Round 3: ch2 (doesn't count as a st.), 2dc in same st., 2dc in each of next 3 sts., 1dc in each of next 32 sts, 2dc in each of next 8 sts, 1dc in each of next 32 sts, 2dc in each of remaining 4 sts.
Join the round with a sl st. in first dc st.
(96 dc sts.)
BODY
Round 4: ch3 (counts as 1dc), sk next st., 3dc in next st.,
(sk next st., 1dc in next st., sk next st., 3dc in next st.)* repeat 23 times around.
Join the round with sl st. in 3rd ch of beginning ch3.
(96 dc sts.)
Round 5: ch3 (counts as 1dc), 2dc in same st., sk next st., 1fpdc in next st.,
(sk next st., 3dc in next st., sk next st., 1fpdc in next st.)* repeat 23 times around.
Join with a sl st. in 3rd ch of beginning ch3.
(72 dc sts., 24 fpdc sts.)
Round 6: drop loop from hook, insert hook from back to front through next st., place dropped loop back on hook and pull it through to the back.
ch2 (doesn't count as a st.), 1fpdc in same st. (around dc st. below), sk next st., 3dc in next st.,
(sk next st., 1fpdc in next st., sk next st., 3dc in next st.)* repeat 23 times around.
Join the round with a sl st. in first fpdc st.
(72 dc sts., 24 fpdc sts.)
Round 7 - 20: repeat Round 5 - 6
Round 21: ch1 (doesn't count as a st.), 1sc in same st., 1sc into each st. around.
Join the round with a sl st. in first sc.
(96 sc sts.)
HANDLE STRAPS
You can
choose one of the following methods for starting the handle strap round (Round
22). Choose the method that works best for you!
Method 1: Using stitch counts
Round 22: ch1 (doesn’t count as a st.), 1sc in same st., 1sc in
each of next 16 sts, ch60, sk next 21 sts, 1sc in each of next 27 sts, ch60,
sk next 21 sts, 1sc in each of remaining 10 sts until the end of round.
Join with a sl st. in first
sc st.
(54
sc sts, 120 ch sts.)
Method 2: Using measurements and stitch markers
Lay your bag on a flat
surface and place stitch markers approx 9 cm (3,5'') from the sides of
the bag to mark the handle strap positions (2 stitch markers on front and 2
on back panel of the bag). Make sure that they are in the same place on
both sides and continue with Round 22 as follows:
ch1 (doesn't count as a st.),
1sc in same st., 1sc in each st. until you get to the first stitch marker,
remove the marker and work 1sc in the marked st.
Ch60, skip all stitches until
the second stitch marker, remove the marker, work 1sc in the marked st.,
1sc in each st. until you get to the third stitch marker, remove the
marker, 1sc in the marked st.
Ch60, skip all stitches until
the fourth stitch marker, remove the marker, 1sc in the marked st., 1sc
in each st. until the end of the round.
Join with a sl st. in first
sc st.
Round 23: ch1 (doesn't count as a st.), 1sc in same st., 1sc in each st. and each ch st. around.