My latest creation….. the Shaggy Bag which I have been talking over the previous 2 posts, where I showed how to make the zipper pocket and 6-compartment slip pocket. This is the bag that has them in it. So get ready to create one of the coolest fashion handbags with your own hands!
Remember the loop stitch crochet video, I made this bag out of this stitch. The material I used is poly jersey interlock, exactly the same material I used for the locker hook projects. This material is smooth and has some elastic property so it is easy to crochet. The lustrous finishing makes the bag shimmering. The loops can be cut to make the bag looks furry, but I kept it uncut until I get bored with loops :p
This tutorial is a little longer as I am covering everything in detail and squeeze them into 1 post, including crochet of shaggy bag, attach of handlers, and insert of the lining. Hope I made them clear to understand with all the step-by-step pictures. Let me know if I have left out anything or going too brief.
Shaggy Bag Crochet Pattern
MATERIAL:
Shaggy Bag
1. 6 yards of poly jersey interlock, cut 5 yards into 3/4″ strips along the warp direction to get 5 yards long for each strip. Join the strips and roll it into a ball of jersey yarn. As an alternative, you can also use T-shirt yarn that you recycle from a T-shirt or bed sheet or new fabric. (Click here to see how to join strip, you have to scroll down to the middle of that post a little to reach the instruction.)
2. Reserve 1 yard for handles and wrappers.
3. Chrome-plated ring (2″ dia) – 4 pcs. You can substitute them with other materials or shapes.
4. 5mm crochet hook.
Lining
1. Quilt quality fabric – 1/2 yard (enough for lining and pockets)
2. Interfacing – 1/2 yard
3. Zipper – minimum 12″
4. Nylon or strong thread
5. Sewing essentials
Crochet Pattern
Measurement (excluding handle): 12 1/2″ (W) x 8 1/2″ (H) x 2 1/2″ (D)
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
LS = loop stitch
sc = single crochet
ec = each
sl st = slip stitch
fo = fasten off
Base
Starting chain: Chain 41
Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in back loop only of next 39 ch; 3 sc in last ch, rotate (don’t turn) and continue along other side of the foundation ch, sc in remaining loop of ea of next 38 ch, 2 sc in last ch of this round, sl st to first ch. (82 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first sc, sc in ea of next 38 sc, 2 sc in ea of next 3 sc, sc in ea of next 38 sc, 2 sc in ea of next 2 sc. Join with a sl st to first ch. (88 sc)
Body (1 round has 88 sc)
Round 3: Ch1, LS in ea sc, around, sl st to first chain. The loops are about 2″ long, use finger to gauge the length.
Round 4: Ch1, sc in ea sc, around, sl st to first chain.
Round 5 – 22: Repeat round 3 and round 4 another 9 times.
Attaching ring to the bag See below first 2 pictures.
Round 23 – Ch1, sc in ea sc of next 5 sc, [ring 1]*pass strip through the ring, sc* repeat 5 times, sc in ea of next 20 sc, [ring 2]*pass strip through the ring, sc* repeat 5 times, sc in ea of next 14 sc, [ring 3]*pass strip through the ring, sc* repeat 5 times, sc in ea of next 20 sc, [ring 4]*pass strip through the ring, sc* repeat 5 times, sc in ea of next 9 sc, sl st to first chain.
Round 24- Ch1, sc in ea sc, around, sl st to first chain. Fo. Hide ends.
Attaching Ring
Passing the jersey yarn over the ring before the single crochet.
After 5 single crochets to the ring, before working the last row of sc.
Cut the reserved 1-yard poly jersey interlock into 6″ wide along warp direction, 6 pcs of them.
Fold them into halve (3″ wide), stack 3 of them and sew at 2″ from the edge at one end. Braid the strips until you get a length of 12″ long (braid more if you want a longer handle), arrange the ends nicely and sew. Cut the remaining length by leaving a 2″ allowance. You have a 2″straight, 12″ braided, and 2″ straight handle. Make 2.
Fold 1 end over the ring, make a few stitches to secure it. Repeat all 4 ends.
Cut 2″ x 3.5″, 2 from jersey interlock, and 2 from lining fabric. Fold the 2″ side to about third to have a width of 3/4″, wrap around the sewn stitches of the handle. Begin at the center, sew a few stitches to attach 1 end of the wrapper to the handle. Sew along the center of the wrapper to the handle as you go round, avoid catching the wrapper’s front layer for aesthetic purpose. Till you come back and reach the start end, fold in the end (if your wrapper is too long cut the extra length before folding) and slip stitch at the center.
