Category: Bags + Purses

Mobile Device Cover

After the success of the Wildflower Shoulder Bag pattern, I wanted to design a quick pattern to match it that would work as a tablet or iPad cover. I designed this for a standard iPad, but it’s easy to adapt it to the size of your particular device, without doing too much reworking. You could even modify it to be used as a cover for your cell phone!

As with the Wildflower Shoulder Bag, I used Lion Brand’s Cotton-Ease yarn for this project. (I want to thank Lion Brand for providing the yarn for my sample.) I have really come to love this yarn! It doesn’t fuzz, it’s soft yet durable, and it really shows off stitch work.

(Edit: This yarn has since been discontinued.)

Prefer a PDF?

This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

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MOBILE DEVICE COVER

Hook: H (5.00mm)
Yarn: About 140 yards of Lion Brand Cotton-Ease (I used “stone”)
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Size: 7″ wide x 9.5″ tall
Gauge: 9 rows of 7 SC = 2″ square
You’ll also need: 1 button, plus tools to attach it, and a stitch marker

Notes:
(1) This pattern is worked in American Standard Terms.
(2) The pattern is sized for a standard iPad. Hints for adjusting the size are included in the pattern, in blue.
(3) This pattern is worked in a continuous, seamless round. Do not join or turn unless instructed to do so. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of your rounds.

PATTERN:

To begin:
Ch 25. (This is the length of the smallest side of your device, plus half an inch. Any odd number of chains will work.)

Round 1: 3SC in 2nd CH from hook. SC in each of the next 22 CHs. 3SC in last CH, working around the tail to the other side. Coming over to the other side, SC in each of the next 22 CHs. (50)

Rounds 2-3: SC in each ST around. (50)

Round 4: (SC+DC in next ST, SK next ST) around. (50)

Rounds 5-22 (or until your height is about 2-2.5″ shorter than the height of your device): Repeat Round 4.

Rounds 23-30 (or until your height is about half an inch shorter than the height of your device): SC in each ST around. (50)

Round 31: Now we’re going to form the button closure. Using a bobby pin or stitch marker, lay the project flat and mark the centermost stitch of the last round. SC in each ST until you reach your marked stitch; SL ST to the marked ST. CH 12 (or however many you’ll need to wrap it around the button you chose). SL ST to the same ST to close the loop. SC in each remaining ST around.

Round 32: SC in each ST around. (Ignore the CH12 loop; just fold it down out of your way.)

To Finish: SL ST into the first 3 STS of the next round to even out the edge.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Attach your button on the opposite side from the button loop.

August 19, 2015
Wildflower Shoulder Bag (Crochet-Along)

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::: UPDATE :::

The CAL is officially DONE! But don’t worry, the pattern will remain on my blog for free. If you would like to purchase an inexpensive, ad-free, concise PDF version (American Standard Version only), you can find it on Ravelry or Etsy or get access to this an ALL of my other patterns with an All-Access Pass!

(Original post below)

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HEY! Guess what? I’m about to start the very first Little Monkeys Crochet CAL! For those of you who are newer to the crochet world, CAL is short for Crochet-Along. It basically means that a pattern is released in sections over a period of time, and we all follow along together to make it. This CAL will produce a pretty adorable bag I’m calling the Wildflower Shoulder Bag! Using the recommended yarn, its base will measure about 15″ across.

Interested? Great!

The Wildflower Shoulder Bag pattern will include clearly-written instructions, helpful photos, and a video tutorial that I’ve been working really hard on over the last few weeks. So whether you work best from a pattern or you’re a more visual learner, you’ll be able to follow along with this easy-level pattern. The schedule for the CAL is as follows:

June 25: Start Here! Intro Post and Materials List (this post)
July 2: Part 1, Flower Squares and GIVEAWAY INFO!
July 9: Part 2, Body of the Bag
July 16: Part 3, Base, Embellishments and Strap

Here’s what you can do now to get the most out of the CAL experience:

1. Join the CAL Facebook group (optional)
2. Join the Little Monkeys Crochet mailing list (via the aqua-colored form at the top of the blog) so you don’t miss anything (also optional)
3. Share this blog post in your favorite crochet groups on Facebook (again, optional)
4. Read through the FAQs at the bottom of this post
5. Start gathering your materials

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Supply List

Here’s what you’ll need for this CAL:

Cotton-Ease Yarn (4 skeins) – This worsted weight yarn from Lion Brand is a blend of cotton and acrylic, and it’s very easy to work with. I made the bag in the photos with the color Stone, which is a lighter medium gray. (You can substitute with 800 yards of a different worsted weight yarn.)

