Here on Moogly I’ve designed a lot of free crochet patterns, with hopefully many more to come! And one of my favorite things to design are bags. Purses, clutches, soap sacks, market bags, pencil cases, totes – I love them all! And one of my favorite ways to begin a rectangular bottom bag is using the method I want to demonstrate for you today – Bag Bottoms that go from Rows to Rounds!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
While this is a pretty simple thing to do, it’s a hard thing to describe in words – as evidenced by the amount of questions it generates!
Design-wise, I love this method because it allows me to create exactly the stitch count I need to set up my pattern repeat for the rest of the bag. And as a crocheter, it’s a lot easier to make than ovals with special stitch markers and increases and stitch counts that always seem to get lost. Here’s the basic idea:
How to Crochet Bag Bottoms: From Rows to Rounds
In this video tutorial I used the following items (click on each to learn more and purchase your own):
- Furls Fiberarts Wooden Yarn Bowl
- Furls Fiberarts US – I, 5.5mm crochet hook
- Lion Brand Cotton-Ease yarn (48% off)
Of course, when making a pattern using this technique, you should use whatever yarn and hook size that pattern calls for – or whatever gives you the results you’re looking for. Some of the free crochet patterns on Moogly that use this technique include the following:
Bonbon Kisses Crochet Pouch- Chroma Crochet Bag
- Moroccan Market Tote
- Rainbow Happy Fun Pouch
- Tasty Little Chevron Bag
- Wrapped Ombre Tote Bag
- Pampering Massage Soap Saver
- Chic Crochet Casserole and Cake Carrier
- Birch Bark Basket
And I have more to come (one very soon)! As you can see if you’ve watched the video, starting a project this way is a lot like making a tiny blanket. You work back in forth in rows until it’s the size you want, and then you crochet a border all around the edge!
The differences between this technique and bordering a blanket are that for bag bottoms you don’t (usually) increase in the corners, and stitch count always matters! This technique is easy to use, albeit hard to describe in words – or maybe I just haven’t found the right ones yet. Hence the video! I hope this has helped all of you with questions about this technique – and maybe inspired some designs of your own!
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renee says
Great blog post!! Thanks so much~ I have always been a little intimated by trying to crochet a rectangle. But I also do not like thin bottoms to my bags~ a good wide tote is more my style. I have to share a funny… when I first saw this and read it too quickly I though it said “Fat Bottom Girls” ~ Now I can’t get Queen out of my head!! lol
Tamara Kelly says
LOL! Thanks Renee! The great thing about this method is you can always make two rectangles, layer them, and then crochet through both when starting the sides. 🙂
Ginger says
I would like to make a crocheted bag with a stiff bottom, stiff enough to keep the flat part laying flat. Do you have tips for that. I really like your tutorial.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Ginger! For a stiffer bottom, I recommend making two bag bottoms, cutting a piece of plastic canvas just a bit smaller than the crochet pieces, and sandwiching it between the crochet pieces! It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and washable! 🙂 Here’s the stuff I’m referring to, if you’re not familiar (affiliate link): http://amzn.to/1IDz9Tx
Diane Snarski says
This crochet bag caught my eye, I follow the pattern directions up to the bottom of the bag part and went to the video. The video explained the directions clearly and easily enough to follow. Thank you, I learned something about working from rows to rounds in one easy step. Enjoyed that video, hope to see more in the field of crochet, especially, color changing techniques and designs.
Diane Snarski
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Diane!
Claudia says
Thank you soooo much for your wonderful help. Believe it or not I just found your website and what a blessing. I’m a “self-taught” crocheter” and have learned so much from your patterns and tutorials. (love this computer age where I can learn all the time) Thx again……
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Claudia!
Lynne Stranick says
I love your “fantastic square” afghan pattern. I simply cannot wait to make an afghan using your pattern and I love the colors of the navy blue and burgundy square. I promise to share a photo of my completed afghan. Just stumbled upon your site and I find that to be a true blessing. I’m so afraid to lose your pattern that I plan to not log off of my laptop tonight. Silly? Just a little :o)
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Thank you so much Lynne!
Danielle says
do you have any pattern for a Large Gray/Neon Yellow Chevron Tote? Making it for someone and can’t find a pattern anywhere?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Danielle! I’m afraid that one isn’t mine!
Melanie says
Does anyone have ideas on lining a crochet purse with plastic canvas after the purse is crocheted? I’d like it to be stiffened. Thank you.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Melanie! I’ve used plastic canvas in a few projects, what sort of help are you looking for? I usually recommend inserting it between two layers of crochet. 🙂