Free-bee Crochet Pattern | Bee-utiful Clutch Bag

Posted in Crochet, Free Patterns, Stitches by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Hey folks, hope you are well in your part of the world. I’ve got a lovely free-bee for you to enjoy today! Allow me to introduce the Bee-utiful Clutch bag – a small bag with big textured personality!

The bag uses a stitch that I’ve used before; on the Bee Keeper block in the Stitch Story CAL. At the time I thought the stitch pattern was so effective with creating such a beautiful texture that knew I wanted to use it again.

Fast forward three years or so to when I came across some yellow Anchor Creativa Fino in my stash. The stitch idea reignited itself as I thought I would make the bee themed clutch bag idea I’d got rumbling around in my head.

Super simple to make and with many practical uses for a clutch bag or makeup bag; this pattern is perfect for beginners, as it only uses simple stitches. I used some bee fabric to line mine, to finish off the inside, but with this stitch pattern you could probably get away with not lining it if you aren’t a fan of sewing.

The following Bee-utiful Clutch Bag is free here on the blog or you can make a beeline for the pattern in your favourite pattern stores where you can pick up a PDF of the pattern for a nominal price (links below).

The pattern is available in both UK and US crochet terminology via the PDF download; the pattern below is written just in UK terms. But you can view a handy conversion chart here on the blog.

Bee-utiful Clutch Bag

MATERIALS

Yarn Required: 100g of Yellow

Yarn used: Anchor Creativa Fino used in photos;

(Shade: #00306)

About the yarn: 4ply / Fingering Weight; 125m per 50g ball, 100% Cotton

Hook Size: 3mm (US size D/3)

Pattern will work in other hooks and yarns though finished size will be different.

You will also need:

· A yarn needle

· Stitch Markers

· 2cm (0.8”) Button

· Optional: Facing and material for lining your bag

Finished Size: 19cm (7.4 inches) wide x 12cm (4.7 inches) high

Gauge: 6sts = 2.5cm (1”)

Obtaining the correct gauge is not critical to this project but if your gauge does not match the gauge stated then your finished item will be a different size.

STITCH GUIDANCE

Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.

Double Crochet (dc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.

Double Crochet 2 together (dc2tog): Invisible double crochet decrease method: Invisible decreasing is a method of removing stitches to shape your fabric without gaps. Insert hook in the FRONT LOOP ONLY of the first stitch indicated and pull up a loop [two loops on hook], insert hook in the FRONT LOOP ONLY of the next st, pull up a loop [three loops on hook], yarn over, pull through three loops on hook; decrease made.

Half Treble (htr): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.

PATTERN NOTES

Working in the Back Loop Only: If you hold your piece of crochet in front of you with the Vs of the stitch on top, the part of the V closest to you is the front loop. The part of the V farther away from you on the opposite side is the back loop. When a pattern asks you to crochet into the back loop, insert your hook into the relevant loop and crochet as instructed.

Note: The ch1 at the beginning of a row, count as a st

PATTERN

Main Body of Clutch:

Tip 1: If you struggle with twisting the row 1 try adding a row of dc as row 1, then work row 1 as row 2 and so on.

Tip 2: You might also find using stitch markers (or alternatives) to mark each row or where your last sl st, of each set of 5, helpful for this block.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 51, sl st into the 2nd ch from the hook and, sl st in the next 4sts * htr in the next 5 sts, sl st in the next 5 sts * repeat from * to * until the end of the row, turn (50 sts)

Note: From this point onwards work rows in the back loops only.

Row 2 (WS) : Ch1 *5 sl st in 5 htr then 5htr in 5 sl st * repeat from * to * until the end of the row, turn.

Row 3: (RS) Ch1, * 5 htr in 5 htr then 5 sl st in 5sl st * repeat from * to * until the end of the row, turn.

Row 4: (WS) Ch1, * 5 htr in 5 sl st then 5 sl st in 5 htr * repeat from * to * until the end of the row, turn.

Row 5: Ch1, 5 sl st in 5 htr then 5htr in 5 sl st * repeat from * to * until the end of the row, turn.

Row 6-52: Repeat rows 2-5 thirteen times

From this point onwards you will begin shaping the clutch flap;

Row 53: Ch1; dc2tog, 1dc in 46sts, dc2tog, turn. 48sts

Row 54: Ch1; dc2tog, 1dc in 44sts, dc2tog, turn. 46sts

Row 55: Ch1; dc2tog, 1dc in 42sts, dc2tog, turn. 44sts

Rows 57 – 71: Continue decreasing on each end until you have 14sts left.

