Cute Felted Purse

Crochet a cute felted purse for you or a friend. The different colors put together for this purse are nice and complimentary. A size L crochet hook is needed for this pattern.

Materials:

• Wool 3.5 oz./100 g
• (A) 1 – Taupe, (B) 1 – Gold , (C) 1 – Light Green,
• (D) 1 – Red
• Crochet Hook size L, and Yarn Needle

Note: Ch 2 at beginning of row counts hdc, Purse is worked in vertical stripes, side to side with 2 strands of yarn throughout.  Purse is approximately 14 inches wide x 10 ½ inches high and strap 45 inches, un-felted. After felting purse is approximately 12 inches wide x 8 1/2 inches high and strap 38 inches.

Purse Base: With (A) Taupe Ch 65
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (64 sc)
Row 2 : Ch 2, hdc in next sc, hdc in each sc across, turn (64 hdc)
Row 3 - 4 : Ch 2, Hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across, change colors at the end of row 4 and join next color, turn
Repeat row 2, 3, and 4 with the following color patterns
Row 5 – 7: (D) Red
Row 8 - 10: (B) Gold
Row 11 – 13: (C) Lt. Green
Row 14 – 15: With (A) taupe repeat row 3 and 4
Repeat row 2, 3, and 4 with the following color patterns
Row 16 – 18: (C) Lt. Green
Row 19 - 21: (B) Gold
Row 22 – 24: (D) Red
Row 25 – 27: (A) Taupe. Do not change colors at the end of last row, turn (64 hdc)
Row 28: Ch 1, Sc in each hdc across (64 sc) do not drop yarn and do not turn,
Continue with taupe around corner at end of vertical stripes for Flap below:
Flap: Note: when using the term “stitches” (includes sc in row + slst at each end)
Row 1: Sc again in last sc, going around corner, Sc 34 times evenly spaced across the ends of the vertical stripes (this is the top of purse), turn
Row 2: Ch 1, Sc in next 4 sc, Sc 2 together, Sc in next 22 sc, Sc 2 together, Sc in next 4 sc, turn (32 sc)
Row 3: Do not ch, Slst in second sc , Ch 1, Sc in next 28 sc, Slst in next sc, turn (30 stitches)
Row 4: Do not ch, Slst in second sc , Ch 1, Sc in next 26 sc, Slst in next sc, turn (28 stitches)
Row 5: Do not ch, Slst in second sc , Ch 1, Sc in next 24 sc, Slst in next sc, turn (26 stitches)
Row 6: Do not ch, Slst in second sc , Ch 1, Sc in next 10 sc, Sc 2 together, Sc in next 10 sc, Slst in next sc, turn (23 stitches)
Row 7: Do not ch, Slst in second sc , Ch 1, Sc in next 8, Ch 3, Skip 3 sc (for button hole), Sc in next 8, Slst in next sc, turn (21 stitches)
Row 8: Do not ch, Slst in second sc , Ch 1, Sc in next 7 sc, Sc in next 3 ch, Sc in next 7, Slst in next sc, turn (19 stitches)
Row 9: Do not ch, Slst in second sc , Ch 1, Sc in next 15 sc, Slst in next sc (17 stitches) fasten off and weave in ends.

Pocket: Using 2 strands of (A) Taupe Ch 25
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (24 sc)
Row 2: Ch 2, Hdc in next sc, hdc in each sc across, turn (24 hdc)
Row 3: Ch 2, Hdc in next hdc, hdc in each hdc across, turn (24 hdc)
Row 4 – 12: Repeat row 3, turn (24 Hdc)
Pocket border: Row 13: Ch 1, Sc in each hdc across, 1 more sc in corner (do not turn, continue around square) Sc 22 times down side of square, 1 more sc in corner, Sc in each ch of beginning chain, 1 more sc in corner, Sc 22 times up other side of square, 1 more sc in corner, sl st in first sc, fasten off (96 sc around)
Attach pocket: Sew pocket flap to inside back of purse base, center flap between sides with top of pocket 13 stitches from beginning flap row, lay flat and do not stretch. Using taupe yarn and yarn needle sew flap sides and bottom for pocket.
Sew Purse seams: “See pic for marking and strap”
The purse piece including flap measures approximately 28 inches long x 14 inches wide before sewing together and felting. Lay the purse piece in front of you, with the vertical stripes going side to side, front side of material up, mark the 12th stitch on the side below the flap on both sides for the side seams. The first 11 stitches of the vertical stripe will become part of the flap for the purse. Using these markers as a guide crochet the seaming row below:
Purse Seaming Row: The chain 1 spaces will be where you sew the strap on.
With pocket facing you, Join (A) Taupe in the first edge ( marker) stitch below the flap and on the left side of where the pocket starts.
Ch 1, Sc in same stitch, Ch 1, Skip next stitch, Sc in 49 stitches down long side, Ch 1, Skip next stitch, Sc in next stitch, turning corner Sc in 34 stitches across bottom (top of bag when finished), turning corner Sc in next stitch, Ch 1, Skip next stitch, Sc in 49 stitches up other long side, Ch 1, Skip next stitch, Sc in next stitch, Slst in next stitch to secure, fasten off and weave in ends.
Finish:
Sew the 2 side seams of purse using taupe yarn and yarn needle, fasten off and weave in ends.
Braided Strap: Use 5 strands, one of each color held together for 1 chain. Make 3 chains.
Ch (124) measuring approximately 54 inches un-felted, leave a 12 inch tail at beginning and end of chain. Braid these 3 chains together medium tight until strap is approximately 45 to 47 inches long, knot the 15 strand tassel together tightly as close to braid as possible on each end with a slip knot. Divide tassel strands into half and thread one half into each side of seam chain hole from the outside to the inside of the top of purse, tie tassel once on inside, pull snug and thread back through seam chain hole to outside of purse, join strands together in front of braid and slip knot whole tassel as close as possible to braid. Repeat for other side of purse to form a strap. Trim tassel to about 9 or 10 inches.

“Pic Strap, markers, flap and Purse unfelted”

Finish and Felt:
Put the purse into a pillowcase, tie the top, put bag along with some clothing in the washer with detergent (do not use softener). Do a med. small load, use hot water on regular cycle (usually 15 minutes for wash and first rinse) turn off immediately after first rinse, remove bag before a full rinse/spin. Flatten and stretch purse and straps out on a large towel, carefully pull tassels apart (they will be clumpy like dreadlocks) measure, if you need to shrink purse more, repeat process. It usually takes 2 or 3 cycles of felting. When felted to the size you like, squeeze most of the water out, reshape and rework tassels, lay flat on a large work area between 2 clean towels, press down to absorb excess water. Cut a heavy piece of cardboard to fit purse, cover with saran wrap, place cardboard inside and let dry overnight. Again, stretch sides of purse, strap and tassels to shape. After felting, trim dreadlock tassels to 6 or 7 inches. Shave purse to remove fuzz and sew on a marble size button or bead for flap closure.