Purse handle

Work in bottom loop of chainNote: Ch-1 at beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.

With A, ch 38.  

Row 1: Working in bottom loop of ch (see photo, right), sl st in 1st ch from hook and in each  ch to end, turn – 38 sl sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, sl st in each st across, turn.

Row 3: and 4: Rep row 2.

Fasten off, hide ends.
Purse Panel (make 2)
piecesNote: Do not fasten off second panel.

With A, ch 16.

Row 1: Working in bottom loop of ch, sl st in 1st ch from hook and in each ch to end, turn – 16 sl sts.

Row 2: Ch 1,sl st in each of first 6 sts, 2 sl st in each of next 4 sts, sl st in each of last 6 sts, turn – 20 sl sts.

Row 3: Ch 1, sl st in each st across, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sl st in each of first 4 sts, [2 sl st in next st, sl st in each of next 2 sts] three times, 2 sl st in next st, sl st in each of last 5 sts, turn – 23 sts.

Rows 5-8: Rep Row 3.

Row 9: Ch 1, sl st in each of first 7 sts, [2 sl st in next st, sl st in each of next 3 sts] twice, 2 sl st in next st, sl st in each of last 7 sts, turn – 26 sts.

Rows 10-11: Rep Row 3.
First Panel only

Fasten off and hide ends.
Second panel, continued, and bottom of purse

back loop onlyRow 12: Ch 1, sl st in back loop only of each st across (see photo, right), turn. This makes a right angle to the purse panel.

Rows 13-21: Ch 1, sl st in each st across, turn.
Putting panels together

Remove hook from loop. Insert hook in bottom right corner of first panel and pull through loop from second panel. Working through both layers, sl st both panels together. Fasten off, weave in all ends.

purse panels together
End Caps
Option 1 (make 2)

With B, ch 15.  

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, turn – 13 dc.  

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each st across, turn.

Rep Row 2 for 8 rows.  Fasten off.  Sl st end caps to sides of purse.
Option 2

purseThis is adapted from a technique I learned at a Lily Chin class.  Once you get the hang of it, this technique allows for virtually seamless connections, and you sew it together as you work.

Row 1: With RS facing, attach B, with sl st, in bottom right corner st of open side of purse. With smaller hook and working each chain into the edge of the purse panel, ch 3. Dc in the edge of each st across bottom panel to last st (it will be taut) to last st. For your last stitch, yo, put hook through the edge of the stitch like usual, but also insert the hook into the side edge of purse panel, pull loop through stitches and 2 loops on hook. Insert hook into side edge of purse panel above previous st and pull through all loops, turn.

Rows 2-8: Ch 3 into side edge of purse panel to begin new row, dc in each st across row to last st. At last stitch, yo, insert hook through stitch and then into the side of purse panel, pull through all sts and loops on hook. Insert hook into side edge of purse panel a little higher and pull through all loops, turn.

When you’re at the top of the purse, fasten off. Hide ends in the bigger yarn. Repeat for second side.

side panel
Attaching handle

The handle should be slip-stitched or blanket stitched into the curve of the bag on one side, then in the same position on the other side. Leave the top part of the purse on the outside of the handle unstitched; this area can serve as a small pocket for a cell phone or a house-key.
Button closure

closureAttach B to center st on edge of bag opening. Make 4 sc all in same stitch. Ch 18, join to 1st sc to form a loop, turn. Ch 1, sc in each ch around loop, sl st in last sc. Fasten off and hide ends.
Button

Take a 2’ piece of big yarn, and knot it about 8-10 times in the same place. Unravel ends and sew 3 ends into the knot to form a knot ball. Take remaining ends, thread them through the middle of the opposite purse panel and tie in a knot. Hide all ends in the purse body.
Optional embellishment & Finishing

See Irish Oranges for some flowers to choose from. Attach to handle of purse.

Now, soak your fingers in a soothing bath, and lay off the big yarn for a while!