The Crochet Ami Project Bag Pattern

“Ami” is the Japanese word for “crochet”, so it’s certainly fitting that this crochet project bag design is derived from a Japanese knot bag. The unique closure of the Ami Project Bag creates a slight opening at the top when the long handle threads through the smaller handle. The long handle can then be held on your wrist, creating a hands-free solution for the busy crocheter who wants to crochet on the go. The project bag makes a wonderfully thoughtful gift for any crocheter, especially you!

Crocheters need project bags of all shapes and sizes to accommodate their WIPs! This particular project bag has a generous size without being too large. It can hold a large cake of yarn with room for the project and tools as well.

Inspiration and Design

I’ve always been fascinated with the design of a Japanese knot bag. It just seems like the perfect solution to hands-free crocheting in such a simple design. Most of the knot bags I’ve seen begin with a flat circle that continues into the body portion of the bag. I chose instead to make a square-ish bottom, giving the bag a bit more stability on the bottom. It’s a bit unconventional for a crochet version but I think it makes the bag design pretty unique!

I used single crochet for the bottom and half double crochet for the body because I wanted a fabric that was pretty close-knit. A lot of knot bags are lined but this one doesn’t need to be.

What’s to love!

• The pattern is beginner friendly (although it’s more appropriate for an advanced beginner).
• The bag works up quickly.
• By using cotton worsted weight yarn, the bag is durable and easy to take care of.
• Construction is pretty straightforward.

The Yarn

I’ve been on a mission to try a number of new (to me) worsted weight cotton yarns. Because there are many popular choices out there, I didn’t want to be limited to one or two favorites. When I sampled Bernat “Handicrafter”, I knew I had a winner. The yarn is easy to work with, has a nice feel and works up into a very pretty fabric. The regular “Handicrafter” has a diverse selection of colors so there’s probably a color for you. I also made a sample in the Twists version. Only 3 colors but I like the way it looks when it’s made up.

Of course, you can use any cotton worsted weight yarn you like. I would recommend a mercerized cotton, one without stretch to it. The bag will have a bit of stretch because of the nature of the crochet stitches. Adding to that with a stretchy yarn would result in a misshapen bag and no one wants that!

About the Pattern

Yarn: Bernat “Handicrafter” 100% cotton worsted weight yarn (1.75oz/80yd; 50g/73m) – 4 skeins (the sample was made in Robins Egg.

Or

Bernat “Handicrafter Twists” 100% cotton worsted weight yarn (1.5oz/68yd; 42.5g/62m) – 5 skeins (the sample was made in Candy Sprinkles)

Please note that these 2 yarns have differing yardages and therefore need a different number of skeins. Order enough for the entire project!

Hook: US size H-8 (5mm) or size needed to achieve gauge listed in the printed pattern.

Stitches used: chain, half double crochet, single crochet, slip stitch

The pattern is written using US crochet terminology. You’ll find helpful photos as you work through the pattern.