Crochet Friend's Handbag

Looking for the perfect accessory to add a touch of charm to your outfit? Look no further than the Crochet Friend's Handbag! This adorable handbag is not only stylish but also practical, with enough space to carry all your essentials in a cute and compact design. The intricate crochet work gives it a unique handmade feel, perfect for adding a personal touch to your look. Whether you're heading out for a casual day with friends or a special evening event, this handbag is sure to become your go-to accessory. So, why not treat yourself to the Crochet Friend's Handbag and add a pop of personality to your wardrobe?

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.

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.