Row 72: Ch1; dc2tog, 1dc in 3sts, ch4, miss 4sts, 1dc in 3sts, dc2tog, turn. 12sts

Row 73: Ch1; dc2tog, 1dc in 3sts, 1dc in each of the ch4 sts, 1dc in 3sts, dc2tog, turn. 10sts

Row 74: Ch1; dc2tog, 1dc in 6sts, dc2tog, turn, fasten off and weave in ends. 8sts

MAKING UP:

· Fold the bag in half, leaving the gap at the top open with the flap. and seam both sides together on the wrong side.

· Turn your bag right side round and add your button to the body of the bag opposite the open button hole

· Optional: create a lining for your bag

And that’s it! Get ready for taking it out and about and bee-witching all who see your bee-utiful new clutch bag.

If you hook up the Bee-utiful Clutch Bag I hope you’ll tag @kcaco.uk on Instagram using the hashtags #kcacouk and #proud2craft or #anchoryarns (so the folks at Anchor Yarns can see) or share your projects in my Facebook group as I love to see your finished work!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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.

26May2021

I Like Crochet Magazine | Caicos Raffia Purse

Posted in Crochet, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

The June 2021 issue of I Like Crochet magazine is out now to help you prepare, get inspired and enjoy everything the summer weather has to offer (and to look good while doing it).

I’ve got two patterns in this latest edition; I spoke about the first pattern, called the Anchor Cove Shawl, in a previous post (read that here), and now it’s time for pattern number two – may I present the Caicos Raffia Purse.

Named after the Caicos Islands, where turquoise waters and white sand beaches are considered one of the Caribbean’s best kept secret, this is a bag designed especially for summer!

The easily crafted raffia purse features popcorn stitches for added texture and a metal closure to keep your valuables safe and secure – team it with a summer dress and sandals for that perfect beach chic look!

You might have seen raffia yarn before, it’s a fine paper like yarn made from wood pulp and it’s really interesting to crochet with, it makes great bags and hats and is lovely and lightweight. As a yarn it gives off a very beachy vibe which makes it perfect for summer projects.

I used just one ball of Wool and the Gang Ra Ra Raffia (100% Paper); [250 meters] / 100 grams) for this project; in Desert Palm. The great thing about this yarn, that makes it perfect for a beach bag, is that it’s water-repellent so it dries fast if it gets splashed.

I used a 4.5mm hook (US size 7) with the raffia yarn, and for the bag closures I used a Prym Tuck Lock, which is a great DIY bag accessory as you just sew it onto the crocheted fabric (I’ve used one before for my Bramble Saddle Bag), and then I used some D rings and a brown detachable bag strap that I picked up from Amazon.

The Caicos Raffia Purse is a great pattern for beginners as it only uses simply stitches, it might feel a bit unusual to crochet with raffia yarn at first, but if you just treat it as you would normal yarn you will soon be on your way!

You could line the bag, for a professional looking finish, but I used a smaller hook on purpose so that the end result would be a closely woven fabric that wouldn’t need lining.

🏖️ SAVE CAICOS RAFFIA PURSE ON RAVELRY 🏖️

If you haven’t heard of I Like Crochet magazine before it’s a US bi-monthly digital magazine which is published by the creators of AllFreeCrochet.com. With it being a US publication patterns are written using US crochet terminology – if you are not sure how that differs you may find my post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the difference? of use.

As well as my shawl and bag the June 2021 edition features loads of seasonal patterns and a range of interesting articles. If you SUBSCRIBE you can get the magazine straight to your desktop or iPad as well as access to lots of other extra crochet bonus material.

If the magazine is something that interests you I Like Crochet currently have a special offer available to new members of the all-access Gold Club.

You can get 75% off the regular price of a one-year membership and receive a full year of the digital I Like Crochet Magazine, instant access to their pattern collections (that includes never-before-seen patterns!), and get FREE access to their pattern library that includes every single issue that they have ever published! (That’s 7 years of crochet with more than 45 issues and 700+ designer patterns… for free!) Plus, subscribers who join now will also receive two FREE streaming crochet videos: Back to Basics: 11 Essential Techniques and Stitches for Every Crocheter and Crochet Secrets Revealed: 12 Tutorials by Michael Sellick.

If you hook up the Cacios Raffia Purse I hope you’ll share your projects with me by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: Instagram, Ravelry, my Facebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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. You can read more about my affiliate links here.

24Mar2020

New Pattern Release | Bramble Saddle Bag

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

In light of what’s happening in the world at the moment and in a bid to focus on something positive I’ve got a brand new crochet pattern to share with you today.

I’ve had in mind to design a bag, specifically a saddle style bag, for awhile now, but it wasn’t until I came across some Gorgeous Knits yarn in my stash that I began to develop the idea a little more.

