Summer Crochet LATTE Bag

SUMMER is HERE to STAY!

A bit of sunshine and warmer temperatures always put a smile on everyone's face...

have you noticed how everyone seems to be smiling as you walk down the street?  

It is absolutely lovely having the sun shine, the temperature rise, and the wind die down... just bliss really... hope you are all enjoying it while it lasts?

ABSENCE from BLOG

I want to share with you why I have not been blogging since mid May... basically a nasty bacteria  made it's way into my kidneys and the infection took hold... so I have been in limbo and out of action for weeks.  I have had 6 weeks of sick leave.  No crochet, no walking, no fun stuff, no nothing... just rest and recuperate.  I am glad to say I am now much better, however still wondering when my energy levels will return to 100%.  I am waiting patiently, nothing more I can do now.

On that sobering note, let's get on with crochet talk... and my latest pattern to be published with INSIDE CROCHET magazine July Issue 43. 

Crochet LATTE BAG

Photography:  Britt Spring - Inside Crochet Magazine

LATTE Bag is the perfect accessory for those lovely moments you manage to grab with your best friends down at the cafe... the perfect bag to throw in your basics and sling over your shoulder. 

I decided to call it the "LATTE" bag, because I also love catching up for coffee with my friends.  I chose colours which reminded me of a latte, the white froth of the milk and the lovely milky coffee colour.  

Latte Bag Details 

YARN:  Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton DK

HOOK:  4mm

Construction:  

• Solid, sturdy bottom; and

• Retro cluster stitch design for the main body of the bag.

This bag is a great summer holiday project, all you need is one ball of each colour and one crochet hook.  And you will end up with a "simply perfect" summer holiday go-anywhere shoulder bag.

LATTE BAG PATTERN 

IS  AVAILABLE FROM

MY ONLINE SHOPS

RAVELRY        CRAFTSY

ENJOY THE SUNSHINE...... 
Ciao, ciao....

(C) Copyright - Barbara Summers.
All rights reserved.

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YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

SWATCH TWO - HALF DOUBLE CROCHET PAIRED

How to make a half double crochet (half treble crochet) into a decorative and interesting stitch pattern.

This swatch uses:

• half double crochet only (or half treble crochet for the British)

This stitch pattern uses:  any number of sts (add 2 extra sts for foundation ch)

Make your swatch:
R1:  Ch24, hdc2tog in 3rd and 4th ch from hook, *hdc2tog in same ch as last st, then in next ch, rep from * to end, turn.
R2:  Ch2, *hdc2tog in top of first and second hdc2tog, * hdc2tog in same st as last st, then in top of next hdc2tog, rep from * to end, work last st in top of ch2, turn.
Rep R2 until desired length is reached.

This is a great stitch pattern for a sturdy wash cloth.

HOOK:  3.5mm (E-4) 
YARN:  Bendigo Woollen Mills 4ply Cotton - (Fingering weight) 

USA - American Crochet Terms
Abbreviation	Description
*	repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
ch	chain stitch
hdc2tog	half double crochet two together (see below)
R	row
rep	repeat
sc	single crochet
st(s)	stitch(es)
hdc2tog	half double crochet two together:-  yo, insert hook into next stitch, yo, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook.

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER CROCHET SWATCHES

1. Swatch One - How to Single Crochet FL and BL

2. Swatch Three - How to Crochet Offset Filet

3. Swatch Four - How to Crochet Spider Stitch

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com

Copyright © 2008 Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet. All rights reserved.  All materials contained on this website, including images, are protected by the UK and International Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Barbara Summers. Please CONTACT me at crocknit@gmail.com if you wish to obtain such permission.

Face Cloth or Wash Cloth How to Crochet

Super simple pattern for a face cloth or wash cloth using SWATCH ONE

Yarn:  Bendigo Woollen Mills 4ply cotton (Fingering weight yarn)
Hook:  3.5mm (E-4)

With MC
R1-2: Ch48, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each st to end, turn.
Change to CC
R3-4:  Ch1, *sc in BL of next st, sc in FL of next st, rep from * to end, sc in last st, turn.
Change to MC
R5-6:  Rep R3-4

Rep R3-6,  two (2) rows in each colour, and carry the yarn up the side of work.

Rep until desired length has been reached, finish with last row in MC.  Do not turn, do not cut yarn.  Continue with Edging round.

Edging Round
Rnd 1:  3sc in corner st, sc down side of work (1sc in each row), 3sc in corner st, sc in each st of foundation row, 3sc in corner st, sc up other side of work (1sc in each row), 3sc in corner st, sc in each st of last row, join with sl st, TURN.
Rnd 2:  Ch1, rev sc (crab st) in each st, around perimeter of wash cloth, join.  
Finish, cut yarn and hide end.

NOTE:  My face cloth measures 9in (23cm) X 9in (23cm).  Stitch count 47sc in each row.  Total row count 50.

USA - American Crochet Terms
Abbreviation	Description
*	repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
BL	back loop only
CC	contrast  colour
ch	chain stitch
FL	front loop only
MC	main colour
R	row
rep	repeat
rev sc	reverse single crochet
Rnd(s)	round(s)
sc	single crochet
st(s)	stitch(es)

© 2008-2013 Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet. All rights reserved. 

