FILUM BAG

FREE PATTERN WITH VIDEO TUTORIAL

There are some classic designs that are commonly sought for in any crafting activity. And crochet is no exception. So, it was time that I made my own version for this cute bag and stitch work that pairs up beautifully with round handles.

The Filum Bag is sturdy and perfect for summer outings, with an ideal medium size. With the option to extend the sides if you need some extra space.

And even though stitch work is not basic it is really not a difficult piece to work on. We only have to pay attention to stitch count and increases, in this back and forth construction. With quite easy finishing because in only involves seaming the two main pieces, adding the handles and leveling up one of the ends on each side.

The main stitch included in this design is Long Split Single Crochet, a variation of split single crochet, worked back and forth, which is made by alternating with a row of slip stitches on the wrong side. In this way, we are able to make split single crochets on the RS only and still create a flat piece. There is already a video tutorial where I explain the basics of this variation of split single crochet, thatI suggest you check before starting with the actual bag.

The bag construction includes increases, to reach a symmetrical shape, that combined with the knit-like stitch work gives this accessory such a nice look many crafters continue to look for.

SPECIAL STITCHES AND TECHNIQUES

Long split single crochet (back and forth)
Single crochet, made right in the center of single crochets from two rows below, to create a thicker fabric. Back and forth variation of ssc, alternating with a row of sl st, to always work lssc on the RS. To make it easier, crochet the lssc loosely. In rows of sl st work with regular tension.
Make one R of sl st on the WS. The, on the RS work lssc, by inserting hook in between the “V” of next sc from two R below, yarn over and draw through the st, by pulling enough yarn to cover sl st from last R, yarn over and draw through the two loops on the hook.

Single crochet join / Standing single crochet (by wrapping the handle)
Used to add a new yarn in the beginning of a new row, to get a cleaner start.
Make a slip ring over the hook, insert the hook in the st, yarn over, pull through the st, place the handle between the hook and the yarn, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Sc join has been completed and the handle is wrapped in between the st.

Slip stitch join (Standing slip stitch)
It is commonly used to add a new yarn in the beginning of a new round, to get a cleaner start.
Make a slip ring over the hook, insert the hook in the st, yarn over, pull through the st and through the loop on the hook.

Back loop slip stitch
Slip stitch, made in back loop of stitches from last row.
Insert hook in bl of next st, yarn over, pull through the st and pull through the loop on the hook.

This video tutorial for the Filum Bag covers all steps of the making. Video is in Spanish, but you have the option to see the Closed Caption in the language of your choice, by selecting the settings icon on the video then, select Closed Caption, Automatic Translation and select your language. And you also have all written directions (below this same post), to follow every detail step by step.

If you want the formatted, ad free, 12 page PDF document (with written instructions and also including more than 60 images in photo tutorials) of the Filum Bag, this is available in my pattern stores (Ravelry, Etsy, Lovecrochet) for USD $3.60.

DK weight yarn was the choice for this project and I decided to use two threads held together all along the project, to give this resistant and chunky texture, which also gives you the chance to use two different colors if you wish to make it extra colorful.

SUGGESTED MATERIALS

• Seven 50 gr / 1.76 oz (110 m / 120 yds) skeins of DK light weight yarn (44% acrylic, 38% cotton, 18% metallic thread) in PINK
• 6 mm (J-10) crochet hook
• One set of round plastic handles (5.9” / 15 cm diameter)
• Yarn needle
• Measuring tape
• Scissors

FINISHED SIZE

Width x height x side (with open sides)
12.6” x 5.9” x 4.3” / 32 cm x 15 cm x 11 cm

GAUGE
Single crochet, back and forth (2 yarns held together)
11 sts and 10 rows= 4”/10 cm

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate: This design includes intermediate crochet stitches, simple shaping and finishing techniques.

STITCH GUIDE

• R: row
• Ch: chain
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Sl st: slip stitch
• Sc: single crochet
• Lssc: long split single crochet
• Bl: back loop
• Rep: repeat
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

 NOTES 

• When crocheting back and forth, with lssc, ch 1 to begin every R, this ch does not count as a st.

