Crocheting is a satisfying hobby that can lead to a variety of useful and beautiful creations. Making a straw bag in the style of Loewe out of crocheted raffia yarn is a great way to make a trendy and eco-friendly accessory.
If this straw bag looks familiar, you’re right: we have a doll-sized version. The mini straw tote was originally intended for the Crochet Hippo we designed, but it quickly went viral, and now everyone is asking if they can get the full human size. And here it is!!!
This tutorial will show you how to crochet a straw bag from raffia yarn from start to finish, allowing you to show off your unique style and flair for environmentally friendly fashion. So, seize your crochet hook and join me on this exciting journey to create your own fashionable summer straw bag!
Craft Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies to get started. Here is a list of what you will require:
- Raffia Yarn
Raffia yarn, made from the natural fibers of trees, adds a unique and rustic charm to the bag, making it ideal for carrying your essentials in style. Look for raffia yarn in your desired color that can be found in craft stores or online. We crochet the straw bag with 5 strands of raffia yarn to achieve a distinct texture and appearance.
Otherwise, you can substitute another yarn, such as 5 strands of Sport weight yarn or a single strand of super bulky yarn.
Check the gauge swatch dimension to ensure your straw bag will come out about the same size as the pattern.
- Crochet Hook
This straw bag was crocheted with a 10mm crochet hook. This is because multiple strands of yarn are used to produce an equivalent super bulky yarn weight.
- Bag Handles
In this pattern, we used a pair of leather rolled handles. However, you may choose other styles and materials to make yours. Or, you can even crochet one yourself, such as the handles in our Jute Star Stitch Tote pattern.
- Scissors
To cut the yarn, you’ll need a pair of sharp scissors.
- Tapestry Needle
Use this needle to weave loose ends and sew the handles.
- Stitch Markers
These will aid in marking your stitches and rounds.
- Measuring Tape
To measure your swatch dimension and the completed straw bag.
FAQ About Straw Bag
Before we get into the crochet pattern and tutorials, let me answer a few frequently asked questions:
Are straw handbags a timeless style?
It’s true that straw handbags have stood the test of time. Straw handbags have remained popular for many years despite the ebb and flow of fashion trends. Their effortless and natural style allows them to transition easily between seasons and trends.
What is the use of a straw bag?
Straw bags are extremely versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts and purposes. As an example:
– A Beach Vacation! These bags are the ideal beach accessory because they are both fashionable and functional.
– Bags for Everyday Use: These bags are lightweight and roomy, making them ideal for carrying your daily essentials.
– A Shopping Trip: A sturdy straw bag allows you to carry your weekly grocery haul and some fresh produce in style while also being environmentally friendly.
– Straw bags can also be used as fashion statements, drawing attention to your unique sense of style.
How do you take care of a straw bag?
After spending your valuable time crocheting the straw bag, it is critical to maintain its beauty and durability.
1. Keep the bag away from rain and water splashes and avoid exposing it to excessive moisture. If it gets wet, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth and allow it to dry naturally.
2. Use caution when handling the bag, avoiding excessive pressure or placing heavy items that may damage the delicate raffia.
3. Clean the bag on a regular basis by brushing off any loose dirt or debris and wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary.
4. Avoid exposing the bag to direct sunlight for an extended period of time, as this can cause fading or brittleness.
You can keep your straw bag looking beautiful and in good condition by following these care instructions.
How To Crochet Raffia Straw Bag
After you’ve gathered your supplies, we’ll begin by creating a circle base for the bag and then work our way up to the body. Crochet in rounds is done in a spiral, so there is no joining after each round. Mark the beginning of the round with a stitch marker, either a plastic stitch marker or a short strand of stash yarn.
Once the bag is done, sew the handles on.
The crochet stitches used in this project include the magic ring, single crochet, single crochet in 3rd loop, and slip stitch, which are all basic stitches that are easy to crochet.
If you want to learn more about crochet basics, check out our complete guide to crochet for beginners.
Get the full written pattern in the pattern section, then crochet along with the detailed directions below.
Prepare your yarn by drawing each strand from the 5 rolls of raffia yarn. Begin by making a magic ring with these 5 strands of yarn, then work 6 single crochet stitches into the magic ring. Pull the yarn tail to close the hole in the magic ring.
From the second round on, work the single crochet in the third loop of the previous round stitch. No turning is required; all crochet is done from the right side of the project.
This is how the front of the project looks after two rounds. The horizontal V appears in a spiral direction.
