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First Fall Felted Crochet Weekender Bag – Lesson One

Let’s get started on the inaugural Marly Bird First Fall Make-Along with a felted crochet weekender bag! This is lesson one and we are making the base of the bag.

Read more: First Fall Felted Crochet Weekender Bag – Lesson One

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REMEMBER

This is a ???? free make-along ???? and will remain free until the end of Nov. 2022.

After that, the pattern will only be available as a paid pdf.

Important Dates of the First Fall Make-Along

This make-along will take place over four weeks.

Oct. 19, 2022 – Base of Bag

Oct. 26, 2022 – Body of Bag

Nov. 02, 2022 – Body of Bag Continued

Nov. 9, 2022 – Finishing and Felting

Special How to Line Class released on Nov. 16, 2022 <– VIP ONLY

The Marly Bird First Fall Make-Along | Felted Crochet Weekender Bag

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

Bag Finished Measurements

30”wide x 20” tall x 11.5” base [76 x 51 x 29 cm] pre-felt 

26” wide x  17” tall x 8.5” base [66 x 43 x 21.5 cm] post-felt

Size will vary slightly depending on felting. 

Gauge 

10 hdc sts and 8 rows = 4” [10 cm] pre-felt with yarn held double; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

MATERIALS

Yarn 

Patons, Classic Wool (100% wool, 194 yds / 177 m, 3.5 oz / 100 g CYCA #4 worsted) 

Color A: 7 ball— #00225 Dark Gray Mix 

Color B: 7 ball— #00201 Winter White 

Color C: 7 ball— #77767 Teal Chalk 

Hook

Size  K/8 (6.0 mm) or size required for gauge

Notions 

Stitch markers, tapestry needle, washing machine for felting

Optional Extras: 

  • Zipper (sized to fit finished bag) *will discuss more about zippers in makealong
  • Two rolled leather handles (length & style is your choice)

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch – Chain(s) 

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

RS – Right Side 

Sc – Single Crochet

Sp(s) – Space(s) 

St(s) – Stitch(es)

Tch – Turning Chain

WS – Wrong Side

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Tapestry Colorwork Technique

Changing colors in tapestry colorwork, work to last 2 loops on hook of first color, draw new color through last 2 loops and proceed in next color. Carry color when not in use loosely across top of row and work sts around it being sure to maintain gauge.

Felting Instructions

NOTE: We recommend you test felt your yarn. Knit a swatch using the same yarn in the same colors shown and test felt it before proceeding with your project. 

You cannot predict the effects of all washing machines, detergents and local water conditions. Felting is irreversible. It is easy to felt “just a little more”, but impossible to undo the effects of over-felting. 

Place the project in the washer and add a very small amount of baking soda or detergent (1⁄4 cap). Set the washer on hot water/cold rinse cycle, minimum size load, and wash garment. Check the felting process every 11-15 minutes depending on your machine, detergent, and local water conditions.

If using spin cycle to remove excess water, set on lowest setting. After the piece has finished, remove from washer and remove extra water from the fabric with a dry towel (DO NOT TWIST). 

Lay project flat or shape piece to measurements to dry. Do not put in the sun or use a clothes dryer. Allow the project to dry thoroughly. 

Zipper (optional)

With RS facing and zipper closed, pin zipper to top opening so that top edges are touching the outer edges of the zipper teeth, leaving zipper teeth exposed between the opening. 

With contrasting sewing thread and RS facing, baste zipper to fronts close to zipper teeth. Turn the work inside out. With matching sewing thread, use a whipstitch to sew the outer edges of the zipper to the WS of the edge, being careful to follow along a single column of sts to ensure that the zipper is straight. 

Turn the work back so the RS is facing, and with matching sewing thread, use small backstitches to secure the knitted fabric close to the zipper teeth. Remove basting thread.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

SWATCH INSTRUCTIONS

Measurements of Swatch

9 x 6.5″ [23 x 16.5 cm] pre-felt 

7 ¾” x 5.5” [19.5 x 14 cm] post-felt

With color C, holding two strands together, ch 22 sts. 

Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each ch to end of row, ch 1, turn — 21 sts. 

Row 2: Hdc in 1st hdc and in each hdc to end of row, ch 1, turn. 

Repeat row 2 ten times more. 

FINISHING

Weave in ends. 

Measure the piece and log the information.

Felt the piece to desired measurements. 

FIRST FALL WEEKENDER PATTERN — Lesson One

ONE COLOR BASE

With color A held double, ch 30.

Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, ch 1, turn — 29 hdc. 

Row 2: Hdc in first hdc and in each st to end, ch 1, turn. 

Repeat row 2 until base measures approx. 30” [76 cm]

THREE COLOR BASE

With color A held double, ch 30.

Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, ch 1, turn — 29 hdc. 

Using the tapestry colorwork technique, work in the established HDC pattern following the chart for the base of the bag through row 59. 

Finish off.  

DO NOT FELT THE BASE! You will pick up stitches next lesson to continue to the body.

NOTES: 

  • Read the chart from bottom to top,right to left for RS rows, and left to right for WS rows. 

CHART— Base (3 colors)

Click the Image to Enlarge and Print

Marly Bird First Fall Make-Along VIP EXPERIENCE

Don’t forget, the free pattern is only free for a limited time, but the VIP Experience has UNLIMITED ACCESS to the pattern, videos, and extras.

For week one: these extras:

  • Learn how to read a color chart
  • Learn how to add pockets to the inside
  • Learn how to use Stitch Fiddle to customize chart colors
  • Ad-Free PDF of Lesson One Instructions (full pdf to be added at end of event)
  • Live Q&A with Marly

Each week of instructions includes a video tutorial and a segment of the pattern to work along with the Marly’s Minions community. It’s not too late to upgrade to the VIP Experience.

Felted Crochet Weekender Bag Show and Tell

Be sure to share your progress with us. In the Marly’s Minions FB Group there are a plethora of cheerleaders who want to cheer you on and see your amazing bags!

Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

Meet Marly

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