Crochet Patterns

Make Your Own Bags and Purses

By editor ⋅ July 24, 2007 ⋅ Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

The stylish flap-front knitted bag shown at left is knitted in mosaic stitch, using variegated yarn.  It’s just one of several bags and purses that you can make from free patterns at AllFreeCrafts, so I thought I would collect them all in one place for easy access.

The knitted straw bag, shown at right, is just like the one that my grandmother used - and it still has many uses today.  The pattern knits up in raffia - a renewable resource, so you can feel good about the natural material that you are using.  This raffia bag is also strong and roomy - perfect for shopping at the mall, or even to pack for a day at the beach.

Here’s another one for avid knitters to try - this time a knitted tote made from recycled grocery bags.  Learn how to make the plastic bags into yarn, then how to knit them into a replacement bag for your next trip to the grocery store.  Some large cities have already banned plastic shopping bags and many other municipalities are considering a similar bylaw to keep all those millions of plastic bags out of the landfill.  I just think this is one neat way to use up your stash and help the environment as well!

One more small knitting project - not a bag exactly, but certainly a sign of the times, is this knitted cell phone cosy that will help keep your mobile phone cushioned and protected when you slip it into your bag or purse.

Victorian ladies may have used the crocheted straw basket, at left, to bring in cut flowers or a bounty of fruit from the garden.  Originally published in 1870, this crochet pattern calls for brown floss silk crocheted over straw.  If anyone makes a modern version, I would just love to post a photo! 

We have two smaller vintage purse patterns - one for a Sovereign Coin Purse and a very intricate Beaded Bridal Purse.  Again, if anyone has photos, or tries these vintage patterns, please do post a comment with a photo if you can…

Crochet some granny squares and make them up into this practical granny square drawstring bag, shown at left, which surely has a multitude of uses, or make yourself a crocheted plastic bag dispenser , at far right, to hang in your kitchen.

To complete our pattern collection of crocheted bags and purses, there is a marvelous tapestry crocheted horse motif purse, worked in double yarn, shown at left, and an easy to crochet small purse with pony beads for the younger set, near right.

Finally, an offering for those who prefer to sew - a handy fabric shopping bag pattern that uses those common plastic bags with handles as the model.  You’ll find step-by-step illustrations to help you sew up this pattern which is easy enough that you might want to make two or three while you’re at it.