Double Post Crochet Purse

The season has definitely changed. Even here in southern California the evenings are cool, the vista is crisp and pastel tints are being replaced with darker shades. Definitely time for a change in the wardrobe - including the bag de jour. That makes it a wonderful time to revisit a favorite of mine. Actually a design of my own.

The Post Modern Purse works great in solid cotton. The texture provided by the crochet post work is all that is needed to give subtle (OK maybe not so subtle) interest. Make it plain or embellish with ribbon. The choice is yours.

Post Modern Purse
Designed by Lenora François Stewart
copyright 2007

This modern and functional draw-string purse features front and back post double crochet panels. Scallop finishing and drapery cord closure add glamour making this lined purse perfect for day to evening.

Finished Measurements
Approximately 9” wide x 7” high x 3” deep (excluding handles)

Materials
• Butterfly Super 10 Mercerized Cotton light (dk) weight yarn (4.5 oz/250 yds/125g per skein) 2 skeins # 3429 merlot or equivalent substitution
• Size E/4/3.5mm crochet hook
• Wrights Home Collection 27” drapery tieback with tassel at each end
• 1/4 yd. lining fabric

Gauge
10 dc = 2 inches; 5 pattern rows = 2 inches

Special Stitches
fpdc (Front Post Double Crochet) yo (yarn over), insert hook from front to back and to front again around the vertical post (upright part) of next st, yo and draw yarn through, yo and complete dc.
bpdc (Back Post Double Crochet) yo (yarn over), reaching over top of piece and working on opposite side (right side) of work, insert hook from right to left around vertical post of next st, yo and draw yarn through, yo and complete dc.

Note
Front, bottom, and back are worked as one panel. Side gussets complete the purse shape.

Main Purse Panel
Chain 87
Row 1: dc in 4th chain from end and in each chain across, turn (85 sts)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), dc each st across, turn (85 sts).
Row 3: rep Row 2
Row 4: Ch 3, dc across in top loop only, turn (85 sts)
Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next st, fpdc, [dc, fpdc] 16 times, 15 dc, fpdc, [dc, fpdc]16 times, 2 dc, turn. Note: The 15 dc will become the bottom of the purse
Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next st, bpdc, [dc bpdc] 16 times, 15 dc, bpdc [dc, bpdc] 16 times, 2 dc, turn.
Row 7: Repeat Row 5
Row 8: Repeat Row 6
Row 9: Repeat Row 5
Rows 10 – 16: Repeat Row 2
Rows 17 – 21: Repeat Rows 5 – 9
Row 22: Repeat Row 4
Rows 23 – 24: Repeat Row 2

Gusset
(Make 2)
Chain 37
Row 1: dc in 4th chain from end and in each chain across, turn (35 sts)
Rows 2 – 7: Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), dc in each dc across (35 sts)

Lining
Using Main Purse Panel and side gussets as pattern, cut one panel, and 2 gussets from lining fabric adding seam allowances. With RS facing, sew lining pieces together. Fold top edge 1/2” to WS and stitch in place. Set aside.

Finishing Purse
Holding wrong sides together, sc bottom edge of gusset to first 35 dcs of Main Purse Panel, sc side of gusset to the 15 dcs of bottom of purse, then sc top of gusset to next 35 dcs. Repeat for 2nd gusset.

Work Scallop Edge along top of purse as follows:
Sl st in any corner and work *5 dc in next space, sc in next space * Repeat from * around opening.

Beginning at middle of one gusset insert one tassel end of drapery tie; weave through under scallop stitches skipping from center of one post work panel to the center of the next post work panel to form handle; continue around to middle of second gusset. Repeat with second tassel end for 2nd handle. Tie cord together so tassels hang on one gusset end.

Slip stitch lining to inside of purse below scallop edge.