Welcome to the Advent CAL 2023 – the 10 Gift Bags of Christmas!

I have indulged myself far too much over the years by crafting presents and do not wish to repeat them.  But I can still indulge myself by crafting gift bags.  This has many benefits including helping reduce my stash of leftover yarn and ensuring my gift bags fit the gifts by tailoring them to size. The bags are all pretty enough to be kept or re-used for another recipient, so I get plenty of satisfaction when making them. This CAL gives me the opportunity to share the gift bags I’ve designed over the years.

Each day for the next 10 days I will present to you a crocheted gift bag.  I’m starting the CAL with a gift bag that I think is easy.  I originally designed this to use up some of my extensive stock of afghan square samples from my designs over the years.  I never like to waste them and using them in a gift bag is a perfect use for them.  However to show you how to make one I designed a straightforward Granny Square Gift Bag.

I made this one in silk so it has a lovely sheen.  The pattern is available here and is free.  All the patterns in the CAL will be available free for the duration of the CAL, until midnight GMT 13^th December 2023.

The concept of making this bag is the same for any pair of afghan squares.   I made a lovely small project bag (not a gift bag!) using my Highland Sunburst and Thistle squares designed for Friends Around the World.  

And a tip – you can add a touch of sparkle by holding your yarn together with a strand of metallic sewing thread.  Just look at this: 

I hope you enjoy making this gift bag, Please share progress on Ravelry, Facebook or even instagram (I confess I locked myself out of my original account so I have a newer one here).

Until tomorrow, happy crocheting xxx