This free crochet pattern creates a large, square-based project bag (suitable for storing yarn and works-in-progress) inspired by Frida Kahlo’s art and color palette. It uses a combination of Stylecraft Special Chunky and Stylecraft Special DK yarns. The bag is constructed from five crocheted squares (four sides and a base) that are individually lined with fabric and stiffener before being sewn and crocheted together. The top edge is finished with a crocheted border and handles, which are reinforced with piping cord.
Skill Level: Due to the multi-step construction (crocheting squares, lining, assembly, handles) and some more intricate stitches, this pattern is best suited for an intermediate to advanced crocheter (and someone comfortable with basic sewing). The required skills are:
- Crochet:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Double crochet (dc) – The pattern uses UK terminology. This is a US single crochet.
- Half treble crochet (htr) – UK terminology. This is a US half double crochet.
- Treble crochet (tr) – UK terminology. This is a US double crochet.
- Popcorn stitch (a cluster stitch)
- Standing tr (a way to start a round with a treble crochet)
- Standing dc (a way to start a round with a double crochet)
- Working in the round
- Changing colors
- Joining yarn
- Working with two strands of yarn held together
- Seaming (crocheting pieces together)
- Sewing:
- Basic machine sewing (straight seams)
- Hand sewing (attaching lining, closing seams, securing piping cord)
- Cutting fabric and stiffener
- Using a ruler and cutting mat
- Using a thermal pen or tailor’s chalk
- Potentially sewing on lace.
Sizing: The finished bag is approximately 12 inches (30cm) square.
Materials:
- Yarn:
- Stylecraft Special Chunky:
- Parchment (1218): 2 balls
- Plum (1061): 1 ball
- Denim (1302): 1 ball
- Meadow (1065): 1 ball
- Gold (1709): 1 ball
- Spice (1711): 1 ball
- Black (1002): 1 ball
- Stylecraft Special DK:
- Bright Pink (1435): 1 ball
- Fiesta (1257): 1 ball
- Stylecraft Special Chunky:
- Hook: Size 5mm crochet hook (US H/8 or Canadian size 6)
- Other:
- Blunt-ended needle (for weaving in ends)
- Sharp scissors
- Table protector, stiff interfacing, or other stiffening material (for lining)
- Matching sewing thread
- Sewing machine
- Needle (for hand sewing)
- Ruler and cutting mat
- Thermal pen (marks disappear when ironed) or tailor’s chalk
- Fabric (cotton or similar) for lining and pockets
- Lace (for embellishment – optional)
- 80 inches (2 meters) of 10mm black piping cord (to reinforce the top and handles)
Construction:
- Flower Squares (Make 4):
- Each square is worked in rounds, starting with a chain-4 ring.
- The pattern features a 3D flower motif in the center, created with popcorn stitches and layered petals.
- Specific color sequences are provided for each of the four flower squares, using a combination of Stylecraft Special Chunky and DK yarns. Rounds 3 and 14 use two strands of DK yarn held together.
- The squares are worked to Round 15.
- Base Square (Make 1):
- The base square is similar to the flower squares but without the 3D flower.
- It uses a slightly different stitch pattern in Rounds 3-5 to create a flatter surface.
- The color sequence is also different from the flower squares.
- The square is worked to Round 15.
- Lining the Squares:
- Each of the five squares is individually lined with fabric and stiffener.
- Detailed instructions are provided for cutting the fabric, sewing the lining, inserting the stiffener, and attaching the lining to the crochet squares.
- Optional pockets can be added to the lining of the side squares.
- Assembling the Bag:
- The five lined squares are arranged with the base square in the center and the four flower squares forming the sides.
- The squares are joined together using a crochet hook and black chunky yarn. You work double crochet (UK dc / US sc) stitches through both loops of the edge stitches of adjacent squares, holding them wrong sides together.
- Finishing the Top and Adding Handles:
- Three rounds of double crochet (UK dc / US sc) are worked around the top edge of the assembled bag, using black yarn.
- The handle color is then changed (the pattern suggests plum).
- The handles are created by working a base chain, skipping stitches along the top edge of the bag, and then working rounds of double crochet over the chains and along the bag’s top edge.
- The handles are worked in multiple rounds, alternating between the handle color and black.
- The edges of the handles are sewn together to form a tube.
- The top edge of the bag is folded over and sewn in place (using the handle color).
- Piping cord is inserted into the handles and around the top of the bag for added strength and structure.
- Optional Embellishments:
- The pattern suggests making some additional flowers to attach.
Key Features:
- Frida Kahlo Inspired Design: Uses vibrant colors and a floral motif inspired by the artist.
- 3D Flower Squares: The side squares feature a textured, three-dimensional flower.
- Lined and Stiffened: The individual squares are lined with fabric and stiffener for durability and shape.
- Detailed Instructions: The pattern provides very detailed, round-by-round instructions, color sequences, and tips.
- Mixed Media: Combines crochet and sewing.
- Reinforced Handles: Piping cord adds strength and structure to the handles and top edge.
- Customizable: The pattern offers suggestions for adjusting the size, handle length, and embellishments.
- UK Terminology: The pattern uses UK crochet terms. This is crucial to note.