©2007 COATS

ABBREVIATIONS: beg = beginning; CA, CB, CC = colors A, B, C; ch = chain; dc = double crochet; hdc = half double crochet; inc = increase; mm = millimeters; rep = repeat; rnd = round; sl = slip; st(s) = stitch (es); * = repeat whatever follows the * as indicated; [] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified.

WM1011 Felted Crochet Rainbow Bag- Intermediate
Designed by Maria Cook.

Finished bag measures approximately 11" high x 17" wide including gusset after felting.

MODA DEA® "Cartwheel™": 5 Balls No. 9823 Sea Blues CA, 2 balls each No. 9745 Raspberries CB and No. 9270 Coral Reef CC.

Crochet Hook: 5.5mm [US I-9].

Yarn needle

GAUGE: 12 sts = 4"; 10 rows = 4" in sc before felting. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

NOTE: Felting is not an exact science due to the many different variables, however up to 25% of the height and 15% of the width may be lost in the felting process.

How To Change Color in Hdc: Yarn over and draw up a loop in last stitch, drop color in use, with next color to be used yarn over and draw through all three loops on hook.

FRONT AND BACK (Alike): With CA, ch 10.
Row 1 (Right Side): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in next 6 ch, (3 hdc, [ch 1, 3 hdc] twice) all in last ch, work 8 hdc across opposite side of beg ch changing to CB in last st; turn – 27 sts.
Row 2: With CB, ch 2, skip first hdc, hdc in next 10 hdc, (hdc, dc, hdc) all in ch-1 sp, hdc in next 3 hdc, (hdc, dc, hdc) all in next ch-1 sp, hdc in next 10 hdc and in top of ch-2; turn – 31 sts
Row 3: With CB, ch 2, skip first hdc, hdc in next 11 hdc; (hdc, dc, hdc) all in next dc – inc made; hdc in next 5 hdc, inc in next dc, hdc in next 11 hdc, hdc in top of ch-2 changing to CC; turn – 35 sts.
Row 4: With CC, ch 2, skip first hdc, hdc in next 12 hdc, inc in dc, hdc in next 7 hdc, inc in dc, hdc in each st to end; turn – 39 sts.
Row 5: With CC, ch 2, skip first hdc, [hdc in each hdc to dc, inc in dc] twice, hdc in each st to end changing to CA in last st; turn – 43 sts.
Row 6: With CA, ch 2, skip first hdc, [hdc in each hdc to dc, inc] twice, hdc in each st to end; turn – 47 sts.
Rep Row 6 for pat, working one more row CA, then [2 rows each CB, CC, CA] 3 times – 123 sts at end of last row. Fasten off.

Gusset: With CA, ch 9.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across; turn – 8 sc.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across; turn.
Rep Row 2 until 43" from beg. Fasten off.

Handles (Make 2): With CA, ch 5; join with a sl st to form a ring. Ch 1, hdc in each ch around; do NOT join but continue around forming a tube, working hdc in the back lp of each hdc until 26" from beg. Fasten off.

FINISHING: Weave in all loose ends. Pin Gusset between front and back and sew in place.
Top Edging-Rnd 1: With right side facing, attach CA at a seam; ch 1, work sc evenly around top edge; join with a sl st to first sc.
Rnds 2-7: Ch 1, sc in each sc around; join.
Rnd 8: Ch 1, sl st in each sc around; join. Fasten off.

Felting: Place bag and handles in the washing machine in the smallest load with hottest water setting and a small amount of liquid detergent through one wash (agitation only) cycle. (Option: 1 tablespoon of baking soda in the wash may speed the felting process.)
Remove bag and check on amount of felting during this process. Two or more wash cycles may be needed before you will be satisfied with the effect.
Repeat until pieces are felted and bag is desired size.

Rinse in cold water to stop the felting process and to remove the soap.

Pull pieces into shape and allow to dry away from sun or heat for a day or two.

Felting will cause a certain amount of pilling which is easily removed by brushing briskly with a hard nylon brush.

Sew each end of one handle approximately 3 1/2" in from each side edge. Repeat with remaining handle.

(4 Medium) MODA DEA® "Cartwheel™", Art. R132 (1.76 ounce/77 yard ball).