The yarn, described on the label as ‘Aran Wool and Alpaca Blend Knitting Wool’, is what I would call proper woolly wool, that sort of hard-wearing wool best suited for non-clothing items – just perfect for a bag! I’d got 350g in total and I pretty much used up every scrap working this pattern double stranded.

I’m in love with the texture of this bag, it’s the type that just makes you want to run your fingers over it (or is it just me that does that?).

The memorable stitch pattern makes a dense, sturdy fabric which is just perfect for a bag, I don’t think you’d even have to line it, though I probably line mine at some point just to give it that completely finished off feel.

This pattern is perfect for advanced beginners that would like to learn a new stitch, or as a versatile update to an accessory collection for an intermediate crocheter! And it’s now available for purchase from my Ravelry or LoveCrafts store.

❤️ SAVE BRAMBLE SADDLE BAG ON RAVELRY ❤️

All the fittings and fixtures for the bag I purchased from Amazon – I’ve linked them up in my new KCACOUK Amazon storefront under Haberdashery if you want to use the same ones.

This pattern will be available for FREE until 3 April (US Pacific Time) as part of the E’Claire Makery March Spring Fashion Blog Hop.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Visit E’Claire Makery and get the coupon code.

2: Click on the button below to go to the Bramble Saddle Bag on Ravelry.

3: Click “buy it now,” click “use a coupon code,” enter code, click apply and the pattern will be yours for free!

4: If you are reading this after the promotion has passed you can purchase the bag from either my Ravelry or LoveCrafts store.

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Bramble Saddle bag and what colours you will chose to make them! I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

16Jan2019

I Like Crochet Magazine |Stonewashed Bag

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, For Adult, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’ve got a new design out in the February 2019 issue of I Like Crochet and it’s one I really love! The Stonewashed bag is my new favourite thing! It’s such a classic shape, it’s got a fun retro / vintage feel about it, and it’s easy to make!

This large shoulder bag was inspired and pieced together like a denim patchwork and I added some faux leather handles to feel a bit like a belt. It’s really spacious inside and has a popper closure making it a great carryall bag.

You can’t really tell on the photos in the magazine but I lined it with a cute floral fabric which I picked up at my local yarn shop – and I love the pop of colour in the middle.

This is a simple-to-make crochet bag, great for beginners and would be a quick make for more accomplished crocheters.

For this design I used Wool and the Gang Billie Jean yarn which I’d wanted to try because it’s made using upcycled pre-consumer denim waste which I thought was really cool – and it just suited my design idea perfectly!

SAVE PATTERN ON RAVELRY HERE

As well as my bag pattern the February issue features over 25 patterns to enjoy including cardigans, ponchos, pillows and blankets.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY for a copy of the magazine straight

to your desktop or iPad.

If you hook up the Stonewashed bag please share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) – I love to see it!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

3Jan2018

Simply Crochet Magazine | Crochet Edits Supplement

Posted in Afghan Square, Blanket, Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Happy New Year everyone!!! I know it’s the new year and all that but I’m going to have to take you back a wee bit to the end of 2017 – to December 28 in fact. Unbelievably, in my fevered state, I almost missed the release of one of the biggest projects I’ve ever undertaken! Out now in Issue 66 of Simply Crochet magazine there is, along with a fab little blocking tool, a Crochet Edits Supplement for three granny stitch projects designed by yours truly.

It’s a bit of a floating on a cloud moment for me and I’m feeling quite proud (and still a bit incredulous that they are actually in their very own supplement) and of course I want to share my exciting news with you my wonderful constant readers.

It all started just after I’d received back my Perfect Pansy Bag. I was chatting to the lovely Sara, the editor of Simply Crochet magazine, via email when she happened to ask how my granny square making abilities were – well after working on the gazillion variations for the Groovyghan that’s one crochet skill I do feel I have down pat. Sooo it was arranged that I would do three projects for a supplement for the magazine. A whole supplement, all to my very own – I couldn’t believe it!

Unfortunately the project did not start off smoothly! The yarn went missing during delivery – we eventually found out the parcel had been delivered to a neighbour of mine who had subsequently gone on holiday. So I lost about ten days from the time I had planned to start the deadline was looming to finish of all three projects so there was some anxiety about proceedings but eventually I got my hands on a deliciously large box FULL to the brim of the squishiest King Cole Luxury Merino DK.

Picture the moment, if you will, when someone with a yarn obsession receives a giant box full to the brim of yarn – it was a pretty glorious moment I can tell you! Eight of the most lovely colour’s of which I’d be hard pressed to pick a favourite (though loving the mustard!), were enclosed inside the parcel of joy and the yarn is sooooo soft that it really was an absolute pleasure to crochet with it.

