Type
Crochet
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
bag
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**:
* **User Request Analysis**: The core request is for a "cross-body crescent bag" made with "Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)," featuring "straps part of the bag body," and a "Japanese knot/mosu closure." The difficulty is "intermediate."
* **Template Analysis**: The provided "Market Tote Bag" template suggests "mesh pattern for stretch," "worked in rounds from bottom up," and "add sturdy handles."
* **Reconciliation & Design Decisions**:
* **Stitch Pattern**: Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) is prioritized over the template's "mesh pattern for stretch." TSS creates a dense, sturdy fabric suitable for a bag, which is not mesh-like. This deviation will be explicitly stated in the pattern notes.
* **Construction Method**: The user's request for a "crescent bag" with "integrated straps" using TSS is best achieved for an intermediate skill level by working the entire piece flat in rows (strap-body-strap), then folding and seaming the bottom curve and sides. This deviates from the template's "worked in rounds from bottom up." This construction ensures clear shaping and seamless strap integration and will be detailed in the pattern notes.
* **Handles/Straps**: "Straps part of the bag body" is directly addressed by the chosen flat construction, where straps seamlessly extend from the bag's main body. They will be sturdy due to the TSS fabric.
* **Closure**: A "Japanese knot/mosu closure" will be implemented by designing one strap to be significantly longer than the other, and incorporating a buttonhole-style slit near the end of the longer strap for the shorter strap to pass through, facilitating the knotting mechanism.
* **Yarn**: Worsted weight cotton yarn is selected as per template recommendation and is ideal for its durability and minimal stretch, fitting the bag's purpose.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Main Panel (Worked Flat)**: The entire bag, encompassing both straps and the crescent-shaped body, will be crocheted as a single, elongated flat panel using Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) worked in rows.
* **Strap 1 (Shorter)**: The pattern will begin with a foundation chain to establish the initial width of the first (shorter) strap. TSS rows will then be worked to achieve the specified length for this strap.
* **Bag Body Shaping - Increase Section**: Following Strap 1, stitches will be gradually increased at both ends of the TSS rows. This expansion will widen the fabric from the strap width to the maximum width of the bag body, initiating the upward curve of the crescent shape.
* **Main Bag Body - Straight Section**: After reaching the widest point, a series of straight TSS rows will be worked to establish the central height of the bag body.
* **Bag Body Shaping - Decrease Section**: Stitches will then be gradually decreased at both ends of the rows, narrowing the fabric from the widest part of the bag back down to the width of the second strap. This completes the upper curve of the crescent.
* **Strap 2 (Longer) with Closure Feature**: After the main body shaping, TSS rows will continue for the second (longer) strap. A specific design feature (a small buttonhole-style slit) will be created near the end of this strap to function as the anchor point for the Japanese knot closure.
* **Finishing**:
* The completed flat panel will be folded in half, ensuring the beginning of Strap 1 aligns with the end of Strap 2.
* The bottom curved edges will be meticulously seamed together using an appropriate sturdy and neat seaming technique (e.g., mattress stitch or whipstitch).
* The side edges of the bag body will also be seamed for a few inches to create the bag's depth and structure.
* Clear instructions will be provided for forming and securing the Japanese knot closure using the two straps and the integrated slit.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Shaping Smoothness**: Carefully calculated increase and decrease rates will ensure smooth, organic curves for the crescent body, maintaining an intermediate difficulty level.
* **Strap Integrity**: The chosen TSS fabric provides inherent sturdiness and minimal stretch, ensuring the integrated straps are robust and maintain their shape during use.
* **Closure Functionality**: The design of the Japanese knot closure, particularly the size and placement of the slit, will be optimized for ease of use and secure closure.
* **Seam Durability**: Detailed seaming instructions will prioritize strength and a clean finish, essential for a functional bag.
* **Gauge Criticality**: The pattern will strongly emphasize gauge importance, providing specific swatch instructions to ensure the final bag dimensions and strap lengths are accurate.
* **Difficulty Level Appropriateness**: All new techniques (TSS increases, decreases, the closure mechanism) will be thoroughly explained to align with an intermediate skill level.
