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bpt flashy villa boo latifabansheepenny hoover rosedaleII

by Vickie Howell

I have a penchant for anything razzle-dazzle. When I found this yarn with lamé accents, I knew I had to have it.

The gothic colors paired with the furry eyelash yarn reminded me of the fabulously eccentric Siouxsie from the band, Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Since my crafty talents far exceed my musical prowess, this guitar strap is my ode to her and the other strong, courageous female musicians who inspire me on a daily basis.

Knit this up, and rock on with your bad selves!

model: Vickie Howell photo: Clint Howell

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Width: 3 inches
Length: 44 inches [or desired length]

MATERIALS

[MC] Australian Merino's Lamé by King [91% Merino wool, 9% Lamé; 175 yd/160m per skein]; color: 60; 1 skein

[CC1] Australian Merino's Lamé by King [91% Merino wool, 9% Lamé; 175 yd/160m per skein]; color: 42; 1 skein

[CC2] The Duchess by Tawny [100% Polyester; 50 yd/46m per skein]; color: 2016; 1 skein [or small amount]

1 set US #6/4mm straight needles
1 size F crochet hook
1/2 yard fabric [any kind]
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
Thread
Pins

GAUGE

20 sts/24 rows= 4" in Stockinette stitch [held double]

DIRECTIONS

Note: Before you begin, be sure to find out how long you want your guitar strap. Measure off one you have or use a measuring tape to gauge your desired length.

Take both ends from skein of MC and hold together throughout. With size 6 needles, CO 3 sts.

Bottom Tab

Row 1: Knit.

Row2: Purl.

Row 3 [Increase Row]: Inc 1 st at each end of row [5 sts].

Row 4: Knit.

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: Repeat Row 3 [7sts].

Row 8: K3, yo, k2tog, k to end [this creates hole for the strap peg to fit through].

Row 9: Purl.

Row 10: Repeat Row 3 [9sts].

Row 11: Purl.

Row 12: Knit.

Row 13: Purl.

Row 14: K1, inc 1, k3, inc 1, k4, inc 1, k1 [12 sts].

Work in St st until piece measures 2.5 inches, ending on a WS row.

Body
Stripe Pattern [double-stranded]

Join in CC1.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2: K2, p8, k2.

Repeat 2 more times.

Switch to MC.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2: K2, p8, k2.

Repeat 4 more times.

Alternating colors, repeat Stripe Pattern until body measures 2-3 inches shorter than desired length. End with a MC stripe.

Top Tab

Join in CC1.

Rows 1-4: Work in St st.

Row 5: [Start Decreasing] K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k2, kK2tog, k1 [9 sts.]

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: Knit.

Row 8: Purl.

Row 9: K1, ssk, kto last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 [7 sts].

Row 10: Purl.

Row 11: K3, yo, k2tog, k to end.

Row 12: Purl.

Row 13: Repeat Row 9 [ 5 sts].

Row 14: Purl.

Row 15: K1, ssk, k2tog [3 sts].

Row 16: Purl.

BO rem 3 sts.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

With single strand of CC2 and crochet hook, single crochet around entire guitar strap to create a fun, furry edging.

Block.

Lining

This step is important. It will keep the strap from stretching under the weight of the guitar.

Excluding tabs [these do not need to be lined], measure the body of the guitar strap. Add 0.5 inch seam allowance. Use those measurements and cut out fabric. Folding fabric under 0.25 inch, pin fabric to back of guitar strap body. Hand stitch on.

Voila! You've got yourself a guitar strap, you crafty Rock Star, you.

[Hint: If you're making this strap for an acoustic guitar, simply crochet a chain or knit an i-cord, string it through the hole of the top tab and tie the end onto the top of the guitar neck]

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Vickie Howell is a mom, crafty chick, activist and co-owner of www.rubygoesretro.com. She's only been knitting for a couple of years, but has become obsessed.

She currently runs the Stitch & Bitch group in Austin, TX.

Pattern & images © 2003 Vickie Howell. Contact Vickie.