Polly Bag

No, we're not talking about the plastic overwrap on a magazine, but a chic fashion bag that's trendy enough to use as a stylish purse and large enough to carry as a versatile tote.

FINISHED SIZE: 4x11 x 13¹/₂ inches

MATERIALS: Omega La Espiga #9 fine (sport) weight nylon yarn (7 oz/339 yds/100g per roll): 3 rolls #80 turquoise

Sizes C/2/2.75mm and D/3/3.25mm crochet hooks or size needed to obtain gauge

Tapestry needle

1¹/₂-inch heavy silver jump rings: 4

Hardboard base

Hook & loop closure strips (optional)

GAUGE: Gauge is not important for this project.

BAG

Bottom

Row 1: With size D hook, ch 47, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (46 sc)

Rows 2-13: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. Using Bottom for pattern, cut hardboard base Vs inch smaller on all edges.

Sides

Rnd 14: Now working in rnds and in sts, ends of rows and in starting ch on opposite side of row 1, ch 1, evenly sp sc around, do not join rnds. Mark first st of rnd.

Rnd 15: Dc in first stand in each st around.

Rnd 16: [Fpdc (see Stitch Guide) around next st, bpdc (see Stitch Guide) around next st] around.

Rnds 17-32: Bpdc around each fpdc and fpdc around each bpdc around. At end of rnd 32, hdc in first st.

Rnds 33-61: Working in back lps (see Stitch Guide), sc in each st around. Rnd 62: [Ch 1, si st in next st] around. Fasten off. Insert hardboard base in bottom of Bag.

Handle

Make 2.

Row 1 (RS): With size D hook, leaving long end, ch 145, working in back bar of ch (see illustration), sc back bar of 2nd ch from hook and in back bar of each ch across, turn. (144 sc)

Rows 2-7: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Fold piece in half lengthwise with WS tog, si st first and 7th row tog. Leaving long end, fasten off.

Finishing

Using long ends, whipstitch ends of Handle to jump rings.

Whipstitch rings to row 34 of Bag as shown in photo. Tie With size C hook, ch 225, si st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off.

Beg in center front of 1 Side, weave Tie in and out between sts of row 32, which is the last row before sc.