Drawing inspiration from the current trend of knotted handles, this purse offers a nod to nostalgic styles, merging functionality with a touch of timeless elegance. Crafted entirely with the basketweave stitch, this charming underarm bag exudes a small, slouchy silhouette while ensuring ample space for all your essentials.

Time: Three Day Pattern

Skill level: Intermediate

Size: Finished purse measures 9.5” x 8” (not including handle)

Purse strap is 18.5” with the knot

Gauge: 22 sts and 15 rows = 4” [10 cm] in FPdc

Materials

Yarn: King Cole Cottonsmooth DK (100% mercerised cotton, 218 yards [200 metres]/100g: 3532 Red (3 balls)

Hook: US size E/5 3.75 mm

Notions: Markers, tapestry needle, magnetic snap fastener 0.5” (14 mm)

Pattern notes

This pattern is worked in rows side to side. Pattern is worked in two pieces then assembled. The pattern is made flat.

The pattern is worked using FPdc and BPdc stitches to create a basket weave effect.

The starting chains count as the first st on each row.

Pattern

Main body

Ch 47.

Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in each ch across. (46)

Row 2: Ch 2 (does count as a st here and throughout), turn, 4 FPdc, *4 BPdc, 4 FPdc; rep from * 4 times, 1 hdc.

Rows 3-4: Ch 2, turn, 4 BPdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 4 times, 1 hdc.

Rows 5-6: Ch 2, turn, 4 FPdc, *4 BPdc, 4 FPdc; rep from * 4 times, 1 hdc.

Row 7: Rep row 3.

Row 8: Ch 5, turn, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 3 hdc, 4 BPdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 4 times, 1 hdc. (50)

Row 9: Ch 5, turn, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 3 hdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 5 times, 1 hdc. (54)

Row 10: Ch 2, turn, 4 BPdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 5 times, 1 hdc.

Rows 11-12: Ch 2, turn, 4 FPdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 5 times, 1 hdc.

Rows 13-14: Ch 2, turn, 4 BPdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 5 times, 1 hdc.

Row 15-54: Rep rows 11-14.

Row 55: Ch 2, turn, 4 FPdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 5 times, 1 hdc.

Row 56: Turn, 5 sl st, 4 BPdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 4 times, 1 hdc, leave the last 4 sts unworked. (50)

Rows 57-58: Ch 2, turn, 4 FPdc, *4 BPdc, 4 FPdc; rep from * 4 times, 1 hdc. (46)

Rows 59-60: Ch 2, turn, 4 BPdc, *4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * 4 times, 1 hdc.

Row 61-62: Ch 2, turn, 4 FPdc, *4 BPdc, 4 FPdc; rep from * 4 times, 1 hdc.

Fasten off.

Strap

Ch 19

Row 1: Dc in 3rd chain from hook, dc in each ch across. (18)

Rows 2-3: Ch 2, turn, 4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * once, 1 hdc.

Rows 4-5: Ch 2, turn, 4 BPdc, 4 FPdc; rep from * once, 1 hdc.

Row 6-89: Rep rows 2-5

Row 90: Ch 2, turn, 4 FPdc, 4 BPdc; rep from * once, 1 hdc.

Strap should measure 27”. If you prefer, add additional rows to lengthen the strap.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Block your pieces flat.

Fold the main body in half and sew each side together.

Sew together the long sides of the strap.

Sew each end of the strap closed.

Sew one end of the strap to the inside of the purse at the top of the side seam.

Knot the strap, placing the knot wherever you prefer along the strap. Sew the other end of the strap to the opposite side.

Attach the metallic fastener to the flaps of the bag, halfway across, 2-3 rows from the edge.