Sweet Nothings Crochet: SHELLED CLUTCH

SHELLED CLUTCH

I find making clutch bags is so much fun and they're such quick projects, that I’ve decided to go through my yarn and to-do list.

This is a really easy pattern for a shelled clutch purse and the pattern is so good that I think it can be used for a scarf and shawl as well.. but that’s for another day.

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Materials used : polyester silk purse yarn in cones ~ one cone , with a 4 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue to seal ends

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.

Stitches used :

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

Link for lining your bag : http://pattern-paradise.com/2014/06/12/tutorial-how-to-line-a-crocheted-bag/

Link for fitting a zipper on your bag : 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 fsc : Foundation Single Crochet

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

yo : Yarn Over ch : Chain

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 (not in English, by designer) at http://www.liveinternet.ru/users/makedosha/post261387515/

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 purse length and width measurements. 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.

So we start our clutch purse at the top and are working along the length of our clutch – i.e the number of stitches you start with will determine the length you want. We will then work across side to side till we achieve the width (or height) of clutch purse we desire.

In case the video for the shell stitch pattern does not come on automatically, check it here https://youtu.be/utSKJvslgGw

Our stitch count is in multiples of 8 + 1

Start with fsc in a multiple of 8 + 1 depending on the length of clutch purse you want

Row 1 : 3 dc the 1^st fsc ;

*sk next 3 fsc, sc in the next fsc ; sk next 3 fsc, 5 dc in the next fsc* ;

rep *to* till the last 4 fsc ; sk next 3 fsc, 3 dc in the last fsc. Turn.

Row 2 : sc the 1^st dc ;

*sk next 2 dc, 5 dc in the next sc ; sk next 2 dc ; sc in the next dc* ;

rep *to* till end. Turn.

Row 3 : 3 dc the 1^st sc ;

*sk next 2 dc, sc in the next dc ;

sk next 2 dc, 5 dc in the next sc* ;

rep *to* till the last sc , 3 dc in that last sc. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 till you have a clutch of the height / width you desire.

Tip for tight crocheters : The sc in each row holds the 5 dc’s in the next row, so ensure that you keep this sc loose to allow all five stitches to neatly fit in.

I also feel that this works for all crocheters, no matter if your tension is light, loose or tight – as the looser this sc is, the better the 5 dcs’s fit in and it forms a cute little ‘hole’ that enhances the pattern (well, methinks)

End off with one row of sc – ensuring that you have the same number of stitches that you started with for evenness.

Sweet Nothings crochet free crochet patterns blog ; photo detail of the stitch used for the Shelled clutch ; this blog has video tutorials for all stitches used to make this clutch ;

Stitch detail

Fasten off then and weave in the ends.

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

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

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

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2019/08/zeeba-coin-purse.html