by Are you ready to turn those leftover yarn scraps into a beautiful, unique, and eco-friendly accessory? Making a multicolor crochet bag from yarn scraps is a fantastic way to use up those odds and ends, and it’s surprisingly easy, even for beginners! This project is all about creativity and embracing the wonderful randomness of scrap yarn.
How to Crochet a Multicolor Bag from Yarn Scraps Easily
This detailed tutorial will guide you step-by-step through creating a charming and practical bag using your yarn leftovers. We’ll focus on a simple design that highlights the varied colors of your scraps, making each bag truly one-of-a-kind.
Skill Level: Beginner
This project is perfect if you’re comfortable with (or ready to learn!):
- Chain (ch): The foundation of crochet.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds.
- Single Crochet (sc): A dense, sturdy stitch, ideal for bags.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): A slightly taller stitch that works up quickly.
- Working in rounds: Crocheting in a circular fashion.
- Changing colors: This is where your scraps shine! We’ll cover neat color changes.
- Fastening off: Securing your yarn.
- Weaving in ends: The essential finishing touch.
Finished Bag Dimensions (Approximate):
The size will depend on your yarn scraps and how many rows you make, but a typical scrap yarn bag following this pattern might be around:
- Base: 10 inches (25 cm) wide by 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep oval.
- Height: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) (excluding handles).
- Handles: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) tall loop.
You can easily adjust the size by changing the starting chain length for the base or the number of rows for the body.
Materials You’ll Need:
Gathering your materials beforehand will ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting session.
- Yarn Scraps! This is the star of the show. Gather any worsted weight (medium #4) yarn scraps you have.
- Tip for scraps: Try to use scraps of similar thickness/weight. Mixing vastly different weights (e.g., bulky with fingering weight) can make your fabric uneven. Cotton and acrylic scraps work great together.
- Quantity: You’ll likely need a total of about 400-500 yards (365-457 meters), but don’t worry about having full skeins of each color. Just use what you have!
- Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This size works well with worsted weight yarn to create a sturdy, dense fabric suitable for a bag.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for seamlessly weaving in all your loose yarn tails – and with scrap yarn, you’ll have a few! It has a blunt tip and a large eye.
- Scissors: Any sharp pair of scissors.
- Stitch Marker (Optional but Recommended): Very helpful for marking the first stitch of each round when working the base in a spiral.
Let’s Crochet Your Multicolor Bag!
We’ll build this bag from the bottom up: starting with a strong oval base, then working the body of the bag upwards with your vibrant scrap yarn stripes, and finally adding simple, integrated handles.
Part 1: The Oval Base
You’ll create a flat, sturdy oval shape that forms the bottom of your bag. We’ll achieve this by working around a starting chain. You can use one solid color for the base, or start using a longer scrap right away!
- Starting Chain:
- Make a slip knot with your first yarn scrap color and place it onto your H/5.0mm crochet hook.
- Chain (ch) 21. (This length determines the initial width of your bag. If you want a wider or narrower bag, adjust this chain length. It should always be an odd number.)
- Round 1 (Working around the chain):
- Work 2 single crochet (sc) stitches into the 2nd chain from your hook.
- (Optional: Place a stitch marker in the first sc you just made. This will be the first stitch of your round for tracking.)
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 chains.
- In the last chain (the 21st chain from your hook): Work 4 sc into this single chain. This neatly turns the corner.
- Now, you’ll work back down the other side of your starting chain, into the bottom loops.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- In the last stitch (the same chain where you placed your first 2 sc): Work 2 sc into this chain. This turns the other corner.
- You should now have a total of 44 sc stitches (2+18+4+18+2). Do NOT join with a slip stitch yet. For the base, you’ll work in continuous rounds (spirals) to avoid a visible seam.
- Round 2 (Continuing the Oval Shape):
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch of the round (where your stitch marker is).
- (If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
- Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- You should now have 50 sc stitches. Continue working in continuous rounds.
- Round 3 (Final Base Round):
- Work 2 sc into the first stitch of the round (where your stitch marker is).
- (If using, move your stitch marker to this new first sc of the round.)
- Work 1 sc into the next 2 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 3 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- Work 1 sc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Work 2 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
- You should now have 56 sc stitches.
- Stop here! When you finish the last sc of this round, remove your stitch marker.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of this round to join. This flattens the end of the round and prepares for working straight up the sides of the bag.
- Fasten off your current yarn color, leaving a 4-inch (10 cm) tail for weaving in.
Part 2: Building the Body of the Bag (Multicolor Scraps)
Now, you’ll work straight up the sides of the bag, using your yarn scraps to create the striped pattern. You’ll work in joined rounds to maintain a neat seam. This is where the fun begins with your colors!
- Round 4 (First Side Round – with your next scrap color):
- Choose your next yarn scrap color. Join it with a slip stitch (sl st) into the same stitch where you just fastened off the previous color.
