Yesterday, I wrote about the little crocheted gift bag I was working on. I finished it up this morning, so I could give it to my mother for her birthday. The bag measures approximately 4.5" across, 5" tall, and 2" deep, and is ideal for holding small gifts. It was a fun project: simple and pretty quick to make.
I made the bag itself in five sections: the front and back panels, two side pieces, and the bottom. Each piece is a simple rectangle done in single crochet. To seam the bag, I used an overcast stitch, because it gives a defined ridge where the sewn pieces meet. In this project, that ridge gives the bag edges their clear definition, which allows the finished item to be freestanding and hold its shape. Because the edges tend to curl, I recommend pinning the pieces together before seaming.
For the bag handles, I made knitted i-cord using a 4-peg knitting spool. The contrast between the crocheted bag and the knitted handles adds visual interest. The cord is simply inserted between stitches on the face of the bag and knotted.
This is a versatile project that could be made of a variety of yarns, although cotton and cotton blends are particularly suitable. Give it a try next time you need an extra gift for a special occasion.
