Multiple Purposes of Handcrafted Crochet String Bags

After recently crocheting my first string bag from a "beginner" pattern that came with a 100% cotton ball of yarn, I felt refreshed by its unique quality that was further enhanced by its lovely multi-shade of "Strawberry". The special characteristics of my string bag were its stretchy, mesh design and wide shoulder strap. While admiring its beauty, I pondered over its utilitarian purposes and decided to research its cross-cultural uses.

Especially interesting, string bags are common worldwide. Some of the countries where they are most popular include China, Hong Kong, India, Russia, France, the island of Papua New Guinea that borders Australia and other countries in Australia. The New Guinea term for stringed bags is bilums, which were originally made using plant fibers and presently crafted using yarns such as wool; bilums are handcrafted by string looping or crocheting. A fascinating purpose of bilums among the women of New Guinea is to swing them over their heads to use for carrying their babies. Recently, a French firm patented these bilums.

After discovering the multi purposes of string bags, American crocheters will want to crochet more of them while more American craft shoppers will want to buy them. As most string bag patterns recommend 100% cotton yarn, string bags are most valued for their eco-friendly quality. As an alternative to plastic bags, they are 100% biodegradable, breathable, and reusable. Americans have borrowed the foreign custom of taking them to farmer's markets to carry produce, as a large string bag measuring at least 17 inches by 17 inches can hold the weight of two plastic grocery bags. Other purposes of string bags include toting folders, lightweight books, and file organizers; toting gym clothes, towels, and sports bottles; toting swimwear, beach towels, and suntan lotions; and toting baby blanket, towels, bottles, and toys. For anyone worried about tiny items such as an ink pen or a loose key slipping through the one inch by one inch square openings, small plastic cases will come in handy to store them in before putting them in the string bags.

On final note, crocheters who craft or plan to craft these string bags for sale will find it beneficial to highlight their many purposes when describing them. String bags that are crocheted by hand are popular at online crafts stores at Etsy and eBay where both American and international sellers feature them. In addition to their multi purposes, string bags exemplify great skill, comfort, and eco-friendliness. They are the ideal bags for the spring and summer months.

Sources

"Cotton String, Reusable Bags."Estring Bags.

"Crochet a String Bag You Can Stuff in Your Pocket."Squidoo.

"String Bag, String Bag Products, China String Bag & Hong Kong String Bag from Factory, Manufa."Trade Easy.