Zoom Loom Eclectic Art Bag

Directions

Make the Bag Body

1. Line up sixteen squares in a 2 x 8 pattern for the bag. Keep in mind that each 2 x 2 group will be one side of the art bag. You want each side to look good on its own, as well as to visually flow into the next side.
2. Join the squares using a double overcast stitch, using a color that matches one of the two attached squares (for a subtle stitch) or a contrasting color (for a stitch that stands out). The double overcast stitch is a doubled-up version of the whipstitch: Start by placing the two edges you want joined, right sides together. The loops will probably be staggered, which is good. Starting at one end on the bottom layer, pull your threaded tapestry needle up through the first pair of loops. Then take a second stitch through the same two loops to securely knot the cloth. Continue to the next pair of loops and bring the needle back through that pair of loops two times; repeat until you reach the end. After joining, open the squares and pull them gently to help flatten them along the join. You should notice that the right side is flat with an almost indiscernible join, the back side will have a noticeable ridge.
3. Keep the bag body laid out flat until you have completed all the designs and embellishments.
   

Add Embellishments

1. This is the place to go nuts with novelty yarn. Experiment weaving squares using light novelty tape or combining layers of novelty tape with light yarn for the weaving.
2. Add a woven square, or two, to serve as outside pockets.
3. Make raggedy flowers by first making a basic Zoom Loom flower (using a small crochet hook, pull on a middle horizontal and vertical thread to pucker the four sides of the woven square, making four petals). Stitch the flower on to the bag using a second color in the middle to create a more flower-like look. Then round out the ends of the petals, cutting the corners off the flower and fraying the edges.
   

Add Stitching, Darning, Reweaving, and Ephemera

1. Using contrasting yarn, fill in some spaces with lines of running stitches or other stitch patterns. Add findings such as small metal pieces, printed cloth, embroidered badges or any of the many items available for scrapbooking.

   

Assemble the Bag

1. I wanted the cord loops and top edge of the bag to match to help draw the piece together, so I worked these steps with Brown. You could choose to use a different color for the loops, or you could mix and match leftover squares.
2. Use the 4.0 mm crochet hook to crochet a single crochet edge along the top of the bag.
3. Weave 4 Zoom Loom squares for the cord loops, or select 4 leftover squares.
4. Fold a cord loop square in half. Center it on one of the 2 x 2 bag sides, with about 2/3 of the square showing above the crochet edge. Stitch this square to the back of the bag side. I used two rows of back stitch to make certain that it was secure since it will be carrying the weight of the bag. Repeat on the other three sides of the bag.
   
5. Fold the 2 x 8 strip of squares in half and join along the short edge to create a round bag. Use the a double overcast stitch.
6. Crochet a single crochet edge along the bottom of the bag (I used Black).
7. Weave 4 Zoom Loom squares for bag bottom, or select 4 leftover squares. (This is where I use my most boring squares.) Join the squares in a 2 x 2 pattern. Using the 4.0 mm crochet hook, crochet a single crochet edge—I used Black to match the bottom edging.
   
8. Cut a 7" x 7" piece of plastic. Punch a hole about every 2" around the edge of the plastic. Place the plastic piece on top of the wrong side of the bottom squares. Using a tapestry needle and black yarn, lightly stitch the plastic to bottom piece.
9. Whipstitch the bottom piece to the bottom of the bag with the plastic piece on the inside.

Making the cord

1. The cord needs to be 60" long and strong enough to carry a bag filled with stuff, so use at least 3 strands of yarn. You can crochet a chain with a 5.5 mm crochet hook (I used 2 strands of Black and 1 strand of Brown). You could also use The Incredible Rope Machine or knit an I-cord.
2. Run the cord through each of the four cord loops and tie in an overhand knot.

Making the lining

1. Lay out a piece of 25" x 25" cloth. Cut an 8" square out of each corner to make a cross-shaped lining. The center of the cross will sit on the bag bottom; its arms will line the bag sides. You may find it helpful to mark the 7" x 7" bottom square, so you know where to stop stitching.
   
2. With right sides together, stitch the bag sides together using a 1" seam allowance. Clip or trim the corners so the seams will lie flat. Press the seams open.
3. Turn under 2" and press along the top edge of the lining.
4. Insert the lining into the bag, wrong sides together. Hand stitch the top edge of the lining to the bag, just below the crocheted edge.
5. You have now completed your first Eclectic Art Bag. Enjoy! And make some more!