How to knit a sack-style bag from t-shirt yarn

The bucket bag is one of the most rewarding projects you can make with t-shirt yarn: quick, durable, and very easy to customize. It's also perfect if you're looking for a bag with a compact knit and a drawstring closure that's both stylish and practical.

In this guide I explain how to crochet a sack-type bag from t-shirt yarn step by step , with tips to ensure the base is flat, the walls rise straight, and the bag maintains its shape with use.

Index

1. Recommended materials
2. Guidelines (and how to adapt them)
3. Which stitch to choose for a structured bag
4. Step 1: Knit the base (circular)
5. Step 2: climb walls without deforming
6. Step 3: Set height and control width
7. Step 4: Prepare the eyelets for the cord
8. Step 5: Insert the cord and adjust the closure
9. Handles: options and how to reinforce them
10. Lining and structure: when is it appropriate
11. Typical mistakes and solutions
12. Materials at Idealium

Recommended materials

• T-shirt yarn (ideally regular and with good body).
• Crochet according to the t-shirt yarn. The important thing is that the stitch is compact , without gaps.
• Lap start marker (essential).
• Yarn needle for finishing off threads.
• Cord or ribbon for closure (can be woven, purchased, or a sturdy cord).
• Optional: lining and rigid base if you want a more structured bag.

Guidelines (and how to adapt them)

A bucket bag usually looks great in these (approximate) proportions:

• Base diameter: 18–22 cm
• Total height (excluding gathering): 18–24 cm
• Closure/eyelet area: 2–4 cm

To adapt it:

• Larger base diameter = wider bag.
• More wall loops = higher sack.

Which stitch to choose for a structured bag

For a t-shirt yarn bag that holds its shape, a compact stitch is ideal:

• Low stitch (classic, durable and easy).
• Low center point (firmer and with a very professional finish).

If you want a softer (more drapey) bag, you can use slightly less compact stitches, but keep in mind that it will tend to sag more under weight.

Step 1: Knit the base (circular)

The base is the part that determines the stability of the bag. The important thing here is that it lies flat (without waviness).

How to make it

1. Start with a magic ring (or closed chain in a circle).
2. Knit the first round with increases to form a circle.
3. Continue increasing regularly on each turn (distributing increases) until the desired diameter is reached.

How to know if you're doing well

• If the base is wavy , you have too many stitches or you are knitting too loosely.
• If the base shrinks (like a bowl) from the start, you're either squeezing too hard or there aren't enough increases.

Step 2: climb walls without deforming

The trick to making the bag go straight up is to mark the break between the base and the walls.

Transition lap (recommended)

• Work 1 round knitting by picking up only the back loop (BLO) of each stitch.

This creates a nice line and helps the fabric to "fold" and rise without a hat effect.

Then, climb walls

From there, knit in the round without increasing for several rounds. Use a stitch marker and count stitches occasionally to avoid accidentally adding increases.

Step 3: Set height and control width

A jacket usually looks better if the body is straight up and the closure gathers at the top. That's why:

• Knit the body without increases until you are close to the final height.
• If you want the bag to be slightly more "tummy", you can add very few increases evenly spaced (for example, 1 increase every 18-24 stitches) in only 1 round, and then continue straight.

Step 4: Prepare the eyelets for the cord

There are several ways to make buttonholes. Here's a simple and clean option:

Practical option: a lap with spaces

1. Knit one round alternating: 1 stitch + 1 chain (skipping one stitch from the previous round).
2. On the next round, knit stitches over stitches and stitches within the spaces to "close" the buttonhole with a clean edge.

Tip: To ensure the buttonholes are properly aligned, distribute the pattern from the beginning of the round and maintain the same rhythm all around.

Step 5: Insert the cord and adjust the closure

Once you have the buttonholes:

1. Thread the cord through using a yarn needle or a safety pin.
2. Distribute the gathering evenly and adjust the tension.
3. If you want a more comfortable closure, you can place two laces (one entering from one side and the other from the opposite side) so that when you pull, it closes more evenly.

Handles: options and how to reinforce them

In a bag you can choose from:

• Short handle (hand): ideal for small bag.
• Long strap (shoulder strap): very practical.
• Double backpack-style handle (if you're interested in a sack-backpack style).

Basic reinforcement (very important)

• Distribute the anchor over several points (do not fix it at a single point).
• Reinforce from the inside with firm stitches and, if there is a lining, take the opportunity to hide the reinforcement.

Lining and structure: when is it appropriate

A jacket can be unlined if it's decorative or lightweight, but if it's going to be for everyday use:

• The lining protects the interior and helps prevent the bag from sagging.
• A rigid base prevents the bottom from sagging under weight.

Typical mistakes and solutions

The base is wavy

Solution: Check the rise and tension. If it's wavy, there's usually too much rise or not enough firmness.

As you climb walls, a (hat) opens.

Solution: Mark the break with 1 turn in BLO and make sure not to increase.

The zipper doesn't close properly.

Solution: Make eyelets more evenly spaced (regular spacing) and use a more slippery cord or two cords.

The handles give way

Solution: Reinforce the anchoring and, if the bag is heavy, use a more stable strap.

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A t-shirt yarn bag looks beautiful when the base is flat, the seam between the base and the sides is well-defined, and the drawstring closure is well-designed. If you also reinforce the handles and (if needed) add a lining, you'll have a comfortable, durable, and well-shaped bag.