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Step 4Add handles
Note: If you prefer, you can count stitches to place the handles, but I've found that it's hard to accurately pinpoint the edge of the bag, and I get better results just eyeballing the bag and starting the handles where it looks right. Also note again that I am lazy and not particularly fussy.
Once the body of the bag is complete, you'll add the handles. Integrated handles work best for grocery bags, because they're more secure and less likely to unravel when you're carrying heavy loads.
To start the handles, flatten the bag, then measure equal distances from each edge to indicate where to start the handles. Place four markers at the positions where the handles begin. The handles will work outward, so you may want to make the openings slightly smaller than you picture the finished product. See the second photo for an illustration.
Continue crocheting the next round as usual, but when you reach the first marker, crochet a chain stitch, slightly longer than the gap between the first and second marker. See the third photo for this.
Attach the chain to the second marker, then continue crocheting until you reach the next marker, then chain stitch as with the previous, and attach again at the final marker. Do not make the handles too long, as they're pretty stretchy.
Crochet two to three more rounds, until the bag handles are the desired thickness, making sure you have the same number of rows in each handle.
Once the handles are complete, continue crocheting to the edge of the bag, then finish off, and you're done.
Now keep making these until you run out of disposable bags.
Once the body of the bag is complete, you'll add the handles. Integrated handles work best for grocery bags, because they're more secure and less likely to unravel when you're carrying heavy loads.
To start the handles, flatten the bag, then measure equal distances from each edge to indicate where to start the handles. Place four markers at the positions where the handles begin. The handles will work outward, so you may want to make the openings slightly smaller than you picture the finished product. See the second photo for an illustration.
Continue crocheting the next round as usual, but when you reach the first marker, crochet a chain stitch, slightly longer than the gap between the first and second marker. See the third photo for this.
Attach the chain to the second marker, then continue crocheting until you reach the next marker, then chain stitch as with the previous, and attach again at the final marker. Do not make the handles too long, as they're pretty stretchy.
Crochet two to three more rounds, until the bag handles are the desired thickness, making sure you have the same number of rows in each handle.
Once the handles are complete, continue crocheting to the edge of the bag, then finish off, and you're done.
Now keep making these until you run out of disposable bags.
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I've made probably 20-odd bags, and tried a bunch of different things, and this incorporates all of the little tweaks I've found that make for a strong, durable bag.
The major elements are the yarn width and stitching (the width of the strips, hook size, and single stitching only); the structured bottom to distribute the weight; and the short, integrated handle, rather than one that's made separately and then attached.
One of the bags in the final picture has been in very heavy use for about a year or so, and it's carried loads of cans and bottles that were almost too heavy for me to carry.
So, see, if you make the bags any stronger, you're going to have to hire people to help you carry them. And nobody wants to see that.