BAG DIY: Rainbow Crocheted OlyFun Crossbody Bag

This crocheted crossbody bag is made with OlyFun yarn, and is rainbow for LGBTQ pride month. I created my own yarn out of OlyFun. You can see my OlyFun Yarn tutorial over on Fairfield World. I'm a Fairfield World Master Maker, so they provided me with the OlyFun for this tutorial. If you are comfortable with crocheting rounds, changing colors, and transitioning to rows, then you can make this bag! It's worked in mostly double crochet, so it works up fast. I chose a rainbow pattern, but you can use any color combination that you wish, or all one color. OlyFun comes in 18 colors, so you have a lot of choices. This fabric doesn't fray and cuts like paper, making it perfect for this use. When crocheted, it makes a thick and sturdy fabric, great for durable bags!


CRAFT LEVEL: Intermediate. Be comfortable with working in rounds and joining yarn ends.

TIME: Weekend project. Half cutting OlyFun yarn and half crocheting

SUPPLIES:
These are NOT affiliate links. I was not compensated for this tutorial. Fairfield World did provide me with the OlyFun for this and all OlyFun projects.
  • OlyFun yarn in desired colors. I made my yarn with,
  • One 1" Red or Orange plastic button
  • Size K (6.50mm) crochet hook - For crocheting
  • Size G (4.25mm) crochet hook - For sewing & weaving
  • (Optional) Stitch markers - If you need help counting rounds & rows
  • (Optional) Tapestry needle - I prefer a small crochet hook for sewing and weaving with any yarns, but many people prefer a tapestry needle. A tapestry needle is large and long, with a dull point
STITCH KEY:
  • CH = Chain
  • SC = Single Crochet
  • DC = Double Crochet
  • SS = Slip Stitch

BODY: With the Jelly OlyFun Yarn, make a slip knot. Chain 22 stitches.

ROUND 1: 2 SC in 3rd CH from hook. 1 SC in each CH until the end. 3 SC in last CH. 1 SC in each CH till you reach the beginning. SS into top of 2nd CH, completing the round.

ROUND 2: CH 2. 1 SC 1st SC. 3 SC in 2nd SC. 1 SC in each SC till the end of the row. 3 SC in the 2nd SC where you made 3 SC in one CH at the end. 1 SC in each SC till you reach the beginning. SS into top of 2nd CH, completing the round.

ROUND 3: CH 2. 1 SC 1st SC. 3 SC in 2nd SC. 1 SC in each SC till the end of the row. 3 SC in the 2nd SC where you made 3 SC in one SC at the end. 1 SC in each SC till you reach the beginning. SS into top of 2nd CH, completing the round. This completes the bag bottom.

ROUND 4: Now you'll be working on the body, still in the round. CH 2. DC in each previous SC in the round. SC in the 2nd CH.

ROUND 5: CH 2. DC in each previous SC in the round.

SWITCH COLORS: Insert hook into top of 2nd CH. Lay the working Jelly OlyFun yarn over the hook. Lay the new yarn color, Blueberry, over top of the working yarn. Pull both through the CH. Lay new color over hook. Pull only that color through the loops, creating one CH. Make a 2nd CH. Cut the 2 tails about 3" long. Lay them together along the stitches, and work over them, to make the transition more sturdy.

ROUND 6: 1 DC in every stitch in the round. SS in the 2nd CH.

ROUND 7 - 9: CH 2. 1 DC in every stitch in the round. SS in the 2nd CH. On end of last round, follow the Switching Colors instructions.

ROUNDS 10-25: Repeat the instructions for switching colors, and rounds 6-9. You will switch colors every 4 rounds.


FLAP: We'll be working in rows, to create the flap with a buttonhole, using Cherry Pop and Orange Crush. This will be a continuation from the body creation, not separate.

ROW 1: Turn. SS in the 1st and 2nd DC. CH 2. 1 DC in each of the next 25 stitches.

ROW 2 - 6: Turn. CH 2. 1 DC in each stitch till the end. When you get to the end of the 6th row, switch colors to Orange Crush, by adding it when finishing the last DC.

ROW 7 and 8: Turn. CH 2. 1 DC in each stitch till the end.

ROW 9: Turn. CH 2. 1 DC in the next 10 stitches. CH 4. 1 DC in the next 11 stitches.

ROW 10: Turn. CH 2. 1 DC in the next 10 stitches. Make 4 DC over the chains, not in them. 1 DC in the next 11 stitches. At the end make 1 CH and pull the yarn through about 4". Cut off the remaining yarn. Pull the tail, locking in the stitches. You'll weave this in during finishing.


STRAP: I based the strap measurements off my own body. You can easily alter the length by using more or less chains to start, and width by adding more rows. With the Cherry Pop. CH 150 stitches.

ROW 1: 1 DC in the 3rd CH from the hook. 1 DC in each CH till the end. Switch to Orange Crush by adding it when finishing the last DC.

