Sunny Skies Circle Bag

Sunny Skies Circle Bag by Allison Bostrom

Project Overview

The Sunny Skies Circle Bag is an intermediate-level crochet project designed by Allison Bostrom of Clair de Lune Fiber Art. This pattern creates a structured circular bag suitable for everyday use, featuring front and back panels that are worked in the round to form the distinctive circular shape.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a finished circle bag with a circular silhouette. The bag is constructed using two main components: front and back panels that are crocheted separately and then joined together. The finished bag measures approximately 4 inches (10 cm) across per panel after the fifth round, creating a compact and stylish accessory. The bag is completed with a purchased purse strap featuring clasps on both ends, allowing for customization of strap length and style according to maker preference.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This intermediate crochet pattern employs fundamental shaping techniques to create the circular panels. The pattern uses working in the round as the primary construction method, which allows the crocheter to build the circular shape from the center outward. The use of stitch markers is essential for tracking rounds and maintaining consistent shaping throughout the project. The pattern provides flexibility in hook sizing, allowing crafters to use different hook sizes for the front and back panels if needed to achieve proper gauge, making this design adaptable to individual tension variations.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used to create the foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern
• Single crochet (sc) – A fundamental stitch providing structure and density to the fabric
• Half double crochet (hdc) – Used to create slightly more height and drape than single crochet while maintaining a relatively tight fabric

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sunny Skies Circle Bag is designed to work with worsted weight yarn (also classified as weight 4). The original sample was created using Premier Home Cotton in Cream, a cotton yarn that provides structure and breathability ideal for a bag project. The pattern requires between 310 to 450 grams of yarn, or approximately 550 to 800 yards, with the wider range provided to accommodate variations in individual gauge and maker preferences. Cotton yarn is recommended for this project due to its durability and suitability for frequently-used accessories.

Hook and Notions

The pattern calls for an H/5.0 mm crochet hook as the standard size, though as noted above, different hook sizes may be used for front and back panels to achieve proper gauge. Essential notions include stitch markers for tracking rounds, a tape measure for checking gauge and finished dimensions, scissors for cutting yarn, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembling the bag. Additionally, a purse strap with clasps on both ends must be sourced separately, allowing makers to select a strap that coordinates with their yarn choice and desired bag aesthetic.

Gauge

Proper gauge is important for this project to ensure the finished bag achieves the intended dimensions. After completing Round 5, both the front and back panels should measure approximately 4 inches (10 cm) across. Checking gauge at this early stage allows crafters to adjust hook size if necessary before investing significant time in the project.