purlJam

# Small Bobble Stitch Hobo Handbag

**Design:** A cozy, slouchy hobo-style shoulder bag worked in rich dark brown worsted cotton. Textured rows of small bobbles add subtle dimension while keeping the construction simple and beginner-friendly.

---

## Skill Level
**Beginner** (comfortable with chain, single crochet, and willing to learn the bobble stitch)

## Finished Measurements
- **Width:** 12 in (30.5 cm)
- **Height at center:** 10 in (25.5 cm)
- **Strap length:** 24 in (61 cm)
- **Strap width:** 2 in (5 cm)

## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Medium / #4) 100% cotton in dark brown
  - Approx. 350–400 yds (320–365 m) — about 2 skeins of standard 180-yd cotton
- **Hook:** US H/8 — 5.0 mm
- **Notions:**
  - Tapestry needle
  - Stitch markers (2)
  - Scissors
  - Optional: fabric lining (½ yd) and sewing needle/thread for added structure

## Gauge
- **In single crochet:** 14 sc × 16 rows = 4 in (10 cm)
- **In bobble pattern:** 14 sts × 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm)
- *Take time to check gauge — bobbles can pull fabric tighter.*

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
- **ch** — chain
- **sc** — single crochet
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **sl st** — slip stitch
- **yo** — yarn over
- **MB** — make bobble (see Special Stitches)
- **RS / WS** — right side / wrong side
- **rep** — repeat

## Special Stitches
**Make Bobble (MB):** In indicated stitch, [yo, insert hook, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] 4 times (5 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 5 loops. *Bobbles form on the WS of the row, popping out to the RS.*

---

## Pattern Notes
- Bag is worked as **two identical flat panels**, then seamed.
- Bobbles are placed on **WS rows** so they push out to the public side.
- Turning chain at start of each row does **not** count as a stitch.
- Color: use a single dark brown throughout.

---

## Instructions

### Panel (Make 2)

**Foundation:** Ch 43.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. *(42 sc)*
- Math check: 43 ch − 1 turning ch = 42 sc ✓

**Row 2 (WS — Bobble Row):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 3 sts, *MB in next st, sc in next 3 sts*; rep from * across to last st, sc in last st. *(10 bobbles, 32 sc = 42 sts)*
- Math check: bobbles at sts 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 = 10 bobbles ✓
- Total stitches: 10 MB + 32 sc = 42 ✓

**Row 3 (RS):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across, working a regular sc into the top of each bobble. *(42 sc)*

**Row 4 (WS — Offset Bobble Row):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, *MB in next st, sc in next 3 sts*; rep from * across, ending last rep with sc in last 2 sts. *(10 bobbles, 32 sc = 42 sts)*
- Math check: bobbles at sts 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38 = 10 bobbles ✓

**Row 5 (RS):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. *(42 sc)*

**Rows 6–37:** Repeat Rows 2–5 a total of 8 more times (32 rows).
- Math check: Rows 2–37 = 36 rows of bobble pattern ÷ 4 = 9 full repeats ✓

**Rows 38–40:** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. *(42 sc, 3 plain rows for top border)*

**Total rows:** 40
- Height check: 40 rows ÷ 16 rows/4" ≈ 10 in ✓

Fasten off, leaving a 6-in (15 cm) tail on Panel 1 and a 36-in (90 cm) tail on Panel 2 for seaming.

---

### Strap (Make 1)

**Foundation:** Ch 8.

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. *(7 sc)*

**Rows 2–80:** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. *(7 sc)*
- Length check: 80 rows ÷ 16 rows/4" = 20 in of plain sc + 4 in absorbed in attachment seams ≈ 24 in total ✓

Fasten off, leaving a 12-in (30 cm) tail for sewing.

---

## Assembly

### 1. Seam the Panels
1. Place panels with **right sides together**, aligning all edges.
2. Using Panel 2's long tail and a tapestry needle, **whip stitch** along the two side edges and the bottom edge.
3. Leave the top edge open. Turn the bag right side out.

### 2. Hobo Shaping (Soft Curve)
1. Lay the bag flat. Pinch each top side corner inward by about 1 in (2.5 cm) and tack in place with a few stitches — this creates the gentle hobo crescent shape.

### 3. Attach the Strap
1. Pin one short end of the strap to the inside of the bag at the right-side top corner (centered over the seam).
2. Using the strap tail, **sew securely** through both layers of the strap end and the bag panel — go around the edge twice for strength.
3. Attach the opposite end of the strap to the left-side top corner in the same way.

### 4. Optional Lining
For a more structured hobo bag, cut fabric to match the bag's dimensions (add ½ in seam allowance). Sew the lining into a pouch and hand-stitch it inside the top edge of the bag.

---

## Finishing
- Weave in all loose ends with the tapestry needle.
- Steam-block gently on the WS, avoiding direct pressure on the bobbles to preserve their dimension.
- Spot clean only; cotton may be hand-washed in cool water and laid flat to dry.

---

## Care Instructions
- Hand wash cold
- Lay flat to dry
- Do not bleach
- Cool iron on reverse only (avoid bobbles)

Enjoy your handmade hobo bag! 🤎