A handmade bucket bag is the perfect accessory for a day out, and a bag with a unique, textured design is even better. The “Golden Hive” Honeycomb Bucket Bag is a perfect project for any crocheter, featuring a stunning, raised stitch that mimics the intricate cells of a honeycomb. This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating a durable, stylish bag with a beautiful, tactile surface and a sturdy base.
This project is an excellent choice for an intermediate crocheter or an adventurous beginner who wants to learn a new, impressive stitch. The repetitive pattern is easy to memorize once you get the hang of it, and the finished result is a sturdy, unique bag with a high-end, handcrafted feel.
Why Crochet the Golden Hive Bag?
- Unique 3D Texture: The raised honeycomb stitch creates a captivating, tactile surface that sets this bag apart.
- Sturdy Construction: The dense nature of the stitch makes the bag strong and helps it hold its shape.
- Skill Building: Learn how to create a sturdy oval base, master a unique stitch pattern, and create a functional bag.
- Impressive Look: The finished bag looks much more complicated than it actually is, making it a great conversation starter.
- Customizable: Easily change the size, colors, or add a different handle to make it your own.
1. Planning Your Bag: Size & Materials
- Finished Size: The pattern is designed for a versatile bucket bag, approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter at the base and 10 inches (25 cm) tall.
- Yarn Choice: Choose a yarn that is durable and has good stitch definition to make the 3D effect stand out.
- Fiber: A sturdy, thick yarn like T-shirt yarn or a strong macrame cord is recommended. This will give the bag its shape.
- Weight: A chunky or super bulky weight yarn is ideal for this project.
- Color: A single, solid color will best highlight the raised texture of the pattern.
- Quantity: You will need approximately 200-300 yards (180-275 meters) of yarn.
2. Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: One or two skeins of a thick, sturdy yarn.
- Crochet Hook: 8.0 mm (L-11 US) or a hook size that gives you a dense but flexible fabric with your yarn.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds and pattern repeats.
- Lining Fabric & Sewing Supplies (Optional): For a professional finish.
3. Essential Crochet Stitches & Techniques
- Slip Knot
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining and neatening.
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- Working in the Back Loop Only (BLO): This is a key technique for creating a sturdy edge.
- Honeycomb Weave Stitch: This is the key stitch for the 3D effect. It’s a combination of sc and extended sc to create the raised motif.
4. Let’s Crochet the Golden Hive Bucket Bag!
We’ll start with the base, then work up the body in the honeycomb stitch, and finish with the top and drawstring.
Part 1: The Base (Worked in Oval Rounds)
This creates a flat, sturdy foundation for your bag.
- Foundation Chain: Ch 26.
- Round 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each of the next 23 chs. Work 3 sc in the last ch. Now, working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in each of the next 24 stitches. Work 2 sc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
- [52 stitches]
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
- The base should now be a nice, flat oval shape.
Part 2: The Body (The Honeycomb Weave Stitch)
This is where you’ll create the height and the beautiful honeycomb pattern.
- Round 1 (Defining the Edge): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Working in the BLO creates a defined ridge, marking the transition from the base to the body of the bag.
- Round 2 (Pattern Start): Ch 1. Sc in the first stitch. Work a long sc into the stitch directly below the next stitch, sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.
- To make a long sc, insert your hook into the stitch in the previous round, yarn over, pull up a loop, and finish the sc as normal.
- Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in the first stitch. Work a long sc into the stitch directly below the next stitch, sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.
- Make sure to alternate where you place your long sc stitches so they are in between the long sc stitches from the previous row.
- Repeat Round 3: Continue repeating this round until the bag reaches your desired height (for this pattern, about 10-12 rounds total for the body).
- Watch your tension to ensure the stitches pop!
Part 3: The Top & Drawstring
These final steps ensure a polished and professional look.
- Top Edge: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Drawstring Holes: Ch 1. Sc in the first 2 stitches. Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.
- Final Round: Ch 1. Sc in each sc and in each ch-1 space. Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in the end.
- Drawstring: Make a long chain (approximately 24 inches / 60 cm) and weave it through the drawstring holes. Tie a knot at the end.
Enjoy your beautiful and unique “Golden Hive” Honeycomb Bucket Bag. Its elegant design and handmade charm are sure to be a conversation starter!
Video tutorial:
