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3 of a Kind One basic crocheted handbag, three looks From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-247

(Continued from page 1)

Surface Crochet Technique: Celtic Cable Bag

Pam Gillette, of NexGeneration, offers a lesson in surface crochet methods with her Celtic cable design, which uses the same color yarn on the surface of the bag as the bag itself in order to give a raised appearance. Instructions are included here on how to design a long strap to upgrade this tote from a simple handbag to a versatile shoulder carryall that's perfect for carrying around projects or yarn collections.

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	Celtic Cable Bag
	PDF Cable chart: click for a downloadable version

Materials:

Hawaiian Motif Crochet Handbag (to order pattern, see Resources, below)
crochet hook, US size G
Karabella Aurora Bulk yarn, color #20
tape measure
scissors

Stitches and abbreviations used:
ch chain
sc single crochet
sl st slip stitch
nx st next stitch
yo yarn over

Measure the length of the bag and place a marker at the center and at two additional points, in 1" increments, on either side (e.g., if the bag measures approximately 14", place a stitch marker on the front at 5 points: 5", 6", 7" [the center], 8" and 9").

Figure A

Tip: Using a contrasting color of yarn as a stitch marker; place a marker every 4 sc stitches (4sc = 1") (figure A).

To form a left intertwining cable:
1. Starting at the 6" mark, at the bottom row of the bag, attach yarn with a knot, insert it into same st as the beginning attach, yo, pull yarn through all loops; that is the first anchor surface crochet stitch.

Figure B

2. Ch 1, insert hook next stitch to the right in the next row up, pull yarn through, yo, and pull through both loops, ch 1. Continue surface crochet, working diagonally for a total of 6 times (should be directly above the 8" marker line). The result should look like a single zigzag (figure B).

To form a right intertwining cable:
Repeat the above technique for right cable. Overlap left cable in opposite zigzag pattern.

To form right border cable:
Attach yarn at 5" marker, same as in Step 2; this time surface crochet straight up to the top.

Figure C

To form left border cable:
Working from the left side, repeat Step 4 (figure C).

To form shoulder strap (optional):
Make the strap any desired length (in this example the strap is 37" long, long enough to go over the head/shoulders and lie on the hip similar to a messenger bag).

1. To begin the strap attachment: attach yarn and sc 8 times along top row (rim of bag) or where strap attachment is desired, ch 1, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to end of row, ch1, turn.

2. Repeat this until bag strap reaches 37". Then attach the end of the strap with slipstitches to the other top rim of the bag, exactly opposite the first end.

3. Fasten off and weave in ends.

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