HOW TO Single Crochet FL and BL - Swatch One

How to turn your single crochet (double crochet) stitch into something more interesting

This swatch uses:

• single crochet only (OR double crochet for the British)

This stitch pattern uses:  even number of sts.

Make your swatch:

R1:  Ch24, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end, turn.

R2:  Ch1, *sc in BL of next st, sc in FL of next st, rep from * to end, sc in last st, turn.

Rep R2 until desired length is reached.

This is a great stitch pattern for wash cloths and face cloths.

HOOK:  3.5mm (E-4) 

YARN:  Bendigo Woollen Mills 4ply Cotton - (Fingering weight) 

USA - American Crochet Terms
Abbreviation	Description
*	repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
BL	back loop only
ch	chain stitch
FL	front loop only
R	row
rep	repeat
sc	single crochet
st(s)	stitch(es)

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER CROCHET SWATCHES

1. Swatch Two - How to Crochet Half Double Crochet Paired

2. Swatch Three - How to Crochet Offset Filet

3. Swatch Four - How to Crochet Spider Stitch

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com

Copyright © 2008 Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet. All rights reserved.  All materials contained on this website, including images, are protected by the UK and International Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Barbara Summers. Please CONTACT me at crocknit@gmail.com if you wish to obtain such permission.

How to Crochet a Gauge/Tension Swatch

What is a swatch?

A swatch is :  

1. a sample of cloth or fabric (or other material);
2. a characteristic specimen of anything.

Therefore, in crochet or knitting, a swatch is a sample of the fabric used in the finished garment. 

Why is a swatch needed?

A swatch is used in crochet or knitting, to measure and match the gauge/tension used in a pattern, so the end result is a crochet/knit garment made to the right size and measurements.

What is gauge?

Gauge is: 

1. A standard or scale of measurement.
2. A standard dimension, quantity, or capacity.

Therefore, in crochet or knitting, gauge measures the number of stitches per X number of inches.

Where to find Gauge/Tension:

All patterns: knit or crochet, mention the gauge/tension used in the pattern, to get the desired result.  

Some patterns: are not reliant on gauge, these can be simple items such as embellishments or motifs, crochet or knit, using any yarn and recommended hook/needle size for the yarn; and will mention that  "Gauge/tension is not critical".  
However, always check to see whether you use a hook/needle size smaller or larger than recommended to achieve desired effect.

Gauge/tension is determined by a designer, designing a garment with specific stitches in the pattern, and deciding which yarn and hook size will give the desired result.  

Stitch and Row Gauge/Tension:
Garment patterns usually mention both a stitch and a row gauge; to achieve exact fit, in width and length, both the stitch and row gauge/tension are important for the perfect fit.

Pattern repeats:  some patterns count a set of different stitches as a repeat across a row; resulting in X number of pattern repeats per X number of inches.

Gauge/Tension is also found on yarn labels, indicating X number of stitches and X number of rows to 4in (10cm), and recommending hook/needle size.  Use this information as a guide only, your gauge/tension swatch may result in a slightly different count.

Gauge/Tension Swatch: Make and Measure 

• Are your stitches the right size?: when following a crochet pattern it is important your stitches are consistent in size and match the Gauge/Tension provided in the pattern.
• Size and Shape:  with the correct stitch gauge/tension your  crochet garment will match the shape and size mentioned in the pattern.
• Gauge/Tension:  is the ratio of a given number of stitches or rows to inches.  For example, ten (10) stitches per inch or five (5) rows per inch. 

Gauge/Tension Swatch: How to Make

• Use the same yarn and hook size recommended in the pattern. 
• Make a swatch approximately 6in (15cm) wide X 6in (15cm) long; so you can get an accurate 4in (10cm) measurement across the centre of the swatch.

Gauge/Tension Swatch: How to Measure

• Counting stitches: use a rigid ruler,  place along row of stitches, use two pins, and mark the beginning and end of 4in (10cm). 
• Do not stretch fabric: keep fabric flat, do not manipulate to fit whole stitches into the 4in (10cm) measure.  Always pin exactly where 4in ends, even if it means you have half a stitch. 
• Count: how many stitches? across 4in (10cm), (include the half).
• Counting rows: use a rigid ruler, place along a vertical line of stitches.
• Line up: edge of ruler with bottom of row or stitch.
• Pin it: one pin, to show first stitch (first row); second pin, at end of 4in (10cm) up.
• How many rows? count the stitches/rows.
• Check the gauge/tension: match? is it the same as pattern?

Points to Consider:

• Accuracy counts: when measuring your gauge swatch. 
• Wash and Block: ? only if recommended for pattern, before you measure your gauge/tension swatch. 
• Flat surface: Lay the swatch on a flat surface. 
• Pin down (if necessary), DO NOT stretch: if edges are curling pin down, careful not to stretch the fabric.
• Gauge/Tension swatch match:  same as pattern? YES, proceed with pattern.  NO, change hook size. If swatch is too small? use larger hook; if swatch is too big? use smaller hook.
• Swatch again:  if your first swatch does not match, use a smaller/larger hook and swatch again; until you match the gauge/tension in the pattern.