Sharon Bag

Sharon Bag by Jo's Crafty Hook

Project Overview

The Sharon Bag is an intermediate-level crochet project designed to create a structured, practical tote-style bag. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Jo's Crafty Hook provides detailed instructions for constructing a finished bag measuring 10 inches wide at the base and 9.5 inches tall, making it suitable for everyday use or as a gift item.

What Is Being Made

The Sharon Bag is a crocheted handbag featuring decorative cable and braiding details. The pattern includes a defined bottom panel, structured sides, and a functional handle. The bag is worked in the round, creating a seamless construction method that results in a polished, professional finish. The design incorporates textured stitching techniques that add visual interest and dimension to the finished piece.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate crochet techniques that give the Sharon Bag its distinctive appearance. The foundation uses both sides of the foundation chain, a technique that allows crocheters to pick up stitches from the reverse side of the chain to create a finished bottom edge without additional seaming. The bag is constructed by working in continuous rounds rather than flat rows, which contributes to its seamless structure.

The most prominent design feature involves cable and braiding stitches that begin in Row 2 of the pattern. These decorative elements are created using front post stitches, which require working around the post of stitches from the previous row rather than into the top loops. This technique creates raised, textured lines that add depth and visual appeal to the bag's exterior.

Stitches Used

• Chain (Ch): The foundation stitch used to begin the pattern. In this design, chain 1 and chain 2 do not count as stitches.
• Single Crochet (SC): A basic short stitch used for the foundation rows and structural elements of the bag.
• Double Crochet (DC): A taller stitch that provides structure and is used throughout the pattern. The gauge is measured at 6 double crochets over 3 rows equaling 2 inches.
• Slip Stitch (SS): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between sections of the pattern.
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPTC): An advanced technique where the hook works around the post of a stitch from the previous row. This stitch creates the raised cable details that characterize the Sharon Bag's design.
• Front Post Treble Crochet (FPTC): A taller front post stitch used in the braiding and cable sections to create additional texture and dimension.

Materials Required

The Sharon Bag pattern calls for 3 to 4 ounces of bulky weight yarn (also referred to as #5 weight yarn). Bulky and heavy worsted weight yarns work up quickly and create a sturdy, durable fabric ideal for a functional bag that will hold its shape well with regular use.

Two crochet hooks are referenced in the pattern: a US Hook K (6.5 mm) and a US Hook H (5.0 mm). The pattern specifies which hook to use for different sections, allowing the crocheter to adjust fabric density and create varied textures throughout the bag. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and scissors for cutting yarn.

Pattern Notes and Construction Details

The pattern includes several important construction notes for successful completion. The foundation chain is worked using both sides, meaning stitches are picked up from both the top and bottom of the chain to create a finished base without additional seaming. The bag is worked continuously in the round, requiring the crocheter to join each round in the next stitch rather than in the chain space at the beginning of the round.

The decorative braiding and cable stitches that define the Sharon Bag's aesthetic begin in Row 2, utilizing the front post techniques mentioned above. The pattern references instructional videos for both the front post double crochet and front post treble crochet techniques, providing visual guidance for crocheters who may be less familiar with these intermediate stitches.