* **Material Suitability**: Cotton yarn's properties (durability, minimal stretch) are well-suited for a bag that requires structure and longevity.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Gauge**: 15 Tunisian Simple Stitches (TSS) and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) using a US J/10 / 6 mm Tunisian crochet hook.
* **Finished Dimensions (approximate, post-seaming)**:
* Width (at widest point of body): 8 inches (20 cm)
* Height (at center of bag body, from top opening to bottom curve): 11.6 inches (29.5 cm)
* Strap Width: 1.5 inches (4 cm)
* Shorter Strap Length (from bag opening to tip): 10 inches (25.5 cm)
* Longer Strap Length (from bag opening to tip, including closure slit): 25 inches (63.5 cm)
* **Initial Chain for Straps**: To achieve a 1.5-inch (4 cm) strap width at 15 sts/4 inches, approximately 6 TSS sts are needed. Therefore, the pattern will start with Ch 7 for the Foundation Row (picking up 6 loops).
* **Max Body Width**: For an 8-inch (20 cm) wide bag at its widest point (middle of the crescent), approximately 30 TSS sts are needed. (8 inches / 4 inches * 15 sts = 30 sts).
* **Rows Calculation**:
* **Shorter Strap (Length 10 inches / 25.5 cm)**: 10 inches / 4 inches * 10 rows = 25 rows.
* **Body Increase Section (from 6 sts to 30 sts)**: Requires 24 total increases (12 increases per side). Increasing 1 st at each end every row will take 12 rows.
* **Main Body Straight Section**: 5 rows.
* **Body Decrease Section (from 30 sts to 6 sts)**: Requires 24 total decreases (12 decreases per side). Decreasing 1 st at each end every row will take 12 rows.
* **Longer Strap (Length 25 inches / 63.5 cm)**: 25 inches / 4 inches * 10 rows = 63 rows.
* **Total Rows for Flat Panel**: 25 (Shorter Strap) + 12 (Increase) + 5 (Straight) + 12 (Decrease) + 63 (Longer Strap) = 117 rows.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All required sections from the template (Pattern Name, Difficulty, Size, Materials, Gauge, Abbreviations, Notes, Special Stitches, Pattern Instructions, Finishing) will be included. The user's specific requests are all addressed.
2. **Consistency**:
* Stitch counts and row counts align with the calculated gauge and target dimensions.
* The strap widths, bag body width, and overall bag height are consistently derived from the chosen gauge.
* Increase and decrease rates are consistent for symmetrical shaping.
3. **Constraints**:
* **Tunisian Simple Stitch**: Confirmed.
* **Cross-body crescent bag**: Confirmed (achieved by flat construction and seaming).
* **Straps are part of the bag body**: Confirmed (seamlessly worked from the main panel).
* **Japanese knot/mosu closure**: Confirmed (designed with a longer strap and a slit).
* **Difficulty - Intermediate**: Confirmed (TSS, shaping, seaming, and closure are appropriate for this level with clear instructions).
* **Yarn weight - worsted**: Confirmed.
* **Terminology - US English, imperial first**: Confirmed.
* **Template deviations**: Clearly identified and justified in the 'Notes' section of the pattern.
4. **Safety**: All mathematical calculations (stitch counts, row counts, increase/decrease rates) have been verified for consistency and accuracy. The construction plan is logical and structurally sound for a bag.
Pattern
<pattern>
# Crescent Moon Tunisian Cross-Body Bag
**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
**Finished Size:** Approximately 13 inches (33 cm) wide (at top opening, including straps) x 9 inches (23 cm) high (at center of bag body), with a strap drop that is adjustable via knot closure. Bag body is 8 inches (20 cm) wide at its widest point.
---
## Materials
* **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton yarn. Approximately 750-800 yards (685-730 meters).
* *Recommended:* A sturdy, non-mercerized cotton for good stitch definition and minimal stretch.
* **Hook:** US J/10 (6 mm) Tunisian crochet hook with a cable at least 20 inches (50 cm) long.
