SARAH'S FOREVER FRIENDS HANDBAG

  
MATERIALS:        Worsted Weight 
HOOK SIZE:           5 mm 

SIZE:                        Bottom 7 inches x 5 inches (oval) 
                                  Height  6 inches 

NOTE!!!  Pattern can be varied by increasing or decreasing the number of shell rows.  Also, the strap can be easily made longer or shorter. 

 Handbag Designed by  Sarah Al-Amri                     Copyright 2001 
  
  

Base 
Ch. 9 
Row 1 - sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 6 chs,  3sc in next ch., working on opposite side (in unused loops of beginning chain), sc in next 6 loops, 2sc in next loop, join in first sc. (18 sc). 

Row 2 - ch 1, sc in same st and next 7 sc, 3sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc, 3 sc in next sc, join to first sc (22 sc). 

Row 3 - ch 1, sc in same st. and next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, join to first sc. (26 sc) 

Row 4 - ch 1, sc in same st and next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, join to first sc. (34 sc) 

Row 5 - ch 1, sc in same st and next  9 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next  sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next  sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, join to first sc.  (40 sc) 

Row 6 - ch 1, sc in same st and next 11 sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc, 3sc in next  sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc,  sc in next  2sc,   3sc in next  sc,  join in first sc. (48 sc) 

Row 7-9 - sc in each sc around. 

Row 10 - sc in back loop only in each sc around 

Row 11 - ch 1, sc in same st., *skip one sc, 3 dc in next sc, skip one sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * around, join in first sc. 

Row 12 - ch 3, 2 dc in same st , *skip one dc, sc in next dc, skip one dc, 3 dc in next sc, repeat from * around, join in top of ch 3 . 

Row 13 - slip stitch, sc in next dc, * 3dc in next sc, skip one dc, sc in next dc, repeat from * around, join in first sc. 

Row 14 - same as row 12 

Rows 15-16 sc in each stitch around 

Rows 17-20 - same as rows 11-14 

Rows 21-22 - sc in each stitch around 

Rows 23-26 - same as rows 11-14 

Row 27 - sc in each stitch around 

Row 28 - Ch 1, sc in same st., * ch 1, skip one sc, sc in next sc, repeat around,  join in first sc. 

Row 29 - sc in each sc and ch stitch around. 
  

STRAP: 

Row 1 - Determine sides and connect the yarn 5 st from the side so that you sc 11 times with 6 as the center side of the purse.  (11 sc) 

Row 2- ch 1, insert hook in second sc and complete stitch (decrease), sc to last two stitches, decrease (9 sc). 

Row 3 - repeat decreases at beginning and end of rows (7 sc) 

Row 4 - as Row 3 (5 sc) 

Row 5 and after - sc these 5 sc until you get the length you want for half the strap. 
  

SECOND STRAP: 

Work as for first strap, connecting the two on underside by sc them together. Then either sc on the edges of the strap (preferred if you chose to make a long shoulder strap) or slip stitch the edges together to make a rolled tube type strap (nice for the shorter 
hand-held strap and shown in the picture 
  

FLAP: 

Connnect yarn in end sc of one strap and sc to end sc of other strap.  Work shell pattern as for body of purse for 8 rows. 

Row 9: sc across until middle of flap, ch 6, skip one sc, sc across to end. 

Row 10: sc across, make 6 sc in loop, sc to end and continue around all openings and straps, making a sc edge on all parts of the purse, cutting yarn and attaching where necessary. 

CHAIN: 

Work a chain the length needed and slip stitch in each stitch. Finish off.  Work into the eyelet row on the purse.  Sew button on.