Beginner’s Luck
Messenger Bag
PATTERN NOTE
Weave in loose ends as work progresses.
BAG FRONT
Row 1 (WS): Ch 36, working in back bar of ch (see illustration), sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each rem ch across, turn. (35 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. Rows 3–45: Rep row 2. Place marker at each end of last row.
BACK
Rows 46–94: Rep row 2. Place marker at each end of last row.
FRONT FLAP
Rows 95–112: Rep row 2. At the end of row 112, fasten off.
FRONT POCKET
Row 1: Ch 26, working in back bar of ch, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each rem ch across, turn. (25 sc) Rows 2–35: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. At the end of row 35, fasten off.
STRAP TAB
Make 2. Row 1: Ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, turn. (2 sc) Rows 2 & 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn. At the end of row 3, leaving a 6-inch length, fasten off.
ASSEMBLY
Following manufacturer’s directions, attach base plate of press lock to Pocket centered between rows 18 and 24. Position Pocket centered on Front between rows 2 and 36 and secure with straight pins. Thread needle with 30-inch length, starting at center bottom leaving 15-inch length at beg free for opposite edge. Working toward corner, work overcast stitch (see illustration) to corner and up edge of Pocket, knot to secure. Going back to center bottom of Pocket, thread rem length on needle and sew opposite side of Pocket to Front. Remove straight pins. With Pocket facing, fold at markers on row 45 and position row 1 of Front to row 94 of Back, secure with straight pins along edges. Thread needle with 24-inch length, beg at bottom fold whipstitch edges
(see illustration) tog, ending at row 1 of front. Sew opposite edge in same manner. Remove markers. Fold Flap forward on front of Pocket. Following manufacturer’s directions, attach press lock centered on row 112 directly in line with base plate. Lock in place. To secure Strap Tab to leather strap, thread rem length on needle, insert through straight edge of D hook of strap, holding opposite side of foundation ch to row 3, sew edges tog and sew to side edge of rows 1 and 2 of Front sewn edge of Bag. Sew 2nd Strap Tab to rem D ring and secure to opposite edge.