For the last pattern in my Dip-Dyed CAL, I am sharing the Dip-Dyed Shoulder Bag!

I wanted to match a similar style that I love - the kind of bag that hangs cross body from your shoulder, and the purse falls around the natural hip. The fun texture is created by working into the back loops. I created a front pocket to hold my cell phone, closed with snap buttons, and added a zipper along the top.

Materials:

• Maybe 600 Yards of Worsted Weight Yarn - I used Lily Sugar n Cream in the Ecru (maybe two skeins), and the Black Currant Dark Purplehan one skein) colorways
• H8/5mm Crochet Hook
• Tapestry Needle for Weaving in Ends
• Optional, Jewelry Plier/s
• Stitch Marker or Waste Yarn
• 12” Zipper
• 2 Size 4 (5/8”) Snap Buttons (Dritz)
• Thread & #22 Tapestry Needle
• Fabric for Lining
• Sewing Pins to Secure Zipper
• Sewing Machine (or Hand Sew)

Materials Notes:
Yarn Alternatives: Bernat Handicrafter, Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran, Rico Creative Cotton Aran, Crafter’s Secret Cotton Yarn (from Hobby Lobby)

I used yarn from my stash, and I did not measure any - yardages are estimated.

Jewelry pliers are an excellent tool to use to help weave in ends, as cotton yarn can be quite tough on the fingers when weaving in with just fingers and a tapestry needle.

Let’s Talk Closures Real Quick!

• I added a zipper to the top of my bag. The 10” was too small, and the 12” was too long. Better to be too long because you can always cut it down - which is what I did. Alternatively, you can work a flap over the top, and not do a zipper, or work a couple chain loops and add a button closure…
• I tried to add magnetic snap buttons to my front pocket because they are strong, but easier to use than regular snap buttons. I ended up taking them out because it was too hard on/strong for the crocheted fabric (plus the backside of them stuck out onto the front of the fabric), and I didn’t want to have to figure out how to cut the slits in my lining to match. I just decided to go with my regular snap buttons. I have a free photo tutorial available on Knotions Magazine - How to Sew a Snap Button onto Crocheted/Knitted Fabric.

As far as lining goes, it isn’t essential, but it does prevent the stretch you will experience without a lining. I did not do the lining on mine yet - I need to go fabric shopping, but I do explain how to add a lining in my Endless Summer Hydrangea Tote Bag (Free Crochet Pattern). I also plan on sewing a piece of ribbing along the inside of the strap to act as a lining - as opposed to fabric since my braided strap is pretty skinny.

I designed this bag so the top of the bag opening would lay around my natural waistline, and the actual bag would be around hip level when the strap was on crossbody wise. I planned this out knowing I would be lining my bag. The lining is optional, but keep in mind that heavier items in the bag without it lined will cause the bag to stretch A LOT. You will need to keep this in mind if you choose not to line your bag, maybe adjusting the number of rounds to the bag body, or number of rows to the strap. You can test the stretch by pinning the strap end in place, and then placing items in the bag while you wear it.

Time Spent:
Just under 5 hours.

Measurements:
11.25” Across Mid Body (where color change is); 12” Across Top of Flap; 9” Tall - my favorite size

Bag designed to hang at side, with top around natural waistline on a person 5’5”, but sizing can easily be adjusted.

Gauge:
Not essential. In the round, 15 SC in the BLO = 4”

Abbreviations:

• BLO - Back Loop Only
• FLO - Front Loop Only
• SC - Single Crochet
• FSC - Foundation Single Crochet (Explained)