Before choosing the yarn… do you really know your fibers?

We’ve officially joined the crochet addicts club. It’s not (just) a passing trend, it’s a return to craftsmanship, slowness, and the “made with love” spirit. And if your Pinterest boards are filled with more crochet bags than Céline coats, then this weekly feature is for you.

Welcome to DIY CROCHET BAGS, the new series that will accompany you every week on your handmade bag journey. Because, my friends, making a bag by hand is not just about knowing how to single crochet. It’s design, style, materials, technique… and a good dose of the right questions.

And the first one to ask is: which yarn should I use?

Yarns: everything you need to know before choosing

The world of yarns can be as fascinating as a vintage market in Paris, but also as tricky as online sales with no returns. Not all yarns are suitable for a bag, and no: picking “the cutest one” is not enough.

JUTE, RAFFIA, LYCRA RIBBON YARN: LET’S CLARIFY

Three yarns, three worlds. Here’s what sets them apart (and how to make the most of them for your handmade bags).

JUTE

Creative idea by Fata Tuttofare:

Origin: Natural fiber obtained from the Corchorus plant.

Appearance: Raw, matte, with a sandy or natural beige color.

Feel: Rough, substantial, stiff.

Performance: Very structured, holds its shape well.

Ideal for:

• Beach bags, rustic shoppers, summer buckets
• Boho, country, and ethno-chic styles

Tip: Best used with metal or sturdy ergonomic hooks. Perfect for bags that don’t need lining. 

• jute jute jute

NATURAL RAFFIA

Creative idea by Angolo di Criss:

Origin: Derived from the leaves of the Raphia palm, it’s a 100% plant-based fiber.

Appearance: Thin, slightly shiny, woven straw effect.

Feel: Light, stiff but more flexible than jute.

Performance: Instant holiday vibe: gives that “chic straw bag” effect right away.

Ideal for:

• Summer hats and bags, clutches and day handbags
• Gipsy, safari or resort mood

Tip: Work with care and properly sized hooks. Best used with simple or semi-rigid patterns.

• raffia raffia raffia

LYCRA RIBBON YARN

A creative, trendy idea right now, by Angolo di Criss:

Origin: Synthetic elastic fabric, often made from textile production scraps (creative recycling).

Appearance: Shiny, colorful, “stretch fabric” effect.

Feel: Soft, fluid, elastic.

Performance: Softness and volume, ideal for quick projects and sporty or casual designs.

Ideal for:

• Backpacks, soft bags, oversized shoulder bags
• Urban, streetwear, pop mood

Tip: Use large hooks (size 8-10) and relaxed hands. Perfect for daily or gym bags.

• lycra lycra lycra

Guide to cords for handmade bags: which one to choose?

Absolutely! Here is an expanded and narrative version of the paragraph dedicated to cords, designed to serve as the central section of an article (magazine or blog) or as an introduction to a guide, maintaining an engaging and informative style: Cords: the soul of your bag.

When it comes to handmade bags, the cord is the starting point, the heart of the project, the element that defines style, shape, strength, and identity. It’s not just a matter of taste or color: it’s the raw material with which we shape our accessory, the textile voice that expresses our creative idea.

But the world of cords is far from all the same. On the contrary, it’s vast, layered, technical, and fascinating.

For beginners?

Thai Sublime is the most loved choice: it’s soft to the touch, easy to work even with basic stitches like single crochet or basketweave, and it holds its shape perfectly, meaning your bag won’t need reinforcement or structure right away. Available in solid colors, gradients, and also in a lamé version (Thai Sublimelux), it’s ideal for both beginners and for creating trendy, professional projects.

• sublime sublimelux sublimesfumato

Looking for structure and presence?

SuperThai is the gentle giant: thick, visually impactful, perfect for maxibags, storage baskets, and even rugs. It works well with large hooks and gives you impressive results with just a few stitches.

• superthai superthai superthai

Looking for an elegant and refined effect?

Thai Skinny, the thinnest of all, was born to highlight stitch definition. Picture it on an evening bag made with popcorn stitch or on a clutch with geometric patterns: crisp details, precious texture, couture result.

• thai skinny thai skinny thai skinny

Love versatility?

Thai Slim is the ultimate “go-to” cord. It sits right between Sublime and Skinny, but stands out for adaptability and performance. Great for bags, party favors, plant holders, and accessories. Also available in gradient versions—perfect for modern color effects.

• slim slim slim

On a budget but don’t want to sacrifice style?

Thai Lurex is a great compromise: affordable, available in many variations, enhanced with a lurex thread that adds sparkle. It’s perfect for batch projects like party favors, gift clutches, or small Christmas creations. One tip: since it’s a best-seller, dye lots change often, so pay close attention to the color code!

• thai lurex thai lurex thai lurex

Mouse tail effect but at an affordable price?

Rowen is the smart alternative: shiny, thin, very elegant. Great for compact bags, crossbodies, and small clutches. It gives you that “urban fashion” look without needing to use the more expensive classic materials.

• rowen rowen rowen

Have a rustic soul or love country style?

Then Ternes and Tornado are made for you. Both are cotton blends, matte, soft, and natural to the touch. Ternes is thicker, ideal for shabby chic-style bags, curtains, rugs, and macramé-style cushions. Tornado, on the other hand, is its thinner and more defined version, perfect for more intricate or refined projects.

• tornado ternes tornado

And for winter?

