A basic knit purse

Project:



This project creates an essential purse for those evening events when a larger purse would be a nuisance. It can be added to your wardrobe with just a few hours of effort. Choose the color and style of yarn you prefer then follow the instructions below. Add one of our buttons as a closer and you'll have a useful item that is sure to draw raves.



The Basics



Knit a long rectangle. Fold it to make a "pocket" and sew it together. Knit an I-cord handle and sew it into the purse. The purse is placed into a washer of hot water and agitated until it shrinks to the desired size. To make a larger or smaller bag cast on more or less stitches and knit a larger or smaller rectangle.













Materials & Needles



1 skein of 100% wool: Lopi, Brown Sheep Co. or any wool that will shrink.



1 skein of Novelty yarn: Lion Brand Fun Fur, Schachenmayr nomotta/Salsa or any novelty that is thin enough to allow shrinkage.



Size # 11 needles and set of 2 double-pointed (dpn) needles.



Purse Body



Using size #11needles and one strand of wool cast on (CO) 26 stitches (sts). Knit every row (garter stitch) for 4 rows. Add novelty yarn and continue knitting for 50 rows or until the length folded creates the desired shape of the purse. Cut the novelty yarn and using only the wool strand, knit 4 more rows. Bind off. Sew in the tails and sew the sides of the purse together.



Purse Strap (I-cord)



Using a double pointed needle with one strand of wool and one strand of the novelty yarn, cast on 2 sts. Knit 2 sts. DO NOT TURN THE NEEDLE. Leave the yarn on the double point needle and push the stitches to the opposite end of the needle. Knit the row again by pulling the yarn from the back to the first stitch on the needle. This twists the yarn into a cord. Continue knitting without turning the work, but pushing the stitches to the opposite end of the needle and knitting. Knit until the cord measures around 15 inches for a short handle and 35 inches for a long strap. Bind off. Sew the strap to inside selvages of the purse.



Shrinking Purse



Place the purse in a zippered mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase with the ends tied tightly. Add a tablespoon of mild shampoo to HOT water in the washing machine. Agitate vigorously. The purse may take 15 to 30 minutes (or more) to shrink. After 10-15 minutes check the progress. Using plastic gloves, carefully remove the purse and stretch it into the desired shape. Return the purse to the mesh bag and agitate longer if needed. As you get closer to the desired size, check often. When purse is the desired size or until you no longer see the knitted stitches, rinse, gently spin dry, roll into a towel to push out excess water, shape, and air-dry.



Closers



Sew a snap on the inside of the front and back of bag. Add a Terrie Voigt Studio button on the front of the bag for that special glitz finish!