Patriotic Purse
This pattern has one size Approximate finished measurements: Width:6" Length: 9" Strap Length: As desired
MATERIALS:
Sassy Skein Key West Karibbean Kotton - Aran weight cotton 100% Mercerized cotton Yarn is used double stranded throughout project Color A - #222 Blue Lagoon 3 skeins Color B - #216 Hibiscus 1 skein Color C - #202 Coconut 1 skein Circular needle size 8 X 24" Tapestry needle Crochet hook 1 Sassy Skein Decorative Button
GAUGE: 16 Stitches and 20 Rows = 4" TO SAVE TIME CHECK YOUR GAUGE!!
A circular needle is not required for this project, however we recommend it's use. You will find that it eases the tension on your wrists.
PURSE:
Using 2 strands of Color A, cast on (CO) 35 sts. Work in garter st (knit every row) for the entire purse until piece measures 18". Bind off sts, leaving a tail of yarn. Fold the purse lengthwise with right sides together. With a single strand from the tail of yarn, sew up seam. Turn purse right side out. For button loop (fastener), single crochet or braid a thin length of yarn approx 4 1/2" long. Next double this over to make a 2" loop and attach it at the top edge of back inside center of the purse. This loop will lap over the top to the front and becomes the button closure. Sew a decorative button in center front approximately 1" down from top edge. LOOPs: Work in color of choice. As shown, Color A and Color B are held together and loops are double stranded. With RS of purse facing you, take the yarn and crochet hook, and beginning at one side seam make loops completely around top edge. To begin, pull a partial loop of yarn from wrong side to right side creating a loop on each side approximately 1 1/2 - 2" long. Take wrong side and right side loops and tie them together in a knot at the top edge of the purse. Without cutting the yarn, repeat the process by holding the yarn on the back side of the work and with the crochet hook pull a loop to the front and again tie the front and back loops together. Continue around top edge making it as "loopy" as you want. Always tie each pair of two loops together in a knot.
HANDLE:
create the braided handle, cut 8 strands of yarn, each approximately 9 feet lon. Take the 8 strands of yarn and tie together with a knot at one end, leaving a 4-5" tassel hanging out. Separate the strands into 4 double strands. (HINT: you may wish to tape or secure the knotted end of the handle to a counter top or other surface on which you can work. Using these pictures as a guide, braid the handle using the yarn double stranded as shown:
Pull center 2 double strands straight towards you and hold taunt. 1. With right side double strands loop out to the right and over the center strands. 2. With left side double strands loop out to the left, over the right sided strand and under the center strands and they through the loop created by the right sided strands. 3. Pull both outside strands tightly while holding the center strands taught. This process is actually very simple. Most kids already know how to do this as it is commonly used to make their friendship braided bracelets, etc. NOTE: The purse handle may also be created be making a strand of I- cord or by single crocheting chains and then braiding them together to create a good looking, sturdy handle. When handle is at the desired length, tie off your work. Leave a length of yarn long enough to secure handle to the inside of the purse. Trim excess yarn. FINISHING: Weave in any tails of yarn to wrong side of purse. Clip any excess yarn close to purse.
ABBREVIATIONS/TERMS
Approx approximately beg begin(ning) BO bind off co cast on cn cable needle cont continue ctr center dec decreas(e) (ing) (ed) dpn double-pointed needle est establish(ed) EOR every other row foll follow(ing) inc ncrease(e) (ing) Kknit LH left hand Ppurl pattpattern psso pass slip stitch over last stitch worked PU pick up stitches RH right hand rem remain(ing) (s) rep repeat rnd(s) round(s) RS right side of work sl st slip stitch ssk slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, K2 slipped stitches together through back loop - 1 decrease st(s) stitch(es) St st stockinette stitch tog together WS wrong side of work or garment wyib with yarn in back of work wyif with yarn in front of work time(s) yd yard yo yarn over needle to make a new stitch () work directions as a group as many times as indicated asterisks, starting point for repeating directions as many times as indicated ttappy Knitting! AII. 10/200/