I’d always wanted to make a multicolour hexie blanket and so I can now tick that off my crochet bucket list. Although the colours appear random there was a structure to the colour placement with no outer colours the same touching and every colour represented in seven hexagon flower arrangement. I’m not going to lie – the placement of colours was something I agonised over for AGES (don’t worry a schematic for the colour placement is included in the pattern). But when it finally came together I was so pleased with how it looked.

It’s definitely one of my favourite makes of 2017…

Actually scratch that, it may just be one of my favourite makes EVER! What’s not to love about a pretty merino shade rainbow!

The other projects included in this supplement are my Blooming Bunting…

And my Bohemian Beauty Granny Slouch Bag which I also adore.

Simply Crochet issue 66 is available both in-store and online, and you can see an online preview of the magazine here. They also offer worldwide subscriptions!

If you make any of these projects I hope you’ll share a photo with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) – I love to see what you make!

Until next time, keep calm and crochet on my friends x

23Aug2017

Simply Crochet Magazine | Perfect Pansy Bag

Posted in Crochet, For Adult, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links I do receive a small commission – thank you so much for supporting my blog! 💗

This post finds me in an extremely delighted state and I’ll tell you why – Simply Crochet magazine issue 61 is out now…

and with this month’s magazine there is an added ‘Crochet Edits’ supplement with three bonus floral patterns – and one of those patterns is mine!! 😁🎉

I’m always inspired by the different ways you can embellish a crochet project (and there are so many!) and cross-stitch was a method that I was really eager to incorporate into a design. Now you can sharpen your crochet and cross stitch skills with my new Perfect Pansy Cross Body Bag.

Bold print and vintage inspired, this bag is perfect for women, like me, who prefer to be hands-free when out and about. Cross body bags are, in my opinion, a perfectly practical style solution – a case of fashion meeting function (which is why I love them!).

Pansy’s and viola’s are some of my favourite flowers; their rounded velvety petals and vibrant colours always make an appearance in my flower pots. I’m not exactly what you call green fingered, I’m more of a nicely arranged patio pot kind of gal, but I love the fact that these hardy annuals are a) hard to kill off and b) always bring some bright rainbow cheer to the garden even when the sun isn’t shining!

Appearing in this supplement for Simply Crochet magazine is quite a special moment for me! When I first started crocheting again, just over five years ago, Simply Crochet was the first magazine I bought and later had a subscription to. And I just love how they have styled the section for my pattern with pretty feminine shades that I think perfectly complement my floral design!

If you are not familiar with Simply Crochet magazine it can be found in all major supermarkets and/or magazine suppliers in the UK. Each issue features loads of crochet patterns each month; advice on techniques; step-by-step guides and crochet inspiration – you’ll be hooked from the very first page! They also offer worldwide subscriptions! This starts from £25.95 (in the UK) for six issues.

With issue 61 you also get a rather funky floral 4mm polymer clay hook – which incidentally happens to be the perfect size for hooking my bag 😉.

I can’t wait to see how your bag projects turn out! Be sure to share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) – I love to see what you make!

Until next time, keep calm and crochet on my friends x

26Apr2017

Pattern Release & Giveaway | The Breton Bag

Posted in Crochet, For Adult, Giveaways, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Stripes are all the rage this season! Whether its horizontal or vertical you will undoubtedly start to see stripes feature in a range of accessories. Now you can line up with this years stripe trend with my new Breton Bag.

Big enough to stow all your essentials in you can now complement your own look using your own colour palette. The Breton Bag cross-body design also allows you to go hands free making it a practical style essential.

Inspired by a holiday I had in Brittany (France) and a homage to the the crisp Breton stripes which I think effortlessly express a classic Parisian style; clean and stylish in its graphic simplicity.

Make your bag with in the traditional white and blue sailor-like stripes for a touch of *Riviera Chic* or go wild with different colour variations; either way will result in an aesthetically appealing bag.

Included with the pattern is written guidance on how to add a lining and a magnetic bag clasp to your bag and two options for attaching the bag handle.

Exclusive Giveaway 🎉

The Breton Bag is now available and on sale on Ravelry (until 10 May 2017) but for your chance to win a copy keep reading!

Simply head on over to Ravelry and add the pattern to your favourites or show it some love by commenting below this post with your Ravelry username / or email address.

Bonus Entry: Re-pin any of the pictures on this post and copy & paste the URL of your re-pin in the comments below.

Winners will be randomly chosen on 10 May 2017 evening around 7pm GMT

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx