Bag Design and Straps:
The main bag is worked in the round, and the (optional) flap for the top is worked flat separately and then later attached. The bag can easily be made without the flap, as there is a drawstring that runs around the top of the bag and holds the bag closed independent of the flap.
The straps of the bag are two skinny belts with a width of 1 ½ cm. Wider or narrower belts can be used, but it is recommended that you choose them before making the bag. Gaps in the crochet are made for the belts to fit though, and if your belt is wider it won’t fit through the allocated space, and if narrower there will be too much of a gap. This gap can easily be made wider or narrower while making the bag, and it is noted in the pattern when you will need to make any adjustments
The straps (belts) must also me sewn in place, so it is important to either use belts with a material that can be sewn through or have a very large/strong needle if using a more leather like material

Technique and Yarn:
The main technique used for the pattern is tapestry crochet, meaning two different colours of yarn are used in the same row/round and the colour not being used in the current stitch is held at the back (wrong side) of the piece
When changing colours in the same row/round you must change to the new colour of yarn on the last loop pull through of the double crochet of the stitch BEFORE the colour change. If this is not done the entire stitch will not come out in the desired colour, and the design colour will not be seamless
The piece is worked entirely in double crochet except for the border around the top flap which is single crochet
This bag is made with 100% cotton thread for the strength of the material, but because of this it can also be expected to stretch out over time
Another yarn could be substituted, but it may not be as durable over time

Gauge:
Gauge is very important for this pattern, as the straps/belts need to fit through the gaps made while crocheting, and if the gauge is off they either won’t fit through or the hole will gape
The hook that is used is small for the weight of the yarn so that the stitches are very tight and there are minimal gaps between the stitches
The gauge: 16 sts by 8 rows (Double crochet) = 10 x 10 cm square
The final measurement of the bag is 37.5 cm tall and 60 cm around

Materials:
3.5 mm crochet hook (or hook needed to obtain gauge)
X2 belts, 1 inch wide, size 105 (42 inches) or as desired
Large Needle, for sewing belts to bag and for sewing in loose ends
Six (different coloured) 50 g balls of Drops Paris 100% cotton
Colours used in picture (1 x 50 g ball each)
Apricot (01)
Light turquoise (02)
Heather (07)
Navy Blue (28)
Mustard (41)
Green (43)