Attaching Lining
Measure the bag, I had 12.5″ W x 8.5″ H x 2.5″ D, if yours is different, adjust the measurement of the lining accordingly.
Cut the lining fabric (with seam allowance of 0.5″) to:
Width =0.5 + 12.5 + 2.5 + 0.5 = 16″, and
Length =0.5 + 1* + 8.5 + 2.5 + 8.5 + 1* +0.5 = 22.5″.
Top cover for zipper, D = 0.5 + 1 + 0.5 = 2″, W=16″, 2 pcs.
*The 1″ on the length is actually 2.5″ for the top of the bag, but since there is a zipper, I deducted 0.5″ away.
Iron the fusible interfacing to all the wrong side to make the bag lining more steady.
Attach zipper pocket 3.5″ from the top, 6-compartment slip pocket 7.5 from bottom
Sandwich the zipper in between the lining and top cover, with the right-side of the zipper facing the right side of the top cover. Sew.
Repeat the same to the other side of the zipper.
Top stitch a line 1″ from the zipper, this is the line where you are going to sew the lining to the shaggy bag.
Sew the sides. Flatten the corner into a triangle shape, sew at 2.5″ width between the 1″ line (this is the depth of the bag), clip off the corner. Repeat all 4 corners. Add a zipper stopper if you like.
This is how the lining looks like before inserting to the shaggy bag.
Insert the lining into the shaggy bag. Be sure that they are aligned symmetrically, side meets side and center meets center. Pin to secure.
Use nylon or strong thread (2 strands), slip stitch the lining to the shaggy bag.
Complete!!!
Bring it out to show off your one-of-a-kind yet trendy looking handmade…. the SHAGGY BAG!!! I am sure you are going to feel proud of yourself to accomplish this!!! I did 🙂
just have to say this is the cutest purse. I am going to give it a try.
Thank you, Lynda. Hope to see it after you have done 🙂
la verdad que tengo bastante idea pero para mi concepto seria mejor que las instrucciones fueran en video
Translation (by Google):
the truth that I have a pretty good idea but my best serious concept that the instructions were in video
Buenas,
Por favor si fueras tan amablende enviarme un correo con las instrucciones en español tu que ya sabes como hacerlo, te lo agradeceria mucho. Mi correo es, [email protected]
Saludos
Translation (by Google):
Good, Please, if you would be so kind as to send me an email with the instructions in Spanish, you already know how to do it, I would greatly appreciate it. My email is, [email protected] regards
Hi, I bought the same green colour 🙂 I’ve done up to round 22 but my bag looks wider and shorter, haha! Must be my tension error. I’m just going to continue adding more rounds to the height to make it look more balanced before adding the ring. I can’t find the metal ring here in Ipoh so I have to make do with a rectangle one instead.
I have a problem with the knot ending at the loop facing out, not very pretty. How do you solve this issue, if you do get this? Although it’s not very noticeable, I hope to not have the knot right at the peak of the loop. Thanks a lot. Hope to find an orange colour material to make the next one, but yes, cutting is a chore!
Hello . . . I absolutely love this bag! I’ve chained the 41 stitches and followed the instructions until you rotate . . . once you rotate, do you chain another 41 stitches, single crochet as with the first set and then slip stitch the two together?
Thank you!
Hi Deb, you don’t have to chain another 41 stitches after you rotate, instead, do the sc through the balance loop of the chain.
Idont understand how do you get the loop stitch,at the outside of the bag.do you have to turn,each row.thanks
Hi Suzzette, there is a video on how to crochet the loop stitch (you can find the link within the post). Indeed, the loops are formed at the wrong side of the work. You don’t have to turn the project, it is working around.
Where do you buy this yarn?
It is cut from fabric.
hola soy principiante en el tema de tejer, mi inquietud es saber si hay videos explicativos de como realizar carteras por que se me dificulta entender por escrito. desde muchas gracias y muy lindos sus trabajos.
Translation (by Google):
hi i am beginner in knitting theme, my concern is whether there videos explaining how to make purses that are difficult to understand me in writing. thank you very much for your work and very cute.
Hi Marina, I didn’t do video on this bag but I did the loop stitch video. Sorry.
