How to Knit a Closure for a Felted Handbag

Use your favorite wool yarn to create a perfectly felted handbag.

Felting is a process by which woolen fibers are matted, condensed and pressed, usually through heavy washing. Felting items, such as a knitted handbag, transforms the original texture and feel of the material. Adding a closure to your felted handbag gives a professional touch to your handcrafted item. A closure not only makes your handbag look well-made, but it keeps items in your purse safe and secure. You can use the felted pattern of your choice when creating the handbag, and customize your own closure if there is not one called for in the pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Handbag pattern
• 1 skein of 100% worsted weight wool yarn
• Knitting needles size 8
• Button in complementary color
• Yarn needle

Instructions

1. Choose a pattern for your handbag. Browse your favorite knitting and pattern books for instruction. Find a pattern specifically made for felted handbags. Using a regular handbag pattern without modifications may cause you to accidentally felt a handbag that ends up being too small.

2. Follow the instructions of the pattern for the handbag carefully. Bind off the stitches regularly when you get to the end of the pattern.

3. Create the button flap for the purse. Pick up the center 12 stitches at the end of the previous row with your needle. Attach a second skein of yarn to these stitches and knit across. Knit these 12 stitches for 16 rows.

4. Make the buttonhole. Knit four stitches, bind off four stitches, and knit four stitches for row 17. Turn work and knit four, cast on four, and knit four again. This completes the button hole. Continue knitting for the next four rows.

5. Bind off the stitches to end the flaps. Knit two together across the next row, creating six stitches. Knit the next row across. Knit two together across the next row for three stitches. Knit the next row and bind off. Weave in all ends.

6. Create the straps for the purse according to the pattern chosen. Attach the straps to the sides of the purse. Weave in the ends.

7. Sew the handbag together. Line up the seams evenly on each side of the purse and stitch together. Sew the button near the open edge of the purse, making sure the button is aligned with the flap.

8. Felt the handbag. After the purse has been completely constructed, place the purse in the washing machine with light detergent. Add a pair of jeans with the purse (this will increase the friction), and machine-wash warm to hot. Check the progress of the purse periodically. Hang to dry when finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wool yarn for proper felting. Synthetics and cotton cannot be felted so it is important to know the type of yarn you are using.

References

• "Fabulous and Flirty Felt: Stylish Handbag and Accessory Patterns"; Darlene Bruce; 2007
• "Pursenalities: 20 Great Knitted and Felted Bags"; Eva Wiechmann; 2004
• "100 Purses to Knit & Crochet"; Rita Weiss; 2007

Resources

• Ravelry: Knit Patterns