Ideal for those with basic crocheting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.
Fits nicely into a free afternoon — 2 to 5 hours of focused, enjoyable crocheting.
An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.
This bag is the ultimate blend of retro charm and modern utility. It makes a fantastic gift for a busy friend who needs a stylish, hands-free way to carry their phone and keys while looking effortlessly cool.
I absolutely adore how this yarn does all the hard work for you! There is something so satisfying about watching the colors shift perfectly at the corners of each square. It feels like magic when you realize you won't have a mountain of ends to weave in at the end. Plus, the cross-body shape is incredibly comfortable for all-day wear.
I have to tell you, the first time I picked up this 'All in One' yarn, I was a little nervous. The idea of the yarn doing the color changes for me seemed too good to be true! But once I got into the rhythm of this Citrus Twist bag, I was totally hooked. There is a bit of a learning curve with the tension to make sure the colors switch exactly at the corners, but honestly, it is like a fun little puzzle. If you find yourself with too much or too little color at the end of a round, just frog a few stitches and adjust how tightly you are working. It is so worth it to avoid weaving in dozens of ends!
This bag has become my go-to for summer strolls. It is surprisingly roomy and the cross-body style is just so practical. I decided to use a bright zipper to match the citrus vibes, and it really tied the whole look together. If you are looking for a project that feels fresh and keeps you engaged, this is definitely the one. I can't wait to see your color-pooling masterpieces!
Get ready to add a splash of sunshine to your wardrobe with this vibrant cross-body bag! Using clever color-pooling yarn, you will create beautiful, consistent granny squares without the headache of constant color changes. It is the perfect hands-free accessory for your next market trip or summer festival. You will love how the rhythmic stitches come together to form a sturdy, stylish bag that is as fun to make as it is to wear.
Each motif uses 5 colors. To ensure the colors change at the corners, adjust your tension: if you have leftover color at the end of a round, loosen your gauge; if you run out too early, tighten it.
(RS). Using the first color from the center of the ball, ch 4 and join with a sl st to the first ch to make a ring. ch 6 (counts as 1 dc and a ch-3 sp). Work (3 dc, ch 3) into the ring 3 times. Finish with 2 dc in the ring and join with a sl st to the 3rd ch of the starting ch-6.
sl st into the first ch-3 sp. ch 6, 3 dc in the same sp. *ch 1, then work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the next ch-3 sp. Repeat from * two more times. ch 1, 2 dc in the first ch-3 sp, and join with a sl st to the 3rd ch of the starting ch-6.
sl st into the first ch-3 sp. ch 6, 3 dc in the same sp. *ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, then work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the corner ch-3 sp. Repeat from * two more times. ch 1, 3 dc in the final ch-1 sp, ch 1, 2 dc in the first ch-3 sp, and join with a sl st to the 3rd ch of the starting ch-6.
sl st into the corner ch-3 sp. ch 6, 3 dc in that same space. *Work (ch 1, 3 dc) into each of the next two ch-1 spaces. ch 1, then work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the corner ch-3 space. Repeat from * twice more. Work (ch 1, 3 dc) into the last two ch-1 spaces, ch 1, then work 2 dc in the first corner space and sl st to the 3rd ch of the ch-6.
sl st into the corner ch-3 sp. ch 6, 3 dc in that same space. *Work (ch 1, 3 dc) into each of the next three ch-1 spaces. ch 1, then work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the corner ch-3 space. Repeat from * twice more. Work (ch 1, 3 dc) into the final three ch-1 spaces, ch 1, then work 2 dc in the first corner space and sl st to the 3rd ch of the ch-6. Fasten off.
Use the white sections of your yarn for joining the motifs to keep the seams clean and cohesive.
Hold two motifs with WS together and stitches aligned. Join your yarn with a sl st in the corner spaces. ch 1. Working through the BLO of both layers, work 1 sc in every dc across the edge to join. Fasten off.
Connect the four squares to create a flat trapezoid shape as shown in the assembly diagram, then fold and seam the sides to form the bag body.
(RS). Join your yarn with a sl st at the right corner of the top opening. ch 1. Work 1 sc into every stitch around the entire top edge. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
ch 1. Work 1 sc in each sc from the previous round. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
ch 1. Work 1 sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st and fasten off.
Using any color section, ch 109. Work 2 dc in the 4th ch from your hook. *Skip 2 ch, 3 dc in the next ch. Repeat from * until 3 ch remain. Skip 2 ch, then work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the very last ch. Now rotate to work along the bottom of the foundation chain: work 3 dc in each space created by the skipped chains. Finish with 3 dc in the first ch of the round, ch 2, and sl st to the top of the starting ch-3.
ch 1. Work 1 sc in the same space as your join, then work 1 sc in every dc around the entire strap. Join with a sl st to the first sc and fasten off.
Secure the strap ends to the inside of the bag at the side seams using a yarn needle and sturdy stitches.
Using your sewing needle and thread, carefully sew the 12-inch zipper into the top opening of the bag, ensuring it opens and closes smoothly without catching on the crochet stitches.
I really hope you enjoy making this bag as much as I did! There is something so rewarding about watching those citrusy shades bloom into perfect squares. Once you have finished, you will have a sturdy, stylish accessory that is just the right size for your essentials. Don't forget to take your time with the zipper—it really gives the bag that professional, high-quality finish. I can't wait to see which colors you choose for your own version! Happy stitching, and enjoy your beautiful new handmade bag! 🧶✨
Yes, you can use any worsted weight (level 4) yarn. However, you will need to manually change colors every round to get the same look, or use a standard self-striping yarn which will result in a different color pattern.
This means your gauge is slightly off for this specific yarn. If the color changes too early, try tightening your tension or using a smaller hook. If it changes too late, loosen your stitches.
While the zipper keeps your items secure, you could substitute it with a large button and a crochet loop, or even a magnetic snap if you prefer a simpler finishing process.
You can adjust the length by changing the number of stitches in your starting chain. Just make sure your total chain count is a multiple of 3 plus 1 to maintain the granny cluster pattern.
