I Made the Danbury Bag Crochet Pattern by Briana K Designs: Pattern Review
Y’all!! This pattern caught my attention while I was searching for a new bag because of the clear Etsy listing and video showing how the bag is folded from a rectangle. The simple construction, as explained by the designer, is what sold me.
In this post, I am sharing my honest experience making the Danbury Bag Crochet Pattern by Briana K Designs. I will include the pattern details, difficulty level, what I loved, and anything I think future makers would benefit from knowing BEFORE getting started.
Pattern: Danbury Bag Crochet Pattern
Designer: Briana K Designs
Where to Find It: BrianaKdesigns Etsy Shop or Briana K Designs website link
Project Type: Bag
Skill Level Listed: Beginner
My Personal Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Yarn Used: Herrschners Worsted 8 Halloween Sparkle Yarn (Monster Mash)
Hook Size Used: H - 5 mm
Time to Make: Not sure here. It took a few evenings to complete.
Modifications Made: Bag strap. I ordered a Halloween strap from Amazon. You can check it out here.
Why I Chose This Crochet Pattern
When I started looking for a new crochet bag pattern, I had specific ideas in mind. I was planning to make a Halloween bag and knew I wanted to use a Halloween bag strap to really bring the finished look together.
Thinking back, I believe I first saw this bag on Pinterest, though I am not completely sure. When I went to the Briana K Designs Etsy shop and clicked through the photos and video in the listing, I knew instantly that I was done looking. What drew me in was the simplicity of the construction technique. I love using simple shapes to make things. (Hello, hexi sweaters!)
My Yarn and Color Choices
I freaking love Halloween. I am a year-round horror movie lover, and I live for those three months leading up to October 31st. Naturally, I wanted to use Halloween colored yarn to make my bag.
Ya’ll, all I can say is HERRSCHNERS! They have a wonderful selection of holiday yarn and non-holiday yarn if you're into that. I chose Herrschners Worsted 8 Halloween Sparkle Yarn (Monster Mash). My bag turned out amazing.
My Modifications
The pattern and Etsy listing include gauge information, but I did not follow it exactly. Herrschners Worsted 8 is labeled as a size 4 yarn, but it felt more like a DK weight yarn to me.
I went down one hook size from the yarn label recommendation. Instead of matching gauge, I kept my rectangle close to the finished measurements listed in the pattern so my bag would come together correctly.
I also changed the recommended crocheted strap to a purchased Halloween Bag strap from Amazon and added a pumpkin button. My bag turned out so cute!
My Experience Using the Pattern
Briana K Designs lays out the pattern instructions in a very clear, logical way. She includes the information needed to make the bag in both the Etsy PDF download and on her website. There is also a video tutorial.
The abbreviations were clearly explained. The Etsy PDF includes additional information and photos, which make the pattern even easier to follow. With that said, the basic Danbury Bag pattern on her website still contains enough information to complete the bag.
Difficulty Level
The pattern is listed as beginner level by the designer, and overall, I agree with that. The only optional step that may bump it up to confident beginner is adding the fabric liner. While adding a fabric liner is a fairly simple process, it is not always easy when you have never done one before.
Construction
Since I didn’t make my bag to gauge, sizing was only important in the loosest sense. I worked my fabric to keep my rectangle close to the measurements listed in the pattern.
Gauge is important most of the time. In this pattern it is important IF you want your bag to turn out exactly as the designer listed.
The simple construction was my favorite part of making this bag. It was easy to get into a rhythm with the yarn and work the pattern up to the folding stage.
Time Commitment
Time commitment is so subjective. It took me a few evenings to complete this bag, but that may not be a perfect reference point for you. You may crochet faster than me, or slower.
What I Freaking Loved About This Pattern (the Etsy PDF)
- Clear instructions
- Beautifully textured fabric
- Photo AND Video support
- Easy (so, so easy) construction
- Easy to remember stitch repeat
- Practical (and cute) finished item
- Reasonable Price for the PDF
Things to Know Before You Start
- Decide whether you want to match gauge exactly or keep your finished rectangle close to the pattern measurements.
- If you do not know how to add a fabric liner to a crochet bag, do a little research before getting started.
- Avoid applying high heat directly to acrylic yarn. Acrylic can melt or deform, so use a non-heat liner method or choose a heat-safe fiber if you plan to use iron-on adhesive.
Who Would I Recommend This Pattern For
- Beginner (keeping in mind adding a fabric liner is more confident beginner than just beginner)
- confident beginners through advanced crocheters
- makers looking for handmade gift ideas
- makers wanting a practical, everyday bag
- crocheters who enjoy the rhythm of repeating stitches
Final Thoughts
Would I make this bag again?
Yes
Would I recommend this pattern to other makers?
umm…that’s what I am doing now!
Would you try more patterns from this designer?
I have purchased (and completed) a few patterns from this designer.
Overall, making the Danbury Bag was a lot of fun. The instructions were clear, and my finished bag turned out exactly as I pictured it would. I would recommend this pattern to makers of all levels, keeping in mind my caveat about the optional fabric liner, who enjoy the relaxing rhythm of repeating stitches.
Pattern Link + Disclaimer
You can find the Danbury Bag by BrianaKdesigns here: link
I purchased this pattern myself and am sharing my honest experience making it. All opinions are my own. Pattern instructions and original pattern photos remain the property of the designer.
Happy crocheting!
