Hello Beautiful Crafty People! So, as I was starting this post, and thinking of a title, I had to laugh at myself. “Oversized Crochet Bag!” And when I started thinking about my past blog posts, I had to laugh thinking about how many of my posts are “oversized” something. I loved oversized stuff! Or maybe I just like that word, Oversized. Makes me think I am getting more! Anywho, just another reason why I love making my own stuff/junk. If you like oversized stuff, like me, you can make as many oversized items as you like. It’s your prerogative girl (or guy)! Do you, boo!
So, honestly, this was not even supposed to be the cute oversized bag that it is. I intended to make a large crochet basket for my bathroom for towels. And when I finished with it, it was cute, but floppy as all get out, which was not really working for me as the intended purpose. I even went through all of the trouble of rolling some towels to see what they would look like inside the basket. It looked a bulky, gobbly mess. Then I decided, I can put a hook on it and let it hang from a hook and hold towels. Uh, no. That was not working either. And that’s when my sister said, “Ooooh, that is such a cute bag.” And the rest is history.
This bag was made by using two different skeins of yarns crocheted together with a size N hook. I just crocheted in the round and when I was ready to start building the body of the “bag,” I started crocheting around the round I had just made. Initially, I was going to just use the same color as I used when I made my bobble pillow, but decided to ramp it up a tiny bit but adding some color. Hence the gray and white. If you missed my bobble pillow post, here it is. Belladere Bobble Pillow. This is the color I was going to use for my initial basket/bag. The lining fabric came from Hobby Lobby, from the home fabric section. I love this fabric and can see myself using it for something else. Like maybe a floor pillow or something like that. Maybe even a piece of clothing. The weight of it is really good. It would make a great trench coat.
The yarn also came from Hobby Lobby, and I used Linen and Gray Mist. Here is a link to the yarn on Hobby Lobby. I Love This Yarn in Gray Mist. By the way, if you are not already a Hobby Lobby fan, Hobby Lobby always puts their yarn on sale, sometimes twice a month. So, even if you need more, it will go on sale sooner rather than later. Yayyy Hobby Lobby! That’s why I love you.
So, the bag itself was done for about a week or so before I did the lining and the straps. I had kind of tossed it on a pile of other “almost finished projects” and then decided to go ahead and finish her. The lining was simple enough, but I wanted to do a little something extra to the straps. Hence, the black leather. I took pictures of the different positioning of the straps, and the straps with and without the leather, trying to decide which strap was best before I finally made a decision. Sometimes taking pictures helps you make a final decision because you can visualize the finished product a lot better. You almost immediately know what works, and certainly, what does not work.
This bag is huge, just the way I like it. I have always loved a big bag, and I have the dropping shoulder to prove it. Here are the dimensions: Width 22 inches each side; 44 inches around; Length 17 inches; and the straps are 22 inches each; the bottom circumference width is 14 inches.
Adding the lining is a plus, and I think this is important if you are going to crochet or knit a bag and actually use it. Often, if you do not add a lining to your crochet or knit bag, stuff will fall out, and the bag will just look bulky and stretched out. Adding a lining adds stability to your bag, and makes it look more finished. And honestly, you are more likely to use a bag that’s lined, as opposed to one that is not. It is worth the cost and the additional time and effort to get a really great looking bag, that you will use for years to come.
Having finished my bag, I wish I had purchased enough fabric to add a pocket or something on the inside to hold my phone. Maybe even a pocket on each side. That would have been a decision I needed to make prior to sewing the lining inside the bag. It’s still good without the pocket, but definitely would have been better with an inside pocket. I don’t think an outside pocket would have worked because of the crochet, and then I would have had to line that pocket as well. Um, no.
I will revisit the crochet basket project again in the future. Maybe I will get a container and create a crochet covering to go over it. That might work because the structure will already be there. I will let you know what I come up with.
In closing, I would like to add that this bag would also make a really great beach bag, overnight bag, gym bag, or book bag, among other things. No matter what you use it for, two things this bag will always be, is cute and sturdy!
That’s a wrap for now, but I can’t wait to show you a new project, pattern, or DIY something. Thank you for allowing me to share this cute oversized crochet bag with you. Leave a comment. I love reading them, and please “Like” if you like. I love sewing, and I love sharing my projects with you. Also, if you have not subscribed yet, please consider doing so. You can subscribe below. In the meantime, I will keep making my life better, one project at a time. I hope you do the same.
If you could pay someone else to do something that takes up a lot of your time, time you wish you had to do something you enjoy, what would you pay them to do?
Ps. I’m not there yet, but God willing, I will be.
I love the crochet bag! It just says “summertime”! You could very carefully hand-stitch a small phone pocket with a different color material so it’s easy to find. I also love the idea of a towel basket and can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Thank you for your response Leslie. Yes, it does kind of say “summertime” and I have been carrying it since I made it. And even though it does not go with everything, because it is summer, it goes with everything. Would make a great beach bag.