Okay, so, summer’s rolling in, and you know what that means – it’s time to switch up the bags! I’ve been seeing these cute straw bags everywhere, and I thought, “Why not try making one myself?” So, I hopped on this little DIY project, and let me tell you, it was quite an adventure.
Getting Started
First things first, I needed supplies. I hit up a few local craft stores, and it took a little running around, but finally, I found all of the stuff. I grabbed some raffia yarn – it’s like this straw-like material, but way easier to work with. I also picked up a crochet hook, I got a size H/8 (5 mm), ’cause that seemed to be the recommended size from what I read somewhere. And, of course, some fabric for the lining ’cause, you know, I don’t want my stuff falling out. This is all I used.
- Raffia yarn
- Crochet hook (size H/8 – 5mm)
- Fabric for lining
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
The Crocheting Journey
Now, I’m no crochet expert, but I know the basics. I started with a simple pattern I found. It was basically just crocheting in rounds, increasing the stitches to make a circle. The first few rounds were a bit of a struggle, I had to take it apart a few times because I made mistakes, but I got the hang of it eventually. It was kind of relaxing, you know, just sitting there, crocheting away.
Once I had the base of the bag done, I just kept crocheting in rounds without increasing, letting the bag shape up on its own. I wanted a medium-sized bag, so I kept going until it looked about right. I just eyeballed it, and decided to stop when it looked big enough to carry a phone, wallet, keys, and my small water bottle. It was a really fun process to watch it start to look like a bag!
Adding the Finishing Touches
After I finished crocheting, I needed to take care of the lining. I cut out two circles from the fabric, a little bigger than the base of the bag, and sewed them together. Then, I attached the lining to the inside of the bag using a needle and thread. This part was a bit tricky, trying to get it all even, but I managed. I also crocheted two long straps and sewed them onto the bag. I made sure the straps were long enough to wear it comfortably on my shoulder.
And there you have it! My very own handmade straw bag. It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty proud of it. It’s got that handmade charm, you know? Plus, it’s perfect for summer outings. I’ve already used it a couple of times, and it holds up pretty well. I took it to the park and also to the farmers market. I might even try making another one, maybe in a different color or with a different pattern. Who knows? The possibilities are endless!
