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How to Crochet an Alien Messenger Bag: Step-by-Step Pattern

Add a touch of cosmic quirkiness to your wardrobe with this extraterrestrial-themed messenger bag. This fun project uses colorful motifs to create a unique, space-inspired accessory that is perfect for beginners and intermediate crocheters alike.

Project Overview

This messenger bag is constructed from 12 alien-themed square motifs joined together to create the front and back panels. It features a sturdy strap and a fold-over flap with a button closure.

Materials Needed

• Medium Weight (4) Yarn:
  • Color A: Hot Green (approx. 117 yards)
  • Color B: Black Currant (approx. 320 yards)
  • Color C: Hot Purple (approx. 57 yards)
  • Color D: Black (approx. 35 yards)
• Crochet Hook: Size U.S. H/8 (5 mm)
• Notions: Yarn needle, one 1/2″ (2 cm) button

Gauge and Measurements

• Finished Size: Approximately 13½” wide x 9″ deep (excluding strap).
• Gauge: 13 sc and 14 rows = 4″.
• Motif Size: Approximately 4½” square.

Abbreviations Used

• Approx: Approximately
• Beg: Beginning
• Ch: Chain(s)
• Dc: Double crochet
• Dc2tog: Double crochet two together
• Hdc: Half double crochet
• Rep: Repeat
• Rnd(s): Round(s)
• RS: Right side
• Sc: Single crochet
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• Sp(s): Space(s)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Tr: Treble crochet
• WS: Wrong side
• Yoh: Yarn over hook

Pattern Instructions

Step 1: The Alien Motif (Make 12)

Notes: Join all rounds with a slip stitch to the first stitch. A chain 3 at the start of a round counts as a double crochet. To change colors, work until two loops remain on the hook, pull the new color through, and continue.

Round 1: Using Color A, ch 4. Work 9 dc in the 4th ch from hook. Join. (10 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, 1 dc in same space as last sl st. 2 dc in each dc around. Join. (20 dc)

Round 3: Ch 1. 1 sc in same space as sl st. (2 sc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc) twice. 2 sc in next dc. 1 hdc in next dc. 2 hdc in next dc. 1 dc in next dc. (1 dc, 1 tr) in next dc. (1 tr, 1 dc) in next dc. 1 dc in next dc. 2 hdc in next dc. 1 hdc in next dc. (2 sc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc) 3 times. Join Color B with sl st to first st. Break Color A. (30 sts)

Round 4: With Color B, ch 1. Working in back loops only: 1 sc in same space as sl st. 1 sc in next st. 2 sc in next sc. *1 sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join. (40 sc)

Round 5: Ch 1. 1 sc in same space as sl st. 1 sc in next sc. 1 hdc in next sc. 1 dc in next sc. 2 dc in next sc. Ch 2. 2 dc in next sc. 1 dc in each of next 2 sc. 1 hdc in each of next 3 sc. 1 dc in each of next 2 sc. 1 tr in next sc. 2 tr in next sc. Ch 2. 2 tr in next sc. 1 dc in next sc. 1 hdc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 4 sc. 1 hdc in next sc. 1 dc in next sc. 2 tr in next sc. Ch 2. 2 tr in next sc. 1 tr in next sc. 1 dc in each of next 2 sc. 1 hdc in each of next 3 sc. 1 dc in each of next 2 dc. 2 dc in next sc. Ch 2. 2 dc in next sc. 1 dc in next sc. 1 hdc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. Join. (48 sts and 4 ch-2 spaces)

Round 6: Ch 1. 1 sc in same space as sl st. *1 sc in each st to next ch-2 sp. (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc) in next ch-2 sp. Repeat from * 3 times more. 1 sc in each st to end of round. Join. (64 sc and 4 ch-2 spaces). Fasten off.

Step 2: The Eyes (Make 24)

Using Color D, ch 2. Work (3 sc, 2 hdc, 2 sc) all in the 2nd ch from hook. Join. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use a yarn needle to stitch the center of the eye closed. Sew 2 eyes to each Alien Motif over the bottom half of the 2nd round, ensuring the hdc of the eyes point toward the treble crochet at the bottom of the 3rd round.

Step 3: The Strap

Using Color B, ch 8. Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end. Turn. (7 sc). Row 2: Ch 1, 1 sc in each sc to end. Turn. Repeat Row 2 until the strap measures approximately 70″. Fasten off, leaving a long tail, and sew the first and last rows together.

Strap Edging: Join Color C with a sl st at the seam of the strap. Ch 1, work sc evenly around the outer edge of the strap. Join and fasten off. Repeat on the opposite side of the strap.

Step 4: Assembly and Finishing

Seaming the Motifs: Using Color C on the right side (RS), use a flat slip stitch join (working through back loops only and keeping the yarn on the wrong side) to join motifs into 4 horizontal strips of 3 motifs each. Ensure all motifs are facing the same direction. Join two strips together to form a 2×3 rectangle. Repeat this process to create two panels (Front and Back of bag).

Joining Strap to Panels: Align the strap seam with the bottom center motif of the Front Panel. Join Color C with a sl st in the top left corner of the Front Panel. Use the flat sl st seam to join the panel and strap around 3 edges. Repeat this process for the Back Panel.

Step 5: The Flap

Join Color A with a sl st to the top right ch-2 space of the Back Panel. Row 1 (RS): Ch 3. (1 dc in each sc to next ch-2 sp, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch-2 sps) twice. 1 dc in each sc to last ch-2 sp, 1 dc in last ch-2 sp. Turn. (54 dc). Rows 2-4: Ch 3, 1 dc in each dc to end. Turn. Row 5: Ch 3, dc2tog, 1 dc in each dc to last 3 dc, dc2tog, 1 dc in last dc. (52 sts). Fasten off.

Step 6: Flap Edging and Final Touches

Join Color B with a sl st around the post of the first dc in the first row of the flap. Row 1: Working up the side edge, ch 1, 2 sc around the post of the same dc as sl st, 2 sc around each of the next 4 dc. Working across the last row of the flap, 1 sc in each of the next 26 sts. Ch 6 to create a button loop. 1 sc in each of the next 26 sts. Working down the side edge, 2 sc around each of the next 5 dc. Fasten off.

Fold the flap over the bag opening and sew the button to the Front Panel, aligned with the button loop. Finally, use Color D and a yarn needle to embroider small stars onto the right side of the flap.

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