How to Crochet a Pocketbook

Simple handbags can be crocheted in a few hours.

Crocheted pocketbooks add individuality to your wardrobe. Simple models can be worn unadorned or dressed up with embellishments such as trims, ribbons, buttons, beads and more. Light and lacy crochet stitches need to be lined, but pocketbooks made of afghan or Tunisian stitch have a much tighter finish and don’t require a lining. Select economical, sturdy, worsted-weight yarns and let the afghan stitch provide texture and interest. Use two yarn colors and switch off after every completed two-part row of afghan stitch for a different look.

Things You'll Need

• 2 skeins worsted weight (#4) yarn
• Size J/10 afghan crochet hook
• Size J/10 crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• 2 – 1 1/4-inch D-rings
• 1 – 1-inch diameter button

Instructions

1. Use an afghan crochet hook and chain 44 stitches. Insert the hook in the first chain stitch, yarn over and pull a loop onto the hook. Repeat for the remaining chain stitches until you have 44 loops on the hook. This is the first half of a row of afghan or Tunisian crochet. Do not turn the work.

2. Yarn over and pull through one loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops; repeat to the end of the row – 44 stitches. This completes the second half of the row.

3. Insert the hook behind the vertical bar of the first stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop on the hook. Repeat across, keeping the loops on the hook. At the end stitch, go behind the whole stitch to pull up the loop – 44 stitches.

4. Work off the loops as in Step 2. Repeat rows of afghan stitch until the piece is 24 inches long. Finish on a second half row so you have one loop left on hook. Do not fasten off. Mark the center of the piece for a button loop.

5. Crochet the edging: chain one and single crochet in the next stitch. Single crochet in each stitch around the piece until you come to a corner. Work three single crochets in each corner stitch. Continue around and slip stitch to join the row. Slip stitch in each stitch around to the center marker, chain seven and slip stitch in next single to make a button loop. Finish slip stitching around the piece. Fasten off.

6. Crochet the two side gussets. Chain 10. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Single crochet in the remaining eight chain stitches. Turn, chain one and single crochet in each single across – nine stitches. Repeat until the piece is 8 inches long. Do not fasten off.

7. Make the gusset edging: Chain one and single crochet in first stitch. Single crochet around edge with three singles in each corner. Fasten off. Make the second gusset.

8. Match the corner of a gusset to the front corner of the bag. Pin the gusset in place so that the side with the button loop forms a front flap. Sew the gusset to the bag with a yarn needle and yarn. Reinforce corners. Repeat with the other gusset to form the pocketbook.

9. Chain 81 stitches to begin the strap. Work three single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Single crochet in each remaining chain. At the last chain, work two more singles in the same stitch. Turn and work a single in the bottom of each chain stitch to the end. Fasten off.

10. Sew a D-ring to the top of each gusset. Sew the ends of the strap to each D-ring. Weave in all yarn tails. Center and sew a 1-inch button on the front of the bag for the closure.

References

• “Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today's Top Crocheters”; Jean Leinhauser eta al; 2010
• “Bag Style: 20 Inspirational Handbags, Totes, and Carry-alls to Knit and Crochet”; Pam Allen; 2007