How to Sew a Knitting or Crochet Project Bag

Updated on 06/29/20

DIY knitting and crochet project bag — Mollie Johanson

Project Overview

Total Time: 3 hrs

Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $30

Many knitters and crocheters always have a project going, and it's helpful to keep those projects in an easy-to-tote bag. This DIY project bag will keep your work clean and safe while allowing you to take your latest project with you on the go. The snaps at the top close the tote enough to secure the items inside, but they also make it possible to pull yarn out as you work. You can even slip your hand through the strap and let the bag hang from your wrist as you knit or crochet. The project bag, which you can personalize with your favorite fabric colors and patterns, takes intermediate sewing skills and just a few hours to create.

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Equipment / Tools

Scissors
Iron and ironing board
Rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler
Pins
Sewing machine
Hammer
Snap setting tool (usually comes with the snaps)

Materials

1/4 yard print quilting cotton
1/4 yard linen
1/2 yard solid quilting cotton
1 1/2 yard midweight fusible interfacing
2 hammer-on snaps
Matching thread

Prepare the Fabric Pieces

Cut the fusible interfacing into pieces slightly larger than the measurements below, and then iron the pieces to the back of the fabrics.

Using a rotary cutter for accuracy, cut out the following pieces:

From print fabric (for outside top):
- Cut two 12 1/2-by-7 1/2-inch rectangles.
From linen (for outside bottom):
- Cut two 12 1/2-by-6 1/2-inch rectangles.
  Cut a 2 1/2-inch square from the two bottom corners of each piece.
From solid fabric (for lining and strap):
- Cut two 12 1/2-by-13-inch rectangles.
  Cut a 2 1/2-inch square from the two bottom corners of each piece.
- Cut one 12 1/2-by-2 1/2-inch rectangle.
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Sew the Strap

With right sides together, sew the strap piece in half lengthwise with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn the tube right side out, and press it flat with the seam at one edge.

Then, topstitch the two sides 1/8 inch from the edge. Set the strap aside.

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Assemble the Lining

Pin and sew the two lining pieces with right sides together. Sew the two long sides and the bottom edge. Leave the indented corners unsewn for now.

Then, press the seams open.

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Form the Boxed Bottom

To form the boxed bottom, match a side seam to the bottom seam, so the open edges line up. The unsewn edges should be straight and perpendicular to the opened seams.

Pin and sew the boxed bottom with 1/4-inch seam allowances.

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Sew the Bag Pieces

Join the top and bottom outside pieces with right sides together, and press the seam open. Repeat with the other top and bottom pieces.

Fold the strap in half, and place it on the side of an outside piece 1 1/2 inches from the top. Position it so the ends of the strap are next to each other and aligned at the edge of the fabric.

Place the second outside piece on top with right sides together, matching the seams. Sew the two sides and the bottom. For extra security, you might want to backstitch across the straps.

Press the seams open. Then, sew the boxed bottom as you did the lining.

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Attach the Lining

Turn the lining right side out, and place it inside the outer part of the bag so the right sides face each other. Pin around the top of the bag.

Sew the lining and outer bag together around the top, leaving a 4-inch opening. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching.

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Add the Finishing Details

Turn the bag right side out, and iron it well to open the top seam. Press the open seam allowance in, so it aligns with the rest of the seam. Topstitch around the top of the bag, sewing 1/8 inch from the edge. This gives it a nice finish and closes the opening.

Attach the snaps about 3/4 inch from the top and 4 inches in from each side. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the snaps.

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Put Your Project Bag to Use

Now it's time to fill your new DIY bag with a crochet or knitting project. This bag is big enough to hold two small projects. But you might want to make an extra bag or two, so you can store multiple projects at a time.

Mollie Johanson