Hello petal
Sharpen your cross stitch skills with this cross body bag by Heather C Gibbs
YOU WILL NEED
DROPS Cotton Merino (50% cotton, 50% wool, 50g/110m), 3 balls of Powder (28), small amounts of each: Pistachio (10), Coral (13), Cerise (14), Turquoise (24), Storm Blue (26) and Sea Green (29) A 4mm (US G/6) hook Blunt ended cross stitch needle Yarn needle Cotton fabric for bag lining (optional) Magnetic bag clasp (optional) Needle and thread For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk
MEASUREMENTS
22x24cm (8¾x9½in) Strap measures 96cm (38in)
TENSION
Yarn used crochets as DK to this tension: 19 dc and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in)
ABBREVIATIONS
Front Post double crochet (FPdc) Insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch in the previous row, complete as for a dc stitch For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet With plenty of space and handy pockets for your essentials, this pretty lined bag is perfect to swing over your shoulder for carefree days out. Plus, flex your cross stitch skills with the fabulous pansy design stitched in the dreamiest pastel shades. This one’s a winner.
NOTES
The ch1 at the beg of each row does not count as a stitch throughout. The pocket is made separately and embroidered with a cross stitch design. Half of the gusset width is crocheted onto each of the main bag panels, and then the gusset is seamed down the centre.
Using Yarn A, ch26. Row 1 Dc into the second ch from the hook and in each ch across, turn. [25 sts] Rows 2-33 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn. Fasten off and weave in ends. Using the Chart on p10, cross stitch the pansy design onto the pocket: when cross stitching on crochet, use a length of yarn that’s comfortable to work with (e.g. 45cm). With the first colour insert the needle from back to front at the bottom left corner of the first indicated st and pull through the yarn (leaving a 10cm length of yarn to weave in later). Insert the needle at the top right corner of the same st and draw the yarn through until it stretches neatly across the st. Repeat the steps for each st where the Chart calls for this colour. Then insert your needle at the top left corner of the same st you ended with, bring the needle out at the bottom left corner of the same st and draw the yarn through. This should form a neat ‘X’. Repeat until you have completed each cross stitch in relevant colour.
Repeat process with each colour required until the design is complete.
BAG STRAP
Using Yarn A, ch6. Row 1 Dc into the second ch from the hook and in each ch across, turn. [5 sts] Rows 2-90 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn. Ss loosely around all edges of the strap, add a ch1 when you reach a corner to help you turn. Fasten off and weave in ends.
MAIN BAG PANELS !MAKE 2"
The bag panel is worked from the bottom up, then the gussets are crocheted on. Using Yarn A, ch41. Row 1 Dc into the second ch from the hook and in each ch across, turn. [40 sts] Rows 2-51 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn. Row 52 Ch1, dc in each st across, do not fasten off.
BAG GUSSETS
Rotate bag to work into row ends.
Row 1 Ch1, dc in first row end, FPdc in next row end and in each row end to last row, 3dc in last row end, rotate bag, dc in each ch across opposite side of starting ch, rotate bag to work
into Row ends on opposite side, 3dc in first row end, FPdc in next row end and in each row end across, turn. [148 sts]. Rows 2-3 Ch1, dc in each dc, turn. Fasten off and weave in ends.
TO FINISH
Sew the pocket onto the front centre of one of the panels. If you are lining the pocket you may wish to do this first before sewing it into place. Making sure that the bag sides are the right side facing each other, line up the sts of both gussets and work a ss seam to join.
Attach the strap ends with the right side facing outwards, to the top of each gusset. Add a fabric lining and magnetic bag fastening to finish off your bag (optional).