Soft Handbag Pattern #2638

15" long

MATERIALS:

J. & P. COATS KNIT-CRO-SHEEN, 3 balls of White or Ecru, or 5 balls of any color.

Steel crochet hook No. 1/0 (zero).

½ yard satin lining material.

A 10-inch zipper.

GAUGE: 13 sts make 2 inches; 7 rows make 2 inches.

Starting at side edge with double thread, ch 158 to measure 24½ inches. 1st row: H dc in 3rd ch from hook, h dc in each ch across (156 sts). Ch 3, turn. 2nd row: Insert hook in front loop of 1st st and pull loop through, * insert hook in front loop of next st and pull loop through, (thread over and draw through 2 loops) twice; ch 1 (a group st made). Insert hook in front loop of next st. Repeat from * across (78 group sts). Ch 1 more, turn. 3rd row: * H dc in top of next group st, h dc in next ch-1. Repeat from * across, ending row with 2 h dc in top of last group st (168 sts). Ch 3, turn. Repeat 2nd and 3rd rows alternately until piece measures 15 inches, ending with the 3rd row. This stitch has a tendency to slant; however, blocking will straighten piece out. Fasten off. Block piece to measure 24 x 15 inches.

GUSSETS ... With double thread ch 52 to measure 7½ inches. Work in pattern as before until piece measures 2 inches, ending with the 3rd row. Fasten off. Make another piece same as this. Block piece to measure 7 x 2 inches.

FINISHING ... Turn down a 2-inch cuff on both 15-inch edges and whip down. Shirr fabric just below cuffs to measure 12 inches. Sew gussets in place, having tops of gussets at bottom of cuffs. Line bag with satin and sew zipper across the center 10 inches of opening. Sew up remaining openings at both ends of zipper.