Basic handbag with flap bag option

BASIC HANDBAG


FLAP BAG OPTION AT BOTTOM OF PAGE



The purse in the picture is made using #18 nylon twine and a G hook. I used the white, and then dyed it purple using RIT. Worseted weight yarn works well also, just use an E or F hook, and crochet rather tightly so it won't stretch with use. Another way to combat stretch, is to crochet with two strands, one the yarn, and the other #10 cotton crochet thread.





BOTTOM


ch. 5, join to form a ring.


RND 1- ch. 1, 12 sc in ring. join in top of ch. 1.


RND 2- ch. 1 (sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. join in top of ch. 1.


RND 3- ch. 1 (sc in the next 2 sc, 2 sc in the next sc) around. join in top of ch. 1.


RND 4- ch. 1 (sc in the next 3 sc, 2 sc in the next sc) around. join in top of ch. 1.follow established pattern of increase until bottom is size desired.


BODY


ch. 1, sc in either the front or back loops once around. join in top of ch. 1.( front if you want the right side to show, back if you want the wrong side to show.) ch. 1, sc in both loops around, joining in top of ch. 1 each time, until you get about 30 rounds, or it's deep enough to suit your needs.


STRAPS


turn, sc back 3 or 4, depends on how wide you want the strap. keep going back and forth until strap is 39 rows tall, flatten purse and attach so straps are evenly placed of that side to the left of where you started by sl st through both strap and body. sc around to where next strap will start and repeat process. sc around to where first strap started and end off. weave end in. if you're using the nylon twine, use a lighter to melt the ends of the twine so they won't unravel.

For this option, make the body about 37 rows tall. The strap is 6 sc wide, and 100 rows long, you'll be following the same principal as for the straps above, except you're only making one. When it's long enough, attach to the other side of the purse, using same method as above. For the flap, sc over to other strap, keep sc back and forth until you're half way down, then switch to dc. If you keep sc to the end, the corners tend to curl up. End off and weave end in. Use lighter to melt any end if you're using the twine.