The Design

“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.

See how we've used this pattern!

The Details

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.

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 Hemp for Knitting 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.

KNITTER'S NOTES
You can use either strap style for both bags; maybe make the smaller size into a backpack for your favorite little stitcher!

The smaller bucket bag is shown using only one color but it's oh so easy to color-block. Our pattern describes a nifty technique for smoothing out the jog that occurs when you change color in a round of single crochet.

New to crochet, or want some additional support? Pick up our Learn-to-Crochet Companion for all the skills you'll need to complete this project, and many more!