24 x 24, #2

I shared a black and white check bag with you all a few posts back. This is the other bag I mentioned in that post. Quite literally, this is as simple as making a 24 x 24 inch square...whatever colors, stitches, or pattern you fancy. You then line it while it's still a flat square (easy peasy). After lining it, you gather the sides with sc in every other stitch across one edge. If that first row doesn't gather it enough, do a row of sctog for the second row. After that, just sc across for eight more rows (10 total rows of sc on the sides). Fold your 10 rows of sc in half lengthwise toward the inside and whipstitch row 10 to row 1. There's plenty of room for wiggle...just do the best you can. You will repeat whatever you did for this side on the opposite side.

With two opposite sides gathered and stitched, prepare to do something similar on the remaining sides. I didn't gather quite as tightly on these two sides as this is where my purse handles reside. Depending on what you're doing for handles, you may want less gather and more space for handles. Regardless, the idea is to create the ten rows of sc, turn it inward and stitch it, but this time around you will be stitching around and encasing the purse handle on each side, making a pocket that holds the handle. There is a pattern (free) that gives many more details. My instructions here are not exactly the same as the original pattern. They are just what I did to create my two 24 x 24s! If you search for "eclectic granny bag" I think you'll find it. Still without my laptop and all my pattern links...am so sorry to not be more specific!

I plan to do more of these bags. I have more stitches in mind that I think will be cool! Immediately next is this same plaid, but in navy and white. 24 x 24 yields a bit smaller bag than my eclectic granny bags that resulted from following the original pattern. I think I'll try 26 x 26 next.

The flower you see is not sewn on permanently. I'm still trying to decide how to adorn it. And I'm not wild about the handles. I haven't sewn in the ends of the handle encasing in case I find something better and want to pull the stitches. I really like crochet covered rope type handles / shoulder straps, but question how they would hold up with weight in the purse. When I contemplate the pressure points, I tend to think the wooden or bamboo handles are more substantial and will wear better.

One final comment...this denim blue plaid was done with a single strand of yarn and my other purse creations have all been done with double strands of yarn.

Whew! That's a lotta hot air from this ol' bag regarding her 24 x 24s! It really IS easy to do. Give it a try!

Photo 1 below...the bag
Photo 2...the bottom of the bag so you can see the flattened plaid pattern
Photo 3...the fun lining inside!

Thanks for taking the time to look!