The Cerulean Purse

Hi friends!

With all the things that’s happening around us, I trust that you are staying home, safe and doing great! I know it’s hard but we are all in this together! We all have to do our part and let’s be patient! We will come out victorious! The enemy – COVID-19 – will be defeated! It may take some time but I do believe we will defeat it!

Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM)

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you have probably read or heard the sad news! Yes, it’s a sad news! My grandmother passed away last week, not with COVID-19 but of old age. It hurts so bad not only because she’s gone but also because I couldn’t go home (Philippines) to attend her wake and funeral. Anyways, I’m thankful for our technology, it makes us all closer together even when we’re apart. I feel much better now!

Like I always say, crafting plays a very important role in my life. In times like this, crocheting and knitting help me a lot. Instead of thinking unnecessary thoughts, I just occupy my mind with my crafts. I have been doing pattern tests and also designing my own patterns.

Speaking of patterns, let’s talk about my new design. I call it the Cerulean Purse. The pattern name was taken from the color of my purse. I love the color blue, so I searched for other terms for this color and I found and settled with cerulean. It is a shade of blue ranging between azure and a darker sky blue.

This Cerulean Purse has a detachable strap. This way, you can have the option of using it as a sling bag or just a clutch. You can also crochet your own strap or just buy a shoulder strap. The choice is yours!

Let’s get started!

PIN THIS PATTERN FOR LATER

You can purchase the Cerulean Purse pattern in my Ravelry shop. Purchasing the PDF file with photo tutorials helps to support my blog and allows me to continue to share my patterns with you.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Materials

• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton OR any weight (#4) cotton yarn of your choice – 370 yards
• Crochet Hook Size G – 4 mm
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers
• Tape Measure
• Tapestry Needle
• 1 Inch Button
• Optional: Chain Shoulder Strap
• Optional: 2 Pieces of ½ – 1 inch D-rings
• Optional: Leather Shoulder Bag Strap

GAUGE: 20 sts x 30 rows = 4 Inches (adjust crochet hook to obtain gauge). Follow Pattern Instructions.

FINISHED MEASUREMENT: 10 Inches (width) x 8 Inches (height) Not including the flap and the detachable strap.

STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)

• BLO – Back Loop Only
• Ch(s) – Chain(s)
• RSC – Reversed Single Crochet or Crab Stitch
• SC – Single Crochet
• SC2tog – Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together (decrease)
• Sl St(s) – Slip Stitch(es)
• PM – Place Marker
• R – Rows/Rounds
• RS – Right Side
• WS – Wrong Side

NOTES

1. Read the pattern carefully before starting.
2. This pattern is worked sideways
3. Ch 1 does not count as a st.
4. At the end of each row, the stitch count is given in parenthesis.
5. This pattern is adjustable to your preferred size. You can make it smaller or bigger by adding or deducting the number of the starting or foundation chains. Make sure that you end up with an even number of sts for the foundation of the Flap pattern.
6. If you don’t have a chain strap, an option to crochet your own strap is provided or you may use a leather strap.

PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

R1 (WS): Ch 71, sl st in the 2^nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (70)

Note: I did my sl sts in the back bump of the foundation chain.

R2 (RS): Ch 1, SC in the BLO and in the loop from the previous row of each st across. Turn. (70)

R3: Ch1, sl st in the BLO of each st across. Turn (70)

R4: Ch 1, SC in the BLO and in the loop (unworked front loop) from the previous row of each st across. Turn. (70)

R5 – R74: Repeat R3 and R4 or until your piece measures 10 inches.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Now, lay your piece flat and fold it in half with WS facing together and RS facing out.

Whip stitch both sides of your folded piece leaving the top portion open. Make sure your end rows are aligned.

FLAP OF THE PURSE

Now that your purse is assembled. It is time to add the flap of your purse. Begin by attaching your yarn on the right top corner side of your purse.

R1 (RS): Ch 1, SC 76 evenly around (the open portion of the purse). Turn. (76)

Note: PM in the 1^st and 38^th sts.

R2 (WS): Ch 1, SC 38 across. Turn. (38)

Note:Leave the other half unworked.

R3 – R5: Repeat R2. Turn (38)

R6: Ch 1, SC in the 1^st st, SC2tog, SC 32, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (36)

R7: Ch 1, SC 36 across. Turn. (36)

R8: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 30, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (34)

R9: Ch 1, SC 34 across. Turn. (34)

R10: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 28, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (32)

R11: Ch 1, SC 32 across. Turn. (32)

R12: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 26, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (30)

R13: Ch 1, SC 30 across. Turn. (30)

R14: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 24, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (28)

R15: Ch 1, SC 28 across. Turn. (28)

R16: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 22, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (26)

R17: Ch 1, SC 26 across. Turn. (26)

R18: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 20, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (24)

R19: Ch 1, SC 24 across. Turn. (24)

R20: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 18, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (22)

R21: Ch 1, SC 22 across. Turn. (22)

R22: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 16, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (20)

R23: Ch 1, SC 20 across. Turn. (20)

R24: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 14, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (18)

R25: Ch 1, SC 18 across. Turn. (18)

R26: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 12, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (16)

R27: Ch 1, SC 16 across. Turn. (16)

R28: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 10, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (14)

R29: Ch 1, SC 14 across. Turn. (14)

R30: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 8, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (12)

R31: Ch 1, SC 12 across. Turn. (12)

R32: Ch 1, SC in the 1^st st, SC2tog, SC, ch4, skip 4 sts, SC, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (10)  A buttonhole was made.

R33: Ch 1, SC in every st and ch across. Turn. (10)

R34: Ch 1, SC in the 1st st, SC2tog, SC 4, SC2tog, SC. Turn. (8)

R35: Ch 1, SC 8 across. (8)

Do not turn. Ch 1 and SC evenly across (down) before the 1^st marker. Sl st in the 1^st marked st up to the next marked st. SC evenly across and sl st in the 1^st st.

With the flap of your purse closed, locate where the buttonhole settles, this point is where you sew in your button. Attach your button.

STRAP OF THE PURSE

Options I recommend:

• Interchangable/Detachable Straps. If you have an interchangeable/detachable bag straps like those chains, leather (faux) or even those fabric ones, then you can use them. You may need 2 D-rings that will be attached on the sides of your purse. I did a single crochet around the chain strap for finishing touches. Instead of using D-rings, I chose to crochet about 3 inches long chains, folded it and attached it on each side of my purse.

• Crocheted Bag Straps

R1: Start by leaving a long tail (for sewing) and chain your desired strap length (approximately 40 inches), SC in the 2^nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn.

R2: Ch1, SC across. Turn.

R3 – R8: Repeat R2

Fold your strap (lengthwise) and then sl st in each st of R1 and R8 (4 loops) across. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Attach one end of your strap by sewing it on one side of your purse. Repeat this on the other side and your strap is done.

Enjoy your new purse!

Let’s us take a look at these 2 photos from my wonderful pattern testers.

All images and patterns are the copyrighted property of STRINGS AND CUDDLES. You may sell any items that you make from this pattern. You may NOT use my images.  Please DO NOT copy, redistribute or claim as your own. If selling items from this pattern, please give credit to STRINGS AND CUDDLES by linking to my shops or on social media @stringsandcuddles.

I would love to see what you create! Please use these hashtags to share:  #stringsandcuddles, #stringsandcuddlesdesigns, #theceruleanpurse

Please don’t hesitate to reach out for questions regarding this pattern.

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