Crocheted Silver Bag

Materials:

leather
fabric for lining and strap
30-gauge sterling silver wire
stainless steel washers
feathers
monofilament thread
glue gun and hot glue
sewing machine and sewing supplies for stitching leather
crochet hook, size 6 or 1.8mm
needle nose pliers
leather hand needle

Steps:

1. Cut two 5" x 7" leather pieces for the front and back of the purse. Cut an additional 2" x 17" strip of leather for the sides and bottom.

3. Measure and cut fabric for the lining the same dimensions as the leather pieces for the purse. Stitch the lining together as the leather purse was made except with right sides together. Then turn the lining right side out before inserting it into the purse (figure B).

4. Cut a 26" x 4" strap for the purse. With wrong sides together, fold the strip lengthwise so the edges meet in the center. Fold the strip lengthwise along the center and topstitch the strap and the open edges (figure C).

5. Place the lining inside the leather purse with wrong sides together (figure D), and stitch together around the top. Change the bobbin thread to match the leather. Stitch the ends of the strap to the top edges of the sides between the purse and the lining (figure E).

6. Create crocheted silver panels to fit over the front and back leather pieces of the bag with silver wire and a size 6 crochet hook. Chain as many stitches as necessary to measure the width of the purse. Work each row in slipstitch incorporating the silver washers into the design until the piece measures the length of the bag. Make two panels (figure F).

7. Hand stitch the crocheted silver panels onto the front and back of the purse (figure G). It is helpful to grasp the needle with needle nose pliers to push the needle through the leather (figure H).

8. Place feathers along the open edge and sides and bottom of the purse and attach with hot glue (figure I).

E-mail: Kelly@kellydarke.com

Website: www.kellydarke.com