How to Make a Stripy Shoulder Shopping Bag
The Stripy Shoulder Shopping Bag is a stylish and practical accessory that combines the classic striped pattern with a modern design. This bag is perfect for daily use, whether you're running errands, going to the beach, or just running around town. The striped pattern adds a touch of whimsy and personality to any outfit, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to add a pop of color and style to their look.
UK Terminology
Hook - 5.50mm
Yarn - I used Lily Sugar 'n Cream in various shades. This is a lovely aran weight cotton yarn, so nice and sturdy. However, you can use any aran weight yarn in any fibre. I do think cotton works really well for this project though!
Choose a main colour, which you will use for the underside of the bag, the top row, and handles. I used red and for this pattern, I will refer to red yarn in this instance.
Underside
With red, make 38 ch.
Round 1 - 1 tr in 4th ch from hook (first 3 chs count as a tr), 1 tr in each ch to the end, working 5 tr into the last ch, then working into the bottom side of the chs, work 1 tr in each ch to end, working 4 tr into the last ch (which will be the bottom of the first 3 ch st), join with a sl st into top of first 3 ch st (78 sts).
Round 2 - 3 ch (counts as st), 1 tr in each of next 35 sts, 2tr in next st, 3 tr in next st, 2 tr in next st, 1 tr in next 36 sts, 2 tr in next st, 3 tr in next st, 2 tr in next st, join with a sl st into top of first 3 ch st (86 sts).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Body of Bag
Working in BLO:
Round 1 - Join any other colour yarn to any st of previous round, ch (does not count as st throughout pattern), dc in each st around joining with a sl st in first dc (86 sts).
Round 2 to 49 - Work as Round 1, changing colour randomly with each new round.
Round 50 - Lay the bag flat and count 6 sts in from the left-hand side, join red yarn and crochet around as Round 1 (86 sts). Do not fasten off yarn.
Handles
Working in rows using red yarn:
Row 1 - 1 ch, 1 dc in each of next 12 sts, turn.
Row 2 - 1 ch, 1 dc in each st until last 2 sts, 1 dctg in last 2 sts, turn (11 sts).
Row 3 to 7 - Repeat Row 2, on last row you should be left with 6 sts.
Row 8 - 1 ch, 1 dc in each st to end, turn.
Row 9 to 88 - Repeat Row 8 (or until desired length).
Row 89 - 1 ch, 1 dc in each st until last 1 st, 2 dc in last st (7 sts).
Row 90 to 95 - Repeat Row 89, on last row you should be left with 12 sts.
Fasten off leaving a tail of yarn, lay the bag flat again with the handle on the left-hand side, count 6 sts from the right-hand side and pin and sew the other end of the handle in place. Weave in ends.