Long Shopping Bag Pattern #4010

MATERIALS:

J. & P. COATS KNIT-CRO-SHEEN, 3 balls of White or Ecru, or 4 balls of any color.

Steel crochet hook No. 3.

Starting at short end, ch 138 (17 sts to 2 inches) to measure 17 inches long. 1st row: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across until there are 136 dc, counting turning ch as 1 dc. Ch 1, turn. 2nd row: Sc in 1st 2 dc, * ch 10, skip 4 dc, sc in next 4 dc. Repeat from * across, ending with ch 10, skip 4 dc, sc in last 2 dc. Ch 1, turn. 3rd row: Sc in 1st 2 sc, * ch 5, 2 sc in next loop, ch 5, skip 1 sc, sc in next 2 sc. Repeat from * across, ending with ch 5, sc in last 2 sc. Ch 3, turn. 4th row: Dc in next sc, ch 5, * sc in next loop, sc in next 2 sc, sc in next loop, ch 10. Repeat from * across, ending with ch 5, dc in last 2 sc. Ch 1, turn. 5th row: Sc in next 2 dc, * ch 5, skip 1 sc, sc in next 2 sc, ch 5, 2 sc in next loop. Repeat from * across, ending with ch 5, sc in last 2 dc. Ch 3, turn. 6th row: Dc in next sc, ch 10, skip next ch 5 and sc group, * sc in next loop, sc in next 2 sc, sc in next loop, ch 10. Repeat from * across, ending with ch 10, dc in last 2 sc. Ch 1, turn.

Repeat 3rd to 6th rows incl for 44 inches, ending with the 5th row of pat­tern. Ch 1, turn. Next row: Sc in next 2 sc, ch 4, skip ch 5 and 2 sc, * sc in next loop, sc in next 2 sc, sc in next loop, ch 4. Repeat from * across. Ch 3, turn. Following row: Dc in each st across. Fasten off. Fold piece in half and sew up sides.

HANDLES ... Cut 37 strands each 3 yards long. Twist tightly, then double the twisted strands and give them a 2nd twist in the opposite direction. Knot loose ends. Make another knot 5 inches away from end knot. Make 3rd knot close to 2nd knot. Make 4th knot 5 inches away from 3rd knot. Cut cord between 2nd and 3rd knots. Fasten cut ends on wrong sides of knots and sew handles to top of bag.