This week we will finish crocheting the side, so we are getting close to finishing the bag. Have you already thought about how you want to make the strap?
In week 8 we will make the strap, so you still have some time to think about it. In the cal pattern there are instructions for 4 different techniques to make the strap.
Crocheted strap
I designed the pattern for the crocheted strap. A strap is crocheted length wise. Every row is started on the same side. Of course the strap is crocheted in the back loop and you carry all the yarns, just like when you crochet the bag. When you crochet the strap in the length, it won’t stretch.
You do not need any special equipment.
Macrame strap
Franz Amina Vergara designed the pattern for the macrame strap. Macrame is just like making friendship bracelets, but with more and longer yarns. For Macrame you use the yarn double, so two yarns as one.
You do need something to roll the yarns on, For macrame you will need more yarn! for example: Kumihimo bobbins, clothes pegs. You do not need any special equipment. or a piece of card board.
Woven strap
I designed three patterns for woven straps. A small plain weave strap, a wider plain weave strap and a wider plain weave strap with a little pick up. I made a video for this last option. (The video will be released together with week 8 of the cal.)
For weaving you will need an inkle loom.
Ply split strap
You can also make the strap with ply split braiding. Angelique Jansen-Maijen designed the pattern for the ply split strap. For ply split braiding you need to make 4 ply cords. To make the cords you use the same yarn you crocheted with. You can make the cords with a kitchen mixer or a drill. You can also use a cord maker. This makes cord making much easier and faster.
For ply split braiding you will need more yarn!
For ply split braiding you will need a gripfid.
A cord maker is optional.
The pictures are random examples of these techniques. The straps of the cal will look different.
You will see them in week 8 😉