Project Bags – How Do You Choose?
I started knitting a looong time ago, when I begged for knitting lessons for Christmas one year (as all 10 year olds do, right??). Nobody had project bags then. I used whatever kind of bag, basket, or box I could find to hold my WIPs. Sometimes they worked fine. Sometimes they got mistaken for the trash and thrown away (yes that really happened). Sometimes a drink was knocked over and soaked through the paper or cheap material and created a lot more work or even ruined a project. Our projects deserve better.
We pour years of experience, a lot of care, and a significant amount of money into our knitting, crochet, and stitching projects. They’re also with us for a long time, sometimes months or even – let’s admit it – years. For me, a beautiful and functional project bag is an expression of respect for my journey as a maker and a declaration of my own value. The work of our hands is worth protecting. We spend hours and hours looking at our projects as we bring them to life – we all deserve to make that time joyful as we see not only our work but the project bag that holds and protects it. If you don’t have the right bag, though, you may end up with more annoyance than joy. And “right” is totally up to you and how you make. So here is an introduction to some different bag styles and how I use them. I hope it will help you pick the perfect WoolNeedleThread bag for yourself or a maker you care about.
Drawstring Project Bags
Pull shut to keep your project clean and safe
Drawstring bags are my go-to bags project bags. Pull the cords to cinch shut when on the go, and open nice and wide for working. You can also fold the top over to use them like a basket. They’re full of pockets inside for notions, snacks, your phone or ipad – whatever you need. I always have a little ring on a ribbon inside where you can put stitch markers or small tools.
No two are exactly the same
They’re also super easy to carry. Drape the handles over your wrist, throw the cords over your shoulder… I sometimes even use the cords on a sweater bag like backpack straps when I need my hands totally free. I offer backpacks as well, but when you want a compact bag that you can carry different ways, this works great.
My knitting and crochet project bags have waxed canvas bases. Waxed canvas is water resistant, so if you set your bag down outside, in a restaurant, or in a cafe, you don’t need to worry that your project will be ruined from an accidental spill. I like to use it on the base because it is a firm fabric, and I like bags that you can easily squish into a suitcase or larger bag. Using it just on the base keeps the bag more flexible. I make them in a range of sizes – more about that below.
Sturdy, water-resistant waxed canvas bases
Water beads up on the surface of waxed canvas
Take your knitting with you and don’t worry about where you set down your bag
Zippered Project Bags
I love zippered project bags, especially for travel. They have secure closures and are the same shape open and closed, so it’s easy to plan space for it in your suitcase. Some people find that their yarns, especially yarns with a halo like mohair, tend to stick on the zipper teeth but that has never been my experience. A zippered bag was my favorite for stashing in a carry-on suitcase (remember when we needed those??) or in a work bag. These bags are also great for make-up or toiletries. Because these tend to be bags used inside other bags I make them in a medium size – enough yarn to take on a flight or on your commute. They’re perfect for a project of about 3 skeins or fewer, like shawls, hats, or socks. From time to time I also make them in an extra-large size for bigger projects. Looking for one? Let’s talk about what you’d like.
Tote Bags
You’ll find gorgeous tote bags and backpacks on my site as well, and these can make great project bags. They can generally hold lots of yarn, making them great for bulky sweater projects or for carrying more than one project. The closures and features vary by bag style so please check all the photos before choosing and contact me if you have any questions.
But Which Size??
A medium project bag with 4 skeins inside
I make drawstring bags in three sizes. The largest – sweater size – will easily hold 8 100-gram skeins with plenty of room left over for your work in progress. I can get all the yarn for all but the bulkiest sweaters into my sweater bags – for me that’s usually 10 skeins.
Shawl size bags are a bit smaller. With 4 skeins inside you still have lots of room left for your project, and you can fit a few more skeins with less extra room. My zipper project bags are great for projects of about 4 skeins, too.
Sock bags are my smallest drawstring bag size. Two skeins plus your sock in progress fit easily. These little bags are also great for a new project when you don’t have a lot of room to spare. I also use sock bags on road trips. I take just a skein or two for a larger project and make a start in the car, and then switch to a larger bag later. And a special yarn in a gorgeous project bag makes a beautiful gift for any maker that you love. I also have zipper bags in different shapes that make sweet small project bags.
A sock sized project bag
A large dumpling pouch is perfect for a sock project
Different bags for different projects
So there is no one perfect project bag – there’s the perfect bag for you and your project. I’ve also been experimenting lately with different sizes and shapes, and new closure styles. The best way to make sure you see them all is to join my email list. Extra bonus: subscribers get early access to all new bags before I offer them to the public! To see what’s available right now, please have a look here. Let me know which ones are your favorites!
xoxo
Michelle