5.0mm (H) Hook – Gauge is generally unimportant, as this pattern will work with any yarn and appropriately-sized hook. To achieve the size of the bag in the photo (shown on a petite model), which is 15″ wide x 12″ tall (strap not included), use this gauge:

4 rows of 6 HDC = 1.5″ square

Button (1″ or 1-1/8″)

Plastic Canvas – This can be found at craft stores for less than a dollar. It’s a sheet of plastic mesh that is sold in various sizes. I used a sheet of 13.5″x10.5″. You won’t need this until Week 3 of the CAL.

(2) 32mm Split Rings – Like what holds your keys on your keychain.

Needle & Thread – For sewing on your button(s).

Crochet Basics – Tapestry Needle, Scissors, and a Stitch Marker – I use a bobby pin as a stitch marker.

OPTIONAL:

6 Buttons – If you want to add buttons to the center of your flower squares. These buttons should match the button from the list above, which will be used as a closure.

Leather Purse Strap – If you want to give your shoulder bag a bit fancier of a look.

2 Rings With Clasps – If you would like your strap to be removable, you can crochet it to these. Then you can switch between the crocheted (casual) look and the leather (chic) look. I also happen to love the look of the extra hardware, so I chose to include these in my bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to join the Facebook group? Is the CAL free?
A. The CAL is 100% free and you are not required to join/sign up anywhere to participate. You only need access to my blog, which is free. The Facebook group is just a fun way to stay connected and help each other out. Joining my blog e-mail list will ensure that you receive an email when each new part of the CAL is published. These things are all optional.

Q. Can I use [insert name of a different yarn] instead?
A. This pattern will work fine with any yarn and appropriately-sized hook. You should consider whether the yarn you wish to use will hold up as a bag. Also, the dimensions of the bag using Cotton-Ease and an H hook will be approximately 15″ wide, so keep that in mind if you choose a thinner or thicker yarn. The width will change.

Q. What are the details of Cotton-Ease so that I can find something comparable in my home country?
A. Cotton-Ease, by Lion Brand, is a 50/50 cotton/acrylic blend. It’s a #4 worsted weight yarn and is machine washable and dryable. The skeins come in 3.5oz (100g), 207 yds (188m).

Q. Is the pattern on Ravelry?
A. Yes! View on Ravelry.

Q. What is the plastic canvas for, and can I use [insert a different material here] instead?
A. The plastic canvas will be used as a base liner (for stability) and will be hidden in between two crocheted pieces. So if you have another material in mind, you can use it instead. Just make sure it’s washable!

Q. Will the CAL include instructions for lining the bag?
A. Unfortunately, no… unless you consider “give your bag to your friend who knows how to sew and ask her to line it for you” to be complete instructions. 😉 This bag would benefit from a lining and zipper, though, so if you know how to do it, your bag will be all the better for it. Here is an awesome tutorial that is very similar to the style of this bag.

Q. Is the CAL going to be available in [insert your native language here]?
A. The pattern is currently available in American Standard Terms, UK Terms, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Danish, French and Spanish. Everything except the original (American Standard) exists because of kind-hearted translators who simply wanted to help. These versions have very limited support (because I don’t speak the languages), but you can access them all here.

Q. Will the patterns be printable?
A. You can purchase an ad-free PDF of the American Standard version in my Etsy shop!
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See you next week!

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June 24, 2015
Little Girl’s Wildflower Purse
I have a quick little stashbuster pattern for you today that will bring a big smile to your little girl’s face! Choose her favorite colors to whip up this precious purse. My Neverending Wildflower pattern serves as the foldover panel, and the rest is just single crochet and some seaming. As my 4 year old son would say, “easy peasy, lemon squeezy!”

