✅ Shopping ✅ Beach ✅ Travel ✅ Everyday Use ✅ Gifting

✅ Required

• 3 × 100g KnitSilk Recycled Sari Silk balls
• 10mm (US N/P) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

✨ Optional

• Stitch marker
• Magnetic snap closure
• Cotton fabric lining
• 9mm hook (for finer yarn)
• Tassel / charm from leftover yarn

ch — Chain
Yarn over, pull through loop. Foundation of every row.

dc — Double Crochet
Yarn over, insert hook, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice.

ch-sp — Chain Space
Ch 1, skip 1 stitch. Creates the open mesh gaps.

sl st — Slip Stitch
Insert hook, pull through both loops. Joins rounds.

sc — Single Crochet
Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.

Mesh Round
Ch 4 (= dc + ch 1). Skip 1, dc in next. Repeat. Join sl st to 3rd ch.

1

Make the Oval Base

Chain 26. Keep the foundation chain relaxed.

1. Round 1: DC in the 4th chain from hook and DC across. At the final chain work 6 DC in the end space. Continue DC along the underside of the foundation chain. Work 5 DC in the remaining end space. Slip stitch to join.
2. Round 2: Ch 3. DC around. At each rounded end work increases evenly so the base stays flat. Join with sl st.
3. Round 3: Ch 3. DC around, increasing only at the two rounded ends as needed. Join with sl st.

2

Build the Side Wall

1. Work 1 round of DC without increasing. This transitions from base to bag sides.
2. Continue DC rounds until the bag measures approximately 4 inches from the bottom and sides are clearly vertical.
3. Do not increase once the sides are established.

3

Create the Open Mesh Body

The signature diamond mesh that makes this bag lightweight and beautiful.

1. Next mesh rounds: Ch 4. DC into each DC of previous round with ch 1 between. Join sl st.
2. Repeat mesh round until body measures approximately 12–13 inches from the bottom.
3. Keep chain spaces relaxed — the open structure is the design.

4

Change Yarn Balls

💡 Weave all yarn tails securely through several stitches after the bag is complete.

5

Add the Top Edge

1. Work 2–3 rounds of SC around the full top opening.
2. Keep the final round firm but not tight.
3. Slip stitch to finish. Fasten off leaving a 10–12 inch tail.

6

Make the Handles

Attach yarn approximately 2 inches from each side seam. Make two handles.

1. Chain 70–80 for a 9–10 inch handle drop. Adjust to suit the wearer.
2. Work SC back along the chain. Repeat for 2–3 rows for a wider, stronger handle.
3. Make the second handle to match.

7

Attach & Reinforce

1. Position handles symmetrically on the inside of the bag, 2 inches from each side seam.
2. Sew each handle with several passes using the tapestry needle. A small square of stitching spreads the load.
3. Test handles gently before using with heavy items. Reinforce further if needed.

8

Finishing

1. Weave all loose ends securely, changing direction before trimming.
2. Lightly reshape by hand. Avoid heat or aggressive stretching.
3. Optional: Add a magnetic snap inside the top edge.
4. Optional: Hand stitch a simple cotton lining for structure and a polished finish.

Oval base curling up.
Add an extra DC increase at both short rounded ends. If it ruffles outward, reduce increases.

Mesh closing up and looking solid.
Loosen each ch-1 deliberately. Try an 11mm hook for the mesh body to open the holes naturally.

Running out of yarn before bag is tall enough.
Reduce mesh rounds. Reserve Ball 3 for the top edge (2–3 SC rounds) and both handles — these are structural.

Bag loses shape when loaded.
Add a cotton lining and a magnetic snap closure at the top to maintain form.

Handles cutting into shoulder.
Work 4–5 SC rows per handle instead of 2–3. A wider handle distributes weight much more comfortably.

Yarn breaking mid-stitch.
Overlap yarn ends for 4–6 stitches at weak points and carry both strands through. Secure and trim after completion.

Tassel
Wind yarn around a card, tie at top, cut at bottom.

Crochet Flower
Ch 4, join, 6 SC into ring, continue petals.

Keychain
Braid 3 strands, knot, loop through a key ring.

Small Pouch
Mini oval base + a few rounds up for a coin purse.

Bow Charm
Crochet a short strip, cinch the centre, sew to handle.

Mixed-Media
Save in a KnitSilk project bag for future weavings or jewellery.

♻️ Sustainable
No new silk produced. Every fibre reclaimed from existing sari textile waste.

🌈 One of a Kind
Every ball and every bag is unique. The colour story cannot be repeated.

📦 Reduces Textile Waste
Each skein diverts real sari fabric from landfill, giving it a vibrant second life.

🇮🇳 Supports Artisans
Hand-processed in India by skilled artisans preserving traditional craft techniques.

Is this suitable for a complete beginner?
Beginner+ means you should be comfortable with chain, dc, and sl st joins. The oval base is the trickiest part — after that the mesh is a satisfying, rhythmic repeat.

Will 3 balls be enough?
Yes for most makers at standard tension. Monitor yardage after Ball 1 — if it runs out quickly, plan to reserve Ball 3 for the top edge and both handles.

Can I make it bigger?
Yes. Chain 30–35 for a wider base and add more mesh rounds. Budget 4–5 balls for a significantly larger bag.

Can I use it for groceries?
Yes! Reinforce handles with 4–5 SC rows and multiple passes at the attachment point before loading with heavy items.

Can I knit this instead of crochet?
Crochet creates the most natural open mesh for this design. A knitted version is possible on 9–10mm needles in the round but requires yarn-over lace techniques for the mesh effect.