Gosh, Craft Passion! I truly can’t get over this bag. It’s simply amazing! I’m still wondering if anyone out there would make this bag for me. I found out I also have carpal tunnel and have to wear a brace 24/7 on my right hand for 6 weeks then get tested again to see if there’s any improvement. It’s difficult typing with 1 hand, don’t think I can crochet with 1 hand! lol
I’m not asking to make it for free…I
My dear, you are a genius. This is an amazingly beautiful bag! I love how eco-friendly it is, and it looks absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much for this awesome tutorial! Keep doing what you do!
I love your bag! Although you recommend a little stretch I have some awesome ribbon yarn I am going to try! Thanks for sharing your talents.
Am I allowed to sell the finished items that I make from your written patterns?
I have no problem on this 🙂
Is there someone here in the Dearborn/Detroit area who can make the bag for me? Just wondering because as I said before, I only know some basics but I didn’t tell you I have severe neuropathy in my hands from chemo, they burn, hurt and are numb. I really don’t think I would be able to make it. I have no feeling in my fingers I can’t pick up things. My right hand is especially bad, my thumb, middle and ring finger have absolutely no feeling.
Is this bag very hard to make? I do know the basics of crocheting but that’s bout it. I never made anything following instructions. It looks like a foreign language to me. I love this bag and really want one. Are there videos on how it’s made? The shaggy part looks difficult!
dear Joanne L. I love this bag. problem is I need help with what you call the loop stitch. could you eplain it to me?
There is a link to the loop stitch tutorial within the page, click it and it will show you how to crochet it.
very good
oh my, this bag is gorgeous, I love it, I have been wanting to get into making stuff for a while and bags are my passion although price is my enemy, aswell as practicality! most bags do not have enough pockets ect for me to keep organized, but the idea of making my own beautiful bag which can have as many pockets I need and be the size i want is magic. but i have never crocheted before ever, but am determined to make this my first attempt! any advice ! if you could possibly send me a even more simplified version of the stitches etc then you would be an absolute star ! x
This is TOO, TOO beautiful!!!!!! Original and really spectacular, inside and out.
i came across your site and love the look of your loop handbag. i had to make me one in my fav colors red, white and blue, americana girl! thanks for clear patterns thats easy to read. i am avid crocheter….
Hello. I’m so happy i found your blog and knew you. You very helpful, clever, skillful and creative. How did you learn to do these things. I’m proud of you. Just now, i’m trying to start small business in handmade art. So i want to make many beautiful things like not handmade. Thank you dear 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, Oyuka. Majority of the crafts I made are self taught from books.
LOVE this bag and can think of quite a few people who would love one as well. If I didn’t work this in the poly-jersey right away, do you think it would work with regular yarn as well? Also what did you mean when you said to cut along the warp, does that mean cutting with the stretch or against it?
Thanks in advance and thanks a million for the pattern 🙂
Chunky & bulky yarn should work too but you have to check the tension gauge so that it won’t come out too small.
Cutting along warp direction means cut in parallel with the fabric selvages (the side).
hello! thank you for this amazing pattern i’m about to begin. i was wondering if i could just join the strips as i would with a new skien of yarn? or if there is a reason for joining with cutting the slits in each end of material? thank you!
Yes, you may do that as long as it is not too bulky to crochet.
Потрясающая сумка!Спасибо!
Translation (by Google):
Awesome bag, Thank you!
I am a relative newbie to crocheting. When you say to “rotate” and not “turn,” can you please describe the difference? I am not sure what the difference is. Also, is this pattern easy enough for a beginner to crocheting? It looks simple enough and I have basic crocheting knowledge, but I don’t want to start it until I know for sure. It looks gorgeous. Finally, if I want a slightly taller bag or wider bag, how do I modify? THANKS!
Nicole
Good question, Nicole. Turn usually means you turn from right side to wrong side. Rotate in the pattern above means that you “turn” to the other side of the loops of the foundation chain and still crochet on the right side.
WOW! You have just made me want to learn how to crochet!
My grandaughter Sara has learned how to corchet from the computer. I got her some yarn and needles. She just made a hat with a flower on it, It is beautiful. I never have tackled anything that hard. I am so proud of her. She now has a new hobby that will comfort her and she is going to make your purse and a hat for a friend. Thank you for the great instructions.
I just came across this site and I love your loop bag, I am going to try to make it, I am a beginner at crocheting is it something a beginner can do? And love the green, so cheerful..Thank you for sharing…
Terri, sorry to say that this is not suitable for beginner. May be you can try crochet drawstring bag at this moment and come back later when you have gained more experiences 🙂
Hi editor 🙂 how r u ?
