This bag measures 15" (37.5cms) in circumference x 8 " (20cms) in height, an ideal size for a young girl, and also useful on many occasions for a big girl. Large enough to hold a phone, medium purse and glasses, keys plus other small belongings.
The yarn can be any sturdy acrylic, wool or cotton. 8 ply and a 3.50mm hook were used.
Because of the stitch variations, a plain colour would also look nice.
Abreviations : As before, I've used English/Australian terminology, with some abreviations such as ch = chain, dc = double crochet, tr = treble, sl st = slip stitch, st = stitch, sp = space.
BASE : make 5 ch, join with sl st to form a ring.
Round 1 : 3ch (counts as 1tr), 14tr into ring. Join to 3rd ch of 1st 3ch tr.
Round 2 : 3ch, 1tr into same sp, * 2tr into top of each tr. Repeat from * around joining to 3rd ch of 1st tr. 28tr
Round 3 : 3ch, * 2tr into top of next tr, 1tr into top of next tr, * repeat from * to * around, finishing 2tr into last tr and joining with sl st to 3rd ch of 1st tr. 42tr
Round 4 : 3ch, 1tr into next tr, 2tr into next, * 1tr into each of next 2tr, 2tr into next - repeat from * around, finishing with 2tr into last tr and joining with sl st to 3rd ch of 1st tr. 56tr
Round 5 : 3ch, 1tr into each of next 2tr, 2tr into next, * 1tr into each of next 3tr, 2tr into next tr. - repeat from * all round, finishing 2tr into last tr and joining with sl st to 3rd ch of 1st tr. 70tr
MOTIF (1) : 5ch, join with sl st to form ring.
Round 1 : 3ch (counts as 1tr) 2tr into ring, * 2ch, 3tr into ring. Repeat from * twice more, finishing 2ch. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of 1st tr. (4 groups and 4 spaces)
Round 2 : Join 2nd colour to a corner sp. 3ch, 2tr into sp. 2ch, 3tr into same sp * 1ch,(3tr, 2ch, 3tr) into next corner sp. Repeat from * all around and join as round one.
Round 3 : Join 3rd colour to a corner sp, 3ch, 2tr, into sp, 2ch, 3tr into same sp, * 1ch, 3tr group into the 1ch sp between groups of last round, 1ch, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) into next corner sp. - Repeat from * all round, finishing 1ch and join as last round.
MOTIF (2) : Work as the 1st motif to last round. Join colour in corner sp and continue to the 3rd side.
Joining : After 3tr into corner sp, 2ch, dc into corner sp of 1st motif, 3tr group into corner sp of 2nd motif. dc into 1ch sp of 1st motif, 3tr group into next 1ch sp of 2nd motif. dc into next 1ch sp of 1st motif, 3tr group into corner sp of 2nd motif, dc into corner sp of 1st motif, 2ch, 3tr group into corner sp of 2nd motif, 1ch, 3tr group into side 1ch sp - join with sl st.
Work 5 motifs, joining last to first to make a circle. NOTE : 2 sides will be joined on the last one, so begin joining on 1st side, then on 3rd side.
If this method is too difficult, the squares can be stitched together. The crochet joining provides space for the next treble row. To achieve this with stitching, the end stitches could be left slightly loose, so as to allow the hook to pass through on next row.
Also, finishing off the ends is easier at this stage.
On one edge of the motif circle, join yarn to the right hand corner sp of a motif. 3ch (counts as 1tr) 1tr in the back of each tr and space across the side of motif, then 1tr into joining dc, (14tr).
Repeat 14 tr across each motif, joining to the 1st 3ch tr. 70tr around. * Working into the back of treble tops on this row gives a nicely defined edge to the squares. On following rows work into the top of tr in the usual way.
Work a second round of 70tr. This edge becomes the lower one - to be joined later to the base.
Top Edge : Join a colour to the other side of motif circle in the same way as before and proceed on 70tr, making 2 row stripes of different colours. 8 rows in all - on 8th row increase ....
Round 8 : 3ch (as 1tr), 2tr into next tr, 1tr into next 34tr, 2tr into next tr, 1tr into next 33tr, join with sl st to 1st. 72tr
Top Edging
Round 1 : 3ch (as 1tr) * 2tr into next 2ch sp, 1tr in next tr, repeat from * all around finishing with 2tr into last sp and joining to 1st as before. 72tr
Round 2 : 1dc into same connecting tr, 1ch, miss 2tr, 5tr into next tr (shell) * 1ch, miss 2tr, 1dc into next tr, 1ch, miss 2tr, "shell" into the next, repeat from * around finishing 1ch and join with sl st to first dc. 12 shells
A paper template of the base, can be cut - for a lining pattern.
Joining Base
With wrong sides together, right sides facing outwards and main bag piece in front, insert hook into top of a tr of main piece, continuing through the top of a tr in base piece, drawing yarn through and making a dc. Insert hook into next 2 corresponding trebles, making a dc. Make another dc in same spaces, 1dc in each of the next 34 correspoding tr, 2dc into next, 1dc into next 33 tr, join with sl st to first dc. ( This increase by 2 sts is for the next shell row)
Shell Round : 1dc into same sp, * 1ch miss 2dc, 5tr (shell) into next, 1ch, miss 2dc, 1dc into next, repeat from * around joining with sl st to 1st dc.
Cotton fabric in a matching shade is a good choice for the lining. A piece measuring 22" (56cms) x 9" (22cms) is enough - or a fat quarter.
Cut a base circle 5.1/8" (12.5cms) in diameter. This allows a .5cm (1/4") hem.
Cut a main rectangular piece 40cm x 18cm (16"x 7.1/4"). This includes a 1cm seam allowance on side and top and .5cm (1/4") on bottom.
A pocket can be attached at this stage before sides are sewn. Contrast fabric will make it easy to see when needed. The size can be just right for cards or a small notebook.
Using double yarn and larger hook (5.00mm) make 70 chain. 18.1/2" (47cms). Cut yarn leaving 3" tail and pull through last loop. Make another in the same way.
Attach a safety pin to one end, and beginning at a side edge, thread the chain string through the holes working under and over all round, bringing out at the last space. Even the length on both sides and holding ends of both strings in left hand, tie a knot with all tails together - pull tightly and cut to 1.1/4" (3cm). Attach safety pin to second string and beginning at the opposite side of bag, thread in the same way through same holes, around, finishing off as the first one.
Pulled outwards together, the bag will close. To open, put fingers into the top and pull out sideways.
It's easy to get carried away with charm dangles - they are so charming. A suggestion would be to keep it lightweight, meaningful and with a punch of colour. Interesting beads from an old necklace, fur bits, crochet or felt flower - whatever..... It doesn't have to be expensive to be beautiful.
The one shown is attached by a jump ring, through 2 trebles - towards the side. It could be sewn on just as well.
