Sunday 28 September 2014

African Flower Square Crochet Bag

Having had a break for a while I'm sort of playing catch up.  I was able to do a little crafting from time to time so am sharing a crochet bag I made for the summer.

I came across this lovely pattern and tutorial for an African Flower Square and immediately fell in love with it.


I'm sure there are lots of uses for this pattern but I decided I would make a bag for the summer.  I began searching for a bag pattern and came across an interesting page showing 'plans' for arranging squares to make granny square bags.


I chose this 13 square pattern and set about making my squares.   I used Sirdar dk cotton, which was very easy to work with.  I just love these colours although the pink, I already had in my stash.


All squares completed and blocked I set about stitching them together as the template above.  I used mattress stitch as this produces neat invisible seams.

Lining this bag presented a few problems as I wanted a bright pink inside but didn't want it to show through the little holes in the squares.  I solved it by double lining, using a cream on the inside and a pink on the outside of the inside - if you see what I mean!


I then needed to work out how to add the handles.  They needed to be long enough to wear over my shoulder and I didn't want them to be stretchy as crochet could be.  I solved this problem by crocheting over window sash cord and am pleased to say having used the bag regularly it has worked really well.


And here is the finished result .....


I've had some really lovely comments on this bag, even my youngest daughter who isn't a crochet fan thought it was pretty!!  Trouble is now, it has been so well used it needs a wash!!

I am looking forward to seeing what has been going on over at Handmade Monday, see you soon :)


19 comments:

  1. A lovely pattern, and a great solution to double line:)

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  2. Aww this is fab! I love the pink lining.

    Its so nice to have to back as a regular contributor to HM :) x

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  3. That is really beautiful- I love the colours and how clever to have the double lining so that the White and pink contrast can really show.

    Have a lovely crafty week, Alison

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    1. Thank you. Yes, I think the pink/green colour mix is one of my favourites :)

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  4. Beautiful bag and a very clever lining!

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  5. This is a lovely bag. It's so stunning the way you finished it. I love your idea on how you made the handles. I'm sure you get lots of compliments on it.

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    1. Thank you. It took a bit of thinking about but I got there in the end :)

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  6. It looks great Mum! I didn't realise the little tricks you'd used like the cord and the double lining, very clever! :) x

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  7. Oh this is sooo pretty, I want one :) The colours are gorgeous. I hope it washes well. I've got a feeling you'll be using it lots.
    Ali xx

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    1. I keep putting off the washing just in case, but I'm using it so much I shall have to take the plunge sooner or later :)

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  8. What a pretty bag. The double lining is real attention to detail.

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  9. I love making bags and your pattern and squares are lovely and pretty. I have some already made squares which would do for this so thank you for sharing the pattern, and the lining trick!

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    1. You're welcome :) You must show us a picture of your bag when you get around to making it.

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  10. I love the bag, and I particularly love the pink lining, such a great idea to have the cream to show through instead of the pink

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  11. How pretty, the inside is (almost!) as lovely as the outside. It is an absolutely gorgeous make x

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    1. Thank you. It was a bit of a challenge but I did enjoy it :)

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I really appreciate all the lovely comments you leave so thank you for taking precious time to do this.