FILUM BAG
FRONT/BACK OF THE BAG (MAKE 2)  
Crocheted back and forth, starting from the upper edge. With two yarns held together ch 26.
R1(RS): Starting in 2nd ch from the hook, loosely sc 25, turn= 25 sts

R2: Sl st 25, turn= 25 sts

R3: Ch 1, (lssc 4, 2 lssc in next st) twice, lssc 5, (2 lssc in next st, lssc 4) twice, turn= 29 sts

R4: Sl st 29, turn= 29 sts
R5: Ch 1, lssc 4, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 5, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 7, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 5, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 4, turn= 33 sts

R6: Sl st 33, turn= 33 sts
R7: Ch 1, lssc 4, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 6, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 9, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 6, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 4, turn= 37 sts

R8: Sl st 37, turn= 37 sts
R9: Ch 1, lssc 4, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 7, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 11, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 7, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 4, turn= 41 sts
R10: Sl st 41, turn= 41 sts
R11: Ch 1, lssc 4, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 8, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 13, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 8, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 4, turn= 45 sts
R12: Sl st 45, turn= 45 sts
R13: Ch 1, lssc 4, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 9, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 15, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 9, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 4, turn= 49 sts

R14: Sl st 43, turn= 43 sts (6 sts will remain uncrocheted)

R15: Ch 1, lssc 9, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 17, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 9, turn= 39 sts (6 sts will remain uncrocheted)

R16: Sl st 38, turn= 38 sts (1 st will remain uncrocheted)

R17: Ch 1, lssc 8, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 19, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 8, turn= 39 sts

R18: Rep R16
R19: Ch 1, lssc 7, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 21, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 7, turn= 39 sts
R20: Rep R16
R21: Ch 1, lssc 6, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 23, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 6, turn= 39 sts
R22: Rep R16

R23: Ch 1, lssc 5, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 25, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 6, do not turn, continue on the RS by working to the left, over the side edge of the work, by inserting the hook over the lssc of previous rows, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 1, 2 lssc in next st, lssc 6, turn= 51 sts

R24: Sl st 51, do not turn, continue on the WS by working to the left, over the side edge of the work, by inserting the hook over the sts of previous rows, sl st 12, turn= 63 sts

R25: Ch 1, lssc 6, (2 lssc in next st, lssc 1) twice, lssc 51, turn= 63 sts

R26: Sl st 63, turn= 63 sts
R27: Ch 1, lssc 63, turn= 63 sts

R28-33: Rep R26-27, three more times
Fasten off and weave in ends, by leaving long tails for sewing on front or back of the bag.

FINISHING
JOINING HANDLES TO FRONT/BACK OF THE BAG
Joined in one row, by working over the foundation ch of front/back of the bag, on the WS, starting on one end of the curve and wrapping the handle while crocheting, with two yarns held together.
R1(WS): Sc join, 1 sc in 1st ch, (2 sc in next ch) rep ( ) 24 times= 50 sts
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Rep for the other side of the bag with the other handle.

JOINING FRONT/BACK OF THE BAG
With yarn needle and two yarns held together, join front/back of the bag, on the RS, by starting from the upper edge of one side until reaching the opposite end. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

* It is possible that one end from front/back of the bag seems lower, due to the difference in tension between beginning and end of rows. Work bl sl st and stitches with the yarn needle over that end, to level up with opposite end on the other side of the bag. On the RS, starting from the side seam of the bag, with two yarns held together.

R1(RS): Sl st join, bl sl st 1 in each following st, sl st 1 in 1st foundation ch from where handle is held, sl st 1 by wrapping the handle in between, cut leaving long tails and pull the yarn through the final loop. Thread the yarn needle and go back to the right by wrapping the yarn twice in the back of each following st, until reaching the sl st join on side seam of the bag. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

And your Filum Bag is ready to go. You will fall in love with the texture and structure of this amazing and fashionable accessory. I like to fold the sides inwards to give it a more compact look.

A beautiful project to enjoy and learn. Share your version with me, use #filumbag to see your creation or just tag me as @chabepatterns on my Instagram.

All written instructions and images in this pattern are protected by Copyright. This pattern is for personal use and not to be copied or reproduced, partially or totally, for any purpose. It may not be redistributed or shared anywhere, either online or offline. Finished items made from this pattern may be sold, in small quantity. But they cannot be promoted using the images contained in this pattern. Proper credit for the original design must be given to Chabepatterns and link back to this post and/or designer’s pattern shop.