Fall Leaves Handbag

Free Felted Bag Crochet Pattern

Materials: Kauni (affiliate link) 8/2 Effektgarn 100% Wool sport weight yarn 437 yd (400 m)/100g, color EV  - 1 skein (about 400 yds).
Hook: E (3.5mm)

General note: We used Kauni (affiliate link) yarn with long color changes. Any yarn with long color changes or a solid yarn will work.

Leaf
Don't count the turning ch as the 1st sc. After turning, don't skip the 1st st. From row 2 work all sc in back loop.

Ch 11
Row 1: 1 sc in the 2nd ch from hook., 1 sc in next 8 ch, 5 sc in the last st. Work across the opposite side of the foundation chain, 1 sc in each of next 7 ch. Turn.
Row 2: ch1, 9 sc in 9 sc, 3 sc into next 1 sc, 9 sc into 9 sc, turn.
Row 3: ch 1, 10 sc into 10 sc, 3 sc into next 1 sc, 8 sc into next 8 sc, turn.
Row 4: ch 1, 9 sc into next 9 sc, 3 sc into next 1 sc, 9 sc into next 9 sc, turn.
Row 5: ch 1, 10 sc into next 10 sc, 3 sc into next 1 sc, 8 sc into next 8 dc, turn.
Row 6: ch 1, 9 sc into next 9 sc, 3 sc into next 1 sc, 9 sc into next 9 sc, turn.
Row 7: ch 1, 10 sc into next 10 sc, 3 sc into next 1 sc, 8 sc into next 8 dc, turn.
Row 8: ch 1, 9 sc into next 9 sc, 3 sc into next 1 sc, 9 sc into next 9 sc, turn.
Row 9: ch 1, 10 sc into next 10 sc, 3 sc into next 1 sc, 10 sc into next 10 dc, tie off.

Cord:
Chain 2. Insert the hook in the first ch and make a sc.
Turn the working piece clockwise and sc into previous sc, but from the back.
Turn the piece again and work sc the same way. Continue to work the cord to desired length.

Directions

The bag base is felted crochet and it is decorated with crocheted leaves (not felted)

Finished size is 12" high and 13" wide.

60 leaves are sewn over the felted bag as applique.

Finished size may vary due to amount of felting.
Usually crochet does not shrink as much as knitting does.
I recommend to make a small sample. Chain 20 and crochet 15 rows with hdc.
My sample of 20 sts x 15  rows measured 4 1/2" x 4 1/2".
After felting the sample measured 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm).
I used hot water, a small amount of Woolite, and 20 min on the "normal" cycle in my washing machine.
Please note that washable wool yarn shouldn't be used for felting, as it doesn't felt.

Chain 110 sts, join with slip st to form a circle and continue to work in rounds.
Round 1: ch 2 (counts as one hdc), 109 hdc, join the first and the last st with a slip stitch.
Repeat the first round 50 times. You will a have a tube about  13" high and 15" wide.
Don't cut the yarn and continue to crochet a flap for the bottom of the bag:
Row 1: ch 2, hdc 45, turn
Repeat row 1 seven more times. Cut off.

Sew the bottom flap to the bottom edge of the bag body along the edges.

Felting:

Place an old t-shirt or a towel inside the purse.
Wash the purse in the washing machine with hot water on a short cycle.
I had the machine set to "normal wash" and the purse was in it for 20 minutes, but that's because I've used the machine to felt things before.
If you've never done it before, you might want to wash the purse for a shorter time and repeat the cycle if needed. Different machines will felt differently!

After felting, shape the bag while it's still wet. Leave to air dry.

When it's dry, crochet 3 rows of sc to reinforce the upper edge.

Assembly:

Baste or pin (use 1" safety pins) 15 leaves of the first round, close to the bottom;
the leaves should slightly overlap each other. Sew the upper parts of the leaves to the bag. If you have a felting needle, lightly felt the upper parts of the leaves to the bag body.
Baste or pin the next 15 leaves of the second round over the first one; the leaves should slightly overlap each other and the leaves in the first row. Sew the upper parts of the leaves to the bag.
In the same way, add  2 more rounds of leaves.

Sew the handles to the purse using the same yarn.