Crochet Level: Easy

Materials: 

• Aspen (2 skeins) or 240 yards 5 weight yarn
• 6.5 mm crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge, most testers used either a 6.5 mm or 7 mm hook to achieve gauge.
• Large eyed needle for weaving in ends and sewing on handles
• Scissors
• 2 - 6” to 8” diameter round purse handles, these are the handles I used

Gauge:

11 sts X 11 rows = 4”

Pattern for Gauge:

Ch 12.

Row 1: Hdcslst in 2nd ch from hook and each across. (11)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc each st across.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, hdcslst each st across.

Rows 4-11: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 4 times.

Finished Dimensions:

Base width: 5” across

Top width: 15” across

Height: 15” length (including handles)

Stitches:

Ch = chain

Hdc = half double crochet

Hdcslst = half double crochet slip stitch

RS = right side

Slst = slip stitch

St(s) = stitch(es)

WS = wrong side

Yo = yarn over

Special Stitches:

Half double crochet slip stitch (hdcslst) = yo, insert hook into indicated st, yo, pull through st and both loops on hook. 

Pattern Notes:

• All directions are written in US Crochet Terms.
• Pattern is worked in turned rows.
• Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
• Center vertical panel is created first, side panels are worked horizontal and attached as they are worked, purse body is then sewn to handles.

We’re back for the next step which is creating the side panels. You’re going to be joining-as-you-go for these panels. Just take it nice and slow, and you won’t have any problems. 

Side Panels

With RS facing, attach yarn to 28th st from the right-hand side.

Row 1: Ch 1, hdc in same and next 3 sts, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [4 hdc]

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 4, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [4 hdcslst]

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 2, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [6 hdc]

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 6, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [6 hdcslst]

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 4, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [8 hdc]

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 8, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [8 hdcslst]

Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 6, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [10 hdc]

Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 10, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [10 hdcslst]

Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 8, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [12 hdc]

Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 12, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [12 hdcslst]

Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 10, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [14 hdc]

Row 12: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 14, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [14 hdcslst]

Row 13: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 12, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [16 hdc]

Row 14: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 16, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [16 hdcslst]

Row 15: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 14, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [18 hdc]

Row 16: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 18, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [18 hdcslst]

Row 17: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 16, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [20 hdc]

Row 18: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 20, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [20 hdcslst]

Row 19: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 18, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [22 hdc]

Row 20: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 22, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [22 hdcslst]

Row 21: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 20, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [24 hdc]

Row 22: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 24, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [24 hdcslst]

Row 23: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 22, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [26 hdc]

Row 24: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 26, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [26 hdcslst]

Row 25: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 24, 2 hdc in last st, slst in next 2 sts from center panel. [28 hdc]

Row 26: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, hdcslst in next 28, slst next 2 sts from center panel. [28 hdcslst]

Row 27: Ch 1, turn, sk 2 slsts, 2 hdc, hdc in next 26, 2 hdc in last st, slst in last st from center panel. [30 hdc]

Row 28: Ch 1, turn, sk slst, hdcslst in next 30, slst in last st from center panel. [30 hdcslst]

Row 29: Ch 1, turn, hdc across. [30 hdc]

Row 30: Ch 1, turn, hdcslst across. [30 hdcslst]

Row 31: Ch 1, turn, hdc across. [30 hdc]

Row 32: Ch 1, turn, hdcslst across. [30 hdcslst]

Fasten off.

Repeat Side Panel on other side.

Well, look at that! You have almost a full handbag made! Are you dreaming of the perfect outfit to wear with it or the perfect location to use it? I’m heading to the coast with mine. It’s big enough to carry a small crochet project, my wallet, sunglasses and maybe a snack! 

Come back next week to learn how to attach your handles. It’s a small step, but it is a bit time consuming. See you next week!