Knit Purse with Crochet Edging

CYCA Knit Purse Project

Make It Quick Projects

Knitted Measurements

7" high by 10" wide

Materials

Approximately 8 oz. worsted weight yarn
Size 17 (12.75mm) needles OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
2 buttons, size 7/8" (select a size with 2 center holes large enough for 1 strand of worsted weight yarn)
Crochet hook size P (12mm) or Tapestry needle for assembly and finishing (see note)
Straight pins

NOTE: A simple crocheted edge gives this purse added structure and keeps the edges of the strap flat. (Click on Learn for basic crochet on this website) If you do not crochet, an alternative method is to sew with blanket stitch or even a simple back stitch around all edges where single crochet is indicated.

Gauge

8 stitches and 10 rows to 4" over Stockinette stitch (St st: knit one row, purl one row) with 3 strands held together and size 17 (12.75mm) needle.

NOTE:

Depending on the yarns you select, you may need to use 4 strands held together to achieve the gauge.
Center Panels (make 2)
NOTE: Purse is knitted with three strands of yarn held together.

Cast on 17 stitches (top edge). Work in St st until piece measures 5", end wrong side (WS) row.
Next (right side: RS) row: knit two stitches together (K2tog), knit (k) 13, k2tog.
Next (WS) row: Purl.
Next (RS) row: K2tog, k11, k2tog.

Next (WS) row: purl two stitches together (P2tog), p 9, p2 tog.
Next (RS) row: K2tog, k7, k2tog-9 stitches remaining.
Bind off loosely on next row.

Strap

Cast on 3 stitches. Work in St st until piece measured 55". Bind off.

Finishing

With right sides facing and wrong sides together, pin one center panel to strap around sides and bottom curve, beg 3" from one end of strap and leaving approximately 19" of strap free at other side. With 2 stands yarn held together, work single crochet through both pieces to join. Continue to work single crochet around edge stitches of strap and when top of strap is reached leave loop on hook and pin other side panel to strap matching placement of first panel. Resume single crochet joining second panel to strap and continue single crochet all the way around second side of strap. Cut yarn and secure.

Secure button in center of top opening as follows: Thread the end of a strand of contrasting color up through one hole of button and down through second hole, using tapestry needle to push, thread both ends of the strand into tapestry needle and sew to inside of purse 3/4" down from edge. Close purse by pulling button through center stitch of front panel.

Sew second button to short end of strap 1 1/3" from end and use center st. Close strap by using center stitch of long end of strap as a button hole.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these instructions. We cannot be responsible, however, for variances in individual techniques, human errors or typographical mistakes.

©1999 Craft Yarn Council of America