Naomi's Braid or Purse Strap

This braid or strap is a colorful and easy way to add interest to a common-looking and otherwise drab little tote or bag. If you have made a large bag and it looks a bit dull, even with bright colors and seems to be missing "something", why not add one of these fun and attractive straps? You will find a few nice ones in this blog.

To learn how to make the crocheted ropes, please search for the tutorial about them by using the Search box at the right hand side of this blog post.

Make 4 crocheted I-cord ropes of different colors contrasting or harmonizing with the color or colors of your bag or tote.
The ropes will be more attractive if they are not made all the same color, it will also be easier for you to keep track of where
the ropes go, when you're a newbie at this.
Leaving at the edges to the braid a bit of free rope so that you can easily sew the finished braid to the purse rings once you are done, proceed as follows:

1- Pass rope 4 under rope 3 and then bring to the front over the same rope, and towards the back over itself, forming a loop. Tighten. Repeat again.
Repeat the same procedure with rope 1 and rope 2, twice.

2- Cross the two middle ropes over each other, left rope over right rope. Place the ends behind the two side ropes.
3- Cross the side ropes in the middle, the left rope over the right rope.
4 and 5- repeat steps 2 and 3 twice.
6- Repeat step 1.

Continue repeating these steps for the length of your strap. Sew ends to a purse ring and you're done!











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Bible Universe

Cynthia's Purse Strap or Handle

An interesting and pretty purse handle or strap can add interest to even a common-looking tote or bag. This one's pretty easy and you can use it to liven up any bag!

Color is key in a rope strap. You can make the strap in contrasting colors or in different hues of the same color of your bag.
Make 4 crocheted cords (please, use the search box in this blog to find the tutorial on how to make ropes) in 4 different colors, this way you will be able to follow the tutorial , the more easily.

Pin the ropes to a pillow or a piece of cardboard with some fabric on top to avoid soiling.
To make the braid proceed as follows:

1- Place rope #4 over the two central ropes and under rope #1.
2- Bring rope #1 under the two central ropes and out over rope #4. Carefully, tighten up a bit to
pull up the beginning of the knot.
3- Bring new rope #1 under the two central ropes and over rope #1, bring rope #1 over the two central ropes and under rope #4. Tighten up a bit. You just formed a square knot.
4- Bright rope #1 over rope #2, rope #4 over rope #3, bring the two new central ropes over one another, the left one over the right one. Bright the two ropes at the edges over the two central ones, and cross them one over the other as before. Bring the ropes that are now at the two edges to the center over the other two and cross them as before.
5- Repeat a square knot.

Alternate rows 1 to 5 until you have the length of strap you need. When you finish, sew ends to purse rings. Fasten off.

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Bible Universe

Pretty Frog Closure

Originally, I made this frog to close up a capelet, but it is such a pretty way to close things and it was so liked that I took a second look at it. That made me realize that it makes a terrific closure for a purse, a bag or a tote, so here it is!


Frog Closure-Let’s make a bit of rope for the frog. With Pumpkin, ch 2.
Row 1- 1 sc in second ch from hook. Turn. (No ch 1.)
Row 2- Insert hook in little loop that formed on the side of the sc and pull up yarn, you and complete sc. Turn. Continue repeating row 2 for the length of the rope you want to make.
In this case, the rope should measure 14” long. Fasten off, leaving long tail to sew with.

Thread blunt needle with leftover tail and, taking one of the ends of it, begin to turn the rope around itself, as if you were going to form the shell of a snail. As you turn, secure each turn onto itself by making small stitches on the loops on the sides. Turn a bit, and inserting the needle into the loops that will meet at the top, where the rope turns and at the bottom, where you just turned, stitch the curl in place. When you have turned the rope three times, secure and fasten off. Weave in tail.

Repeat on the other end, leaving the center unworked for now. When you are ready to sew your frog on, Join some yarn to the back of the frog in a discreet spot, thread blunt needle with the yarn you just joined and sew the center of the frog together, using the loops on the outside edges of both sides of the large loop, until you have a hole that will comfortably fit the button you have chosen. Pin the frog in place and sew it to the purse or bag. Fasten off, weave in tail.

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Who Do You Think You Are?
(You are more special than you think!)