Today we will learn how to crochet a square bag using two different yarns held together. The project is suitable even for beginners, since it uses only half double crochet. Side seams and braided handles complete this bag, which will be your companion throughout the summer and, in our opinion, is perfect for the beach too, holding sunscreen, sunglasses and a book. The Stromboli and Ariel yarns chosen for this project make this accessory uniquely simple: Stromboli is a pure cotton tape available in many colours, while Ariel has a base of recycled cotton tape enriched with a Lurex thread – a perfect pairing.

Now pick your favourite colours in these two yarns to create your square bag; there are endless combinations, and it will be fun to find your own. Then dive into the pattern.

Tutorial: how to crochet a square bag

MATERIALS
Stromboli yarn col. Sunset 400 g / 14.1 oz
Ariel yarn col. Breeze 100 g / 3.5 oz
Crochet hook n° 7 EU / K-10½ US
Tapestry needle

GAUGE – SINGLE CROCHET
(with both yarns held together)
10 cm x 10 cm / 4″ x 4″
7 stitches and 7 rows

CROCHET STITCHES USED
Chain
Single crochet

FINISHED BAG MEASUREMENTS (excluding handles)
36 x 29 cm / 14.2″ x 11.4″

DIFFICULTY
Easy

INSTRUCTIONS

The bag is worked holding the yarn double (= 1 strand of Stromboli and 1 strand of Ariel together), in a single rectangular panel forming both back and front. The handles are made separately and knotted onto the bag.

How to make the front and back panel

With crochet hook size 7 EU / K-10½ US and Stromboli and Ariel held together, chain 26 and work 40 rows in single crochet, replacing the first stitch of each row with 1 chain. Fasten off.

Finishing the bag and making the handles

Fold the panel in half lengthwise and sew the sides to close the bag. Make 2 handles. For each handle, cut 6 strands of Stromboli and 6 strands of Ariel, each about 80 cm / 31.5″ long. Gather the strands together and tie a knot, leaving an initial tail of about 15 cm / 6″. Divide the strands into 3 bundles, each with 2 strands of Stromboli and 2 strands of Ariel, then work a simple braid for about 40 cm / 15.7″ and secure it with a knot, leaving the remaining tails loose.

Attach the first handle to the upper edge of the front panel, 6 stitches in from the side seams: using the crochet hook, pull half of the strands at one end of the handle through the corresponding stitch and tie them together with the remaining strands, leaving a short length beyond the existing knot; repeat for the other end of the handle. Trim the strands to the desired length. Attach the second handle to the upper edge of the back panel in the same way.