Sweet Nothings Crochet: DIAMOND BAG

DIAMOND BAG

This is a pic of the original handbag that had me fascinated.. the chart has me confused.. the look has me excited.. all in all yet another one that I can’t resist.

So here’s yet another lovely pattern for you. .. my interpretation and creation of this beautiful diamond bag.

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Materials used : polyester purse yarn in cones , with a 3 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue to seal ends ; stitch markers ; embroidery needle ; zipper ; bag handle

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros e 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 : Advanced

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 double crochet (fdc) : This is a unique way of starting a project directly with a row of double crochet stitches. Here is an easy video tutorial https://youtu.be/hjNUYVvyU9k

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

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

Whipstitch to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the whipstitch at https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the embroidery needle and whipstitch to get an invisible join at https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the single crochet at https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

Front Post Double Crochet 2-together : fpdc 2-tog : Post stitches are stitches worked around the post of a stitch of the row below.

This is the fpdc stitch worked over 2 stitches together.

View the video at https://youtu.be/Kljuw4dnDzI

Front Post Double Crochet 2-together skipping a stitch in between :

This is the fpdc stitch worked over 2 stitches together, and skipping one stitch in between. View the video at https://youtu.be/m99T7zpGX68

How to line your bag : Check this link at http://pattern-paradise.com/2014/06/12/tutorial-how-to-line-a-crocheted-bag/

How to attach a zipper : Check this link at http://frogknitting.blogspot.se/2013/08/att-sy-i-dragkedjor-installing-zippers.html?m=1

Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)

lp(s) : Loop(s) sc : Single crochet

dc : Double crochet sp : Space

sl-st : Slip stitch ch : Chain

st(s) : Stitch(es) hk : Hook

yo : Yarn Over

fsc : Foundation Single Crochet

fpdc : Front Post Double Crochet

bpdc : Back Post Double Crochet

fpdc 2-tog : Front Post Double Crochet 2-together

Instructions : (Using U.S terminology)

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 body measurement. 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.

This is not my original pattern and it’s just one of those wonderful patterns shared freely 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. (http://klubka.net/model/bags/1322-sumka-kryuchkom.html)

So let's start with a quick analysis of what the designer has done with this pattern.

The bag is made in two parts.

The first part is the base strip .. which is the bottom bit as well as the two side bits.. so technically not ‘a base’..

and the second part(s) are the front and back parts that are then attached onto this ‘base strip’.

PART 1

In this part we’ll work the strip that will be the base as well as the two sides of your bag.

For convenience and a neat start, I am starting with the fdc – and as we’re working with the thicker 4-ply yarn, I urge you to try this start as well.

So start with an appropriate number of stitches for the length you need, for the bottom plus two sides of your hand bag.

Now a little bit of calculation :

You have one long strip made which will make up the two sides and bottom for the bag. We now will place markers to divide it into the 3 parts (2 sides + 1 bottom)

a) Count off the number of stitches you have now

b) Divide by 3 (for equal height and width) , ensuring that the bottom part is in multiples of 4.

c) Place markers for either ends of the bottom part. Re-attach yarn at the 1^st marker for the bottom part

d) We will work upwards from this bottom part till we get the height of bag we want.

e) We will then fasten off this side, and re-attach yarn for doing the mirror image of the other side of our bag.

f) Once both front and back of bag is done, we will attach the sides of our bag to this.

Right so now that we’ve got this bit figured, let’s move on to Part 2, which is the beautiful patterned front and back

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; diagram of how the Diamond bag is constructed ; this blog has video tutorials for all stitches used to make this bag ;

PART 2

Make 2 (Front & Back)

In this part we’ll make the front and back patterned parts of our bag.

The centre front and back pattern is a lovely diamond.

For convenience, I have decided to mark off the centre section (as mentioned in Point "f" above) and work the pattern front & back.

Our stitch count is in multiples of 4.

Row 1 : sc in each dc till the next marker. Turn

Row 2 : dc in each sc till end. Turn

From the following row on wards, we will start our decorative “V” stitch.

Our “V”-sts here are done as a fpdc 2-tog that is worked over 2 sc’s (from the row one below.. ie in this case Row 1) and skipping 3 dcs in between (of Row 2).

This means that you say work the first ‘leg’ of the fpdc 2-tog in stitch 1, then you sk sts 2,3,4 and the 2^nd ‘leg’ of the fpdc-2 tog is in this st.

For the 2^nd fpdc 2-tog, you will do the 1^st leg of this stitch in the last sc .. which is the sc where you did the 2^nd leg of your earlier fpdc 2-tog, and then as before sk the next 3 sc, and do the 2^nd leg of this fpdc 2-tog in that st.

This gives our stitch an extended “V” look, and because these are front post stitches, they stick out and give the textured look for our lovely bag.

A little complicated, I know.. and the first 2 lines will be a little ummm…but then on, you’ll wonder what you were worrying about.

Few things you need to remember :

The fpdc 2-tog is in the row one row below, so you’re not only skipping stitches across to do your fpdc 2-tog, but also skipping a row.

Secondly, this fpdc 2-tog is a stitch, so you will sk the dc just behind the fpdc 2-tog(i.e the dc just after the 3 scs), and then sc in the next 3 dc.

The instructions below will get way too complicated if I write all this in, so remember this when you are reading the instructions of Rows 3 and 5.

