Pennywhistler’s Purse & Pack

Named for one of my favorite Irish folk musical instruments (of which I am an avid player), I have walked the streets and countryside of Ireland with one of these backpacks comfortably on my shoulders. Made of 100% natural materials, it’s washable and easy to crochet. Fill it with anything important to you. It can hold far more than pennywhistles!

Skill Level

Intermediate

Materials

G/6 (4mm) crochet hook

P/Q (15mm) crochet hook (for hemp straps on backpack only)

For backpack: 6 skeins of Worsted (no. 4) weight cotton yarn (project shown uses Peaches and Creme [120 yds/109m per 2.5 oz/71g ball] in color no. 1118 Faded Denim Blue)

For handbag: 4 skeins Worsted (no. 4) weight yarn (project shown uses Ella Rae Phoenix [182 yds/164m per 3.5 oz/100g] in color no. 42 Copper Canyon)

For straps (backpack only): 18 yds (16.5m) hemp yarn with approx ¹⁄₆" (4mm) thickness (project shown uses Natural Polished Hemp [64.5 yds/59m per ball])

12 wooden beads (backpack only)

1 set of wooden handles (handbag only; project shown uses handles from Everything Mary)

Finished Dimensions

Backpack: 15¹⁄₄" × 16" (38.7cm × 40.6cm)

Handbag: 12¹⁄₂" × 13³⁄₄" (31.8cm × 34.9cm)

Gauge

Backpack: 12 sts = 3¹⁄₄" (8.3cm) and 10 rows = 4" (10.2cm) in Basketweave pattern

Handbag: 20 sts = 4¹⁄₂" (11.4cm) and 8 rows = 2³⁄₄" (7cm) in Basket Weave pattern

Special Stitches

Basket Weave

The Basket Weave stitch.

Side Notes

• For that special, practical touch, try lining the interior of the bag with fabric. This can be done by cutting muslin or other cotton fabric to the size of the completed bag. Sew a ¹⁄₂" (1.3cm) seam on the two sides and bottom section. Fold down the opening and sew around the seam, making sure the top of the insert will be below the shoulder straps (for backpack) or wooden handles (for bag). Hand stitch the insert to the inside of the bag.
• For an extra special touch, add pockets of whatever size and width you need (you’re the designer!) and sew them to the interior lining before you sew the lining seams as mentioned above. This section doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional. Make a pocket for your cell phone, tablet, pencils, pens or crochet hooks!

BAG

With smaller hook, ch 55.

Ch 2 does not count as the 1st st throughout the pattern.

Turn after every rnd so odd numbered rnds are worked with RS facing and even numbered rnds are worked with WS facing.

Rnd 1 (RS): Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Work 4 more dc in end ch (5 total in last ch). Rotate work and dc across to other side of ch in the rem lps. Work 4 dc in last ch. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. Turn (112 dc).

Rnd 2 (WS): Ch 2. Begin Basket Weave pattern by working [fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] around. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. Turn.

Rnd 3: Ch 2. [Fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] around. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. Turn.

Rnd 4: Rep Rnd 3.

The next rnd establishes the vertical Basket Weave pattern by working bpdc over fpdc and vice versa.

Rnd 5: Ch 2. [Bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] around. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. Turn.

Rnd 6–8: Rep Rnd 5.

Rnds 9–12: Rep Rnd 3 four times.

Rnds 13–16: Rep Rnd 5 four times.

Rnds 17–36: Rep Rnds 9–16 twice, and then rep Rnds 9–12 once more. You should have 9 vertical clusters of Basket Weave.

FOR BACKPACK ONLY

Rnd 37 (openings for hemp straps): Ch 6, sk next 4 sts. Fpdc around next 4 sts, *ch 4, sk next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts. Rep from * around. Join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch-6. Turn (14 ch-4 sps, 56 dc).

Rnd 38: Ch 2. [Bpdc around next 4 sts, 4 dc in ch-4 sp] around. Join with a sl st to 1st st. Turn (112 dc).

Rnds 39 & 40: Ch 2. [Bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] around. Connect with a sl st. Turn. At end of Rnd 40, finish off.

FOR HANDBAG ONLY

Row 37: Ch 1. Sl st in 1st 4 sts, ch 2 (counts as hdc). [Fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] over next 48 sts. Hdc in next st. Turn, leaving rem sts unworked (2 hdc, 48 dc).

Row 38: Ch 2 (counts as hdc). [Fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] across. Hdc in beg ch-2. Turn.

Rows 39–40: Rep Row 38.

Rows 41–44: Ch 2. [Bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] across. Hdc in beg ch-2. Turn.

At the end of Row 44, finish off leaving about 20" (50.8cm) of yarn for sewing after attaching handles.

Other side of bag:

On Rnd 36, sk 1st 7 unworked dc, join with a sl st in next dc, ch 2 (counts as hdc). [Fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] over next 48 sts. Hdc in next st. Turn (2 hdc and 48 dc).

Rep Rows 38–44 of 1st side of bag to match.

HEMP STRAPS (MAKE 2)

For backpack only

Using larger crochet hook and hemp, crochet a ch that is 66" (167.6cm) long. (Be sure to leave about 12" (30.5cm) of extra hemp at the beg of the ch and at the end of the ch. This will be helpful when tying knots as well as adding beads.) As you crochet this ch, pull each st tightly to reduce any slack. Carefully check to be sure that both straps are the same size.

FINISHING

Weave straps into openings of backpack starting at sides. Thread strap ends into bottom corners of bag and double knot. Add beads to hemp end. Weave in rem yarn ends.

HANDLES

For handbag only

Attach bag to handles by gently pulling last rows of one side through wooden slit. Using yarn and yarn needle, sew to bag. Complete other side in same manner to match. Weave in ends. Refer to the Celtic Carryall project to see an image of attached handles.

OPTIONAL FOR BACKPACK AND HANDBAG

Highly recommended

A lining can be added and sewn to the inside of the bag. Cut fabric the size of the bag plus ¹⁄₂" (1.3cm) seam allowance. The top of the lining should be below the handles or hemp openings. Sew a hem on the top open edge. If pockets are desired, add to lining. Next, sew 3 sides, leaving the top open. Pin the lining to the bag and sew to the inside of the bag below the handles or hemp openings.

O’Brien’s Tower overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Isles in the far distance.