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Leftover Yarn Felted Bag Pattern

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Category:

Crocheting

Type:

Accessory

Fit:

Girls, Women, Men

Item:

Bag

Skill Level:

Beginner

Basic Skills Necessary:

Basic crochet skills.
Will learn half double crochet (hdc) stitch and how to wet felt

Pattern Description:

Looking for something really unusual to carry as a handbag or small project bag? Have lots of 1/2 balls of yarn lying around from finished projects. Then this pattern is for you.
When I started this project I had less than one skein of six different colors of the same yarn weight and fiber content (all Peruvian Highland wool, which felts beautifully), and the prospect of a long flight in front of me. I just started crocheting and when the woman sitting next to me asked what I was making, I honestly said, "I have no idea, probably a scarf". This bag is the end result. I crocheted it, switching yarn colors pretty randomly, and then wet felted it lightly to make a denser fabric. Without a lining or handles to fuss with, this is a really simple project that only requires those skills.
One unique feature of the bag is the mbius strip strap. However, if you want a straightforward strap, the instructions for that are also included in the pattern. I added purse feet and a magnet snap closure (hidden by the decorative button) to finish it off.

Gauge:

14 stitches and 11 rows hdc = 4 x 4 inch square.
Felted = 3 x 3 1/2 inch square.

Sizing / Finished Measurements:

12 inches wide x 8 inches tall by 4 inches deep with a 2 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch flap. The shoulder strap drop is approximately 15 inches.

Materials:

Approximately 3- 4 skeins (100 gram) worsted weight wool
I used all Cascade 220. Just make sure the yarn you select is all wool and not superwash. Superwash does not felt.
The idea is to use up bits and pieces from another project, which explains the random striping. I had varying amounts of six different colors
If you have more or less yarn, you can simply make the bag larger or smaller. The pattern is easy to adapt.
Crochet hook US size I/9 (5.5mm)
Washing machine (project can be felted in your kitchen sink but using a machine is easier)
Sewing gauge or ruler
Stitch markers

You Will Also Need:

14mm purse feet (set of four), one magnetic snap closure, one decorative button.
. I used feet and snap from Clover Bag's & totes accessories line, but you may find other brands at your local yarn, fabric or craft store.

Preferred Brand/Yarn:

Cascade 220