Freddy is the wool-look cord that saves your season. It combines the visual warmth of wool with a compact structure that makes it durable, professional, and long-lasting. Bags made with Freddy won’t felt or lose their shape: a smart choice for boho-chic winter accessories.

• freddy freddy freddy

The most creative of all?

Chobin. Tubular, elastic, futuristic. Not just for bags: Chobin lends itself to artistic projects, sculptural creations, branches, stylized flowers, and 3D shapes. It can even be filled with an internal core (metal, plastic…) to create structures that look like they came straight out of a design exhibition.

• CHOBIN CHOBIN CHOBIN

And finally, an explosion of cord!

Thanks to its compact structure and quality materials, Olly cord is perfect for a wide range of applications. Whether you want to create bags, baskets, rugs, or home decorations, this yarn guarantees outstanding results. It’s also ideal for macramé lovers, offering excellent knot hold and a refined aesthetic effect.

• OLLY OLLY OLLY

Each cord has a personality, and every bag you create tells a piece of your style and craftsmanship. Choosing the right one is not just a technical decision—it’s an act of artistry.

Discover all the differences between Tessiland’s main yarns: from those perfect for beginners to the most technical and stylish options.

PART 1:

PART 2:

Which cord is perfect for you?

• If you're just starting out, choose Thai Sublime: it’s the perfect balance between softness and structure.
• For large bags and home accessories, go for SuperThai.
• Want elegance in the details? Thai Skinny is your secret weapon.
• For creativity and out-of-the-box shapes, Chobin is an extraordinary wildcard.
• Cold season coming? Freddy is your boho companion for winter.

Let’s start with the main differences to know before choosing.

Thickness

The thickness of the yarn determines the structure of the bag. The thicker and more compact it is (like cord or ribbon yarn), the more rigid and stable the bag will be. Yarns that are too thin? Great for aesthetics and detail work, but they will require reinforcement (bag bases, stiffeners, mesh…).

Use

Roomy shopper? Evening clutch? Summer mini bag? Every style has its ideal yarn.

Thai cord for structured, well-defined bags.

• Elastic ribbon yarn for soft clutches and fast projects.
• Chunky wool or structured acrylic for winter bags.
• Waxed or glossy cotton for micro bags and evening clutches.

Season

Just like fashion, crochet has its seasons too.

In summer, lightweight and colorful cottons dominate, while in winter, faux fur-effect yarns, bouclé wool, and glittery yarns come into play.

Origin and availability

Not all yarns are easy to find, and some (especially more technical or fashion-forward ones) need to be ordered online or sourced from specialized retailers. My advice? Choose brands that guarantee quality, traceability, and customer support. Even better if made in Italy.

Trend

Yes, yarns follow trends too. This year? Say yes to:

• sorbet shades
• mélange yarns
• lurex effects
• matte yarns with powdery texture

Crochet hooks: the right tool to start (and fall in love with handmade)

Who said all crochet hooks are the same?

Just like shoes, the difference between crocheting well and crocheting “meh” can all be in the grip.

And trust me: when you start making bags — especially with structured yarns like cords, ribbons, or raffia — having the right tool makes all the difference.

On the market you’ll find:

Classic aluminum hooks

Lightweight, affordable, perfect for beginners wanting to test different thicknesses. But watch out: they can tire your hand during longer sessions.

• hooks hooks hooks

Ergonomic crochet hooks

The most recommended for those who crochet frequently and for long periods. The rubber or silicone non-slip handle makes the grip firm, comfortable, and… yes, fashion-friendly too. They’re perfect for cords, helping you manage strength without straining your fingers.

• ergonomic hooks ergonomic

Bamboo or wooden crochet hooks

Visually stunning, eco-friendly, lightweight. Great for delicate projects or with natural yarns, though they tend to be “slower” since they don’t glide like metal. If you love meditative and relaxed crocheting, they’re a great choice.

• hook bamboo wood

But how do I choose the right size?

The hook size should always be matched to the yarn.

If you’re working with thick cords or ribbons, it’s best to use hooks between size 5 and 9 (depending on the thickness).

• A hook that’s too thin will make the work hard, the stitch too tight, and the fabric overly stiff.
• A hook that’s too big, on the other hand, will make the bag floppy and shapeless.

The golden rule?

Always test with a 10x10 cm swatch before starting the bag: it helps you see if the yarn and hook are a good match.

One more tip

If you’re planning to make more than one bag (spoiler: you will), consider investing in a set of ergonomic hooks in different sizes. Not only are they beautiful to look at (and perfect for Instagram photos), but they let you work with a variety of yarns and test stitches in total comfort.

And what about accessories?

We’ll talk about them in upcoming episodes, but for now, keep these essential terms in mind:

• Connectors: used to attach handles to the bag
• Eyelets: reinforce holes for chains, closures, decorations
• Bag base: the rigid base of the bag, can be made of leather, faux leather, or plastic. Not always needed, but sometimes… it’s a game changer.

This is just a quick overview. A guide to help you avoid falling into the trap of “I'll make a bag with whatever I have”.

Whether you’re a newbie with your first ball of yarn or a crochet queen with a thousand WIPs, choosing the right material is the first step toward a bag you’ll truly love.

In the next episode? We’ll talk about how to choose the perfect model for your style and skill level.

Because every bag tells a story… and yours deserves to be written well, stitch by stitch.

Follow me every week for new tips, projects, and advice from the DIY bag world. Because fashion — even handmade — has its rules. And we write them with a crochet hook in hand.

Rosaria Tessiland®