Pattern directions are on two pages: Page 1 (below), Page 2
Abbreviations: ch = chain, dc = double crochet, dec = decrease, ea = each, sc = single crochet, sp = space, st = stitch, yo = yarn over
Materials: Example was made with about 2 oz. Bernat Self Striping yarn, US size H hook
Could use any worsted weight yarn, US size H hook
or a bulky weight novelty yarn, US size I or J hook.
or a sport weight yarn, US size F or G hook
Back Loop Only / Front Loop Only - Instructions link, with photos:
back and front loop how-to
sc decrease (sc dec) - Instructions link, with photos:
sc decrease how-to
dc decrease (dc dec) over next 2 dc: yo, insert hook under both loops of next dc, yo, draw yarn through the dc, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook, (you should now have 2 loops left on the hook), yo, insert hook under both loops of next dc, yo, draw yarn through the dc, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook, (you should now have 3 loops left on the hook), yo, draw yarn through all 3 loops on the hook. This is done in the same manner as a 2-dc cluster, except that with a cluster you would do a ch-1 to close the cluster and with a decrease over 2 dc, you do not do the ch-1 at the end. Photo Steps for 2-dc Cluster
cluster over 7 dc: (used in row 16), * yo, insert hook under both loops of next dc, yo, draw yarn through the dc, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook **, repeat the directions between * and ** 6 more times (each time, you will have an additional loop left on the hook, until you have a total of 8 loops on the hook). Then yo, draw yarn through all 8 loops on the hook at the same time, ch 1 to close the cluster. The Shells and Cluster Scarf pattern page shows a photo (partway down that page) of an even larger cluster in progress that has 10 loops on the hook. Taking a look at that can give you an idea how a large cluster in progress looks and may help you in knowing how to make the cluster over 7 dc for this pattern. Shells and Clusters Scarf pattern URL is http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa011803.htm
Pattern Note: You will turn at the end of each row. Although they are worked in half circles, I am calling them rows because you will turn at the end of each half circle so it is more like a curved row than a round.
Starting Chain: Leaving a strand to weave in later to secure the end, chain 4.
Row 1: make 5 dc in the 4th ch from the hook. If needed, see my help photo at http://crochet.about.com/od/learnbasics/ss/basictsq_4.htm (shows 4 dc but in this pattern you will make 5 dc in 4th ch from hook).
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), make a dc in the same place as the ch-3, 2 dc in ea dc across. (12 dc)
Row 3: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 5 times, 2 dc in last dc. (18 dc)
Row 4: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of next 2 dc) 5 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in last dc. (24 dc)
Row 5: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of next 3 dc) 5 times. 2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of last 2 dc. (30 dc)
Row 6: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of next 4 dc) 5 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of last 3 dc. (36 dc)
Row 7: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of next 5 dc) 5 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of last 4 dc. (42 dc)
Row 8: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of next 6 dc) 5 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in ea of last 5 dc. (48 dc)
For a Help Photo, to see a closer look at the stitches and techniques used in crocheting the back part of this purse, see http://crochet.about.com/od/bags/ss/hcbagpics.htm
Row 9 (Begins the Back): Crochet in the front loop only of each stitch for this row, ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea dc across. (48 dc)
dc decrease (dc dec) instructions are given at the start of this pattern.
Row 10: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc decrease over next 2 dc, dc in ea of next 5 dc) 5 times, dc dec over next 2 dc, dc in ea of last 3 dc. (41 dc)
Row 11: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc dec over next 2 dc, dc in ea of next 4 dc) 5 times, dc dec over next 2 dc, dc in ea of last 2 dc. (34 dc)
Row 12: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc dec over next 2 dc, dc in ea of next 3 dc) 6 times, dc dec over next 2 dc, dc in last dc. (27 dc)
Row 13: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc dec over next 2 dc, dc in ea of next 2 dc) 6 times, dc dec over next 2 dc. (20 dc)
Row 14: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc dec over next 2 dc, dc in next dc) 6 times, dc in ea of last 2 dc. (14 dc)
Row 15: ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc dec over next 2 dc) 6 times, dc in last dc. (8 dc)
Row 16: ch 3, make a cluster over the next 7 dc (see those directions at the start of this pattern).
Do not turn at the end of row 16 but continue with directions for Top Round.
Pattern directions continued on page 2 of this pattern.