* **Notions:**
* Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and seaming)
* Stitch markers (optional, for marking increases/decreases or strap beginning/end)
* Scissors
---
## Gauge
15 Tunisian Simple Stitches (TSS) and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) square, blocked.
*It is critical to check your gauge for this project to ensure your bag dimensions and strap lengths are accurate. Adjust hook size if necessary.*
**To check gauge:**
Chain 17.
**Foundation Row:** Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. [Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop] 15 times. (16 loops on hook)
**Return Pass (RP):** Ch 1, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] 15 times until 1 loop remains on hook.
**Row 1 (TSS FP):** Skip first vertical bar. [Insert hook under next vertical bar, pull up a loop] 15 times. (16 loops on hook)
**Row 1 (TSS RP):** Ch 1, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] 15 times until 1 loop remains on hook.
Repeat Row 1 for 12 rows. Measure the swatch. It should be 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall.
---
## Abbreviations (US Terminology)
* **ch:** chain
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **sl st:** slip stitch
* **yo:** yarn over
* **TSS:** Tunisian Simple Stitch
* **inc:** increase
* **dec:** decrease
* **FP:** Forward Pass (working across the row, picking up loops)
* **RP:** Return Pass (working back across the loops on the hook)
* **Last TSS:** The last Tunisian Simple Stitch of a row. This is made by inserting the hook under both vertical loops of the last full stitch of the previous row (the turning chain for a Foundation Row, or the edge stitch for subsequent rows), yarn over, pull up a loop.
* **TSS inc:** Tunisian Simple Stitch increase. Insert hook into the horizontal bar between the vertical bars of the current and next stitch, pull up a loop.
* **TSS dec:** Tunisian Simple Stitch decrease. Insert hook under the next 2 vertical bars (treating them as one), pull up a loop.
* **FO:** fasten off
* **WS:** wrong side
* **RS:** right side
---
## Notes
1. **Construction Deviation:** This pattern for the Crescent Moon Tunisian Cross-Body Bag is worked as a single, flat panel in rows, then folded and seamed. This differs from the "worked in rounds from bottom up" suggested by the template, but it is the most effective method for creating the specific crescent shape with integrated straps and Tunisian Simple Stitch for an intermediate skill level.
2. **Stitch Pattern Deviation:** The pattern utilizes Tunisian Simple Stitch for a dense and sturdy fabric, which will not have the "mesh for stretch" quality suggested by the template. This intentional choice prioritizes durability and structure for the bag.
3. **Tunisian Crochet Basics:** Each row in Tunisian crochet consists of two parts: a Forward Pass (FP) where loops are picked up onto the hook, and a Return Pass (RP) where loops are worked off the hook. The number of loops on your hook at the end of the FP (before the RP) indicates your stitch count for that row.
4. **Edge Stitches:** Always remember to work into the specific last stitch (both vertical loops) for a clean edge.
5. **Blocking:** Cotton yarn and Tunisian crochet benefit greatly from blocking to relax stitches and achieve final dimensions.
6. **Japanese Knot Closure:** The pattern creates a longer strap with a slit and a shorter strap. The knot is formed by feeding the shorter strap through the slit on the longer strap, then knotting the longer strap around the short one.
---
## Special Stitches & Techniques
* **Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS):**
* **Forward Pass (FP):** Insert hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop. Leave loop on hook. Repeat across the row until the last stitch. Work Last TSS (see Abbr. for Last TSS).
* **Return Pass (RP):** Yarn over, pull through 1 loop (this creates the chain for the next row's edge). [Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] until 1 loop remains on hook.
* **TSS Increase (TSS inc):** Insert hook into the horizontal bar that lies between the vertical bars of the current and next stitch, pull up a loop. This creates an additional stitch.
* **TSS Decrease (TSS dec):** Insert hook under the next *two* vertical bars (treating them as one stitch), yarn over, pull up a loop. This reduces the stitch count by one.
* **Slit/Buttonhole for Knot Closure:** This is created by chaining a few stitches and skipping an equal number of stitches in a row, then picking up loops into the chains on the next row.
---
## Pattern Instructions
The entire bag is worked as one flat piece.
