Making the Purse

The way to avoid much finishing on your purse...

Knit or crochet a rectangle for the bottom of the purse, pickup stitches around and knit in the round (no seaming). This is the way to use up yarn, especially the leftover bits of fancy ones that are lying around your stash.

Near the top do a K2tog yo row for the drawstring. (Not doing this is ok, yarn stretches and you can shove the drawstring into knit stitches with no problem) For the drawstring, you can knit icord, crochet a cord, or buy braided or twisted cord at the fabric store.

Finish off the ends of the cord with beads.

If you want a lining, and can sew at all:

Flatten your purse on the table. Measure the length and width up to where you want the lining to come at the top. Cut a piece of fabric twice the length (plus turn-under for the top edge) and the width (plus 1/4" or so each side for a seam). Sew the side seams by hand with backstitch or machine. Turn under some at the top raw edge for a smooth finish. To make the box shape for your lining, measure the width of your bottom and divide by half*. Fold "dog ears" on the sides of your purse lining, side seam in the center of the point. measure down * and draw a horizontal line, sew on that line. this gives you a "box". Put the lining into your purse, with the right side of fabric showing. The seams and dog ears are against the knitting. Goggle "lining a purse" and you can find numerous places where they have photos or drawings of this process.

I do a simple backstitch to secure the lining at the top. Slipstitch also works. You could use fabric glue. Some people sew buttons to the lining and secure the buttons into the knitting. I simply hate to sew on buttons. Even use tiny safety pins. Whatever holds it.

Now go to your "leftovers basket" and start designing. Just remember, the size of the rectangle you knit for the base determines the size of your purse.

Another option is to simply knit a large tube the size you want and then seam one end and go from there. I make the purses both ways.

These purses are soft, lightweight, and can be made to match any outfit and any season.