Crochet Ruffled Bottom Bag

Create a stylish bag with a ruffled bottom using the art of crochet. This project involves using a crochet hook and yarn to craft a unique and fashionable accessory. The ruffled bottom adds a fun and playful touch to the bag, making it stand out from typical store-bought options. By following a crochet pattern or designing your own, you can customize the size, color, and style of the bag to suit your personal taste. Crocheting a ruffled bottom bag is a creative and rewarding way to showcase your skills and express your individuality through handmade fashion.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Required Supplies:

• RED HEART Super Saver: 1 skein 579 Pale Plum A
• RED HEART Boutique Sashay Metallic: 1 ball 1957 Icy Lilac B
• Susan Bates Crochet Hook: 6.5mm [US K-10½]
• Yarn needle
• 4 stitch markers

Additional Supplies Needed:

Sewing needle and thread to match B-colored yarn, 4” x 12” (10 x 30.5 cm) piece of cardboard (optional)

Gauge/Tension: GAUGE: 13 sts = 4” (10 cm) in double crochet; Rows 1–4 of bottom section = 1½” (4 cm). CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

Bag measures 13” wide across bottom x 6” high x 4¾” deep (33 x 15 x 12 cm) not including straps.

Special Stitches

• dc2tog = [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook.
• Fpdc (Front post double crochet) = Yarn over, insert hook from front side of work to back and to front again around post of indicated stitch; yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through 2 loops (1 loop on hook).
• reverse sc (reverse single crochet) = Work single crochet in opposite direction from which you would usually work (left to right if you are right-handed and right to left if you are left-handed). This stitch is also known as crab stitch. It creates a rope-like twisted single crochet edging.
• rfsc (ruffle single crochet) = With holes at top, hold doubled length of B to right side of A-colored section; working through both “thicknesses” of B, insert hook in next space of B from front to back and in next stitch, yarn over with A, draw up a loop through both holes of B and current stitch (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

Special Technique

Working with mesh yarn = Spread the yarn open with ladder edge at top and wider metallic edge at bottom. Continue to spread the yarn open as you work so that you can see the spaces of the top ladder edge. Stitches are made by inserting the hook into indicated hole at the top of ladder edge and pulling the working yarn through the loops on the hook. Always insert the hook from the front to the back through each hole.

Notes

1. Bag is made from bottom up beginning with 2 sections worked in rows.

2. Sections are joined to form body and gussets which are worked in joined rounds with right side facing at all times. Place marker on first stitch of round and move up as each round is completed.

3. Doubled length of mesh yarn is held to right side of bag; work into each hole at top edge to create soft ruffles.

BAG

Bottom

Section #1

Leaving a tail for sewing, ch 40.

Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook (beginning ch does not count as a st) and in each ch across, turn—38 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each dc across, turn.

Row 3: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), dc in each sc across, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each dc across, ch 10—38 sc and 1 ch-10 tail. Fasten off.

Section #2

Work same as section #1 but do not fasten off at end of Row 4.

Body and Gussets

Round 1 (right side): With ch-10 tail of section #1 at your yarn hand, slip st in first sc, ch 2, *dc in each sc across, place markers on first and 38th dc, dc in each ch (gusset made); working in section #2 and taking care not to twist ch-10 tail, repeat from * once; join with slip st in first dc—96 sts (38 dc on each side and two 10-dc gussets). Replace first marker with marker of a different color for beginning of round and move markers up as each round is completed.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around; join with slip st in first sc.

Round 3: Ch 2, dc in each st around; join with slip st in first dc.

Rounds 4 and 5: Repeat Rounds 2 and 3.

Cut 2 lengths of B, each measuring 8½’ (2.5 m), for ruffles. Fold each length in half, aligning holes at top ladder edge, and work through double “thickness”.

Round 6 (ruffle round): Ch 1, holding length of B with folded edge near hook, rfsc in each st to last 3 sts, count next 7 holes of B and cut off remaining yarn, fold each layer of B inward to enclose cut edge; inserting hook through 4

“thicknesses” of each remaining hole, rfsc in last 3 sts; join with slip st in first sc.

Round 7: Repeat Round 3.

Round 8: Repeat Round 2.

Round 9: Ch 2, dc in first 38 sts, *[dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog] twice, 2 dc in next st*, dc in next 38 sts; repeat from * to * once; join with slip st in first dc—92 sts (38 dc in each side and 8 dc in each gusset).

Round 10: Repeat Round 2.

Round 11: Ch 2, dc in first 38 sts, *dc in next 2 sts, [dc2tog] twice, 2 dc in next st*, dc in next 38 sts; repeat from * to * once; join with slip st in first dc—88 sts (38 dc in each side and 6 dc in each gusset).

Round 12: Repeat Round 6.

Round 13: Ch 2, dc in first 38 sts, *[dc in next st, dc2tog] twice*, dc in next 38 sts; repeat from * to * once; join with slip st in first dc—84 sts (38 dc in each side and 4 dc in each gusset).

Round 14: Repeat Round 3.

Round 15: Ch 2, *Fpdc around next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around; join with slip st in first Fpdc.

Round 16: Ch 2, Fpdc around first Fpdc, skip next dc, *Fpdc around next Fpdc, skip next dc; repeat from * around; join with slip st in first Fpdc—42 sts.

Round 17: Ch 2, Fpdc around each Fpdc; join with slip st in first Fpdc.

Round 18: Ch 1, sc in each st around; join with slip st in first sc.

Round 19: Ch 1, reverse sc in each st around; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off.

FINISHING

Working through both sets of loops of foundation chains, sew Row 1 of each bottom section together. Working through loops of foundation chains, sew bottom edge of gussets to ends of rows of bottom sections. Sew first and last stitches together in Round 1 of body. With sewing needle and thread, tack cut edges of B to mesh, then sew folded edges of B together at beginning and ends of rounds. Gently pull B to open ruffles.

Strap (make 2)

With B, work as many ch as needed for 30” (76 cm) or desired length.

Row 1: Slip st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off.

Use photograph as a guide for finishing. Insert a strap end from wrong side to right side at each marked stitch. Adjust to desired length and knot each end to secure in place.

Insert (optional) Trim corners of the cardboard to create rounded edges and place in the bottom of the bag to prevent sagging. Weave in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS

A, B = Color A, Color B;

ch = chain;

dc = double crochet;

sc = single crochet;

st(s) = stitch(es);

( ) = work directions in parentheses into same st;

[ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified;

* = repeat whatever follows the * as indicated.