White shell

White Shell Bag by Kate Veselunka

What Is Being Made

The White Shell Bag is a structured crochet tote bag designed by Kate Veselunka. This beginner-friendly project creates a practical everyday bag with a finished height of 12 inches (30 cm), width of 10.3 inches (26 cm), and depth of 2 inches (5.5 cm). The bag features a long handle measuring 44.5 inches (113 cm), making it suitable for carrying over the shoulder or in hand.

Craft and Primary Technique

This pattern is executed entirely in crochet, a textile craft that uses a single hooked tool to create interlocking loops of yarn. The White Shell Bag is classified as a beginner-level project, making it an excellent choice for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to construct a wearable accessory. The pattern is written in standard US crochet terminology.

Stitches Used

The White Shell Bag employs fundamental crochet stitches that form the foundation of most crochet projects:

• Single Crochet (sc) – the shortest and tightest of basic crochet stitches, providing structure and density to the fabric
• Double Crochet (dc) – a taller stitch that creates a more open, drape-friendly fabric
• Double Treble Crochet (dtr) – an even taller stitch used for specific textural or design elements
• Chain Stitch (ch) – the foundational stitch used to create the base and foundation chains
• Chain-spaces (ch-sp) – deliberate gaps created by chains, often used for lacy or open-work sections
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – a joining stitch used to connect rounds or secure yarn without adding height
• Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog) – a decrease technique that reduces stitch count by combining two stitches into one

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The White Shell Bag pattern calls for 4 balls of 100% linen yarn REX, with each ball weighing 50 grams (1.08 ounces) and containing 150 meters (164 yards) of yarn. The pattern specifies that you should crochet with 2 threads together, effectively doubling the yarn weight and creating a thicker, more substantial fabric. This technique transforms the yarn into a practical worsted or aran-weight yarn suitable for structured bags.

The pattern notes that cotton yarn will also work as a suitable alternative to linen, provided it matches the yarn weight specifications of 4-ply/medium/aran/worsted weight. Both linen and cotton are natural fibers that provide breathability and durability, making them ideal choices for a bag that will be used regularly.

Tools and Notions

To complete this project, you will need a 4mm crochet hook, which is appropriately sized for working with doubled worsted-weight yarn. The pattern also recommends having stitch markers on hand to help track your place and mark important stitches, particularly useful when working in rounds or complex stitch patterns.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 single crochet stitches by 21 rows equals 4 by 4 inches (10 by 10 centimeters) when measured on the finished, blocked fabric. The pattern instructions emphasize taking measurements after blocking, which is the process of gently wetting and shaping the finished crochet to even out stitches and achieve the intended dimensions. This step is particularly important for linen and cotton projects, as these natural fibers respond well to blocking and will help ensure your finished bag matches the specified measurements.

Pattern Structure

The White Shell Bag pattern begins with the bottom section, which is constructed by crocheting with 2 threads held together. The foundation starts with a chain of 40 stitches, followed by increases at the corners to create the bag's shape. The pattern uses standard US crochet abbreviations throughout and is organized by sections, allowing you to work methodically from the base upward to complete the entire bag.