We Don't Need Roads

We Don't Need Roads Crochet Bag by Rosina Northcott

Project Overview

We Don't Need Roads is an intermediate-level crochet bag pattern designed by Rosina Northcott. This cotton bag draws inspiration from the designer's shawl pattern, Road to Nowhere, sharing the same distinctive stitch combination. While the shawl carries a contemplative name, this bag pattern reimagines those techniques to represent optimism and the promise of a better future. The finished bag measures 10.75 inches wide by 11.5 inches long (28cm x 29.5cm), making it a practical accessory with meaningful design roots.

Construction Technique

The bag is constructed using a two-stage building method. The crocheter begins by making the bottom piece first, then works both side panels directly from this foundation. This approach creates a cohesive structure where the sides emerge organically from the base, resulting in a unified garment rather than separate pieces joined together. This construction method is typical of seamless crochet bag designs and contributes to the intermediate difficulty level of the pattern.

Crochet Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) – the foundation stitch used to create the base of the pattern
• Double crochet (dc) – listed in UK terminology; provides structure and density to the fabric
• Treble (tr) – listed in UK terminology; creates lighter, more open areas within the design
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds and finishing edges
• Back loop only (blo) stitching – creates textural variation by working into only the back loop of stitches
• Chain spaces (ch-sp) – openwork elements that echo the design philosophy of the original Road to Nowhere shawl

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for King Cole Cotton DK weight yarn, which is 100% cotton. This natural fiber choice makes the bag breathable and suitable for everyday use. The yarn specifications are 100g per 210 meters (229 yards). The pattern uses a multi-color approach with the following yardage breakdown:

• French Navy (Yarn A) – approximately 60 grams (primary color)
• Opal (Yarn B) – approximately 30 grams (accent color)
• Antique Gold (Yarn C) – approximately 30 grams (accent color)
• Magenta (Yarn D) – approximately 30 grams (accent color)

Tools Required

Two crochet hooks are needed to complete this project: a 3.5mm hook and a 4mm hook. The pattern does not specify which hook is used for which sections, but the inclusion of two different sizes suggests they may be used to create varying fabric densities or textures throughout the bag.

Pattern Notes and Difficulty Level

This pattern is written using UK crochet terminology

Design Inspiration