DIY Purse: Crafting with a Granny Square
One square is all it takes to make this purse, and using the ribbon loop it can be hung from your bag or belt too! You can follow the square pattern below or use one of your favourite patterns from this list of free granny square patterns.
What you need to make this purse...
- A small amount of any aran-weight yarn, we recommend Red Heart Super Saver in Shocking Pink (0718) and Lemon (0235)
- A 5mm (US H/8) hook
- A button, 12mm diameter
- Optional: 10mm ribbon, approx 40cm long
Purse measurements
Purse measures approx 10x10cm (4x4in)
Notes
Purse is worked in rounds, with RS facing throughout. Work over yarn tails to reduce the number of ends you need to weave in.
Granny square purse
First start by making a granny square.
Using Yarn A, make a magic loop.
Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), 2tr in loop, ch2, (3tr in loop, ch2) 3 times, ss to top of beg ch-3, turn. [12 sts, 4 ch-2 sps]
Fasten off.
With RS facing, join Yarn B in any ch-sp.
Round 2 (RS) Ch3, (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same sp as beg ch-3, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in each ch-sp around, ss to top of beg ch-3, turn. [24 sts, 4 ch-2 sps]
Fasten off.
With RS facing, join Yarn A in any ch-sp.
Round 3 Ch3, (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same sp as beg ch-3, *(tr, FPdtr around central tr in 3-tr group 2 rounds below, tr) in sp between 3-tr groups, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-sp; rep from * twice more, (tr, FPdtr around central tr in 3-tr group 2 rounds below, tr) in sp between 3-tr groups, ss to top of beg ch-3, turn. [36 sts, 4 ch-2 sps]
Fasten off.
With RS facing, join Yarn B in any ch-sp.
Round 4 Ch3, (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same sp as beg ch-3, *(tr in next sp between 3-tr groups, FPdtr around central tr in 3-tr group 2 rounds below, tr in same sp as prev tr) twice, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-sp; rep from * 3 times more, (tr in sp between 3-tr groups, FPdtr around central tr in 3-tr group 2 rounds below, tr in same sp as prev tr) twice, ss to top of beg ch-3. [48 sts, 4 ch-2 sps]
With RS facing, join Yarn A in any ch-sp.
Round 5 Ch3, (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same sp as beg ch-3, *(tr in next sp between 3-tr groups, FPdtr around central tr in 3-tr group 2 rounds below, tr in same sp as prev tr) 3 times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-sp; rep from * 3 times more, (tr in sp between 3-tr groups, FPdtr around central tr in 3-tr group 2 rounds below, tr in same sp as prev tr) 3 times, ss to top of beg ch-3. [60 sts, 4 ch-2 sps]
Fasten off and weave in ends.
DIY Purse
Now it's time to construct the purse.
With WS facing, fold 3 corners onto the centre and sew together.
Finishing touches
Turn so RS is facing and join Yarn B in fourth corner (corner not joined to rem three) to work around the opening.
Round 1 (RS) Ch1, (dc, ch6, dc) in ch-sp, dc in next 15 sts, dc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, dc in next 15 sts, ss to beg dc. [33 sts]
Fasten off.
Sew the button in line with ch-6 button loop.
Optional: thread the ribbon through top of the Purse and sew ends together to secure.
Granny Square Projects
Granny squares are great for practising and learning new stitches. Hold on to all those different squares and you can use them in a variety of projects. Even if they aren't exactly the same size, you can use them as a reference to get an idea of which types of squares will work best for certain projects.
Find your next granny square project
If you love working in the round but want a pattern that's a bit more of a challenge, take a look a look at this cool sweater.
