Felted Holly Purse

I made this small crochet purse for my granddaughter Holly. Follow this free crochet purse pattern to make your own.
 

 
Materials:

• Wool 3.5 oz./100 g- 1 – Gold
• Small amount of – Taupe, Light Green and Red
• Crochet Hook size M and Crochet Hook size L
• Yarn Needle

Note: Ch 2 at beginning of row counts as first hdc, worked with a single strand. Purse is approximately 12 ½ inches wide x 10 inches high and strap 42 inches, un-felted.

After felting purse is approximately 10 inches wide x 8 inches high and strap 36 inches and will stretch a few inches.

Purse Base:   With Gold and hook M, Ch 33
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (32 sc)
Row 2 : Ch 2, hdc in next sc, hdc in each sc across, turn (32 hdc)
Row 3 - 5 : Ch 2, Hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across, turn
Row 6: Ch 2, Hdc in next 5 hdc, *Ch1, Skip next hdc, Hdc in next hdc (10 times), Hdc in next 6 hdc, turn (22 hdc + 10 Spaces)
Row 7: Ch 2, Hdc in next 5 hdc, *Ch1, Skip next space, Hdc in next hdc (*10 times), Hdc in next 6 hdc, turn (22 hdc + 10 Spaces)
Row 8: Ch 2, Hdc in next hdc and all hdc and spaces across, turn (32 hdc)
Rows 9 - 10: Repeat row 3 for each row (32 hdc)
Row 11 - 12: Repeat rows 6 and 7
Row 13: Repeat row 8
Rows 14 - 30: Repeat row 3 for each row (32 hdc)
Row 31 - 32: Repeat rows 6 and 7 (32 hdc)
Row 33: Repeat row 8 (32 hdc)
Row 34 - 35: Repeat row 3 (32 hdc)
Row 36 - 37: Repeat rows 6 and 7 (32 hdc)
Row 38: Repeat row 8 (32 hdc)
Row 39 - 41: Repeat row 3 (32 hdc)
Row 42: Sc in each hdc across, turn (32 sc) fasten off Gold and go to Flap

Flap:  Note: when using the term “stitches” (includes sc in row + slst at each end)

*Mark the first and last stitch of row 4 for making and sewing seam side of purse.

With L hook join Taupe.
Row 1: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, turn (32 sc)
Row 2 through 6: (See *), Ch 2, Hdc in each sc across, turn (32 hdc)
Row 7: Do not ch, Slst in first and second hdc, Ch 1, Hdc in next 28 hdc, Slst in next hdc, turn (30 stitches)
Row 8: Do not ch, Slst in second hdc, Ch 1, Sc in next 26 hdc, Slst in next hdc, turn (28 stitches)
Row 9: Do not ch, Slst in second sc, Ch 1, Sc in next 24 sc, Slst in next sc, turn (26 stitches)
Row 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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.

Chain Stripes:   Use L Hook and make 8 chains for weaving into purse spaces.

Use 3 strands, one each of red, green, and taupe held together for chains. Chain (19) measuring approximately 6 inches un-felted, leave a 6 inch tail at beginning and end for each chain. Front of work facing, weave 1 chain in and out of the chain 2 spaces on rows 6 and 7, 11 and 12, 31 and 32, 36 and 37, tying off tassels in the hdc at each end of the chain 2 spaces. This is for decoration on the front side and back side of the purse.

Purse sides for strap:
Back of work facing, with M hook and Taupe join yarn in marked stitch of row 4 flap (flap at top left side)
Row 1: Ch 1, Sc 52 sc down side of purse, Ch,1 more in last stitch, going around corner Sc in each beginning 32 chains, Ch,1 more in last stitch, going around corner Sc 52 sc up other side of purse, turn (138)
Row 2: Ch 1, Sc in each sc around adding 1 sc at beginning and end of chain row section near corners, turn (140)
Row 3: Repeat row 2, turn (142)
Row 4: Ch1, Sc in first 2 sc, *Ch 2, Skip next 2 sc, Sc in next 2 sc, Repeat * 11 times, Sc in next 2 sc, (corner) 2 sc in next sc, Sc in next 36 sc, 2 Sc in next sc, (corner) Sc in next 2 sc, *Ch 2, Skip next 2 sc, Sc in next 2 sc, Repeat * 11 times, Sc in next 2 sc, fasten off, weave in ends, make and attach pocket.

Pocket: With L Hook and 2 strands of Gold Ch 23
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (22 sc)
Row 2: Ch 2, Hdc in next sc, hdc in each sc across, turn (22 hdc)
Row 3: Ch 2, Hdc in next hdc, hdc in each hdc across, turn (22 hdc)
Row 4 – 10: Repeat row 3, turn (22 Hdc) fasten off

Attach pocket: Sew pocket flap to inside back of purse base, center pocket between sides with top of it below taupe starting flap row, lay flat and do not stretch. Using gold yarn and yarn needle sew sides and bottom for pocket. Weave in loose ends.

Sew Purse seams:

The purse, including flap measures approximately 26 inches long x 12 ½” inches wide before sewing together and felting. Lay the purse piece in front of you, with the front side facing and flap up, mark the top stitch on the side 4 rows above the strap spaces on both sides for the side seams. The first 4 rows of flap will become part of the sides of purse. Using these markers as a guide sew seam through Sc and Ch stitches on both sides:

Purse Seaming Row: The chain 3 spaces will be where you weave the strap in.

Braided Strap:   Use L Hook and make the following 3 chains for strap.

Use 3 strands, one each of red, green, and taupe held together for 2 chains. Use 2 strands, one each of red and green held together for 1 chain.  Chain (160) measuring approximately 54 – 56  inches un-felted, leave a 10 inch tail at beginning and end for each chain.

Braid these 3 chains together, medium tight, knot the 8 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 inside to outside of bottom of purse seam, bring tassel back together and tie with a slip knot to outside, pull snug, thread braid back through seam in and out of side seam through chain holes to top of purse, repeat threading braid down other side of purse in same manner, keeping strap straight, when you get to bottom chain hole, divide tassel strands into half and thread into each side of seam chain hole from inside to outside of bottom of purse seam, bring tassel back together and tie with a slip knot, pull snug, Trim tassel to about 5 or 6 inches.

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 and do not spin). 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/spin, remove bag before a full rinse/spin. Flatten and stretch the 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.