Brownie bag

This is my latest bag. Knitted this time, made from the same home-dyed cotton. The name "brownie bag" is my husband's brilliant idea.

BROWNIE BAG

Materials:
· Brown worsted weight cotton (or any which gets the right gauge)
· Knitting needles 6.5 mm.
· Fabric for lining
· Crochet hook 4.5 mm
· Closure clasp.

Size: 12 x 9 inches excluding strap.

Gauge: 6 sts x 9 rows = 2 inches.

Pattern:
Row 1 (RS): K
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: K 3, *P3, K 3, rep from * to the end.
Row 4: P 3, *K3, P 3 rep from * to the end.
Row 5 and 6: Rep rows 3 and 4.
Row 7: rep row 1.
Row 8: rep row 2.
Row 9: P 3, *K3, P 3 rep from * to the end.
Row 10: K 3, *P3, K 3, rep from * to the end.
Row 11 and 12: rep rows 9 and 10.

Method:
Bag body:
Cast on 39 sts and work in pattern for a total of 86 rows. Bind off loosely.

Strap:
Cast on 8 sts and work in seed st for a total of 82 rows. Bind off.

Closure:
With same yarn and crochet hook, work 6 sc in the metal closure clasp (see pics). Ch 1 turn. Next row: 1 sc in each sc, ch1 turn.
Repeat to a total of 12 rows, fasten off.

Finishing:
Fold the body piece into half with right side facing and sew up the sides.
Turn out the piece and sew the clasp ring in place 5 inches down the upper margin making sure that it is midway between the two sides.
Sew the closure at the back about 3 inches from the top.
Sew the lining, with a small zippered pocket along the back.
Sew the handle in place.
Now make a fold over the lower edges (lining and all) about 1.5 inches wide and pin in over the side seams on both sides. Sew these folds to the side seam. This gives the bag a more rounded look.