

Start with black

Row 1: Chain 90
Row 2: SC into second chain from hook and across, turn your work
Row 3: Change color to white, SC across, turn your work
Row 4: Change color to teal, Chain 1, SC across, turn your work
Row 5: Change color to coral, Chain 1, SC across, turn your work
Row 6: Chain 1, SC across, turn your work
Row 7: Change color to teal, SC across, turn your work
Row 8: Change color to white, SC across, turn your work
Row 9: Change color to black, SC across, turn your work
Fasten off and leave tail for sewing onto bag.

*You can make the strap longer or shorter by adding or subtracting from the starting chain. Keep in mind, the strap may stretch a bit over time.

Sew onto bag using a tapestry needle and whip stitch. I went over the area at least 6 times to make it secure and tight.

Pull-string

Cut 6 pieces each of white, teal, and pink yarn around 3 ft long. Tie a knot twice at one end and braid the yarn together. Before you tie the other end, insert the piece into the holes at the tope of the bag, weaving in and out until you get all the way around. I made sure to start at a hole that was in between the straps. Tie two knots at the other end. Trim ends evenly.

As I stated earlier, I suggest lining this bag to keep the shape and so it does not stretch especially when carrying heavy items.


Pin it to your boards!

Mini Heart Pouch Crochet Pattern

*** You can purchase this inexpensive pattern here for an easy read/follow along printable, and to help support my blog. Thank you! ***

I've been dying to post this pattern for a while now! My testers approve and Paige from Azren Photography has created beautiful pictures of this mini heart pouch! I'll wait while you stare at them...

I really couldn't stick to just one "theme" to post, they're all too beautiful not to share.
You can find her here on Facebook and Instagram.

So anyway, the knit stitch AKA waist coat stitch AKA what ever you want to call it has been really popular, and I kept swooning over how much it resembled knit! And when I saw that a heart pattern could be created from this stitch, I knew I needed to make something with it. If you haven't seen or tried this stitch yet, I advise you do. It's super easy! Oh, and the color possibilities!

Since this was a very basic stitch, I wanted to mix it with other media to really give the item depth so I decided on making a small pouch complete with lining and a zipper on top for closure. Nobody can have enough bags. I put bags IN my bags. Like since I carry multiple chapsticks with me, I like to keep them all in one place. Ya know what I mean? Small sized pouches where you can store your small items to keep them neat and tidy always come in handy.

The pouch measures about 6 inches in width and 4.5 inches in height. It's perfect for make-up, craft items/notions (think: buttons, needles, safety eyes, stitch markers, pins, etc.), small office supplies, small planning accessories, change/small bills, nail polish, jewelry, crayons and a small notepad(for your kids), bandaids/sanitizer/OTC meds for your purse, ANYTHING! I'm sure you can think of at least a few other items to store in a small pouch that can go with you anywhere. Like I said, I'm a fan of small pouches. I use them for everything.

So now that you feel the need to make ALL the small pouches, here's the run down..

Materials

Worsted weighted yarn in contrasting colors. I used the following:

Main color used: Navy in Vanna’s Choice Lion Brand Yarn

Second color for hearts: Pink in Vanna’s Choice Lion Brand Yarn

G hook

Stitch marker (optional)

7” zipper

Fabric for lining

Thread and sewing needles

Sewing machine (optional)

Special Stitches/Techniques

Knit stitch AKA waist coat stitch

Color change/tapestry crochet

**If you need video instructions for color changes, I recommend this video

This pattern will be worked in rounds. When finished, it will be sewn to close up the bottom. 

A stitch marker is recommended, but is optional. I found it easier to use a stitch marker to keep my rows uniform/ensure the same number of stitches per row. 

I did not carry my yarn when changing colors, I simply let go and picked up the color I needed as I went. You may choose to do either.

Pattern

Row 1: Using main color, Chain 49, join to first chain being careful not to twist the chain

Row 2: Chain 1, SC, join to first SC (48)

Row 3: Chain 1, *SC in next three stitches with main color, SC in next stitch with second color, repeat from * SC in last stitch with main color, join to first SC (48)

Row 4: Chain 1, SC around with main color, join to first SC (48)

Row 5: Chain 1, 1 SC with main color, *1 SC with second colors, 3 SC with main color, repeat from *, join to first SC (48)

Row 6: Chain 1, SC around with main color, join to first SC (48)

Repeat rows 3-6 until height of pouch is 4.5” or to desired height.

Taking the main color and a tapestry needle, sew the bottom of the pouch shut.

Zipper and Lining

**If this is your first time sewing in a liner/zipper I suggest you watch this youtube video.

The pouch measures about 6”, to keep it safe I used a 7” zipper. For fabric, I used 100% cotton fabric found at Joann’s. 

Measure the height and width of your finished pouch.

Lay fabric down on a flat surface. Measure out the width of the pouch and double the height - adding about an inch to the height and width to allow room for sewing.

Example: My pouch turned out to be 4.5” in height and 6” in width. My piece of fabric I measured out was 10” in height and 13” in width. 

Fold the fabric in half so the design part is on the inside. Sew up both sides by hand or sewing machine. Fold down the top outer edge about half an inch and sew around.

Place lining aside.

Take your zipper and unzip it. Place it on the top of the inside of the bag and start to pin it in place. Once you have your zipper sewed on, take your lining and place it inside the bag. Sew the lining onto the zipper. **I hand sewed the lining and zipper onto the crocheted item and used a sewing machine only for the forming of the lining.

TIP: If you would like a larger pouch, simply chain in multiples of 4 +1, add as many rows as needed.

I would love it if you share your finished projects with me! Feel free to tag me on instagram @mariasbluecrayon, leave a comment below, or show me on Facebook!