Netty Bag

Netty Bag by Alexandra Lund

What is Being Made

The Netty Bag is a crocheted tote bag designed by Alexandra Lund. This downloadable crochet pattern creates a finished bag measuring approximately 53cm in height (including handles) by 31cm in width. The design features a two-color colorway, with the main body worked in one color and the handles completed in a contrasting color, making it an ideal project for crafters looking to add visual interest through color blocking.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This pattern is worked bottom-up, meaning you begin by crocheting the base of the bag in the primary color before building upward to create the body and finishing with the handles in the secondary color. The bottom-up construction method allows for straightforward increases and shaping as the bag expands from the foundation. The structured approach makes this an accessible project for beginners while still producing a professional-looking finished garment.

Stitches Used

The Netty Bag pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches that are essential for bag construction. The following stitches are employed throughout the design, using UK crochet terminology:

• Chain (ch) - Used to create foundation chains and stitch spaces
• Double crochet (dc) - A basic short stitch providing structure and density
• Half treble crochet (htr) - A medium-height stitch adding texture and drape
• Treble crochet (tr) - A taller stitch creating openness and flow in the fabric
• Slip stitch (slst) - Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• Chain-1 space (ch1-sp) - Creates deliberate gaps in the fabric for decorative or structural purposes

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Netty Bag pattern calls for aran-weight cotton yarn, which provides structure and durability ideal for a functional tote bag. The specific materials listed include three 50g balls of Yarn and Colors Epic cotton in Colour A (orchid) for the main body and one 50g ball in Colour B (lollipop) for the handles. A 5mm crochet hook is used throughout the project, along with scissors and a yarn needle for finishing.

The pattern notes that any aran-weight cotton yarn works well as a substitute. Recommended alternatives include Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran cotton or Scheepjes Cahlista, offering flexibility for crafters who may have different yarns in their stash or prefer specific fiber properties and color ranges.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner pattern, the Netty Bag is accessible to newer crocheters while producing a polished, wearable result. The combination of basic stitches and straightforward bottom-up construction makes this an excellent project for building foundational crochet skills in bag making.