My plarn bag pattern

     A couple weeks ago I ordered some PLARN from a new friend that I met in one of the crochet groups that I am in on FB.  I was excited about making something with it, but then you know how it goes... I got distracted!  So today I decided to do something with it.  I knew I wanted to make a bag.  I have seen some of the teenage girls at my church carrying small bags made with this same material, so this is what I came up with!  It isn't a huge bag... It is only about 10 inches wide at it's widest point on the bottom and 7 inches tall, not counting the handles... so perfect for a teenager who doesn't carry tons of mom stuff like I do... or your lil girl... Or even just on those days when you just don't want to lug around all that mom stuff!
     So after getting so many compliments on the bag, I have decided to share the pattern.  And if you are a good crocheter, I'm sure you can figure out how to make it bigger if that is what floats your boat!

I just want to say... this one was made with Plarn... but I'm sure it can be made with any worsted weight yarn of your choice.

OK so here goes... I hope this makes sense to you all... If not please feel free to email me at jamiegaspar4@yahoo.com... or leave a comment below.  I am more than willing to help you!

Cutie Patootie Plarn purse Pattern

I used a K hook

Ch 26, hdc in 2nd chain from hook and each ch across till you reach the last chain, then crochet 3 hdc in the last chain.  Do NOT Turn...  Work 1 hdc in each chain on the other side of beginning chain till you reach the first chain, then crochet 2 hdc in that chain for a total of 3 hdc in that first chain...  Work in a continuous round till you reach 11 rows or the height of your choice.

 This is when I chose to change colors.  Change colors 3 stitches past the edge of the bag, and hdc all the way around this round.  Next is the pleat row.  Hdc in the next 4 stitches,  (Skip 3 stitches and yarn over and insert hook from back to front around the 4th hdc, pull up a loop and insert hook from front to back around the first skipped hdc, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook-  This will make the pleat.  Make sure you pull that pleat stitch tight otherwise it won't be noticeable)  hdc in next 2 stitches, skip 3 stitches and make the pleat again, hdc in next 2 stitches, skip 3 stitches and make pleat again for a total of 3 pleats on front side, hdc in next 14 stitches, skip 3 stitches and make pleat again, hdc in next 2 stitches, skip 3 stitches and make pleat again, hdc in next 2 stitches, skip 3 stitches and make pleat again for a total of 3 pleats on back side, hdc in next 7 stitches,

Then hdc all the way around the next round

The next row hdc in back loops all the way around the next round

The last round before the handles:  sc all the way around the last round...  DON'T fasten off yet.

Handles:

 Front:  ch 2, dc in next 3, turn, ch 2, dc in next 3, turn....  repeat this for the handle until you have 18 rows... or the length you would like for your handles.  fasten off after last row of dc for handle and leave a tail for sewing...  Sew the other side of the handle to the front of your bag  about 4 stitches before the left edge of bag.

Back: sl st on back of bag directly behind the handle you just finished on front, ch 2, dc in next 3, turn... and repeat like front handle...  then sew onto the bag like you did for the other side.  Now you could just leave it as is, but I decided that I wanted to put a sort of a border around one side of the handles, so you could sl st in one corner of the outside of the handles and sc with the contrasting color around the side edges of the bag and around the handles, then finish off and weave in ends

The flower:  Puff stitch flower

http://easymakesmehappy.blogspot.com/2010/07/6-petal-puff-stitch-flower.html 

I used this pattern, but instead of using the smaller hook that they used I continued using the K hook and also instead of sc 12 into the circle, I hdc 12... just so that it comes out a bit bigger... but that is totally up to you how you want your flower to be!  So then I just sewed on my flower... weaved in any ends... and then glued on some different sized pearls in my colors.  I do suggest using a contrasting color for your flower, just for the effect!  Also if your pearls allow you, it is better to sew them on.  If you are as hard on bags as I am, they may fall off after time with only glue, but once again... totally up to you!  Enjoy... and I hope this pattern makes sense... if not feel free to ask me.  This is only the 2nd pattern I have written out:)