Fabric Rag Bag MEGA Ultimate TOTE Purse BAG CROCHET PATTERN Featuring...Lilly Pulitzer Signature Fabrics
The Knitty Details..
Q Size P crochet hook One set of large purse handles, here I used a pair of 9" circular wooden handles (see my hint and tip guide for where to get the purse handles) FABRIC AND FABRIC STRIP WIDTH: about 5-6 yards total of fabric in desired color palette or completely random, make fabric strips approx. 1-1.25" wide for a size P crochet hook... A rule of thumb that I go by (only by making so many of these rag bag purses) is that the width of the fabric strip should be about the width of the knitting needle OR the crochet hook!!! ribbon: mixture of .5", 1.0" and 1.5" wide grosgrain ribbons GAUGE: 5 SC = 3", 9 roWS SC = 6" FINISHED SIZE OF LARGE TOTE: Base of purse is approx. 18" wide x14"deep
Crochet on!
1. Prepare fabric for crocheting. Follow the directions listed on the attached guide sheet!
\*\* As you are crocheting, eep in mind that you will be knitting a large rectangle. Once the rectangle is large enough, you will be folding it up in half. You will then tie up the two sides of the purse with short fabric strips and then you will actually tie the purse to the purse handles by using short fabric strips!\*\*\*\*
To make your large, 18"x28" rectangle Directions: Abbreviations: sC = single crochet ch = chain stitch Hook Size: Size P crochet hook Gauge: 5 sC = 3" 8 or 9 rows sc = 6" NOTE: Gauge can be highly variable depending on your tension and the fabric that is used. Ch 30 stitches (foundation chain). Starting in 2"d ch, sc across (29 sc). Ch 1 and turnSc across crocheting into the back loop of each sc in the row below (29 sc)- Continue to stitch rows of 29 sc until you have a rectangle that measures approximately 28" in length (or approx. 34 - 38 rows)- Fasten off. 2. Now you are ready to finish the purse. With some of the left over fabric you have cut up many, 12" strips of fabric. 3. Fold up your purse in half. 4. Lay down purse flat, folded. Lay the strips out alongside the purse approximately 2 inches apart.
5. Using the strips tie the two ends of the purse together—the top of the purse will remain open. The fold will become the bottom of your purse! You will use five ties on the left side and five ties on the right side. Just slide the piece of fabric in one hole of each end (the front and the back) of the purse and tie a double knot--it really is that easy! \*\*TIP:\*\*\*Leave the ties hanging out OR you can trim them. personally like them hanging out-it really adds to the texture and charm of the rag bag look! Since the purse is about ten inches deep, space out the ties by about 2 inches. When you have finished this step, there should be an opening at the top!
6. Now you are ready to attach the handles to the purse. See the hint and tip guide for instructions specifically for the type of handles you are using! 7. Congratulations!!! You have now created your very own fabric rag bag large tote!
Copyright 2007: HK Heather Knitz
This pattern is designed for you personal knitting enjoyment. This pattern may NOT be made for sale without written permission from Heather Lynch Lowe/Heather Knitz. All designs are original to me and not intended for copy or reproduction. If you are interested, I would be delighted to speak with you about any retail or consignment options that may be available. I'd be happy to accommodate you.