ROW 2: Turn. CH 2. 1 DC in each stitch till the end. Switch to Lemon Drop by adding it when finishing the last DC.

ROW 3: Turn. CH 2. 1 DC in each stitch till the end. Make one CH and pull the yarn through about 4". Cut off the remaining yarn, leaving that 4" tail. Pull the yarn tight, to lock in the last stitch.


FINISHING: Finishing the bag involves weaving in any loose ends, adding the button and strap.

BUTTON:
  • With the flap down, determine where the button hole intersects with the bag. I found mine to be in the middle of the orange stripe
  • Lift the flap up. Press the button against the bag
  • Start sew the button on by poking the Orange Crush OlyFun yarn through the inside of the bag bag and a button hole, like you would do with thread. I found folding the yarn in fourths helped it pass through the button easily. Leave a 4" tail
  • Sew through the holes in an X, twice. You can do more passes, if you want it more secure. I found two Xs (4 passes) was enough. You can use a small crochet hook or tapestry needle to sew with
  • Cut a 4" ending tail. Tie the starting and ending tails together 3-4 times
  • Use a tapestry needle or small crochet hook to weave the tails into the crochet. This hides the tails and strengthens the button sewing

STRAP:
  • Use a tapestry needle or small crochet hook to weave the tails into the crochet. This hides the tails and strengthens the crochet
  • Line the straps up with the ends meeting the bottom of the red stripe, on the sides. Make sure the strap isn't twisted
  • Start sewing from the inside the bag. Leave a 4" starting tail. I used Cherry Pop OlyFun yarn
  • Sew the strap on by passing the yarn through the bag and strap, making stitches
  • When you get back to the start, cut 4" ending tail. Tie the two tails together
  • Use a tapestry needle or small crochet hook to weave the sewing tails into the crochet
  • Repeat for the other end of the strap
ENDS:
  • Use a tapestry needle or small crochet hook to weave the all of the ends into the crochet.
  • For the crochet work, if there are two tails together, weave them in the same direction
That's all for this tutorial. I'll be working with OlyFun more in the future. You can see all the tutorials I've created using OlyFun on my blog and on Fairfield World. There are plenty more creations by the Master Makers team, to keep you inspired to make many things. That's all for today! Happy Makery!



Comments

  1. I originally found your blog searching for Olyfun projects and came across this gorgeous bag you created. Which I will be doing for sure. I came across a large amount of blue olyfun by accident for next to nothing and the fiber intrigued me so I purchased it but not really knowing too much about the textile. I also crochet so I was wondering if you thought I could crochet a throw rug out of this and would it hold up you think? I don't want to waste my olyfun or time creating something only to have it fall apart.. thanks for your help
    And sorry for all my questions but I just found you! Lol

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found me. I've been pondering a crocheted olyfun rug too. My main concern was is slipping around, but if you back it with that thin slip proof mat stuff you might be ok. This is something I need to experiment with. I'm thinking wider OlyFun strips & a really big hook might work. I just don't know how well it will hold up to foot traffic.

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  2. Hi Abby!
    So sorry in the delay of my response but I just saw this! Glad that you have been pondering making rugs as well! I was needing some outdoor type rugs for the pool area that people could sit on and wipe their dirty feet on before they get in my pool. Then a large rug / playmat for the kids to play with their toys while drying off and I thought this olyfun sounds like what I need!! but of course What I picture in my head I cannot find the way I want them so instead of buying them I'll make them because that's what I do lol...but I guess I'm picturing some beautiful rugs or mats in the vivid colors I see olyfun comes in!
    I did find some liquid rubber backing at Michael's, in the latch hook rug kit area. Its a small tub and is applied with a paint brush to the backs of any DIY rug or the latch hook rugs to create the non slip backing or it says to repair a rug backing when it starts to get worn from wear and tear / washing. That's what I originally bought it for! So that's an idea to consider. Like I said, I'll be using them for outdoor area use, putting away after use. But I'm wondering how it will take chlorine? Lol
    I saw your tutorial for making the yarn so I guess I'll start there and see what happens!! I really want to crochet with it instead of weaving with it like You did with the crossbody purse. I like the texture that the crochet gives it as opposed to weaving strips together which to me isn't as pretty as crocheting!!! I guess I'll make up some super bulky olyfun yarn, grab a P or Q crochet hook and make up small rug and see what happens! Thanks for your reply and advice. Really appreciate your help! - jess

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    Replies
    1. I love your enthusiasm. OlyFun isn't suitable for outdoor use. It will disintegrate. I found that out after making a flag & keeping it outdoors for months. For your use, I suggest painting on a big piece of canvas fabric & sealing it several times. The rubber backing is a great idea. Also those outdoor woven rugs made of a straw or grass (I think) could be dyed or painted. Ikea used to carry them...I had one many moons ago. Both of those should do ok with chlorine, though chlorine degrades fibers over time.

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