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The Herd crochet-along has come to a close! Today I'm answering your most frequently asked questions, and welcoming The Herd Bag to my patterns shop!
If you aren't already acquainted, The Herd CAL is a crochet-along for making a horse-shaped bag that I designed for Hobbii. It ran from May to June this year and has now officially come to an end. One of the best parts of a crochet-along is seeing everyone's finished projects. I love watching patterns come to life in so many different colorways and interpretations. Check out some of the finished projects on Instagram, and here are pics from my beautiful test team With credit in order of appearance, and a big thank you to them: Haylee (@hhhxoart), Sharon (@stitchesandfiber), Jessica (@jessica.lake.547), Celine (@branouche), Stacey (@curlymoon_crochet), Mia (@mightystargazer), Marilyn (@fish_marilyn), Julia (@julikahuli) and Casie (@crafts_by_casie)
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Thank you to everyone who joined in! I hope you had lots of fun, picked up some new skills, and enjoyed crocheting alongside makers from around the world. A big thank you also goes to Hobbii for inviting me to collaborate on this project. It's always a pleasure working together.
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Now in my shop!
I'm excited to announce that the Herd Bag pattern is officially available in my shop as a regular pattern, and you can also get it at Hobbii Plus.
This project is highly accessible, like a full virtual workshop experience that includes video tutorials.
You'll get a PDF pattern written in my signature style, packed with everything you need for a successful project: Loads of step-by-step photos, detailed info on supplies, special techniques, and access to my support forum. You'll also get access to long-form videos tutorials where I demonstrate the entire pattern from start to finish, guiding you through every step!
You're guaranteed an easy time, making a fun and functional piece while picking up handy skills and techniques along the way. You'll learn useful techniques such as jogless colour changes and how to crochet a sturdy, non-stretch bag strap.
GET THE PATTERN HERE
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FAQs
What supplies does the project use?
The pattern in my shop contains detailed supplies lists, including all the yarns, colours and quantities, hooks, and other supplies. It also includes gauge information to help you calibrate your tension or substitute your own materials.
Can I use different yarn?
Yes and no.
I designed this bag using Hobbii Friends Ribbon on purpose, because it's a robust, bulky yarn that's ideal for this kind of project. It's 100% cotton, meaning that it's durable and smooth, and won't fuzz or pill. This yarn's bulkiness allows the project to work up fast and to have a decent amount of structure for a horse-shaped bag. I highly recommend using this type of yarn to get the best results. You can get the exact yarns from Hobbii. Friends Ribbon comes in lots of colours so you can customize your bag to your preference. If you don't have access to Hobbii yarn, pop into my forum to get recommendations for similar yarns from the Projectarian community. If you'd rather not use ribbon-type yarn, the next best option is cotton yarn, but the thinner the yarn, the smaller your bag will be. I do not recommend using non-cotton yarns as they are likely to be too soft, or prone to pilling.
Can I make it into a normal amigurumi?
Yes.
The pattern doesn't include instructions for this, but technically all you'd need to do is stuff it and sew the horse's back closed. You might prefer to add a few extra rounds along its back and neck to avoid a pinched effect when sewing it closed.
Why doesn't my bag look as structured as yours?
The bag is quite similar to an un-stuffed amigurumi and it gets its shaped by being packed.
Once you've filled it with your wallet and phone, it will already started looking a lot more formed. It's designed to hold all your daily essentials so you'll have some extra room for things like keys, wipes, earbuds, lip-balm and sunblock. For even more structure, it's optional to crochet a lining for the bag using regular cotton yarn like Hobbii Friends 8/8, although the pattern doesn't include a lining.
Will things fall through the holes?
No.
The bag should be worked firmly so holes between the stitches are small. I wouldn't put tiny loose objects in the bag, like a delicate pair of earrings for example, which might lodge between the stitches.
What if I need more help with the thermal stitch?
The thermal stitch is probably the trickiest part of the project because you're learning a new technique while also constructing a narrow strap.
I demonstrate all the steps in detail in my video, however, if it feels like too many things at once, you might find it easier to learn the thermal stitch separately before making the strap. There are many thermal stitch tutorials on YouTube. Once you've crocheted a handful of practice rows, you'll find the strap much easier.
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Thank you for coming along on this adventure! If you haven't made this bag yet, now's the time to join the herd!
I can't wait to see yours! Share your project and tag me @Projectarian. During the CAL we used #TheHerdCAL, and you can still browse all the projects made by participants around the world using that hashtag. If you're making the bag now, share your project using #TheHerdBag.
Enjoy the pattern and I'll see you again soon for the next one!
xxx
Jessie
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