Cluster spike stitches add an edge to a delicate feminine accessory. Easy to stitch and work up, this simple clutch will be your go-to for a night out.
Skill Level: Easy
Size: 6 3/4” wide x 6” long, when folded
Gauge: 9 sc and 11 rows = 2”
Materials
Yarn: Skacel Zitron Lifestyle (100% merino extrafine superwash wool; 170 yards [155 meters]/50 grams): Denim (A, 1 ball), Tomato (B, 1 ball)
Hook: US size D/3 (3.25 mm) hook
Pattern Notes
Clutch is worked in one piece, then folded over and attached at the sides.
Color A is carried across row when working Spike Cluster rows. Color B is cut when done with Spike Cluster row.
Special Stitches
Spike Cluster (Spike Cl): Insert hook 2 sts to the right and 1 row below and draw up a loop, insert hook 1 st to the right and 2 rows below and draw up loop, insert hook 3 rows below and draw up loop, insert hook 1 st to the left and 2 rows below and draw up loop, insert hook 2 sts to the left and 1 row below and draw up loop, yo, draw through 6 loops.
Pattern
With A ch 38.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (37 sc)
Rows 2-4: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. At end of row 4, change to B.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first 3 sc, *Spike Cl,** sc in next 5 sc, rep from * across ending last rep at **, sc in last 3 sc, turn.
Rows 6-8: Rep rows 2-4, changing to B at the end of row 8.
Row 9: Ch 1, sc in first 6 sc, *Spike Cl, sc in next 5 sc, rep from * across, sc in last sc, turn.
Rows 10-65: Rep rows 2-9. At end of row 65, do not change to A, but continue with B.
Rows 66-70: Ch 1, sc in each st across.
Finishing
The fabric tends to bias with this stitch. Do a light wet block, merely dampening the fabric rather than a full soak, to even out the edges. To keep the fabric sufficiently firm for a clutch, don’t stretch it out too much, just enough to define a clean rectangle shape.
Close Up Sides of Bag
The last 4 rows in color B are the top of the bag. With RS facing, join A at side of row 1 at bottom right.
Row 1: Ch 1, work sc in each row end, cont along entire right edge, including border in B, working stitches fairly tight so they match the size of rows; if you find the edge growing in relation to your bag fabric, then they are too big – you can go down a hook size or work more tightly. Turn.
Row 2: Sl st in next 16 sc. Fold first row up so that it lines up with the next row. Holding front and back pieces together, sl st through both pieces to join them, till reaching bottom of bag. Slip sts should match the size of the sc just worked, so that they don’t cause the fabric to pucker or grow.
On opposite side of bag, with RS facing, join yarn A at top left corner of flap, ch 1, work sc to bottom. Cut yarn and rejoin at fold on bottom left, work row of sl sts. This keeps sl sts looking the same on right and left of bag.