- Chain 2 (ch 2 – counts as your first half double crochet (hdc)).
- Work 1 hdc into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around the entire round. (56 hdc)
- Why BLO? Working into the back loop creates a nice, defined edge that helps the bag sides stand up straight from the base, giving a crisp corner.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the top of the beginning ch 2 to join the round.
- To change colors neatly: When you make the very last half double crochet of this round (the 56th hdc), stop when you have two loops left on your hook.
- Drop your current yarn color. Pick up your next yarn scrap color.
- With the new color, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook to complete the stitch. The new color is now active on your hook.
- Now, complete the round by doing a slip stitch (sl st) with your new color into the top of the beginning ch 2 you made at the beginning of this round.
- Fasten off the previous color, leaving a 4-inch (10 cm) tail for weaving in.
- Rounds 5 and Onwards (Body Height with Scraps):
- Chain 2 (ch 2 – counts as your first hdc).
- Work 1 hdc into each stitch around the round. (56 hdc)
- Color Change! When you make the very last half double crochet of this round, stop when you have two loops left on your hook.
- Drop your current color. Pick up your next yarn scrap color.
- With the new color, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook to complete the stitch. Your new color is now active on your hook.
- Now, complete the round by doing a slip stitch (sl st) with your new color into the top of the beginning ch 2 you made at the beginning of this round.
- Fasten off the previous color, leaving a 4-inch (10 cm) tail for weaving in.
- Continue with your scraps!
- Repeat the process from Step 2, changing to a new scrap color for each new round (or every 2 rounds, or whenever your scrap runs out!).
- Keep going until your bag reaches your desired height (approximately 20-25 rows total for the body, after the base).
- Embrace the randomness! Don’t worry about perfect stripe patterns. The beauty of a scrap yarn bag is its unique, eclectic mix of colors.
- End with the color you want your handles to be.
Part 3: Creating the Handles
The handles will extend directly from the top of your bag. Use one of your sturdier scrap colors or a consistent color if you have enough.
- Round for Handle Placement:
- After your last body round (with your chosen handle color active on your hook), chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
- Work 8 single crochet (sc) stitches. (This positions the stitches for the first handle’s attachment point on the front of the bag).
- Chain 30 (ch 30 – this creates the length of your first handle. Adjust this number to make the handle longer or shorter for shoulder or hand carrying).
- Skip the next 12 stitches. (This creates the open space for the bag’s opening).
- Work 16 sc stitches. (This will take you across the back/front to the other side for the second handle).
- Chain 30 (ch 30 – this creates the length of your second handle).
- Skip the next 12 stitches.
- Work 8 sc stitches. (This should bring you back to the start of the round).
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of this round to join.
- Round for Handle Finishing (Strengthening):
- Chain 1.
- Work 1 sc into each of the 8 sc stitches from the previous round.
- Now, work 30 sc stitches around your chain-30 handle loop. Make sure to work into the chain itself and not just the top. This reinforces the handle and makes it sturdy.
- Work 1 sc into each of the 16 sc stitches between the handles.
- Work 30 sc stitches around the second chain-30 handle loop.
- Work 1 sc into each of the remaining 8 sc stitches.
- Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc of the round to join.
- Fasten Off:
- Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.
- Yarn over with your hook, pull the cut tail completely through the loop left on your hook, and gently tug to secure the knot.
Part 4: Final Finishing Touches
- Weave in All Ends:
- This is the most crucial step for a neat and professional-looking bag, especially with so many color changes! You’ll have tails from your starting chain, from every single color change, and the final fasten-off from the handle.
- Use your yarn needle to meticulously weave in every single loose yarn tail.
- How to Weave Neatly: Thread the yarn tail onto your yarn needle. Weave the tail into the stitches of the same color as the tail. Go in one direction for at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). To truly secure it, subtly change direction (e.g., weave along a stitch, then turn and weave back through some of the same stitches diagonally or perpendicularly) to “lock” the tail in place and prevent it from unraveling. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut any of your actual stitches.
- Blocking (Optional):
- Blocking can significantly improve the shape, even out any tension inconsistencies, and give your bag a more polished, professional look. It helps the bag stand up nicely.
- Method: Gently mist the bag evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it’s damp but not soaking wet. Stuff the bag lightly with tissue paper, old t-shirts, or a small towel to help it hold its intended shape (especially the corners and handles). Allow the bag to air dry completely and thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. This might take a day or two.
- Optional: Bag Lining:
- For extra durability and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches, consider adding a fabric lining. This is a separate sewing step. Measure the finished dimensions of your crocheted bag. Cut fabric pieces slightly larger, sew them into a matching pouch, and then hand-stitch or machine-stitch it inside your crocheted bag.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully crocheted a beautiful, unique, and eco-friendly Multicolor Scrap Yarn Bag! You’ve transformed those little bits of yarn into a functional work of art.
What delightful treasures will your new bag carry?
