Large Messenger Style Rag Bag Purse CROCHET PATTERN Featuring...Lilly Pulitzer Signature Fabrics
Finished Size: 15"wide x 12" deep
The Knitty Details...
Size P crochet hook FABRIC AND FABRIC STRIP WIDTH: about 4 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!!! C ribbon: your choice of .5", 1.0" and 1.5" wide grosgrain ribbon to create the tie on the flap. \*\*You could choose a button instead. Because you are using a large crochet hook, the stitches are larger and a smaller button could fit though the actual stitch. GAUGE: 5 sC = 3", 9 rows SC = 6" FINISHED SIZE OF LARGE TOTE: Base of purse is approx. 15" wide x 12" deep. Flap comes down over the purse about 6”.
Crochet on!
1. Prepare fabric for crocheting. Follow the directions listed on the attached guide sheet!
\*\*\*As youarecrocheting,keep inmind that you will be knitting a large rectangle. Once the rectangle is large enough, you will be folding it up to create the "body" of the purse, leaving about 6" at the top that will create the "messenger style flap'". You will then tie up the two sides of the purse with short fabric strips.\*\*\*\*\* To make your large, 15"x30" 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. The gauge when crocheting or knitting with fabric is not NEARLY as important as when knitting in a more traditional fashion. Ch 25 stitches (foundation chain). Starting in 2nd ch, sc across (24 sc). Ch 1 and turn. Sc across crocheting into the back loop of each sc in the row below (24 sc). Continue to stitch rows of 29 sc until you have a rectangle that measures approximately 30" in length (or approx. 38-42 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 so that at the bottom you have a 12"" base (You have 12" of crocheted rectangle folded up on top of another 12" of your crocheted rectangle and you have a remaining 6" of the top of the rectangle that will be used for the messenger flap.
| 6"top for the flap | rowspan="5"> | 12 folded | |||||||||||
| dn piece for | |||||||||||||
| the body of the purse | |||||||||||||
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 about 6-7 ties on the left side and 6-7 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. I personally like them hanging out-it really adds to the texture and charm of the rag bag look!
6. Now you are ready to crochet the narrow strip for the messenger bag. For my bag I made a strip that was approximately 3"x 30" long 7. Crochet the purse straps as follows: Ch 5 stitches (foundation chain). Starting in 2"d ch, sc across (4 sc). Ch 1 and turn. Sc across crocheting into the back loop of each sc in the row below (4 sc). Continue to stitch rows until you have a rectangle that measures approximately 30" in length (or approx. 40-45 rows). The total length of your strap will be completely dependent upon what you desire. I like to wear messenger style bags across my body. Therefore, I made a longer strap. Just crochet a strap as long as you need! Fasten off. Cut about 6 short fabric strips to use to attach the purse handle to the purse. I used three on each side and simply made the double knots again-the same method used for the sides of the purse. For the purse FLAP, you can add a ribbon. In the picture I used a 7/8" width coordinating grosgrain ribbon just to tie the flap to the body of the purse. You do NoT need to do this, only if you want! Check out the hint and tip guide to sew a liner for your new messenger bag. If you want to add a sewing dimension to this project, you could sew a zipper into the top opening of the bag if you likeclosures!
Congratulations!!! You have now created your very own fabric rag bag large tote! Enjoy it!
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.
