Felted Purse Bag Knitting Pattern

Felted Purse Bag Knitting Pattern by Plymouth Yarn

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn Design Studio creates a small felted purse measuring approximately 6 inches wide by 7 inches tall after the felting process. The design, created by JoAnne Turcotte, combines basic knitting techniques with wet felting to produce a finished accessory bag with a structured handle and compact size ideal for carrying essentials.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for minimal materials, making it an economical project:

• Boku yarn in the featured color 2: one 50-gram ball serves as the primary material for the entire purse
• Galway yarn in a small amount for sewing seams together; this flat wool yarn is specifically recommended for its durability and appearance when seaming
• US10 needles or the size necessary to achieve the correct gauge
• Scissors or razor blade for finishing excess fuzz after felting

Gauge and Needle Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential before beginning this project. The pattern specifies 14 stitches equals 4 inches when working over stockinette stitch on US10 needles before felting. Knitters should swatch and measure carefully, as the felting process will significantly alter the final dimensions. Adjusting needle size up or down ensures the pre-felted fabric meets this gauge requirement.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Garter stitch (knitting every row) forms the handle sections and creates a textured, reversible fabric
• Stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) comprises the main body of the purse, providing a smooth surface that felts evenly
• Cable cast-on technique is used twice during construction to create new stitches for the handle openings, requiring the knitter to manipulate yarn and needles to form secure loops
• Bind-off secures stitches at the completion of the piece
• Seaming with flat wool yarn joins the side seams after knitting is complete, using a mattress stitch or similar technique for a neat finish

Pattern Construction

The purse is constructed as a single flat piece before felting and seaming. The pattern begins with casting on 30 stitches and working 8 rows in garter stitch. A strategic bind-off and cable cast-on in rows 9-10 creates the first handle opening. The knitter then works approximately 15.5 to 16 inches in stockinette stitch, which becomes the main body of the purse. A second handle is created using the same bind-off and cast-on technique, followed by 8 rows of garter stitch to complete the piece. The purse is then folded in half and side seams are sewn together using Galway yarn before felting.

Felting Process

Felting transforms the knitted fabric into a dense, matted textile through controlled agitation and heat. The pattern provides specific washing machine instructions: set the washer to a hot wash cycle with a cold rinse at the lowest water level, adding a small amount of soap. The purse should be placed flat inside a mesh lingerie bag to protect it and allow water circulation. The knitter must monitor the felting progress every 5 minutes, repeatedly extending the wash cycle timer until the desired felting appearance is achieved, typically requiring 20 to 25 minutes total. After felting reaches the desired density, the purse is rinsed and given a light spin cycle to remove excess water without setting creases. The wet purse is then laid flat and blocked into shape, with the handle section straightened. Once completely dry, any excess fuzz is carefully removed using scissors or a razor blade for a polished appearance.

Finished Dimensions and Use

The completed felted purse measures approximately 6 inches in width and 7 inches in height, creating a compact bag suitable for small personal items. The felting process shrinks and densifies the knitted fabric, transforming the loose knit structure into a sturdy, durable material that resists unraveling and provides excellent durability for everyday use.