The Liberty Star Tapestry Bag: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Patriotic, Tapestry-Woven Tote

Celebrate with the Liberty Star Tapestry Bag: A Free Crochet Pattern

Get ready to stitch a piece of Americana! The Liberty Star Tapestry Bag is a stunning, patriotic tote that combines the beauty of tapestry crochet with a classic star motif. This sturdy, lined bag is perfect for everyday use, from market trips to beach days, and makes a beautiful handmade statement. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a new challenge, this pattern will guide you through creating a durable, vintage-inspired accessory you'll be proud to carry.

Materials Needed

To create this beautiful tote, you'll need the following supplies. The gauge and yarn weight are crucial for achieving the structured shape of the bag.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in three colors:
  • Color A (Navy Blue) - 200g (approx. 400 yards)
  • Color B (Cream) - 150g (approx. 300 yards)
  • Color C (Rust Red) - 100g (approx. 200 yards)
• Hook: Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet with Color A. Important: Check your gauge to ensure the bag is the correct size.
• Other: Yarn needle, scissors, fabric for lining (e.g., cotton quilting fabric, about 1/2 yard), sewing needle and thread, optional magnetic snap closure.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes: The bag is worked in the round from the bottom up using tapestry crochet (carrying unused colors). The star motif is created by following a chart. The bag is then lined with fabric for durability. Carrying yarn: When changing colors, carry the unused color loosely behind the work, crocheting over it every few stitches to keep it neat.

Bottom of Bag (worked in continuous rounds)

Do not join at the end of rounds; use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.

1. With Color A, make a magic ring. Round 1: 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)
4. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
5. Continue increasing in this manner (adding 6 increases per round) until you have a circle with a diameter of 8 inches. This will take approximately 12 rounds. Tip: To keep the circle flat, ensure increases are evenly spaced. If the circle starts to ruffle, you may need to adjust your tension or use a smaller hook.

Body of Bag (worked in joined rounds)

Now you will join each round with a slip stitch. The chain 1 at the beginning of each round does NOT count as a stitch.

1. Round 1: Sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (72 sts)
2. Rounds 2-5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (72 sts)
3. Begin Tapestry Pattern: Follow the chart below for the star motif. Carry unused colors loosely behind the work. For each row, work sc in the specified color. Change colors by pulling the new color through the last yarn over of the previous stitch.
   • Row 6: With Color B, sc in each st around. (72 sts)
   • Row 7: With Color B, sc in 10 sts, *with Color C, sc in 1 st, with Color B, sc in 11 sts* repeat from * to * 5 times, end with Color C sc in 1 st, Color B sc in 1 st. (72 sts)
   • Rows 8-25: Continue following the star chart (a 12-stitch repeat) for 20 rows. The star will be centered on the front and back of the bag. Chart instructions: The pattern is a 12-stitch repeat. For each row, work the sequence of colors as indicated. For example, if the chart shows B, B, C, B, B, B, B, B, B, C, B, B, that means: sc in Color B for 2 sts, sc in Color C for 1 st, sc in Color B for 7 sts, sc in Color C for 1 st, sc in Color B for 2 sts. Repeat this 12-stitch pattern 6 times around.
4. After completing the star pattern, work 2 more rounds with Color A: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (72 sts)
5. Next round: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (72 sts)
6. Repeat the previous round until the bag measures 12 inches from the bottom (including the bottom circle).

Top Edge and Handles

1. Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (72 sts)
2. Round 2 (Handle openings): Ch 1, sc in first 12 sts, ch 30 (for handle), skip 12 sts, sc in next 24 sts, ch 30, skip 12 sts, sc in last 12 sts, join. (84 sts total: 12 + 30 chain + 24 + 30 chain + 12)
3. Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each sc and each ch across, join. (84 sts) Tip: Work into the back bump of the chain stitches for a neater edge.
4. Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing

1. Weave in ends: Use a yarn needle to weave in all loose ends securely on the wrong side of the work.
2. Line the bag: Cut a piece of fabric to match the interior dimensions of the bag (approximately 12 inches wide by 14 inches tall, plus seam allowance). Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, and sew the side seams and bottom seam. Press the seams open. Turn the lining right side out and insert it into the bag. Fold the top edge of the lining over by 1/2 inch and press. Hand-stitch the lining to the inside of the bag just below the top edge, using a slip stitch or whip stitch.
3. Optional closure: Sew a magnetic snap closure to the center of the lining at the top edge for added security.

Your Liberty Star Tapestry Bag is now complete! This sturdy, beautiful tote is perfect for carrying your essentials with a touch of patriotic flair. Enjoy your handmade creation!