Bagging it: Altered Needlework Bags

I have been crocheting and knitting non-stop for months, with a Baby Shower, winter and all sorts!  I decided that I needed a small bag to carry my “latest” project around in. So I altered a great little fabric bag from Highgrove, bought in Tetbury, on my travels. It is the perfect size. I added internal pockets to contain my pattern, wool and work, Crochet Hook Roll Case, that also contained my scissors, tape measure, pencil, stitch/row markers and sewing needles.

The original Bag

Two large pockets, 1 for my crocheted Hook case containing scissors, etc

all together

I have since altered another large fabric shopping bad for my stash of 25+ knitting needles, also with pockets for the scissors, etc. It is so large, though, that I again needed a project bag!

The net enclosing the tops of the needles, and showing the tape measure pocket

The tape measure pocket and pattern pocket behind the needles

Scissors tied down, Knitting needle gauge, sewing needles

The fat needles have 2 pockets per pair!

Each pair has a pocket. The Chiffon is to keep them nicely against the side

Knitted ruffles

So, I bought another small fabric shopping bag, and altered that to hold an extra pair of knitting needles, scissors etc, and pockets for notebook, pattern, specs, etc. This time with the pockets on the outside, in beautifully coordinated fabric and knitted ruffles. Each bag is getting better as I realise what I need most. The two bags are basically the same, but tailor-made for crochet hooks or knitting needles. But, in fact, I am going to re-make the crochet bag, with the pockets outside.
I am thrilled with the results!

Inside with Pattern pocket and separation for wool and work

Side pockets for pencil, notebook, scissors and tape measure

Back of bag with 2 pockets

Pockets

This is the front with individual pockets for 2 pairs of knitting needle and cable needle, plus another pocket

Here’s a “sorta” tutorial, but without measurements, as bags differ in size.

Use a deeper bag for knitting needles to stand upright in their individual pair-pockets. If you only have a few pairs of needles, make enough pockets for them all on the wide side of your bag, alternatively, make only 3 pockets, one for your needle without stitches, 1 for your ribbing needles, and another for double-pointed needles. I have also added another short pocket, for cabling needles.

You need a wide and high pocket for your pattern, so use the other wide side of the bag for this.. Make a row of shorter pockets on one narrow side, to contain your scissors, with a tie to keep them from falling out. Another for a tape measure, looped and tied as well. Another for a pen/pencil, and lastly a notebook to keep track of stitches, rows, ideas, etc!

On the other narrow side, make two pockets, for specs, tissues, chocolate, etc :-).

I prefer the pockets on the outside of the bag, so there is plenty of room inside, for your work, and your wool. You could make a separation between them with a fabric enclosed partition of card if you prefer, or expandable pockets on either wide side. It is your choice. I chose to partition them and attached my partition top and bottom to the narrow sides.

Have fun!