Yarns for Bags and Baskets

Bag yarns hold their shape, do not stretch and are sturdy. This category carries Hello Raffia 100 g (a light, straw-look paper yarn) and thick cotton yarns for bags and accessories in wide colour cards. Beach bags, hats and baskets crocheted in raffia are the most-made summer projects; the yarn gives a natural straw look with no dyeing needed. All yarns are in Bag and Accessory Yarn; paper yarns in Paper Yarn.

How to Crochet a Raffia Bag

Work raffia in single crochet with a 3–4 mm hook; it is not slippery, so stitches stay crisp. A medium beach bag takes 2–3 balls, a hat 1–2, a basket 1. Choose a leather or wooden handle from Knitting Tools; a lining is optional. Raffia softens when wet and regains its shape when dry, and can be shaped with a slightly damp iron.