Linked stitches make a more solid fabric than traditional stitches, so they are the perfect foundation for this floral market bag. Worked in the round from the bottom up, the strap continues in the same easy-to-memorize pattern for an interesting, lacy (but strong) shoulder strap.
Finished size
13 x 12" /33 x 30.5 cm) strap 23 x 2" (58.5 x 5 cm).
Yarn
432 yards (400 m), DK wight (#3 light).
Hook
Size G/6 (4mm) and H/8 (5mm).
Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
Notions
Locking stitch marker (m) yarn needle
Gauge
Usang larger hook, 21 sts and 11 rows = 4" (10 cm) in pattern.
Notes
This bag is worked from the bottom up. Written instructions and stitch diagrams are provided. Use either type alone, or both together as needed.
Special Stitches
3 double crochet cluster (3-dc-cl(
Yo, insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, pull up a lp, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook. 3 times, yo, pull through all 4 lps on hook.
Body /worked in rounds
With smaller hook, fdc 58, do not turn.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, does not count as a st, 2 linked dc in the short side of the base, place a marker in the first st, linked dc in the underside of 58 foundations sts, place 2 linked dc in the short side of the base, linked dc in the next 56 stitches along the opposite long edge of the base, join with sl st in first marked st - 120 linked dc.
Rnd 2: ch 2, 2 linked dc in the short side of the base, pm in the first st, linked dc in the underside of the 58 fdcs, place 2 linked dc in the short side of the base, linked dc in the next 58 sts along the opposite long edge of the base; join with sl st in first marked st - 120 linked dc.
Rnd 3: work 120 linked dc around; joi with sl st in first st.
Rnd 4: change lo larger hook, begin pattern. Ch 3 counts as first dc, *sk 3 sts (3-dc-cl, ch 3, sc, ch 3, 3-dc-cl( all in next st, sk 3 sts**, dc in next st; rep from * around, ending last rep at **; join with sl st in top beg ch-3.
Rnd 5: ch 6 (counts as first dc plus 3 ch), *sk next cl, 3-dc-cl in sc, ch 3, sk next cl, dc in next cl, 3-dc-cl in sc, ch 3, sk next cl; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-6.
Rnd 6: ch 3, *(3-dc-cl, ch 3, sc, ch 3, 3-dc-cl) all in next cl**, dc in next dc; rep from * around, ending last rep at **; join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
Rnd 7-30: rep rnds 5 and 6
Do not fasten off
Begin strap
Note: the strap is worked in turned rows over 1 pattern repeat.
Row 1: ch 6 (count as first dc plus 3 chs), turn, sk next cl, 3-dc-cl in sc, ch 3, sk next cl, dc in last st.
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, (3-dc-cl, ch 3, sc, ch 3, 3-dc-cl) all in cl, dc in last st.
Row 3-36: Rep rows 1 and 2
Row 37: Rep row 1
Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail.
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With yarn tail and yarn needle, sew bag strap opposite the origin of the strap.
Strap Edging
Join new yarn at base where strap is connected to bag with (sc, ch 1, sc) in each ch-3 side turning chain space along the strap edge, sc on bag body (it doesn't matter where). Fasten off.
Repeat for opposite long edge of strap.
Finishing
Weave in ends.