Row 3 : sc in the 1^st 3 sc ;

(fpdc 2-tog over the 2^nd sc from the row below i.e Row 1 , then skipping the next 3 sc, the next fpdc over the next sc also from the row below i.e Row 1) ;

sk next dc, sc in the next 3 sc ;

*(fpdc 2-tog over the same last sc from where you had your last fpdc 2-tog, and skipping 3 sc, the next sc in Row 1) ;

sk next dc, sc in the next 3 sc* ;

rep from *to* till end. Turn

Row 4 : dc in each st till end. Turn

Note : Remember to count the number of stitches in this row as its very easy to add stitches here.

Note : Once again we will be doing the fpdc 2-tog in the sc one row below – so our scs from Row 3.

Row 5 : sc in the 1^st dc ;

fpdc in the next sc of Row 3 (where the 2 fpdc 2-tog of previous row are) ;

sk next dc, sc in the next 3 dc ;

fdpc 2-tog over the same 1^st fpdc and then skipping 3 dcs in the next sc of the previous row ;

*sc in the next 3 dc ;

fpdc 2-tog over the last fpdc and then skipping 3 sc, next leg of fpdc 2-tog in the next sc of the previous row; sk next dc* ;

rep *to* till end. Turn

See how it was a little easier in this row, and from now on, it’ll be easier and make a lot more sense as you will see the diamonds forming.

So we will just be using the sc that is also the fpdc 2-tog points from now on for the diamond formations.

Row 6 : dc in each st till end. Turn

So you’ve seen the first of the diamonds emerge. Great job.

Our repeat rows are Rows 3-6.

Continue repeats till you have a length / height you desire for your bag, ending with a Row 4 or 6 (i.e dc row)

Note : Remember that when you stitch your bag up, the base bit as well as the final top finishing bit will add to the length/height, so work the diamond pattern accordingly.

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; diagram of stitch used for the Diamond bag is constructed ; this blog has video tutorials for all stitches used to make this bag ;

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; photo detail of the Diamond bag ; this blog has video tutorials for all stitches used to make this bag ;

PART 3 : THE CORD

There are 2 links given at the start of this blog pattern sheet with instructions to make an I-cord or a rounded cord.

I tried both, but wanted a flat cord – so what I’ve done is make a long fsc chain of length desired, then turned and worked down both sides of the fsc with sc all through. At the end of the fsc chain, to get from one side to the other, I’ve done 1 ch, and then at the other end, of course, joined with a sl-st.

So now you have three choices.. decisions.. decisions

The designer has then done about 4 dc rows on top, interspersing little holes (a missed stitch with a ch-1) in one of the rows. In this ‘holed’ row, the designer then has passed in the handle cord.

On top of this blog is are links for how to make a lovely rounded cord – so go ahead and see that video tutorial for that.

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; photo of the cord for the Diamond bag is constructed ; this blog has video tutorials for all stitches used to make this bag ;

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog, free crochet bag pattern, photo for detail of cord attached to bag,

Here's another idea to make a cord - the easiest cord ever

In case this video for a really easy I-cord does not come on, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_AQ9m0QeZI

The final bit here is the front flap. Using this idea, you could also make the two tiny side flaps (if you’re unable to get that in leather or faux leather, and/or would like to match that with the rounded cord handle and front flap)

Fasten off then and weave in the ends

PART 4 : FLAP

For the flap, we’ll work it as a separate unit and then attach it to one side of our bag.

We start with the semicircular end, and then work up the flap to make the rectangular bit.

Start with a 7 dc in that circle. Turn.

Do not pull tight and do not make it a circle – allow it to stay semicircular and we’ll now back and forth in rows.

Row 1 : dc in the 1^st 3 dc ;

5 dc in the next dc ;

dc in each dc till end. Turn.

Row 2 : 2 dc in the 1^st dc ; dc in the next dc ;

*2 dc in the next dc ; dc in the next dc* ;

rep *to* 2 times ;

3 dc in the next dc ; dc in the next dc ;

rep *to* till end ending with 2 dc in last dc. Turn

Row 3 : dc in the 1^st 2 dc ; 2 dc in the next dc ;

*dc in the next 2 dc ; 2 dc in the next dc* ;

rep *to* 2 times ;

(dc in the next dc ; 2 dc in the next dc ;

dc in the next dc ; 2 dc in next dc) ;

rep *to* till end. Turn.

Row 4 : dc in the 1^st dc ;

*2 dc in the next dc ; dc in the next 3 dc* ;

rep *to* 3 times ;

(2 dc in the next 2 dc ; 3 dc in the next dc) ;

rep *to* till end. Turn.

We’ve done our semicircular end, so now to work the other part of the flap, we’ll turn and work in a rectangle.

Next row : Turning your work at 90°, evenly pick up dc’s all along this end. (which is the flat portion of the semicircle).

So I picked up 2 dc’s in each dc, and then 1 dc in the ‘magic circle’ bit. Turn.

Next row : dc in each dc till end. Turn.

Rep this dc row till you have a flap of the length you desire.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog, free crochet bag pattern,chart for flap

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog ; photo of the flap for the Diamond bag is constructed ; this blog has video tutorials for all stitches used to make this bag ;

PART 5 : FINISHING

Several parts need to be attached, so let’s get started

1) Attach the two sides and make your bag up.

2) Attach the flap to one of the sides.

3) If you’ve made the little side flaps, then attach these little flaps in as well, and then attach the little buttons down.

4) Line your bag, if desired.

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

c) How to attach a zipper : Check this link athttp://frogknitting.blogspot.se/2013/08/att-sy-i-dragkedjor-installing-zippers.html?m=1

5) Loop your cord through the loop holes you’ve made and then attach it behind the flap, so that the attached end is neatly hidden there.

6) Attach a little button for the front flap as well… and we’re done !

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You may want to take a look at some more beautiful and unusual bag / purse patterns.

http://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2017/06/my-strawberry-bag.html