Square-Bottomed Cinch Bag #mmmtutorial

I know it sounds like an old-timey swear, but they are actually adorable, see?

I bought two sweet little white Bibles for my nieces this Easter and I thought it would be fun if they had a small, pretty bag to carry them in. So I created these easy to carry cinch sacks. They will be easy to customize with these little hair bows found because I don't know what color their Easter dresses will be, yet! It was super easy to create; it took about 2 DVR'd Grey's to work up... Or about 90 minutes if that's how you measure time. 

The supplies:

* about 1/4 ball of yarn

*J crochet hook

*embroidery needle to sew in ends

*stitch marker to keep track of rounds 

*at least 3 feet of ribbon 

*beads to secure ribbons (optional)

This is my very first attempt at an original pattern, so be kind :)

Abbreviations Used:
     ch --- chain
     Rnd(s) --- round(s)
     sc --- single crochet
     st/sts --- stitch/stitches
     dc --- double crochet
     slp st --- slip stitch

Part 1: Bottom of the bag

(I used 2 strands to make it a bit sturdier. I HIGHLY recommend it.)

Ch 16

Rnd 1-10:16 sc

Rnd 11: sc all the way around adding an extra sc at each corner (to create a slight rounding.)

Part 2: Body of the bag

(For the body I used a single strand, to create a softer, slouchy look.)

Rnd 12: sc around perimeter using only top stitch (see below) 

Rnd 13: dc around, ch 1

Rnd 14: sc around

Rnd 15: dc around, ch 1

Rnd16: sc around

Rnd 17: dc around, ch 1

Rnd 18: sc around

Rnd 19: dc around, ch 1

Rnd 21: sc around

Rnd 22: dc around, ch 1

Rnd 23: sc around, ch 1

Rnd 24: (decorative shell edge) *5dc, skip 1 st, slp st in next, skip one st* repeat all the way around 

Part 3: The drawstrings. 

*Cut two lengths of ribbon about 18" or so. 

*Weave one length of ribbon entirely around the bag, through the last dc Rnd. Add a bead to the ribbons and then tie the ends of ribbon together.
* Run the second length of ribbon the same way, except start on the opposite side as the first length of ribbon; add the bead and tie the ends together.
* Trim the ribbon ends if necessary so that they are even.

Ta-da!

If you like this craft tutorial please let me know in the comments. Happy Easter!