Geometric styling with a dense stitch pattern works to create a practical and chic handbag. You won’t know how you ever got along without this trendy accessory!
Skill Level: Advanced
Size: Finished Size: 12.25” x 9.5”.
Gauge: 83 rows = 23.5” and 42 sts = 14.75” in pattern, before felting.
Materials
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Worsted (100% Wool; 210 yards, [192 meters]/100 grams): 226 Black (MC, 2 balls); 201 Winter White (CC, 1 ball).
Hook: US size J/10 (6 mm)
Notions: Locking stitch markers; tapestry needle; two purchased metal chain handles (Purse n-alizze-it! Handbag handles, 16½” Chain Link Handle, Item #9020915)
Pattern Notes
Ch 3 at the beginning of the row counts as first dc.
Carry the yarn loosely up the side when not in use.
Pattern
Body
Ch 43 (multiple of 4 sts + 3).
Foundation Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from the hook and in next ch, *ch 5, sk next 2 ch, sc in next 2 ch; rep from * across. Change to CC in final st, turn. (10 ch-5 sp)
Foundation Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sc, *working in front of the ch-5 sp of the previous row, hdc in next 2 skipped ch in the Foundation ch, sc in next 2 sc; rep from * across, turn.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to MC in final st, turn. (42 sc)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next sc, *ch 2, working behind the last row, sc in next ch-5 sp 3 rows below, ch 2, sk next 2 sts of the current row, dc in next 2 sc; rep from * across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first 2 dc, *ch 5, sk next (ch-2 sp, sc, ch-2 sp), sc in next 2 dc; rep from * across, ending with ch 5, sk next 2 sc, sc in next dc, sc in top of turning chain, change to CC in final st, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sc, *working in front of last 2 rows, tr in next 2 skipped sc 3 rows below, sc in next 2 sc; rep from the * across, turn.
Rows 5-83: Rep Rows 1-4.
Row 84 Ch 1, sc in first 2 sc, *(sc through ch-5 loop from 3 rows below and the next st AT THE SAME TIME) twice, sc in next 2 sts; rep from * across.
Fasten off.
Gussets (make 2)
With MC, ch 11.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 9 ch, turn. (10 sc)
Rows 2-3: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.
Row 4: Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn.
Rows 6-33: Rep Rows 2-5.
Rows 34-35: Rep Rows 2-3.
Fasten off.
Assembly
With wrong sides facing, straddle Row 1 of one Gusset across the midpoint (Row 42) of bag Body. Pin in place with locking stitch markers. With MC, sc Gusset to Body.
Repeat for second side. Turn bag right side out.
Finishing
Border
Top Edging
Note: Pinch the gusset in half, pushing it toward the inside of the bag and don’t stitch into it.
Identify 4 2-st handle points, 2 on each side and mark them with locking stitch markers.
Under Row 1 of bag body, mark sts 7 and 8, and sts 35 and 36, and the corresponding sts on the opposite side on Row 83.
Rnd 1: With RS facing, join MC with sc in first st along Row 1 of bag Body, *sc in next 6 sts, ch 3, sk next 2 sts, sc in each st to next stitch marker, ch 3, sk next 2 sts, sk all the sts of the Gusset (folding it inward into the bag), sc in first st on opposite side; rep from *, join with sl st in first sc. (4 ch-3 loops, 76 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st to ch-3 sp, *4 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in each st; rep from * around, join with sl st in first sc. (76 sc, 4 sc-4 sp)
Fasten off.
If desired, with MC, sc the two thicknesses of the pinched and folded Gusset together, 5 sc. Repeat for opposite side.
Weave in ends.
Felting
Place locking stitch markers in the handle holes. Leave them in while you felt. Remove them after felting.
This bag was felted with a load of sheets using hot water and mild detergent in a top loading washing machine. Air dry.
Attach handles to bag.