The Process
From Yarn to Your Hands
how every bag is made
Every MadebyKaira bag starts the same way: I look at the yarn, I feel it, and I think about who it is becoming.
01
Choosing the Yarn
Not all yarn is equal. I use premium cotton yarn for bags that need structure and breathability, and soft acrylic yarn where I want more colour range and durability. I source yarns that are colourfast — meaning the colours don't bleed when wet — and that hold their shape wash after wash.
02
Swatching the Pattern
Before I start your bag, I test the stitch pattern. The density of crochet determines how much the bag holds, how it drapes, and how long it takes to make. A tightly crocheted base means a sturdy bag. An open, lacy body means a light, airy aesthetic. Every design is a calculated choice.
03
Crocheting the Bag
This is where the time goes. A tote bag takes approximately 8–12 hours of focused crocheting. A sling bag takes 4–6 hours. A mini purse can take 2–3 hours. Every row is made by hand, one stitch at a time. There is no shortcut to this part — and I wouldn't want one.
04
Blocking and Shaping
When the crocheting is done, I wet-block the bag — wetting it, shaping it by hand, and letting it dry flat. This is how the bag gets its final shape and how the stitches relax into the beautiful, even pattern you see in the photos.
05
Lining (where applicable)
Many of my bags come with a cotton fabric lining — a matching or complementary colour chosen to protect your belongings and give the bag a clean, finished interior. The lining is hand-sewn.
06
Quality Check and Packing
Before your bag is packed, I check every seam, every strap join, every stitch. If it doesn't look right, I fix it. Then it's packed carefully — wrapped in tissue, tagged, and sent to you with love.
This whole process takes between 3 and 7 days depending on the bag. That's why I ask for patience with made-to-order pieces — good things take time.