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Project

Crocheted Case

If you have basic machine-sewing skills and can crochet the simplest stitch, this pouch is a cinch to make.

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Photography: Sarah Anne Ward

Source: Martha Stewart Living, September 2014

Introduction

Sources

Trebizond-silk embroidery thread, in Silver and Burnt Orange, $5, purlsoho.com
Nylon coil zippers, from $2.25 each, purlsoho.com
Ultra Pima cotton yarn, by Cascade, in Ginseng, $11 for 100 g, purlsoho.com
Cotton Classic yarn, by Tahki Stacy Charles, $6.50 for 50 g, annieandco.com

Tip: Adjust the depth of the bag as desired: Simply cut longer pieces of fabric (but the same width, to fit the zipper), and crochet an exterior of a corresponding size.

materials

  • 2 pieces of cotton

  • Zipper

  • Pins

  • Sewing machine

  • Sport-weight cotton yarn

  • Size F crochet hook

  • Cotton yarn

  • Silk thread

  • Yarn

  • Darning needle

  • Small tassel

steps

  1. Cut 2 pieces of cotton, each 9 3/4 by 3 inches (for a long, narrow case) or 7 3/4 by 4 3/4 inches (for a short, wide case).

  2. Align zipper (9 inches for narrow case, 7 inches for wide case) with long side of one piece of fabric’s right side. (Zipper’s metal ends should be 3/8 inch in from fabric edges.) Pin in place and, using your machine’s zipper foot, sew in place. Repeat with other side of zipper and other piece of fabric.

  3. Pin fabric pieces together along perimeter. Sew with a 3/8-inch seam allowance. (You will not need to turn work inside out: Its raw edges and exposed seams will be covered by crocheted piece.)

  4. Using sport-weight cotton yarn and a size F crochet hook, cast on a foundation chain of 52 stitches (for narrow case) or 42 stitches (for wide case).

  5. To change direction, single-crochet into foundation chain: Skip first stitch, and work into second chain.

  6. Continue single-crocheting for 30 rows (for narrow case) or 58 rows (for wide case). Add subtle stripes as desired by working 2 strands at a time -- 1 cotton yarn, 1 silk thread. Cast off.

  7. Fold crocheted piece in half widthwise, and hand-stitch sides together with yarn and a darning needle.

  8. Slide fabric case inside crocheted case. Pin in place.

  9. Using a blind stitch, hand-sew zipper to crocheted case.

  10. Loop a small tassel through hole in zipper pull. View instructions on how to make your own tassel.

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