Lion Brand^® Microspun

GAUGE:

39 sts = 11 inches [28 cm] in Pattern st with 2 strands of MC held tog on larger needles.
20 sts + 26 rows = 4 inches [10 cm] in Stockinette st (k on RS, p on WS) with 1 strand of MC on smaller needles.

BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

STITCH EXPLANATION:

M1 (make 1 st) An increase worked by lifting the horizontal thread lying between the needles and placing it onto the left needle. Work this new stitch through the back loop. ssk (slip, slip, knit) Slip next 2 sts as if to knit, one at a time, to right needle; insert left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and k them tog. PATTERN STITCH Row 1 (RS) Knit. Row 2 K 1, *p 1, k 1; repeat from * across. Repeat Rows 1-2 for Pattern st.

BACK

With larger needles and 2 strands of MC held tog, cast on 39 sts. Work in Pattern st until piece measures 11 inches [28 cm], ending with a RS row. Knit 1 row to form folding ridge. Work 9 more rows in pattern. Knit 1 row to form 2nd folding ridge. Work 2 more rows in pattern.

Dec Row (RS) (K2tog) 2 times, work in pattern to last 4 sts, (k2tog) 2 times.

Continuing in pattern, repeat Dec Row every RS row until 7 sts remain. Bind off all sts.

FRONT

Work as for Back until piece measures 11 inches [28 cm]. Bind off all sts.

SIDE GUSSET

With RS facing and beg at top edge of Front, pick up and knit 39 sts along side edge, pick up and knit 39 sts across bottom edge, pick up and knit 39 sts along other side edge – 117 sts. Beg with a WS row, work 9 rows in Pattern st. Bind off all sts.

FINISHING

Sew sides and bottom of Back to Side Gusset.

Cord Edge

Make one 44 inches [112 cm] length to edge Front and one long enough to edge 3 sides of Back and Flap with a loop for button closure.

With smaller needles and 1 strand of MC, cast on 4 sts. *Slide sts to other end of double-pointed needles and knit them, pulling yarn tightly across the back of the work. (Do not turn work.) Repeat from * until Cord measures desired length. Bind off.

Sew Cord to edge of Purse. Sew button below button loop.

Handle

Make 36 inches [91.5 cm] Cord as above. Fold in half and sew ends to top of side seams at Back of Purse.

Flowers – Make 5, 1 in each of CC2 through CC6

Note Leave a long tail for sewing to Purse Back.

With smaller needles and 1 strand of CC, cast on 37 sts.

Row 1 (RS) K 1, (p 1, k 1) across.

Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8 Knit the M1 and k sts, and purl the p sts as they appear.

Row 3 K 1, *p 1, M1, k 1; repeat from * across – 55 sts.

Row 5 K 1, *p 2, M1, k 1; repeat from * across – 73 sts.

Row 7 K 1, *p 3, M1, k 1; repeat from * across – 91 sts.

Row 9 K 1, *p 4, M1, k 1; repeat from * across – 109 sts.

Bind off all sts as if to purl. Thread tail through cast on edge; pull tightly to ruffle, form into a tight spiral and secure.

Leaves – Make 8

With smaller needles and 1 strand of CC1, cast on 3 sts.

Row 1 (RS) Knit.

Row 2 and all even-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Rows 3, 5, and 7 K 1, M1, k to last st, M1, k 1 – 9 sts at end of Row 7.

Rows 9, 11, and 13 Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 3 sts at end of Row 13.

Row 15 Slip 2 sts as if to k2tog, k 1, pass 2 slipped sts over – 1 st.

Fasten off.

Place 2 Leaves with WS together and sew around. Sew Flowers to Back of Purse; then sew Leaves where desired.

Stems

With smaller needles and 1 strand of CC1, make short Cords (as above) to connect Flowers and Leaves.

Optional

Line Purse and/or embellish with sequins and beads, if desired.

  Learn to Knit instructions:  http://learnToKnit.LionBrand.com