I told u before that i will made like bag >> and i do ^^
but with thread of wool not jersey interlock fabric
my mom encouraged me to make big one
thank you editor 🙂 im so glad now
Wow, can’t wait to see your bag!!!! Do keep us update 🙂
Thank you found your tutorial very resourceful. I liked how you crocheted in your loops, as well as my next liner, I will have to try a pocket or even a zipper pocket. Very educational and I love it. Thank you again.
You are most welcome, Kelly!!! I am happy to know that this helps 🙂
Hi editor (craft possion)
i like this bag .. and i hope to do like it >>> soon
but, do u have a video shows the details .. and i dont understand what do u use for crochet this bag a thread wool? or another thing?
can u help me please!!!
thanks ..
i mean wool or fabric? and what is the size of the crochet hook ?
Hi Sara,
The material and crochet hook are on the above tutorial, poly jersey interlock fabric strips with 5mm crochet hook.
Hope to see your bag soon 🙂
,,, you are really wonderful..
it’s nice to share with you ^^
🙂
I am triple checking on yards of fabric for this project. 6 yards is a LOT of fabric. I have yarns of jersey that I have from tshirts. So are you saying that I need about 350 yards of continuous strips? Thank you. I can’t wait to make this bag. Do you have any photos of the beginning of this project like the ones for the lining. I am not understanding how the bag is together.
It uses a lot of materials due to it’s loops. I didn’t calculate the total yardage after cutting them into strips. I bought 6 yards, used 5 yards for the strips and reserved 1 yard for the handles. At the end of the project, I still have some balance strips but not a lot. 6 yards are on the high side since everyone’s loop length is different, so better to have more.
There are 2 tutorials on sewing the pockets for the bag, and, this is the only tutorial for the lining.
Thank you for your quick response! I will get 6 yards of fabric then. I am looking forward to this project. thanks
Oh yeah, keep us posted about your progress 🙂
WONDERFUL TUTORIAL! I have a question: can I buy the material on line? Do you have any tips for me? I’m writing from Italy and it’s very hard to find a cheap solution.
Thank you!
This is such a great tutorial! Me and some friends made some together. SO cute! I just wondered if you had any tricks to cutting the strips of the jersey interlock? We used a rotary cutter. Also.. can you explain a little further in depth how you slip stitched the lining to the bag?
Thanks so much!
wow, that’s very pretty. I love it!
Hi,
I was just wondering how many yards of tarn you need for this project? I have found that the fabric varies in the width and I want to make sure I buy enough of the fabric
I am not sure about the yardage after making it tarn. The fabric width is 60″, so if you work out the math, (60/0.75) x 5, it is about 360 yards assuming there is 10% wastage.
I’m making this bag and am not sure the 1″ strips are a good fit with the 5 mm hook. I can’t even chain with it. Should I be using 1/2″ strips or a much larger hook? I like the look of small stitches. Thanks!
Are you using knit fabric? Cotton fabric or other non-stretchy fabric is too stiff for 1″ with 5mm hook. You can try 1/2″ with 5mm hook, test a small sample by pulling the strip to see if it is strong enough for you crochet.
Yes, I was using cotton knit fabric and it wasn’t interlock. I ended up cutting the strips to 1/2″ and using a 6mm hook and it’s worked quite well. I think I’ve found what I’m supposed to use. Thanks!
Oh great that you found a way! Cotton knit is a bit stiff to use compare to the poly knit.
O, this is pure genius. Probably the most beautiful design for “tarn” (t-shirt yarn) I’ve ever seen.
Your bags are lovely, Thank you for sharing – I can’t wait for your store so I can purchase on – I love the color you chose also – I might make a black one for the fall.
Great tutorial! I’ve added your tutorial to my directory of free patterns and tutorials for Purses, Totes & Handbags at http://www.linda-matthews.com/free-purse-patterns-and-tutorials/
Thanks for sharing!
What type of background do you have? Fiber arts, or what? I have never run across someone so talented!
I truely enjoy your website – everyday something new and something I want to make! Where do you find the time?
Wonderful writing, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one interesting post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have provided.
hi,ur creation is totally great. may i have Chinese version of explanation about the process of create the handmade bag since my mom is interesting but she’s no understand English. for her is hard to understand. thanks.=)
May be you can help her to translate instead…. it’s quite hard for me 🙁 I hope I can write a chinese version one day!
