I wanted a small purse that was lightweight and just big enough for the essentials. And the essentials for me are my IPhone 6plus, lip balm, keys, and license. I’ve seen lots of small purses but either the size wasn’t right, or it just wasn’t pretty. So as usual, I decided to make my own. The yarn is Lion Brand Recycled Cotton which has been discontinued. (You could try Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn and I thing it would work just fine.) I still had some left over and it was just enough for this purse. I’m sure any cotton yarn would work. I used cotton so it would be a little sturdy. But be aware that if you want it to have structure, you’ll need to line it with something. I didn’t line mine because when my phone is in it, it fits just perfectly and gives it all the structure I need. Unfortunately, I can’t take a picture with my phone when my phone is in the purse! The finished size is about 5”x8”, and the strap length after it’s been attached to the purse is about 35”, so for me, I can wear it cross-body. If you want it longer, simply make the strap longer.
If you’d like an ad-free, easily printable version of the pattern, you can help support my small business and purchase it for a small fee in my Ravelry Store – Simple Things Crochet.
Materials:
Cotton Yarn: I needed less than one skein. I don’t know how much was in the skein to start with – as I mentioned it’s been discontinued. This one is similar – Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn.
Hook: size H
Tapestry Needle
Tape Measure
Magnetic snap buttons (optional)
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
st(s) – stitch, stitches
sp – space
Special stitches:
sc2tog (sc 2 sts together) – Insert hook into st and draw up a loop. Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop. Yarn over, and draw through all 3 loops on hook. One st decreased. (See second photo below)
Instructions:
For the body of the purse:
Ch 41
Row 1: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, (see blue arrow for hook placement.)
sc in next 2 ch, then (sc2tog) twice,
*sc in next 2 chains, 2 sc in each of next 2 chains, you can see the ripple starting to form
sc in next 2 chains, (sc2tog) twice*. Repeat from * to * through to the end of the row. After last (sc2tog), sc in next 2 ch, and 2 sc in last chain. First row done.
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, 2 sc in first st, (see photo for hook placement)
sc in next 2 sts, (sc2tog) twice, *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, (sc2tog) twice*. Repeat from * to * through to the end of the row. After last (sc2tog), sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in last st. (See photo for hook placement.)
Repeat row 2 until the fabric is about 13 1/2 inches. For me, that was 50 rows. *Note – when you get to row 6, do one row of cream colored yard.
For the strap:
Ch 131
Row 1: Turn, sc in first st, and across to the end.
Row 2: Turn, sc in first st, and in each st across to the end. Tie off.
Construction:
Lay the fabric flat with the stripe at the top and the right side facing you. Fold the bottom up so that the sides of the purse will be about 5”.
Using your tapestry needle and a long piece of yarn, whip stitch along the sides. Using your needle and more yarn, attach the strap to each side with about 1 1/2” of the strap sewn into the purse. Turn the purse right side out. Attach magnetic snaps (if using) in position as shown in the photo. *Note – I pulled a couple threads from my yarn to stitch the snaps in place so I didn’t have to worry about the thread matching the yarn color.
