Monday 19 January 2015

CRISS-CROSS CLUTCH

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; this blog has a video tutorial for stitch explanation ; photo of the beautiful criss cross clutch bag
CRISS-CROSS CLUTCH

So as promised here are a few more patterns for clutch bags and as you guessed, this one is named for the shape of the stitch pattern.  I think this pattern can be used for a load of other projects – but let’s whip this one out first. 
So here’s yet another lovely 2-row repeat pattern for you. 

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Materials used : polyester silk purse yarn in cones  ~ one cone , with a 3.25 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue to seal ends 
For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros or unbranded knitting cotton as well
General yarn info : This polyester yarn is available only in India.
The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.
International yarns :  Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.

Skill level :  Easy - Intermediate

I’ve been all lazy and got my bag lined professionally, so if you are in Mumbai - India, you may call Suresh on +91 91675 76825 , but I've also got a few lovely links on how one can line a bag and then attach the zipper, so here goes


How to attach a zipper : 


Stitches used : Using U.S terminology
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw 

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

How to hold your yarn in crochet : https://youtu.be/FwOlCbGdbqY

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

Foundation Single Crochet : fsc : To refresh your skill on the fsc, please view this video https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA  

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice.  One dc made. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

Abbreviations used :  Using U.S terminology
lp(s) : Loop(s)                   sc : Single crochet
dc : Double crochet          sp : Space                                           
sl-st : Slip stitch                 
st(s) : Stitch(es)                hk : Hook
yo : Yarn Over                  ch : Chain
fsc : Foundation Single Crochet
trc : Treble / Triple crochet


Instructions : (Using U.S terminology)
This is not my original pattern  and it’s just one of those wonderful free floating freebies over the net.  I am, as usual, writing down my notes, and am sharing them with you. 

So below I give you the pattern as per the chart (by designer), but in my own project.

A quick look at what we're going to do today.  
We will make a rectangle with the pattern that will be the width and (folded) length of the clutch purse. 
Remember you need to add in an inch or two for the base ease.

Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.
In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and length / width  measurements for the clutch purse.  This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project. 

In case the video does not open, visit  https://youtu.be/p9CsBONVKEw

Our stitch count is in multiples of 5 + 1

Remember to make a note of  the number of stitches you start with.

Start with a row of foundation single crochet (fsc) in multiples of 5 + 1, for the width of your project 

Note : I love the fsc start which not only gives a neat finish but also a great even stretch.  I will urge you to try it too.  
In case you cannot, then start with chains in multiples of 5 + 4 ; 
turn and work your 1st dc in the 4th ch from hk.  
The 1st 3 ch are your ch 3 for the start of Row 1.  

Row 1 :  ch 3,  3 dc the 1st fsc ; sk 4 fsc, sc in the next fsc ; 
*ch 3, 3 dc in the  same fsc  (from where you made your ch 3) ; 
sk next 4 fsc, sc in the next fsc*;  
rep *to* till end. Turn

Triple Crochet : trc : wrap yarn twice around hook, insert hk into st ; yo (4 lps on hk); [yo, draw through 2 lps] three times.  One trc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/A0y4BbgDTbs

Chainless start for Triple / Treble Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of trc. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/f42MO0cGYC0  

Row 2 :  ch 4, 2 dc in same  1st sc ; 
sk next 3 dc, sc in the next ch-3 sp ; 
*ch 3, 3 dc in the same  ch-3 sp ; 
sk next 3 dc, sc in the next ch-3 sp* ; 
rep *to* till last ch-3 sp ;  
sc in the last ch-3 sp ;
ch 3, 1 dc and 1 trc in same  last ch-3 sp.  Turn.

Row 3 :  ch 3, 3 dc in 1st ch-3 sp ; 
sk next 3 dc, sc in the next ch-3 sp ; 
*ch 3, 3 dc in the next ch-3 sp ; 
sk next 3 dc, sc in the next ch-3 sp* ; 
rep *to* till end.  Turn.

Note : In the last set of this row, you will only sk 2 sts (as there are only 2 sts at that end) and then sc in the last ch-sp.

Rep Rows 2 & 3 till you have the length that you wish for your sling bag or clutch purse. 
Isn’t this just the cutest pattern ever and so easy.  

Now all we need to do is straighten up that last end row.

Last row :  sc in the 1st sc ; 
*sc in the next 3 dc, 1 sc in ch-3 sp ; sc in next sc* ; 
rep *to* till end. 
  
Ensure that you have the same no. of sc (or just about) as you started out with.  
Fasten off and weave in ends

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; this blog has a video tutorial for stitch explanation ; chart for the  stitch of the beautiful criss cross clutch bag

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; this blog has a video tutorial for stitch explanation ; photo detail of the stitch of the beautiful criss cross clutch bag
Stitch detail

Finishing :
Here are a few links on how you can finish your bag up.

a)   How to line the bag : View the link below to see how to easily line your handbag. http://pattern-paradise.com/2014/06/12/tutorial-how-to-line-a-crocheted-bag/

b)   Easiest I-cord : Check out this video for a really easy I-cord at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_AQ9m0QeZI


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If you'd like  to check out some of my other bag patterns, here goes