LITTLE GIRL’S WILDFLOWER PURSE

Hook: H (5.50mm) or size appropriate for the yarn you choose
Yarn: The yarn you choose doesn’t matter, as long as your hook is a good match for it. I used an H hook and about 110 yards of worsted weight yarn for my purse in the photos, which measures 5″ wide and 7″ tall (not including the strap).
Difficulty: Easy
Gauge: Unimportant

Notes: 
- This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
- Flower rounds will alternate between increase rounds and petals. Increase rounds will be called “round 1, 2, 3” etc, and petal rounds will be referred to as “1^st round of petals, 2^nd round of petals,” etc. Because ch petal round shares its space with the increase round below it, they are not counted as part of the pattern’s total rounds.
- CH2 on the increase rounds does not count as a stitch.
- Be mindful that the flower pattern alternates in calling for FLO (Front Loops Only) and BLO (Back Loops Only). This is crucial.
- If you’re having trouble with the flower, this post has tutorial photos that may help you.
- In my step-by-step photos, you’ll see a flower with blue and white petals. It’s up to you if you want to change colors.
PART I: THE FLOWER

Begin with a Magic Circle; CH2.

Round 1: 12 DC in MC. Join with a SL ST to first DC. (12)

1st Round of Petals (FLO): CH2. In same St, 2DC, CH2, SL ST. This is your first petal. (SL ST to next St. In same St, CH2, 2DC, CH2, SL ST to same St) around. SL ST to base of 1^st CH2. (12 petals)

Round 2 (BLO – You’re now going to work around Round 1 again, this time working in the loop that you ignored during the first round of petals): SL ST to 1^stback loop of Round 1. CH2. 2DC in same ST. 2 DC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to first DC. (24)

2nd Round of Petals (FLO): CH2. DC in same ST. In next ST, DC, CH2, SL ST. (SL ST to next St, CH2, DC in same ST. In next ST, DC, CH2, SL ST) around. SL ST to base of 1^stCH2. (12 petals)

Round 3 (BLO): SL ST to 1^st back loop of Round 2. CH2. 2DC in same ST, DC in next ST. (2DC in next ST, DC in next ST) around. Join with a SL ST to first DC. (36)

3rd Round of Petals (FLO): CH2. DC in same ST. 2TR in next ST. In next ST, DC, CH2, SL ST. (SL ST to next ST, CH2, DC in same ST. 2TR in next ST. In next ST, DC, CH2, SL ST) around. SL ST to base of 1^st CH2. (12 petals)

Round 4 (BLO): SL ST to 1^st back loop of Round 3. CH2. 2DC in same ST, DC in each of the next 2 STS. (2DC in next ST, DC in each of the next 2 STS) around. Join with a SL ST to first DC. (48)

4th Round of Petals (FLO): CH2. DC in same ST. 2TR in next ST. 2 TR in next ST. In next ST, DC, CH2, SL ST. (SL ST to next ST, CH2, DC in same ST. 2TR in next ST. 2 TR in next ST. In next ST, DC, CH2, SL ST) around. SL ST to base of 1^st CH2. To complete flower, SL ST to 1^st BLO of Round 4. (12 petals)

At this point, your flower should look like this:

Take a moment to fasten off and weave in all your ends. Then attach whatever yarn you’re going to use for the body of the purse. It doesn’t matter where you attach it; just be sure you haven’t turned the flower. The petals should be facing you.

PART II: THE BODY OF THE PURSE

Row 1: CH2, 2DC in same ST. DC in each of the next 2 STS. HDC in each of the next 3 STS. SC in each of the next 4 STS. HDC in each of the next 3 STS. DC in each of the next 2 STS. 2DC in next. (18)

Row 2: CH1, turn. HDC in same. HDC in each of the next 3 STS. SC in each of the next 10 STS. HDC in each of the last 4 STS. (18)

Row 3: Ch1, turn. SC across. (18)

Rows 4-47: Repeat Row 3. (18)

Here’s what we’ve got now (back view):

PART III: SEAMING IT UP AND ADDING THE STRAP

Lay it out with the petals facing down (as in the previous photo). Bring up the bottom and line it up with the 3rd row, which is the first row to be done in all SC (below, left). CH1 and SC evenly along the edge, inserting your hook through both layers, seaming it together (below, right).

Once you’ve seamed that edge, fasten off and weave in your ends. (I wove mine in on the inside of the purse.)

Attach the yarn at the bottom of the purse on the other edge (below, left), still keeping the petals facing down. CH1 and SC evenly along the edge until you reach the end of the folded-up layer (below, middle). CH60 (or however long you want your strap to be… I made mine with a young toddler in mind). SL ST to the opposite top corner from where you started (below, right), then turn and go back around the CH60, SCing into each chain until you are back where you started. SL ST to the corner, fasten off and weave in ends.

If you want to, you can cut out a piece of felt and glue it to the back of the flower to hide the “wrong side”.

And you’re done!
June 4, 2015