Mochila
On this page you’ll find a collection of general Mochila crochet videos. These include standard Mochila videos, tips to improve your technique, and various helpful demonstrations.
Mochila, the beginning, 8 increases
This was the first video I ever made. In this tutorial, I show how to crochet a bottom with 8 increases. While this method is possible, many people find it difficult to create a completely flat bottom with only 8 increases.
That’s why I usually recommend making a bottom with 10 or 12 increases for better results.
Mochila Two-Color Increase
Sometimes, a pattern requires you to increase stitches using two different colors. This technique can be a little tricky, especially if you are new to it.
Watch this video for a clear, step-by-step demonstration on how to make a two-color increase.
Mochila: Three ways to hold the yarns you carry.
You need to carry several yarns while crocheting, but how should you hold them?
In this video, you will see three different ways to hold your yarns. Try each method and choose the one that feels best for you.
Finding the inside yarn of a skein
If you use the yarn from the inside of the skein, the skein will stay in place and won’t roll around as you crochet.
In this video, you will learn how to easily find and pull out the yarn from the center of the skein.
Mochila adding a new yarn
When you need to start a new skein, there is no need to tie any knots.
Simply place the new yarn alongside your work and crochet over it to secure it.
Mochila, making a button hole
A Mochila bag can be closed with a cord, but first you need to make buttonholes for the cord to pass through.
Usually, you make 8 or 12 buttonholes, depending on your pattern.
Mochila, crab stitch
For the last round of a Mochila, the crab stitch is often used to create a neat and strong edge.
Some people don’t like this stitch—it can make them a bit crabby! 😂
But once you get the hang of it, the crab stitch adds a beautiful, decorative finish that helps prevent the edge from curling.
Double Crab Stitch edging
With the double crab stitch, you can create a beautiful two-color edge.
I think it looks really great and adds a stylish finishing touch to your project.
Crocheting a strap for a Mochila
When you crochet a strap for a Mochila, it is important to start every row on the same side.
This way, the stitches will look even and the strap will match the bag perfectly.
A neat and consistent strap makes your Mochila look professional and finished.
Attaching a strap to a Mochila bag
When attaching the strap to your Mochila bag, always sew through the back side of the strap and the front side of the bag.
This way, the stitches will be hidden and your sewing won’t be visible from the outside.
Attaching an adjustable strap and still have braids
If you want to make an adjustable strap for your Mochila bag and still keep the braided details, you need to crochet or prepare small pieces of the strap to attach to the hardware.
These short strap sections are used to connect the main strap and the braids to the adjustable rings or buckles, so you can adjust the length and still have decorative braids on your bag.
Correct a mistake without frogging
Every Mochila maker makes mistakes sometimes, but you don’t always have to frog (undo your work).
You can fix a mistake by sewing over the incorrect stitch to correct it without unraveling.
Starting an oval bottom
When making an oval bottom, it is very important to keep your starting chain stitches tight and close together.
If the stitches are too loose, the carried yarns may show through your work. Keeping the stitches close will give your oval bottom a neat and solid look.
What determines the size of a bottom?
In this video, I show why the bottom does not get much bigger when you add more increases in each round.
So, where do these extra stitches go?
Invisible decrease, back loop
Using this back loop technique, you can make a decrease that is almost invisible.
Crocheting two pieces together
In this video, I show you how to crochet two pieces together.
You will learn a simple and neat method to join your crochet pieces securely, creating a smooth seam.
Hiding the ‘jog’
In this video, I show you how to hide the ‘jog’—the visible step or line that can appear when you work in rounds.
You will learn an easy technique to make your rounds look smooth and seamless.
Starting an oval Mochila bottom neater
In this video, I show you how to make the start of an oval Mochila bottom neater when you change colors in the first round.
I explain how to keep your stitches tight and even, and how to make a smooth color transition without gaps or loose ends.
This technique helps your oval bottom look clean and professional right from the beginning.
Rectangular Mochila bottom
In this video, I show you how to make a rectangular Mochila bottom.
I used this technique for my ‘Mochila Messenger’ bag.
The challenge is to keep the bottom neat and even.
The perfect way to crochet a mandala in a ring
There are several ways to crochet a mandala in a ring. With the most common method, you’ll notice a ridge on the outside edge of the ring—this ridge is actually the top of the single crochet stitches. Personally, I didn’t want this ridge to show on the front of my mandala, so I experimented with a few different techniques.
In this video, I show you my favorite method. By changing the way you crochet around the ring, you can move the ridge to the back side of the mandala instead of the front. This gives your mandala a much smoother and neater finish when displayed.
