String shopping bag with pouch

String Shopping Bag with Pouch by Frances Powell

What is Being Made

This is a practical home décor string shopping bag with an accompanying pouch, designed by Frances Powell. The finished bag measures 8½ inches (21.25 cm) in diameter at the base and 10 inches (25 cm) high, excluding the handle. The bag is intentionally designed to stretch considerably when filled with shopping items, making it versatile for various load sizes. The included pouch provides additional storage and organization for smaller items.

Crochet Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques to create an elegant, functional accessory. The pattern uses circular construction, working in rounds to build the bag from the base upward. The design incorporates shell stitches, which create an open, lacy texture characteristic of string bags. The shell stitch pattern—consisting of multiple treble crochet stitches separated by chain spaces worked into the same stitch or space—produces the distinctive net-like appearance that allows visibility of contents while maintaining structural integrity.

The bag utilizes both slip stitches for joining rounds and treble crochet stitches as the primary stitch throughout the body. Double treble stitches are also incorporated into the shell stitch definition, adding height and visual interest to the openwork pattern. The handle is constructed using chain stitches and additional crochet rows to create a sturdy, comfortable grip.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch): Used for foundation chains and spacing within pattern repeats
• Treble crochet (tr): The primary stitch used throughout the bag body, providing structure and height
• Double treble (dtr): Incorporated into shell stitch elements for added dimension
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and secure stitches
• Shell stitch: A decorative composite stitch consisting of alternating treble crochet and chain stitches, creating the characteristic openwork pattern

Materials and Tools

This project requires No. 12 crochet cotton, a fine thread-weight yarn ideal for creating delicate, structured pieces. Two 50-gram balls are needed, providing approximately 550–570 metres (600–620 yards) of material. For two-color variations, one 50-gram ball of each color is required. The pattern is worked with a 2.5 mm (US size 1½) crochet hook, which is appropriately sized for the fine cotton thread and creates the precise gauge necessary for the bag's structure.

The gauge is critical for this pattern: 9 treble crochet stitches equal 1 inch (2.5 cm) horizontally, and 3 rows of treble crochet equal 1 inch (2.5 cm) vertically. The first three rounds measure 1¾ inches (4 cm), establishing the base foundation for the bag's circular construction.