On to my 3rd crochet project. I am a BIG BAG kinda girl, and I had some left over yarn from my 1st afghan, so I decided to try and make a hand bag...whala...here it is. I called it the Big Block Bag because it is made with 8 big blocks, simple. I am still a beginner so my projects have to be easy! LOL! Be creative on this project and use your own choice of colors, and re size the bag if you'd like. Just your imagination and have fun! I hope you enjoy this pattern.

4oz. 4ply yarn - color Lavender (A)
4oz 4ply yarn - color Sage (B)
2oz 4ply yarn - color Cream (C)
1 Hook - Size J-10
1 Yarn Needle
1 Lg. Button - color of choice, this pattern used a metal one.

15x15

Exact gauge is not important to this project

Here is a variation of the same pattern, just different color and blocks put together differently.

BLOCKS (make 8 Blocks, 4 each with A and B)

Ch 25.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures about 7.5 in. from beginning.
Fasten off.

STRAPS: (make 2)

With C, ch 95. to make a 25inch long strap (*make strap to desired length)
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Rows 2-5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.
Fasten off.
For each side of the strap, use color A on one side and color B on the other and use st st to create a row of color on each side of strap (see pic)

Seam together both straps to make one sturdy strap.

BUTTON STRAP:

With C, ch 20 (or enough chains to make a 4 inch long strap).
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across.
Row 2 Ch 1, turn, Sc in each st across
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, Sc in each st across, until you get to 5 ch(s) left. In 5 do a sc, ch 2, and skip 2 ch(s), sc into ch 2 and 1 (this makes button hole)
Rows 4 and 5: Ch 1, turn, Sc in each st across
For each side of the strap, use color A on one side and color B on the other and use st st to create a row of color on each side of strap that meets in
the middle of the bottom side of strap

FINISHING:

Using matching color to block, seam 4 Blocks together for front and 4 Blocks together for back.
Sarting 3 and 1/2 inches in from top of each side of bag, also using matching color to block, seam front and back together around 3 sides,
rounding lower corners, to make Bag.
*Leaving 3 and 1/2 inches on each side will create the "flap".
Once sides are seamed together, With C, crochet using a st st around the "flap" of the bag on both sides of bag.
Then turn flap down on each side and seam to purse using the appropriate color to block, using a whip stitch.
Sew Strap to top sides of Bag on the inside.
Weave in ends.
Sew button strap onto bag on backside, inside of bag. Gauge your strap to make sure it is placed appropriately before seaming to bag.
Sew button onto front of bag in the appropriate place to hit button hole.

ABBREVIATIONS

ch(s) = chain(s) sc = single crochet
st(s) = stitch(es)
st st(s) slip stitch(es)