Hello Kitty Bag

Hello Kitty Child’s Bag.

The hello kitty face is NOT my pattern. The pattern belongs to cakesbysabrina.  Here is the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dfATkNENXo
The strap is just a simple I-cord.  I used two pieces of yarn together.  There are tons of tutorials on the I-cord, however I used the one by bobwilson123. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQtTA4g2QqQ

You can use whatever yarn texture or color you want, just make sure that your hook size compliments your yarn.  If you use a chunky yarn, you may want to decrease the number of beginning chains.  If you use a finer yarn, increase the number of beginning chains.  I used Red Heart Shimmer yarn (which is a 4 ply worsted weight yarn) in hot pink as my main color (MC) and Vanna’s Choice Glamour (a 2 ply fingering weight yarn) in Platinum as my contrasting color (CC) and a size H or 5.00mm hook.
My bag is approximately 7’’ across and 4 ½’’ high.  The strap measures about 12’’ but the I-cord gives a little bit of stretch.
Abbreviations:
Ch- Chain
Sc- Single Crochet
Sl st- Slip stitch
MC- Main color
CC- Contrasting color
F/O- Finish off
Now for the pattern:

Bag:

With your MC create a slip knot on your hook.  The slip knot does NOT count as a chain.  With this in mind begin with a ch 31.  If this is too small, add more chains, if it’s too big, pull some chains out.

Round 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across.  Place 3 sc in the very last chain.  This will rotate your work so now you are working on the bottom side of the beginning ch.  Sc in each ch across, putting 2 sc in the last ch.  DO NOT SL ST JOIN!  You will work in a spiral for the remainder of the time you are working with your MC.

Row 2-21: Sc in each st around.  I prefer not to use stitch markers because they get in the way, but some crocheters may need them.  You can use scrap yarn in a contrasting color, bobby pins, safety pins, even earrings.  Use whatever you have handy.   On the last stitch in row 21, after inserting your hook in the stitch DO NOT yarn over with your MC.  Instead, YO with your CC.  You can use any method you prefer to change colors.

Row 22: With your CC sc around and join to 1st sc with a sl st.  Ch 1.

Row 23: Continuing with your CC, sc in each st around.  Join to 1st sc with a sl st.  F/O

Before attaching the strap, if you wish to sew in a lining you should do it now.  I didn’t use a lining, frankly because I hate sewing.  But if you want a lining you can put one in now.

At this point I would attach my strap.  If you use 2 pieces of yarn together like I did, it would be easier to crochet the flap around the strap.  Crochet your I-cord with long tails at both ends to use for sewing.  To ensure that you don’t see your sewing on the outside of the bag, follow this tutorial by Mikey from the Crochet Crowd: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hDxK5aTpww .  He’ll show you how to sew on your strap without messing up the outside of your project.

After your strap is secured, it is time to crochet your flap.



Row 1: Join your CC on the inside of one side of the strap.  I’m left handed so I joined on the left side.  If you’re right handed. You’ll join on the right side.  The distance between the inside of my strap was 25 sts.  When you join your yarn, ch 1 and sc in the same space.  Then sc across to the inside of the other end of the strap.  Ch 1, turn.  You will now be working in rows.

Rows 2 & 3- Sc across.  Ch 1 and turn.

At this point, decide if you want a rounded flap or a square one.   If you want a squared flap, continue with the back and forth rows until you reach your desired length.  For the rounded one, continue following the pattern.

Rows 4-13- Sc2tog, sc across to the last 2 sts and sc the last 2 sts together.  F/O

Border: Join CC and one end of the flap and sc around the entire thing, working over the tail where you finished off the flap.  F/O and weave in ends.

You’re now done with your bag.  Just attach your hello kitty and sew on some Velcro (refer to pictures for placement. I used about a 1’’ piece,) or a metallic snap or any closure you prefer.

Usually you would use a color that matches the Velcro; however I didn’t have any black thread.  Also, I would recommend getting the self-stick Velcro because as you can see my Velcro is crooked.  The self-stick Velcro attaches itself, and you can sew it on for extra security.

This pattern was completely written from memory so if you find any problems with it feel free to contact me.

Email: toxicheartbreak@gmail.com
Facebook:  facebook.com/TRexyCrafts
Happy Crocheting! :)