How to Crochet a Bridal Money Purse

This elegant money purse is a great gift for that special bride-to-be. It's made of crochet cotton and either metallic thread or glossy embroidery floss. This purse can be made on a Saturday afternoon and given to that special person. Adding a light blue ribbon as the drawstring and a sewn in satin lining makes it a wonderful unique present that is sure to be cherished for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Crochet cotton size 10, 100 yards white
• Metallic embroidery thread (50 yds per spool), 3 spools pearlescent white or silver
• Steel crochet hook, size C
• 80 (4mm) mix of pearls and crystals
• Tapestry needle
• Clear nylon thread
• Scissors
• Satin lining (6 inches x 8 inches)

Instructions

Making of the Body of the Purse

1. Know the abbreviations. CH = Chain; DC = Double Chain; SC = single chain; REM = Remaining; Sl ST = slip stitch.

2. Crochet Row 1. Holding one strand of cotton and embroidery thread together throughout, make a slip knot and pass through the hook, crochet a chain of 4, join these to form a ring. CH 3, 11 DC inside the ring, join to 3CH (should be 12 DC total).

3. Crochet Row 2. CH 3, DC in same stitch as joining, 2 DC in each stitch around, join in 3rd CH of beginning CH-3 (24 DC).

4. Crochet Row 3. CH 3, DC in same stitch as joining, DC in next stitch. 2 DC in next stitch, 1 DC, repeat, join in 3rd CH of beginning CH-3 (36 DC).

5. Crochet Row 4. CH 3, DC in same stitch as joining; DC next 2 stitches; 2 DC in next DC. DC in next 2 stitches; repeat around, join in 3rd CH of beginning CH-3 (48 DC).

6. Crochet Row 5. CH 3, DC in same stitch as joining; DC in next 3 DC, 2 DC in next stitch, DC in each of next 3 stitches, repeat around, join in 3rd CH of beginning CH-3 (60 DC). Should be approximately 3 inches wide by this time. This is the bottom of the purse.

7. Crochet Rows 6-8. Start body of purse. CH 3, DC in each stitch around, joining in top half of stitch. Join in 3rd CH of beginning CH-3.

8. Crochet Row 9. CH 1, SC in same stitch as joining, SC in each remaining DC around, join in beginning SC.

9. Crochet Row 10. CH 3, working behind CH-3, DC in previous SC (creating "x"), skipping a SC, DC in 2nd SC from current spot. DC in SC in between, repeat, making an "X" pattern around, join in 3rd CH of beginning CH-3.

10. Crochet Rows 11 & 12. Rep Row 9. Row 13: Rep Row10. Row 14: Rep Row 9.

11. Crochet Row 15. CH 3, DC in each stitch around, join, in 3rd CH of beginning CH-3.

12. Crochet Rows 16-21. Rep Row 15.

13. Crochet Rows 22-27. Repeat rows 9 to 14.

14. Crochet Row 28. CH 3, 2 DC in next 2 stitches, SC, 3 DC in next 3 stitches, SC, repeat around; join CH at beginning CH-3.

15. Crochet Row 29. SL ST to next SC space, CH3, 2 DC in same space; CH 3; 3 DC in next SC space, repeat around; join in 3rd CH of beginning CH-3.

16. Crochet Rnd 30. SL ST to middle DC of previous row; 7 DC in next 3 SC space; SC in middle DC of next 3 DC group; 7 DC in next 3 SC space (creates scalloped look); repeat around. Finish off at last SC, fasten off by pulling last stitch tight. Cut both threads approximately 2 inches from last stitch and cut with scissors, weave in loose ends.

Finishing

1. Make a drawstring. Use 2 strands of either ribbon or crochet a mixed string of cotton/thread approximately 15 inches long each. Weave into row 29, in and out 3 DC sets; tie the knots at opposite ends so that the purse can be drawn together from both sides.

2. Sew on the crystals and pearls. Using about 12 inches of nylon thread and the tapestry needle, sew 1 pearl or crystal over every 2nd SC around the purse; between rows 11 and 12, and between 24 and 25.

3. Sew in a lining. Sew a piece of satin (approx 6 inches x 8 inches), around in a tube shape with one end open, one end sewn together. Set it inside the finished purse, shiny side inside, fold top down and back to hide cut edge, tack it around the opening of the purse, below drawstring. Knot and tie off thread, weave inside the lining so that the final thread does not show.

Tips & Warnings

• Join rounds with a slip stitch unless otherwise stated.

Resources

• Free crochet patterns.