Indira Bag Crochet Pattern

Indira Bag in Berroco Lanas

What is Being Made

The Indira Bag is a colorful crochet tote bag designed by Åsa Buchta. This intermediate-level project creates a finished bag measuring approximately 14 inches wide by 14 inches high (not including handles). The bag features a multi-color construction using four distinct yarn colors from the Berroco Lanas collection, creating a visually striking finished piece suitable for everyday use.

Construction Technique

The Indira Bag is constructed using a diagonal square method. Individual squares are worked on the diagonal from point to point, then seamed together according to a provided diagram. This technique creates geometric color blocks and allows for interesting visual patterning through the strategic placement of different yarn colors. The construction method requires careful attention to the seaming process to ensure the squares align properly and create a cohesive finished bag.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental crochet stitches and specialized stitch combinations:

• Single Crochet (sc) - The primary stitch used throughout the main body of the squares
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) - Used in combination with single crochet for shaping and edge work
• Hdc-sc2tog - A special abbreviation combining half double crochet and single crochet decreases, created by working yarn over, inserting the hook into the indicated stitch, pulling up a loop, inserting into the next stitch, pulling up another loop, then pulling through all four loops on the hook
• Sc-hdc2tog - The reverse combination, inserting the hook into a stitch with yarn over and loop pull-up, then into the next stitch with the same process, before pulling through all loops
• Chain (ch) - Used for turning chains between rows

The pattern includes specific increase rows and decrease rows to shape the diagonal squares. Increase rows add two stitches per row by working (hdc, sc) in the first stitch and (sc, hdc) in the last stitch. Decrease rows reduce two stitches per row using the specialized hdc-sc2tog and sc-hdc2tog combinations over the first and last stitch pairs.

Yarn and Materials

The Indira Bag uses Berroco Lanas yarn, a premium fiber choice available in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for a total of 5 balls across four coordinating colors: 2 balls of #9500 Snow Day (the primary color C1), and 1 ball each of #95138 Currant (C2), #95109 Golden (C3), and #95108 Spring Green (C4). This color combination creates a sophisticated multi-color design with a neutral base and jewel-tone accents.

The project requires a size G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. A tapestry needle is essential for seaming the squares together and weaving in yarn ends. The bag is completed with one set of two 26-inch leather bag handles, which provide a professional finished appearance and functional carrying capacity.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 21 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for this project to ensure the finished bag meets the intended dimensions. The pattern emphasizes that gauge should be checked before beginning the project to save time and ensure accurate measurements. Blocking the completed squares before seaming helps achieve the correct finished size and professional appearance.