Macramé-inspired bag with base

To start, work 1 double crochet (dc) into one of the holes in the macramé base. Then work 1 chain (ch) and then 1 dc into the next hole. Continue working all around the macramé base. End the round (rd) with a slip stitch (sl st).

Next rd: Work 1 ch and then *1 dc, 2 dc into the next st, 1 dc*. Repeat from * to * to end of rd. End rd with a sl st.

Work 2 dc into each st of the previous rd. End rd with a sl st. Continue for 10 rds in total. You should now have a good firm base for your bag.

Now cut lengths of macramé cord, one for each stitch. Each cord should be approx. 80 cm long. Fold each cord in half and then pull a loop through the stitch at the halfway point. Using a crochet hook, bring both ends of the cord through the loop. Attach cords all around the edge of the bag.

Now cut a length of cord measuring 150 cm. Fold it in half. Tie double knots around 4 cords, so that you end up with a total of 8 knots.

Now build the bag up as follows: Evenly subdivide each bundle of 8 knots. Tie a further 8 knots to the following bundle. Continue until you have worked a total of 5 rows of knot bundles. The last row has only 5 knots.

Now pull the ends around to the front and tie a few knots. If necessary, use a crochet hook to adjust the cords, so they lie flat. Trim the cord tails and fringe them up using a needle and/or comb. Continue all the way around the bag.

Now make the bag straps: Cut 8 pieces of macramé cord, each 150 cm long. Tie a loose knot at the end of 2 bundles, Each bundle has 4 cords. To proceed, tie 8 double knots around 4 cords. Gather all the cords and tie 8 knots around the bundle of 8 cords. Divide these again into 2 bundles, each with 4 cords with 8 knots around each. Continue until you have a suitable length of handle for your bag.

Now tie the straps to the bag. Secure them firmly in the same area as the fringes. Cut the remaining tails of macramé cord to the same length as the fringes, then fringe the cord tails.