Helloo!! How’s it going? Things have still been feeling rather full-on here still lately but I’ve been itching to finally sit down and share one of my most recent makes with you. I’m delighted to reveal that my Circa Bag has been featured in Inside Crochet Magazine Issue 185, and I can’t wait to tell you a little more about it.
Crochet bags never really go out of style do they? There’s something so satisfying about creating a bag, as it’s not just an accessory but something genuinely useful. From practical everyday totes to colourful crossbody bags, I love making pieces that are both useful and beautiful. I’ve combined the Circa Bag with a fun colourwork pattern and a classic round shape that I hope feels both timeless and on trend.
Imagine this bag swinging by your side at a weekend market, paired with denim and trainers (sneakers), or worn over a cosy winter coat to brighten up chilly days – or with a cute strappy dress when the sunshine finally returns to our shores! Whether you’re new to colourwork or you’ve been hooked on tapestry crochet for ages, this is a brilliant project to explore a great technique.
❤️ SAVE CIRCA BAG ON RAVELRY ❤️
It’s called the Circa Bag because “circa” means around the time of, so it’s a bit of a play on words. It’s a nod to the bag’s round shape, and as “circa” is often used when talking about eras or styles, it hopefully fits with the intention of the design feeling timeless rather than tied to one specific trend and is something you could happily use year after year.
For this design I used Garnstudio Drops Cotton Light, which is a soft cotton and polyester blend (50% Cotton, 50% Polyester) that comes in 50g (105m / 114yds) balls. It has great stitch definition without feeling stiff, making it ideal for a bag that needs a bit of structure.
I went for a warm, earthy palette with pops of brighter colour – rich rust and golden tones sit alongside softer neutrals, with small flashes of blue to add contrast. The colours work together to highlight the circular motif without overpowering it, giving the bag a balanced, wearable feel that still makes a statement.
The only other things you will need to make the bag are some stitch markers to help mark the beginning and end of each round, a tapestry needle, 1 x 20cm rust coloured zip, 1 x 16mm wooden bead, 1 x Light brown adjustable shoulder crossbody strap with gold clip hardware Width: 1.2cm Length: 120cm .
Issue 185 of Inside Crochet is an absolute treat for anyone who loves colourwork. Aptly themed around a strong, design-led collection of projects, it’s filled with makes that really celebrate pattern, contrast and thoughtful use of colour. It’s a joy to be part of an issue that showcases colour in so many different ways.
© 2025 Inside Crochet 185 📸 photos by Leanne Jade
Inside Crochet is available in paper form from all good newsagents and craft stores. To purchase a digital copy of Inside Crochet, visit www.pocketmags.com. Be sure to share your makes on social media and tag me @kcaco.uk —I always love seeing what you create.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
P.S. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog (below) and/or my mailing list to stay updated on new blog posts, pattern releases, and exclusive discounts!
Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affected, thank you for your support.
