Small Felted Purse

In this easy purse knitting pattern, the entire purse including the handles is shaped before felting. The purse is knit in two pieces and seamed around the bottom and sides. Felting smooths out any mistakes. 

Materials:

• Yarn: Caron International’s Felt-It (100% wool; 1.76 oz/50 g, 105 yds/95 m): #0001 Adobe, 4 balls (MC)
• Knitting Needles: One pair US size 11 (8 mm) needles OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
• Markers
• Yarn needle
• 5 yards each Simply Soft (100% acrylic; 3 oz/85 g, 157 yds/144 m): #9503 Woodland Heather (A) and #9703 Bone (B)  for overcast stitch trim
• Row counter (optional)

Measurements: After felting: Approx 11"/28 cm tall x 14"/ 35.5 cm wide (at bottom)
 

Gauge:

12 sts and 15 rows = 4”/10 cm before felting

16 sts and 29 rows = 4”/10 cm after felting
 

Instructions:

PURSE (Make 2 pieces)

With MC, cast on 58 sts.

Work in St st, dec 1 st each side every 6 rows 4 times – 50 sts.

Work even in St st for 11 rows.

Inc 1 st each side of next row, then every 6 rows 3 times -- 58 sts. 

Mark each side of last row.

Flap/Handle:

Work even in St st for 9" from marker.

Bind off.

FINISHING

Sew side and bottom seams, leaving sides open above markers.

Felting:

Completely assemble bag (see Finishing). Place bag inside a pillow case and close. Using hottest possible water setting and approximately 2 tablespoons (one capful) liquid hand soap in washing machine. Place bag in washer with an old pair of jeans (for agitation). Check the felting process every minute after six minutes. It will take six to eight minutes of agitation to felt. When you are pleased with the felting, remove the bag  from washer; gently squeeze water from piece. Fill the washer with the same level of cold water. Place bag in washer for another minute – the cold water will make the bag felt. Run spin cycle for approximately 30 seconds. Remove from washer and gently stretch into shape and allow to dry.

Handles:

Cut both flaps to shape to form handles foll picture (semi oval shape approx 13 " wide x 4 " tall). Cut out center area foll picture (approx 4 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" tall). Using A yarn, overcast around top and insides of handles. Overcast again with B yarn.