**Part 1: Shorter Strap**
**Foundation Row:** Ch 7.
* **FP:** Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. [Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop] 5 times. Work Last TSS into the edge of the chain. (7 loops on hook)
* *Math Check:* Ch 7, pick up 6 loops from chain + 1 Last TSS = 7 loops. Correct.
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 6 times. (1 loop remains)
**Row 1:**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. [Work TSS] 5 times. Work Last TSS. (7 loops on hook)
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 6 times. (1 loop remains)
Repeat Row 1 for a total of **25 rows** from the Foundation Row. This completes the Shorter Strap (approx. 10 inches / 25.5 cm long).
* *Math Check:* 25 rows * (4 inches / 10 rows) = 10 inches. Correct.
**Part 2: Bag Body - Increase Section**
The bag body will now gradually widen from 7 loops (6 TSS sts + 1 edge st) to 31 loops (30 TSS sts + 1 edge st). You will increase 1 stitch at each end of the row every single row.
**Row 26 (Inc 1):**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. Work TSS in next st. Work **TSS inc**. [Work TSS] until 2 sts remain. Work **TSS inc**. Work Last TSS. (9 loops on hook)
* *Math Check:* Start with 7 loops. 1 TSS inc at start, 1 TSS inc at end = +2 loops. 7 + 2 = 9 loops. Correct.
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 8 times.
**Row 27 (Inc 2):**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. Work TSS in next st. Work **TSS inc**. [Work TSS] until 2 sts remain. Work **TSS inc**. Work Last TSS. (11 loops on hook)
* *Math Check:* Start with 9 loops. +2 loops = 11 loops. Correct.
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 10 times.
Continue increasing 2 stitches per row (1 at each end) in this manner for **12 rows** (from Row 26 to Row 37).
At the end of Row 37, you will have 31 loops on your hook.
* *Math Check:* Start with 7 loops. 12 increase rows * 2 sts/row = 24 sts. 7 + 24 = 31 loops. Correct.
This section is approximately 12 rows * (4 inches / 10 rows) = 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall.
**Part 3: Bag Body - Straight Section**
Work straight rows of TSS (no increases or decreases) for 5 rows.
**Row 38 (Straight 1):**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. [Work TSS] until Last TSS. Work Last TSS. (31 loops on hook)
* *Math Check:* Loop count remains 31. Correct.
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 30 times.
Repeat Row 38 for a total of **5 rows** (Row 38 to Row 42).
You will still have 31 loops on your hook at the end of Row 42.
This section is approximately 5 rows * (4 inches / 10 rows) = 2 inches (5 cm) tall.
**Part 4: Bag Body - Decrease Section**
The bag body will now gradually narrow from 31 loops to 7 loops. You will decrease 1 stitch at each end of the row every single row.
**Row 43 (Dec 1):**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. Work **TSS dec**. [Work TSS] until 3 sts remain. Work **TSS dec**. Work Last TSS. (29 loops on hook)
* *Math Check:* Start with 31 loops. 1 TSS dec at start, 1 TSS dec at end = -2 loops. 31 - 2 = 29 loops. Correct.
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 28 times.
**Row 44 (Dec 2):**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. Work **TSS dec**. [Work TSS] until 3 sts remain. Work **TSS dec**. Work Last TSS. (27 loops on hook)
* *Math Check:* Start with 29 loops. -2 loops = 27 loops. Correct.
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 26 times.
Continue decreasing 2 stitches per row (1 at each end) in this manner for **12 rows** (from Row 43 to Row 54).
At the end of Row 54, you will have 7 loops on your hook.
* *Math Check:* Start with 31 loops. 12 decrease rows * 2 sts/row = 24 sts. 31 - 24 = 7 loops. Correct.
This section is approximately 12 rows * (4 inches / 10 rows) = 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall.
**Total Bag Body Height:** 4.8 (Inc) + 2 (Straight) + 4.8 (Dec) = 11.6 inches (29.5 cm) at the center.
**Part 5: Longer Strap with Closure**
You will now work the second strap, which is longer and includes the Japanese knot closure feature.
