Creative Ways to Incorporate Hardware Accents into Your Knitting and Crochet Projects

Vivid Bucket Bag incorporates D Rings, Lobster Clips and magnetic snap fasteners for multiway style

In the picture: Vivid Bucket Bag

Incorporate Hardware Accents into Your Knitting and Crochet Projects

While many yarncrafters stick to purely yarn-based designs, incorporating hardware accents into your knitting or crochet projects can add an extra dimension of style and functionality. From bag bases to belt buckles, there is a wide range of hardware available to add a special finish.

Round wooden handles were the perfect finish for Soapstone Mini Tote Bag

In the picture: Soapstone Bag 

Bag Bases and feet

If you’ve ever grumbled that your handmade bag pulls out of shape or doesn’t support its contents, a bag base is the solution. These usually consist of a stiff base with holes punched around the edge which you crochet into and use the resulting stitches as a foundation chain to start the sides of a crochet bag or stitch on afterwards for a knitted bag. These sturdy boards provide structure and stability, allowing them to maintain shape and durability with a heavier load than a purely yarn bag would tolerate. They come in a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, and metal. Bag feet are an ingenious and eye-catching way to give your bag a professionally finished look whilst protecting the base from contact with wet floors, sticky tables or rough textured surfaces that might damage your finished project.

Want to make a simple bag base? Here’s a video:

Fastenings and Handles

Sticking with bag making, fastenings and handles are essential components, with the right choice adding style and functionality. From elegant, decorative clasps to practical magnetic snaps, the right one adds the perfect finishing touch to your project. Do tailor the bag to the user’s needs when choosing. Does it need to be extra secure or do they need something that opens easily? Similarly, choosing the right handle can make all the difference in terms of comfort and usability. Whether you prefer the classic look of leather straps, natural wood or a stylish metal chain interlaced with matching yarn, your bag handle can give the finished item a really slick finish. Buckles are a special type of fastening that can either secure either a crochet strap or a hardware strap and are popular for crocheted belts as well as bags adding a dose of style to an otherwise simple outfit.

These handles were the starting point for this bag's design

In the picture: Cabled Bangle Bag 

Buttons and Zip Fasteners

Buttons and zip fasteners can be surprisingly decorative. Whether you're adding a fun row of colourful butterfly buttons to a child’s knitted cardigan or adding a zipped closure to a hoodie’s crochet pocket, these hardware accents can add individuality to your creations. With a wide range of sizes, shapes, and styles to choose from, they offer endless creative opportunities. Many yarncrafters are daunted by adding zip fasteners but there are several simple ways to do this, e.g. a crochet seam could finish a zip fastener on a crochet project really well but a knitter may prefer to sew the zip in with sewing thread.

Coupe Pencil Case has a lining and zip fastener

In the picture: Coupe Pencil Case

Other types of hardware to explore

There are so many types of hardware that work well with knitted and crocheted fabrics. A simple way to start adding hardware might be to add a metal D ring between an item and a knitted strap that’s attached to it. Wooden or metal hair accessories can be embellished with crochet decorations; and crocheting around plastic rings and joining the results can make fascinating homewares such as coasters, containers and napkin rings. Those looking to push the boundaries of yarncraft design might also want to consider structural hardware like boning or wire to keep a knitted or crocheted corset style garment, hat or basket in good shape.

Tunisian Corset Belt may have boning inserted along the lacing if it doesn't sit well on the wearer as a soft belt

In the picture: Tunisian Corset Belt

Embrace the Fusion of Yarn and Hardware

Incorporating hardware into your projects opens up many exciting possibilities, allowing you to add structure, style, and functionality to your textile creations. Whether you're crafting a crocheted bag, knitted garment, or any kind of accessory, hardware accents offer endless opportunities for customization and personalization. So why not try adding something extra to your next project?