Diamond Lace Purse by Jem Arrowsmith

Diamond Lace Purse

Knitting
May 2020
Aran (8 wpi) ?
19 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette
US 6 - 4.0 mm
110 - 150 yards (101 - 137 m)
One size
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

This cute little clutch purse is the perfect accessory – big enough to hold your essentials and small enough for a quick knit project. You could even use it as a little project bag to hold your smaller knitting projects!

The pattern is designed for beginner knitters looking to try some new techniques such as increases, buttonholes and a simple lace pattern. Or if you don’t fancy the lace you could just knit the front flap without the lace pattern, or maybe use a contrast colour for a really striking look!

The purse in the pattern photo was knit using a chunky yarn, although you could use any weight. The trick is to go down a few needle sizes to what you would usually use with the yarn weight so as to produce a nice sturdy fabric with tight stitches that will hold the shape and not be too flimsy.

The purse is cast on at the flap edge and worked as one flat piece with garter stitch rows used to mark the folding lines. The edges are then sewn together at the end and a pretty button added for a final flourish!

The I-cord wrist strap is optional. Video tutorials for the I-cord, the buttonhole and the stitches used are linked in the pattern.

The purse is easy to customise to make it longer, or make it into a shoulder bag, details are given in the pattern.

Stitches used: Slipped stitches, knit, purl, k2tog, ssk, yo, m1l, m1r

Sizes: One size

Measurements:

The finished purse measures 9.5” / 24cm length and 5.3” / 13.5cm depth when blocked.

Materials Used:

• 60g / 2.1 oz, 110 yds / 100m Chunky Yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Chunky Yarn, 100g / 166m - 100% Superwash Bluefaced Leicester Wool in the Clear Water colour
• 1 set of 4mm needles
• A button, about 1” in diameter
• 6 pins
• Tapestry needle for sewing up the sides and weaving the ends in

• Optional – 2 x 4mm double pointed needles for an I-cord wrist strap (a video tutorial is provided in the pattern)

Gauge: 19 stitches and 29 rows to 4” / 10cm in stockinette stitch after blocking