Sogo Hobo Bag
by Kim
My inspiration for this bag came from the district of Causeway Bay in Hong Kong where the streets are packed, the food is, uh, aromatic and the shopping is fierce. And one of the best places to go is the air conditioned shopping palace, Sogo. *cue pattern name*
While wandering around Causeway Bay I noticed that many of the fashionable women were clutching these enormous purses. I had really never seen the like, and they were so cool and urban looking, I promptly bought one. Back home in Virginia, my giant Hong Kong purse gets a lot of stares and a few compliments, but I have still not seen anything similar to those bags. So I knew I would have to make one. And share it with y'all, of course.
Credit must be given to Last Minute Knitted Gifts for the stitch pattern, for seeing it was like adding gas to the spark that was this idea.
Finished Measurements:
Approx. 20" L x 15" W
Materials:
Cestari Cotton Wool (290 yards 75% cotton, 25 % wool), 4 skeins
Size US 15 circular needle
Tapestry needle
Crochet hook
Purse strap, approx. 20"
Optional purse closure of your choice and fabric for lining.
Gauge:
With yarn held doubled, 18 sts and 14 rows = 4"
Pattern notes:
Herringbone stitch:
K2tog through the back loops and slip only the first stitch knitted off of the left-hand needle, leaving the 2nd stitch on the left-hand needle. Repeat to the end of the row, where you will just K1 tbl.
Purl side: P2tog and slip only the first stitch off the left-hand needle, leaving the 2nd stitch on the left-hand needle. Repeat to the end of the row, where you will just P1.
Directions:
Using cable cast on, cast on 15 sts and K across in pattern stitch.
Next row: Purl in patt. st.
Next row: *Cast on another 15 sts using cable method. K across these in pattern stitch. Purl in patt. st. the next row. Repeat from * until you have 90 stitches.
Work the next 2 rows even in pattern stitch.
Next row (RS): *BO 5 sts in patt. Work to the end.
Next row (WS): Work even in patt st. Repeat from * 2 times.
Next row (RS): *BO 3 sts in patt. Work to the end.
Next row (WS): Work even in patt st. Repeat from * 2 times.
Once the decreases are complete, work even in pattern stitch for 8 rows.
Next row (RS): *CO 3 sts using cable method. Work to the end.
Next row (WS): Work even in patt st. Repeat from * 2 times.
Next row (RS): *CO 5 sts using cable method. Work to the end.
Next row (WS): Work even in patt st. Repeat from * 2 times.
Work the next 2 rows even in pattern stitch.
Next row (RS): *BO 15 sts in patt. Work to the end.
Next row (WS): Work even in patt. st. Repeat from * 5 times.
Repeat these directions to make the 2nd half of the bag.
Place both pieces of the bag with right sides facing each other using the crochet hook, slip stitch the seams all around. Leave the "U" shape at the narrow end of the bag unseamed for opening.
At the base of the bag, approx. 1" away from the "points" sew across the base on each side. I have included a crappy MS Paint diagram. I need Photo$hop so bad.
Here is what the outside of the bag will look like. Yours will probably look better as mine was completed sometime late, late in the evening.
Using the circular needle, pick up and knit an i-cord edging around the raw edges of the bag opening. The Keyboard Biologist has an excellent tutorial on how to achieve this finish HERE. It is not necessary to extend the i-cord edging over the top of the straps, as the handles will be sewn there.
Weave in ends carefully. Block lightly, if desired. Sew in the purse handle. Voila!
One more terrible MS Paint picture for the road: Schematic time!
