August 2020
Pattern Overview
This simple lunch sack bag is modeled after the classic brown paper lunch bag. I like to take snacks and other treats to work and on activities with me, but sometimes I don’t want a full-size lunch box…so I would use a brown paper lunch bag. Lately though, I’ve been trying to be more conscious of making environmentally friendly choices in my lifestyle, so using paper bags every day seemed a bit wasteful. Enter the Simple Lunch Sack. Roughly the same dimensions as those classic paper bags, this simple tunisian crochet project is great for someone who is learning tunisian crochet. It uses only the tunisian simple stitch and slip stitches.
Construction and Customization Notes
The bag is constructed in 3 phases. First, you make a base/bottom; then you work a skinny side panel, and the long side panel; then the other set of skinny and long side panels. Then you seam it all together and finish the top edges. You can also add an optional loop and button.
You can easily customize the piece to your preferred dimensions, or make each side and front panel in separate pieces and then seam all four panels together at the corners.
Supplies Needed
- 6 mm tunisian crochet hook (or size needed to meet gauge) – I use my Knitter’s Pride interchangeable set for everything tunisian, but you could use a simple straight tunisian hook as well.
- a few hundred yards of worsted weight yarn. I used Caron One Pound because I like the washability of a full acrylic yarn, but you could use any weight 4 yarn you like.
- 1 medium button (optional)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Stitches (*US Terms*)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Chain stitch (Ch)
- Tunisian Simple Stitch (tss) – this is a great tutorial for learning the tunisian simple stitch
- Join as you go tunisian – this is a great tutorial to learn the join as you go method for tunisian crochet
- Slip stitch bind off – this is a great tutorial for tunisian basics
Gauge/Notes
Gauge: using tss: 15 stitches x 13 rows = 4 inches
Notes:
- I use the “join as you go” method to attach the front and back (long side) panels to the bottom of the bag, while working along the side of the short side panels. However, you can use work the panels individually and then seam all four corners together at the end. I like the texture change from working the stitch into the side of an existing panel, but it is all personal preference.
- I also added a loop and button closure, but this is optional. You can use it without a button or add a different type of closure.
- I also chose to make it without a strap, but one could be easily added at the end by simply working it like a very long button loop from side panel to side panel.
Pattern Instructions
Base/Bottom:
Foundation: Chain 19. Turn.
Row 1: Beginning in the second chain from the hook, draw up a loop. Draw up a loop in the remaining stitches. Return pass. (18 stitches)
Row 2: Work 1 TSS in each stitch of the row. Return pass (18 stitches)
Row 3-13: Repeat row 2. (18 stitches)
Slip stitch bind off. Cut yarn.
Side panel:
Join yarn to the corner of one of the short sides of your rectangular base. Working along the side edge of the short side:
Row 1: Working in the back loop and third loop, just as you would in standard crochet, draw up a loop in each of the stitches down the short edge. Return pass. (13 stitches)
Row 2: 1 TSS in each stitch. Return pass (13 stitches)
Row 3 – 30: Repeat row 2. (13 TSS)
Slip stitch bind off. DO NOT CUT YARN.
Work 1 chain stitch.
Row 1: Then working down the edges of the rows you just finished crocheting, in the back and 3rd loop only, draw up 29 loops and work the 30th loop into the back loop of the base/bottom (using the tunisian join as you go method). Return pass. (30 stitches)
Row 2: 1 TSS in each stitch, including the final stitch into the base/bottom. Return pass (30 stitches)
Row 3 – 18: Repeat row 2. (30 stitches)
Slip stitch bind off. Cut yarn.
Repeat both of these panels/sides starting on the opposite/diagonal corner.
You will now have the basic shape of the bag. Flip the piece inside out, and slip stitch up the edges/corners from the base to the top of the bag. Work these slip stitches through the back loop of each slip stitch row (each slip stitch should be worked through two loops – one loop from each panel).
When you get to the top of the panel/corner, ch 1, then slip stitch loosely across the top of the long side panel, slip stitch to the first stitch of the top edge of the short rows panel. Cut yarn, tie off.
Repeat this with the other side. Weave in your ends.
Optional Button and Loop:
Loop: Find the center of the top edge of one of the long panels. Join yarn with a slip stitch and chain 6 (or however many needed to comfortably but securely fit around your button). Join to the stitch right next to the base join, ch 1, then slip stitch in each stitch back to the base. Join to the base again and tie off. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
Button: Find the spot in the front panel where your bag comfortably folds down, then attach the button with some additional yarn and a tapestry needle. Weave in ends.
That’s it! Super simple and quick to make, this bag will carry snacks and lunches for a long time to come.
If you enjoy this pattern or have any comments or questions, please feel free to reach out via email, facebook, or instagram, and I will happily help you however I can! Tag me in your finished makes @skeinsandstitchesco!
Feel free to sell finished products from this pattern (giving me credit as the designer), but please link to the blog post version of this pattern rather than copy and pasting if you want to share it on your platforms. Thanks!
** I do use affiliate links throughout my posts so if you place an order through the links in this post I may receive compensation from the company linked. Thanks for your understanding as these links provide essential support that allows this blog to continue.**
Copyright © 2020 Abby Doan, Skeins and Stitches Co
