Oval Crocheted Bucket Bags & Pouches by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Craft: Crochet

“So many options!”

It all started with a straw backpack Kit found years ago at a New York street market. The bag is no more but Kit’s sketch survived. We liked the capacious ‘bucket’ size, but preferred an oval base for less bulky proportions. We created a handy smaller version and kept scaling down ‘til we arrived at zippered pouches, perfect for notions, cosmetics, projects…. A bag for all reasons!

Bucket bags come in two sizes, with options for drawstring or backpack straps. Pouches are also in two sizes, with instructions for adding a zipper and an optional fabric lining.

Yarn

Choose a non-stretchy DK- to light worsted-weight plant fiber yarn.

Smaller bucket bag: Approx. 450 yds/410m.

Smaller bag shown with drawstring straps in Rowan Handknit Cotton (93 yds/85m each): 5 skeins Color 335.

Larger bucket bag: Approx. 755 yds/690m; 25% of total in contrast color for base on two-tone bag.

Larger bag shown in two-tone with backpack straps in HempForKnitting AllHemp6 (165 yds/150m each): 4 skeins Color 12 and 1 skein Color 29.

Smaller pouch: Approx. 93 yds/85m. Smaller pouches shown in Rowan Handknit Cotton (93 yds/85m each): 1 skein each Colors 356, 350, 205.

Larger pouch: Approx. 175 yds/160m. Larger pouches shown in Rowan Handknit Cotton (93 yds/85m each): 2 skeins each Colors 347, 344.

Hooks & notions

US E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook, or size to obtain gauge.

Bucket bags only:

US F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook, or one size larger than gauge hook for straps.

4 locking markers, one in a different color.

Blunt darning needle to finish.

Pouches only:

9”/23cm zipper; sewing needle; thread to match yarn.

Optional lining for pouches:

A piece of light-weight fabric measuring about 40”/102cm wide and at least 2”/5cm longer than the height of your pouch or bag;

sewing needle and thread.

Gauge

Approx. 20 sc/24 rounds = 4”/10 cm on gauge hook.

Finished sizes

Smaller bucket bag: 8½ x 4½“ base x 11” tall/21.5 x 11cm base x 28cm tall.

Larger bucket bag: 9½ x 5½” base x 14½“ tall/24 x 14cm base x 37cm tall.

Smaller pouch: 7 x 2½” base x 3¼“ tall/18 x 6cm base x 8cm tall.

Larger pouch: 7 x 2½” base x 6½“ tall/18 x 6cm base x 16.5cm tall.