The Star Spangled Bag

Using a double strand of thread and No. 2 hook, ch 2, 8 sc in 2nd st from hook, do not join this or following rounds. Place a marker at beginning of each round.

2nd Round: 2 sc in each sc.

3rd and 4th Rounds: Working in sc, increase in every other sc in each round. Work 1 round even.

6th Round: Increase in every 3rd sc. Work 1 round even.

Repeat the last 2 rounds.

10th Round: Increase in every 4th sc. Work 2 rounds even.

13th Round: Increase in every 5th sc. Work 2 rounds even.

16th Round: Increase in every 6th sc. Work 1 round even.

18th Round: Increase in every 8th st (126 sc). Work 1 round even, sl st in next st to even round, turn.

20th Round: 1 sc in each st picking up entire st by inserting hook around entire st, join, turn.

21st Round: Sc in 1st st, * dc in next st, sc in next st, repeat from * all around ending with dc in last st, join in 1st sc, ch 1, turn.

22nd Round: Sc in 1st dc, * dc in next sc, sc in next dc, repeat from * all around ending with dc in last st, join, ch 1, turn. Repeat the last round until work measures 5½ inches from 20th round ending on right side, do not turn.

Next Round: BEADING: Ch 4, 1 trc in each of the next 2 sts, * ch 3, skip 3 sts, 1 trc in each of the next 3 sts, repeat from * all around ending with ch 3, skip 3 sts, join in 4th st of ch.

Next Round: Sc in same space, * dc in next trc, sc in next trc, dc in next st of ch, sc in next st of ch, dc in next st of ch, sc in next trc, repeat from * all around ending to correspond, join, turn.

Next Row: 1st PETAL: * Sc in next dc, dc in next sc, repeat from * 9 times, sc in next dc, ch 1, turn. Keeping pattern even decrease 1 st at beginning and end of each row until 3 sts remain, cut thread.

2nd PETAL: With wrong side toward you attach thread in next st of last complete round, ch 3, * sc in next dc, dc in next sc, repeat from * 9 times, ch 1, turn. Keeping pattern even, decrease 1 st at beginning and end of each row until 3 sts remain, cut thread.

3rd PETAL: With wrong side toward you, attach thread in next st of last complete round, sc in same space, * dc in next sc, sc in next dc, repeat from * 9 times, ch 1, turn. Finish same as 1st petal.

4th PETAL: Same as 2nd petal.

5th PETAL: Same as 3rd petal.

6th PETAL: Same as 2nd petal. Without cutting thread work a row of sc around each petal, join, cut thread.

DRAW STRING: Using a double strand of thread, crochet a ch about 32 inches long, sl st in 2nd st from hook, 1 sl st in each remaining st of ch, cut thread. Work another string in same manner. Lace through beading starting each string from opposite side. Finish with metal points as illustrated or sew ends together. Trim with pearls and sequins same as on hat. Line if desired.