I am fortunate enough to work in a Yarn Shop located in South Florida. I work there as an instructor and love every minute of it. This Almost Designer Hand Bag seems to be the "Little Black Dress" of the knitting crowd at my shop. All the women are making it, in different yarns and colors. It is very adaptable to an individuals taste and needs making it the must make pattern of the season!
Yarn:
The original yarn I used for this purse has been discontinued. However do not fear, several customers in the yarn shop where I work have made it and they have used lots of different yarns. You can use yarns like Berocco Suede (using one strand of yarn), or even Tahki Cotton Classic (you can choose using a single strand of yarn or a double strand of yarn depending on the size of the bag desired). For a 9x7 inch purse you’ll want to choose a worsted weight yarn using a single strand. You can make the purse larger by doubling the Tahki Cotton Classic or by using Cotton Twist. If doubling the yarn, chose a larger need size, 8 or 9 US.
For any yarns, 600 yards are needed if you are using a single strand but twice the yardage is needed if you are going to knit with a double strand of yarn. A worsted weight and a size smaller needle for a tighter gauge, you don't want a loose, open work purse.
Knitting Needles:
(Use a size smaller than what your yarn calls for)
24” Circular needle
Straight needles in same size
DP needles for I-cord. If you chose to do an I Cord handle.
Notions and Accessories:
4 markers (one of the four in different color so you can mark the beginning of your round)
Regardless of the yarn used, the bottom base of the bag should measure 9 inches across (for a 9X7 in final size) or eleven inches for a larger purse.
I used a single strand of a yarn (4) weight, on a 6 needle. I recommend that the needle size should be smaller than the size recommended for your yarn so the bag will have body.
When you finish the purse and you are working on the "edgings," it’s important to note that you have a choice of two different edgings - one is a ruffle and one is the "rotellis" or curls. A needle size should be used that will produce a tighter gauge than the yarn specified for the entire purse.
Base: With a 24” circular needle cast on 50 sts (do not join yet). Work in garter st (knit every row) for 24 rows. (You’ll have 12 ridges).
Body: Using same needle place marker (PM) and pick up 12 sts along short end, PM and pick up 50 sts along cast on side PM and pick up 12 sts along end, PM, (this marker should be of a different color so you know where the round begins) JOIN to work in the round. K1 round, purl 1 round. (Working in the round this will produce a garter stitch pattern). Now continue in stockinet st until the piece measures 5” from where you picked up stitches.
Next row: Kl, K2tog, knit across to last 3 sts before the marker, k2tog, kl, slip marker. Kl, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before marker, K2tog, Kl, knit to last 3 sts., K2tog, Kl.
Repeat that row every 4th row on a knit round 4 times more.
Knit even till piece measures 9” from picked up edge. Bind off.
**YOU CAN FINISH THE BAG IN ONE OF TWO WAYS… BY MAKING A FLAP WITH A RUFFLE OR BY MAKING A FLAP WITH SPIRALS**
Finishing Method #1:
FLAP WITH SPIRALS: With straight needles, cast on (30) sts. (note: If using bulky yarn cast on less sts according to size of bag). Knit each row until piece measures 10”. or desired length for bag. Bind off.
For each spiral that you want for your bag you’ll need to Cast On 15 sts.
Next row: Increase in every stitch (30 sts).
Next row: Cast off in PURL. Each spiral will twirl. (Repeat for each spiral desired.)
The more spirals you create for your bag, the fuller and more lush the bag will look. I did 45 spirals total. Attach each spiral (I used a crochet hook) along side and front edges of flap. Line bag after all spirals are attached so all ends will be hidden.
HANDLE OR STRAP: With straight needles cast on 15 sts. Garter 7 sts, sl 1, garter 7.
Next row: garter 15 sts across.
Repeat these two rows till desired length of strap.
Attach to sides of bag under lining.
Finishing Method #2:
FLAP WITH RUFFLE: With straight needles, cast on 30 sts. (Note: If using a bulkier yarn, you might want to cast on less sts according to the size of the bag) Knit each row (garter st.) until piece measures 10”. Bind off. With a circular needle, pick up every stitch around entire piece, PM and join to knit in the round.
Next round: Increase one stitch in each stitch around.
Next round: Kl, YO, repeat around. This will be for the I-cord..
Next Round: Establish Kl, Pl Rib around. Continue in ribbing until ruffle measures desired length (2 to 3” depending on yarn used.)
Next round: Bind off in ribbing.
I-CORD: With double pointed needles cast on 3 sts. Knit across. *Push sts to opposite end of same needle, with yarn in back, knit the 3 sts*. Continue from *to*. Knit 18 inches. Weave through ruffle where the YOs created the eyelets (if using bulky yarn, crochet a chain).
HANDLE OR STRAP: With straight needles cast on 15 sts. Garter 7 sts, sl 1, garter 7.
Next row: Knit 7, purl slipped stitch, knit 7.
Repeat these two rows till desired length of strap.
Attach to sides of bag under lining.
Susan has been knitting since she was about 7 years old and says that knitting is her passion. She considers herself lucky to work in a yarn shop as an instructor and loves every minute of it. Since Susan now lives in South Florida, she feels seasonal knitting is a thing of the past, given the hot Florida weather. So Susan strives to use new and exciting yarns to create beautiful masterpieces that she can enjoy all year round.
She is proud to report that this very purse has traveled with her through Europe, to several joyous occasions (such as weddings and one very special 50th Anniversary party) and gets plenty of everyday use. She hopes you enjoy making it as much as she did and wishes you many rave reviews.
