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I’m working on revising the pattern as of June 1, 2015.

I designed the first version of the Hen Bag at the request of a fellow Lone Star State knitter who saw a crocheted chicken bag, wanted to make it, but as she does not crochet, she sent out a plea for someone to convert it to knitting. The crocheted pattern that was my inspiration , designed by a lovely young lady across the Big Pond, can be found here:

http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/2010/06/the-cluc...

As I began knitting, the design took on a life of it’s own and has a quirky charm of it’s own. This second Hen Bag is the version that more closely resembles the shape of the crocheted Cluck Clutch.

The Chicken bag is knit in one piece with worsted weight yarn in garter stitch edged in I cord for the body of the bag. Starting at the tail section, increasing, creating a bottom gusset, working short rows in the center, decreasing for the head side, knitting the head in the round for the neck, then side to side for picking up stitches for the beak area, then decreasing for the top of the head and finally working short rows to round the top of the head. Head, tail feathers, beak, comb and neck wattle are knit by picking up stitches and knitting on body. Lining is optional, but recommended if using the Chicken Bag as a purse. Finishing can include chicken feet, a zipper or button closure, shoulder strap. Sew the top together for a pillow or toy.

I like to tuck this bag under my arm and wave royally. I am not permitted to do so outside the confides of my home as I have a teenaged daughter who would like to live life free of embarrassment.

I use Red Heart worsted weight yarn as it stands up well to wear, is readily available and is somewhat inexpensive. You may, of course, substitute at will.

Red Heart Super Saver yarn or yarn with similar weight and properties – double strand – Chicken colors. Model used White, Yellow, Red and about 1 yd of Black

8 needles (I used 29” circular, some DPN come in handy at the smaller sections)

Size H crochet hook

Our family does love our chickens, check out the t-shirts (and other stuff) my husband offers on cafepress:

http://www.cafepress.com/toolmakingart.649181567