The Worker Bee Bag is a whimsical, textural bag inspired by Laurie R. King’s The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. Filet crochet is used to create a beehive filled with honey, larvae and a small cadre of worker bees.

The eye-catching bees found around the circumference of the bag are fun to crochet. This original motif is comprised of a careful combination of bobble and elongated stitches for an elegant yet playful design.

Near the top of the Worker Bee Bag, bobbles are again used, this time representing larvae, and subtle shaping throughout the bag mimics the shape of a beehive. This fun crochet bag is sure to be a seasonal favorite.

Notes
The Worker Bee Bag’s exterior and liner are crocheted in one, continuous piece. A square pocket is crocheted and seamed to the liner portion of the bag. To finish the bag, the liner is drawn inside the bag and handles are added by whatever method you prefer.

The pattern was designed to leave you with ~35g (94 yds) of yarn once the bag interior, exterior and pocket are complete. That extra yarn may be used to create handles, but if you’re using other handles, a bonus pattern is included, the Worker Bee Clutch, a hexagonal pouch inspired by the Bag’s design that can be crochet with your remaining yarn.

Finished Size
Laid flat, top bag opening measures 9” (23 cm), bag height measures 14” (35.5 cm), and bag base is 11.5” (29 cm) at its widest point.
Measurements taken after wet blocking to size and don’t include handles.

Gauge
After wet blocking, approx. 16 sts and 9 rows = 4” 10 cm in double crochet stitch with US G-6 (4mm) hook. Gauge is not critical for success for this project as it’s not a fitted garment.

Notions

• 11” Forager Rolled Screw-in Handles by Jul Designs in Black (optional - see Handles Note below)
• scissors
• tapestry needle

Hook
US G-6 (4 mm) hook

Yarn
3 skeins Why Knot Fibers Spunky in Winter Wheat (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 271 yards 248 meters / 100 grams; Sport Weight)

Handles Note
You may use the Jul handles this bag was designed with, or you may swap them out for whatever handles you prefer. This pattern was designed with some flexibility in mind - when you finish crocheting the body of the bag, 30-35g of yarn should remain if your gauge is correct. That remaining yarn may be used to incorporate crocheted handles if you wish. However, included in the pattern is a bonus Worker Bee Clutch pattern designed to match the Worker Bee Bag. It requires approx. 30-35g yarn to make. If you use handles NOT requiring the last of your yarn, you can make this bonus clutch with the remainder.