HARD FACTS
The hard facts first for those of us who are not really interested in the process, the inspiration or other details:
The pattern for the “Basket Case” Tunisian crochet bag is available on
and on
The pattern includes written instructions, charts, and 11 videos so you can follow the pattern step by step.
The bag is crocheted in SCHEEPJES Stone Washed XL, using 3 balls of the colors Enstatite and Moon Stone and 2-3 balls of Black Onyx. The Scheepjes Stone Washed XL is a 70% Cotton x 30% Acrylic, Aran yarn. I am using a 7mm normal crochet hook. No special tunisian crochet hook is needed.
A big, big THANK YOU to all supporters, testers, translators, sounding boards and helping hands!
If you decide to buy new yarn, Scheepjes Yarn can be bought at your local yarn shop: Scheepjes Dealers .
BACKGROUND
In my last blogpost I did write about the “History Repeating” blanket and that the pattern is part of a craft exhibition at the local museum. I did not only contribute with the blanket, I did also create a bag that is inspired by traditional work with birch bark. The bark is braided and in that way used as some kind of strong garment to make baskets, bags and even shoes. The typical braid technique creates a pattern of squares and there I had my idea.
The craft exhibiton “UrSlöjd ” can be visited at Museum Jamtli in Östersund until the 5th of October 2025.
CONSTRUCTION
First I thought I want to adapt the birch bark technique by crocheting straps and braid them in the same way as the bark. Later in the creating process I thought that it is a better idea to just imitate the looks of it and use the Tunisian technique. I added some details that make the Basket Case bag look clean and neat. Even though the bag is adaptable in size to match different needs, my goal was to make a crochet bag in the exact size of long player vinyl records.
It took me a while to find out and understand how the construction of the bag has to be so it can be crocheted in one piece without any sewing at the end. Except for the optional strap that needs to be attached in the end, the bag is crocheted in one piece.
The pattern is quite easy to make but quite hard to explain. That is why I included not less than 11 videos so that even newbies can follow the process step by step with visual support.
I also made a smaller version for one of my kids in Black Onyx, Moonstone and Scheepjes River Washed XL Avon.
HAVE FUN!
Please use the official hashtags when you post on your social media so we can find your makes:
#restlesshandsclub #martinupnorth #historyrepeatingblanket
Thank you all for your support!
More from Up North soon…
Martin Up North 
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