Continue crocheting in the third loop for the rest of the pattern.
You’ll get this dome-shaped base after you finish the base pattern. It will be flattened once it is blocked.
Press the bottom with a warm iron, preferably with a steam setting. Cover a light-colored yarn with a scrap piece of fabric when blocking it. This prevents the stain of an iron’s base from staining the yarn.
Adjust the base while it is still warm to get a perfect circle. When you measure the base, you should get a flat circle with an 11″ diameter.
Allow it to cool before proceeding with the body of the straw bag.
Continue to crochet by following the free crochet pattern provided. After the bag is finished, weave in all yarn ends with a tapestry needle.
Block the entire straw bag once more with a steamed warm iron, making sure to cover the bag with a scrap of fabric while ironing.
If the crochet tension is correct, the finished size should be 40″ in circumference and 13″ from the base center to the top edge. It’s okay if it’s not exactly this figure because everyone’s crochet tension varies.
Allow the bag to cool before sewing the handles.
Mark the handles’ sewing positions, which are 13 stitches apart and 7 rows below the top edge.
Mark another handle on the opposite side and make sure they are evenly spaced.
Pin the handle on the making before sewing.
If you’re using the same handles as these, sew the pre-punched holes from one end to the other with back stitches.
Since there is no lining in the straw shoulder bag, we need to keep the stitching from showing from the back. So, when you bring the needle back to the front, make sure the thread doesn’t cross the outermost yarn in the bag.
Done!
WHAT’S NEXT:
- Start crocheting and share your completed handmade on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us, @craftpassion, so that we are able to see them.
- Pin it to Pinterest for a future To-Crochet List
- Share with your crochet groups for a crochet-along event.
- If you are new to crochet, we have a comprehensive guide for beginners.
- Browse more free crochet patterns to make, particularly for crochet bags & purses.
Straw Bag Crochet Pattern
Free crochet pattern for a lovely straw bag made from raffia yarn. It's ideal for a casual and beach look. The crochet pattern uses basic crochet stitches and has simple instructions.
Materials
- Raffia Yarn, 5 rolls (273 yards each roll) or Acrylic Yarn (sport weight)
- Rolled Leather Purse Handles
- Strong Thread (to sew purse handles)
Tools
- 10.0 mm hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Instructions
- Crochet the straw bag by following the crochet patterns stated below.
- Block the crochet piece as instructed in the pattern.
- Weave in all yarn ends.
- Sew the handles to the tote at about 13 stitches apart and 7 rows below the top edge. Repeat the same to the other handle.
Abbreviations
MR: magic ring
sc: single crochet
3rd loop: the horizontal bar at the back of the sc stitch
sl st: slip stitch
inc: 2sc increase
Crochet Tension
4" x 4" gauge swatch: 7 sts x 9 rows single crochet in 3rd loop
STRAW BAG CROCHET PATTERN
With 5 strands of yarn and a 10 mm crochet hook:
Base
Round 1: sc 6 in MR. {6}
From here onwards, all single crochet stitches are done in the stitch's 3rd loop of the previous round.
Round 2: inc around. {12}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc 2, inc] around. {24}
Round 5: [sc 3, inc] around. {30}
Round 6: [sc 2, inc, sc 2] around. {36}
Round 7: [sc 5, inc] around. {42}
Round 8: [sc 3, inc, sc 3] around. {48}
Round 9: sc around. {48}
Round 10: [sc 7, inc] around. {54}
Round 11: sc around. {54}
Round 12: [sc 4, inc, sc 4] around. {60}
Don't cut the yarn; instead, pull the working loop larger and remove the hook.
Block the base by pressing it with a warm iron, preferably with a steam setting. Let it cool completely before working on the body.
Body
Continue for the body by inserting the hook back into the working loop and pulling the working yarn to tighten the loop on the hook.
Round 13 - 14: sc around. {60}
Round 15: [sc 9, inc] around. {66}
Round 16 - 17: sc around. {66}
Round 18: [sc 5, inc, sc 5] around. {72}
Round 19 - 29: sc around. {72}
Round 30: sl st around. {72}
Fasten and hide yarn ends.
Block the body by pressing it with a warm iron, preferably with a steam setting. Let it cool completely before sewing the handles to the bag.
Notes
Depending on the speed and hours you spend on the project, the total time needed is only an approximation.
Get the full article at https://www.craftpassion.com/straw-bag-crochet-pattern/
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