Louet Patterns Bag Knitting Pattern

Louet Clutch Purse Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Louet Patterns provides instructions for creating a refined clutch purse suitable for everyday use. Designed by Trudy Van Stralen, the clutch purse is worked in a luxurious linen yarn and features decorative stitch patterns that add visual interest to this practical accessory. The finished clutch is available in one size and uses approximately one skein of yarn to complete.

Yarn and Materials

The clutch purse is designed to be knitted using Euroflax 100% Wet Spun Linen in a Fine / Sport Weight. Each 100-gram skein provides 270 yards (246 meters) of yarn, with the pattern shown in color #65 Golden Rod. Linen is an excellent choice for summer accessories, offering a crisp drape and natural breathability. The pattern requires firm interfacing measuring approximately 1½ inches by 12 inches to provide structure and stability to the finished purse.

Needles and Tools Required

• 2.0 mm knitting needles
• 2.5 mm knitting needles (primary working needles)
• Two 2.5 mm double-pointed needles
• 2.5 mm crochet hook
• 1 inch button handle clips (optional)

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 36 rows equals 4 inches when working the Diamond Pattern on 2.5 mm needles. The pattern includes an important note that you must machine wash and dry a gauge swatch before measuring, as linen yarn behaves differently when wet. Adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge, as this will directly affect the fit and appearance of your finished clutch.

Construction Techniques

The clutch purse is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it an accessible project for knitters comfortable with flat knitting construction. The pattern employs seaming techniques to join the finished pieces together. The seaming method described uses a mattress stitch approach, where a threaded needle is inserted under the bars at the base of stitches on adjacent pieces. This seaming technique is worked with right sides of the pieces facing each other, and the seam can be worked either a half stitch or a full stitch in from the edge depending on the neatness of your edges. Careful tension is important during seaming to bring pieces together firmly without pulling too tightly, which could distort the fabric.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The clutch purse features decorative stitch work that elevates it beyond a simple stockinette design. The pattern includes instruction for the Daisy Pattern, a stitch multiple of 4 plus 1 that creates textured, dimensional details. The Daisy Pattern uses several key techniques:

• Purl 3 Together (P3tog): A decrease technique that combines three stitches into one
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates decorative holes and lace effects by wrapping yarn completely over the needle
• Garter Stitch: Used for edge sections, created by knitting every row for a reversible, textured fabric
• Knit and Purl Combinations: The pattern alternates knit and purl stitches to create visual texture and interest

The Daisy Pattern repeats over 4 rows, with alternating right-side and wrong-side rows. The pattern also incorporates a Diamond Pattern, which is used as the primary gauge reference for the project. Additional abbreviations used throughout include K2tog (knit 2 together), SSK (slip, slip, knit), PSSO (pass slipped stitch over), and slip stitches, all of which are standard decreasing and shaping techniques in knitting.

Pattern Structure

The clutch purse construction begins with casting on 81 stitches using the 2.5 mm needles and working 3 rows in garter stitch to establish a firm edge. From this foundation, the pattern progresses through the main body sections, incorporating the decorative stitch patterns that define the design. The use of double-pointed needles and a crochet hook suggests that the pattern includes finishing details such as edging or handle attachment, with the optional button handle clips providing a professional closure option.

Finished Product