Athena Owl Bag was inspired by vintage macrame owl designs. The feather-like shell stitch decorates the front of the bag, and crab stitch trim finishes the edges. Crochet your own strap or finish the look with a pre-made handbag strap!

The instructions are written in US crochet terms, with step-by-step photos and charts. There are two options for making the body of the bag. Option 1 has the decorative shells added separately after the body is complete - this will work well if the shells are in different colours. Option 2 works the shells at the same time as the body with short rows - this works well if making the bag in one colour.

When made with DK weight yarn (sample 1 made in Scheepjes Mighty) and 3.75mm hook the finished bag will measure about 15cm/6½in wide.

You’ll need to know how to:

・chain stitch
・work in a round
・work in rows
・single crochet
・increase/decrease
・slip stitch
・half double crochet
・double crochet
・work around a chain
・work into 3rd loop / back hump of a chain
・crab stitch (reverse single crochet)
・work in front loop/ back loop

You will need the following materials:

The pattern can be made in a variety of yarn combinations, the more structured yarns like cord, jute and cotton will work well. Below are the yarns used in the 4 samples:

Sample 1 - 2 balls/65gr Scheepjes Mighty
3.75mm (F) hook
Finished size - 15cm/6in wide

Sample 2 - 1 ball Rowan Summerlite DK (grey)
1 ball Rowan Summerlite 4ply (yellow)
3.75mm (F) hook
Finished size - 14cm/ 5½in wide

Sample 3 - 2mm nylon cord - needs about 105m of cord
4.5mm hook
Finished size - 18cm/7in wide

Sample 4 - Paper Raffia (1 x 200m ball)
4.5mm hook
Finished size - 20cm / 7¾ in wide

You will also need:

1 sew on snap fastener
a pair of metal D-Rings for attaching straps
pre-made bag strap (optional)
lining fabric (optional)