Hi,do you sell your bags here?how much if you sell your bags? Im so interested with handmade things but unfortunatelly kindda busying with my work.Im waiting to buy your bags even though i cant make by myself,haha!
Suggest if you can open class at somewhere maybe i’ll be the 1st person to attend your class!
I wish that I open a class to teach but it is not possible yet…
I will email you the detail…
This is really stunning! It’s now on my to do list.
I just love this! Would you stop by my blog linking party (Sun thru Wed) and link to this so i can share it with my readers (and remember to try it [email protected]!) All the best,
can’t wait to check out some of your other crocheting and locker hooking projects. http://www.creativejewishmom.com
Found you and your great purse via DIY day at One Pretty Thing. I love this bag and the color is just so me!! I am going to have to find my crochet hooks!
bee blessed
mary
This is STUNNING! I think I found my summer bag. =) Thanks so much, I’ll be linking.
I love this bag!
I went to buy fabric for this and the woman I asked looked at me with a blank stare when I where the poly jersey interlock fabric was. I don’t know enough about fabrics to know if there’s anything I can substitute that for.
Can you help me with some ideas of what I should look for?
This material is not cotton, it is a kind synthetic (poly) rayon that being used to make T-shirts. Most sport-ware nowadays are using this kind of material.
Basically, you can substitute it with cotton T-shirt or anything you can crochet and fray only a little at the raw edge.
Hope this help.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. I’m looking forward to reading your blog, you have many wonderful ideas.
Hi,
You say the fabric is a synthetic (poly) rayon. Wikipedia says about rayon:
“Rayon is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber. Because it is produced from naturally occurring polymers, it is neither a truly synthetic fiber nor a natural fiber; it is a semi-synthetic[1] or artificial[2] fiber. Rayon is known by the names viscose rayon and modal in the textile industry.”
Basically, rayon for sure has nothing to do with poly (polyester), which is a purely synthetic fiber.
Thought you’d like to know… If you have a chance to read this, that is, I just realized that this is 3 yrs old… I just LOVE this handbag, it is sooooo cool, even 3 yrs later (3 yrs ago, I was into knitting/felting bags)!!! 🙂
This bag is totally gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your wonderful creations. xx
You are welcome. Sharing is wonderful 🙂
This bag is simply GOOD! Can I have one, please? 😀
In fact, I plan to sell this for those who can’t sew and crochet. But, let me get my online store ready first. Want to be my first customer?
This indeed is beautiful!! I’m so proud of you 🙂
Thanks, Gargi 🙂 **happy**
this is so pretty! You make really awesome stuff! I’m in awe! 😀
Thanks Miss Crafty Fingers, I love creative handmade 🙂
Very, very good.
Mina
Hi Mina, I am exploring on the flowers you showed me. Will post it soon after I finished it, watch out yay 🙂
All of your projects are amazing, but you’ve really outdone yourself with this one!! I love all the texture from those loops!
I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-shaggy-bag-from-crocheted-jersey-fabric/2010/04/13/
–Anne
Thanks, Anne!!!
You are SO FABULOUS! Every project is more amazing than the next. This bag is so chic. LOVE IT!
This is so cute!!!
I would love to share it!
Thanks, Rene. Please share it among your community by using the “Share This” icon above, it is easy to use!!!
O my goodness! I LOVE this…the green is a perfect color too!
Hola: Que gran tutorial, en verdad una clase magistral. Me encanto la idea.
Muchas gracias
🙂
Translation (by Google):
Hello: What a great tutorial, really a master class. I loved the idea.
Thank you very much
Thanks, Doris. Hope you will try and feedback to me 🙂
Oh, this is very nice.Thanks for sharing with us.
You are welcome 🙂
Fantastic!!!! You must never sleep–how can one person keep coming up with such great designs.
I sleep very little and my brain constantly work to create something useful and beautiful 🙂 I LOVE creation and invention!!!
I am soooo happy I found your blog! You are so clever and make such pretty things, then even better.. share them with everyone 🙂
Thanks for sharing with your friends!!! Love it!!!
Wow, that is so creative and fun! I think I’m going to buy an extra yard of material, and make shoulder straps, just ’cause I like shoulder straps. The design is pure genious! You go, Girl! ♥
The straps are soft, they provide good cushion for our shoulders…. have a try and you will like it 🙂