I wanted to make a fun little purse for my soon to be 5 years old. She needed something small, yet big enough to carry the essentials… you know… crayons and a few index cards to color on when we are out and about.
The thing about this bag is that it is charming and stylish for any age! It is big enough to hold your cell phone, wallet, keys, and Chapstick, yet small enough so that you aren’t lugging around a monstrosity. All you need to do is change the strap size! Make a strap size long enough for the purse to rest at your hip or long enough to fit across your shoulder as a cross-body purse.
Southwestern Chevron Hip Purse
Supplies:
Sizes H and N crochet hook
Yarn needle
2 buttons (I used 1 1/4 inch oblong wooden buttons)
Worsted weight cotton yarn in 5 colors (I used A: Dark Brown, B: Light Brown, C: Ecru, D: Orange, E: Blue)
Special Instructions:
Note the colors I used above. You may use those colors or any colors of your choice. Either way, the color pattern will be the same. Each color, defined by A, B, C, D, or E, will represent 1 row. (You will not be prompted in the pattern instructions to change colors.)
The color pattern is as follows:
A C C B D D B A B B C E E C
You will repeat this pattern three times. The final row (Row 43) will be worked with color A. This is the button hole row. The buttonholes will be made by the stitch: (sc, ch 4, sc). Adjust the number of chains you make to fit snugly around the buttons you choose to use.
Pattern:
ch 35
Row 1: sc 2 in second ch from hook, * sc in each of the next 4 ch, skip 2 ch, sc in each of the next 4 ch, 3 sc in the next ch, repeat from * to last ch, working 2 sc in the last ch. Turn.
Row 2: ch 1, sc 2 in the first st, * sc in each of the next 4 sts, skip 2 sts, sc in each of the next 4 sts, 3 sc in the next st, repeat from * to last st, working 2 sc in the last st. Turn.
Rows 3-42: repeat row 2.
Row 43: ch 1, sc 2 in the first st, * sc in each of the next 4 sts, skip 2 sts, sc in each of the next 4 sts, (sc, ch 4, sc) in next stitch, repeat from * to last st, working 2 sc in the last st.
Finish off and weave in all ends.
Sew Sides:
Fold so that the sides of row 1 lines up with the sides of row 32. Use yarn and yarn needle to sew the sides together.
Strap:
You will use the N hook for the strap, working with all 5 colors together.
Step 1: Locate the top stitches of the sides that you sewed together. On the left side, insert hook, going through both stitches going from the front of the purse to the back. Pull all strands of yarn through together. (depending on how tight your stitches are, it may be necessary to use your H hook to pull the strands through. If so, simply do so and switch to your N hook now.)
Step 2: Pull a length of about 5 inches and make a slip knot together with the working yarn so that the end hangs down and you have a working loop on your hook.
Step 3: working with all 5 strands, ch 90 (for a child’s purse) or to desired length.
Step 4: Being careful not to twist the strap, (use H hook if necessary) pull through the top stitches on the right side of the purse. Slip knot and cut, leaving a 5 inch tail.
Step 5: Knot and trim both tassels.
Note: All patterns are written in American terms.