Guest Post: Stash-Buster Lunch Bag by Benjamin Krudwig

We are in the midst of the back-to-school season, and I wanted to share a weaving project that will help clear your stash while preparing for school. All you need is a weaving loom that will weave at least 12” wide (I used the 15” Cricket Loom), various yarns in similar shades and fiber types, and a way to make i-cord or rope (I used the Incredible Rope Machine from Schacht Spindle Company.)

To start, make a “magic yarn cake” which consists of taking many different yarns and then wind them into a center pull ball, using whatever yarn comes out of the ball as you work with it. This yarn will be used as your warp yarn. After making the magic cake, choose a complementary yarn for the weft. I chose a solid color for this yarn because I wanted the warp to be the main focus.

You need to figure out what reed will best suit your yarn choices. I used mainly worsted weight cotton yarn, so I pulled out my 8 dent reed and started warping.

Warp your loom at 12 inches wide, at about 5 feet long. I noticed while warping with the magic cake, knots where I joined the different yarns together. I snipped these at either the warp bar or the warp peg, and rejoined the yarns. This will help prevent knots coming through the reed as you weave.

Weave for approximately 1 yard (3 feet) and then cut the warp off and knot the ends in groups of 6 threads.

To sew the fabric into a bag, fold it in half, then fold the edges back on themselves approximately 3 inches down. Sew the edges together starting an inch from the top and then whip-stitch down to the bottom.

I cut the fringe at about 1” long after sewing the edges together.

I made a rope about 1 yard long using the Incredible Rope Machine, and then inserted it into the gaps left on the sides I made by stitching them up. I tied the ends together into a knot to finish the handles and drawstring.

I now have a great reusable bag that I can use to take my lunches to work!

Try your hand at this project and use up your stash!

Benjamin Krudwig is a crochet and knitwear designer from Colorado who also spends much of his time spinning and weaving. Benjamin is the founder and co-owner ofBenjamin Krudwig Fiber Arts and Design, along with his wife who sews project bags for knitting and crochet. Benjamin spends his time during the week running the social media program at Schacht Spindle Company.