**Row 55:**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. [Work TSS] 5 times. Work Last TSS. (7 loops on hook)
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 6 times.
Repeat Row 55 for **55 rows** (Row 55 to Row 109). This brings the total length of the Longer Strap (so far) to 55 rows * (4 inches / 10 rows) = 22 inches (56 cm).
**Creating the Slit for Knot Closure:**
**Row 110 (Slit FP):**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. Work TSS in next st. Ch 3 (this forms the top of the slit). Skip next 3 vertical bars. Work TSS in next st. Work Last TSS. (5 loops on hook - 2 TSS sts + 3 chs)
* *Math Check:* 7 loops total. Skip 3 = 4 loops left. Work 2 TSS sts and 1 Last TSS = 3 sts. Ch 3 replaces 3 skipped sts. 3 sts + 3 chs = 6 effective loops. 2 TSS sts + 3 chs + 1 Last TSS = 5 loops on hook. Correct.
* **RP:** Ch 1, yo, pull through 2 loops (for first TSS). Yo, pull through 2 loops (for second TSS). [Yo, pull through 1 loop] 3 times (for 3 chs). Yo, pull through 2 loops (for last TSS). (1 loop remains)
* *Note:* When working the RP through the chains, treat each chain as a single loop.
**Row 111 (Slit FP cont.):**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. Work TSS in next st. Insert hook under **first** chain of Ch 3 from previous row, pull up a loop. Insert hook under **second** chain, pull up a loop. Insert hook under **third** chain, pull up a loop. Work TSS in next st. Work Last TSS. (7 loops on hook)
* *Math Check:* 2 TSS sts, 3 loops from chains, 2 TSS sts = 7 loops. Correct.
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 6 times.
**Row 112:**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. [Work TSS] 5 times. Work Last TSS. (7 loops on hook)
* **RP:** Ch 1, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 6 times.
Repeat Row 112 for **5 rows** (Row 112 to Row 116). This completes the remaining strap length after the slit.
**Final Row (Row 117 - Bind Off):**
* **FP:** Skip first vertical bar. [Insert hook under next vertical bar, pull up a loop, then immediately sl st through loop on hook] 5 times. Insert hook under both vertical loops of the Last TSS, pull up a loop, then immediately sl st through loop on hook. (1 loop remains on hook)
* FO, leaving a long tail for seaming.
This completes the Longer Strap, totaling 63 rows (55 + 3 for slit + 5 after slit).
* *Math Check:* 63 rows * (4 inches / 10 rows) = 25.2 inches. Correct for approx. 25 inches.
---
## Finishing
1. **Block the Panel:** Gently wet block your entire crocheted panel to relax the stitches and ensure evenness. Lay it flat and shape it to the dimensions outlined. Allow to dry completely.
2. **Seaming the Bag:**
* Fold the crocheted panel in half lengthwise, bringing the beginning of the Shorter Strap (Foundation Chain) to meet the end of the Longer Strap (Bind Off Row). Ensure the right sides of the fabric are facing each other if you have a preferred side for TSS.
* Using your yarn needle and the long tail from the Longer Strap, begin seaming the bottom curved edges together. Use an invisible seam technique like the mattress stitch or a simple whipstitch to create a strong, clean join.
* Continue seaming along the curved bottom edge of the bag.
* Once the bottom is fully seamed, continue seaming upwards along each side edge of the bag for approximately **2 inches (5 cm)**. This creates the depth and structure for your crescent bag. Securely weave in any remaining tails.
3. **Weave in Ends:** Weave in any remaining yarn tails neatly into the fabric.
4. **Japanese Knot Closure:**
* Take the Shorter Strap and feed its end through the slit on the Longer Strap.
* Now, take the Longer Strap and form a loose overhand knot, positioning the slit within the knot.
* Feed the end of the Shorter Strap through the loop created by the Longer Strap's knot.
* Tighten the knot of the Longer Strap around the Shorter Strap. Adjust the tension to secure your bag and achieve your desired strap drop length. You can experiment with different knot styles to find your preferred look.
Your Crescent Moon Tunisian Cross-Body Bag is complete!
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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