Tiny Dancer Purse Bag Knitting Pattern

Tiny Dancer Purse in Berroco Espresso

What Is Being Made

The Tiny Dancer Purse is a small knitted bag designed by Emily O'Neil, perfect for carrying essentials. This finished purse measures approximately 6½ inches wide by 5¼ inches high when the flap is folded down, not including fringe or strap. The compact size and elegant construction make it an ideal accessory for everyday use or special occasions.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using knitting, making it an excellent choice for crafters seeking beginner-level patterns. The purse employs fundamental knitting techniques that build essential skills while producing a wearable finished item. The pattern incorporates a turning ridge—a horizontal fold line created by knitting a single row on the wrong side—which allows the purse to have a structured, finished appearance with a clean interior edge.

The flap of the purse features strategic decreasing worked on right-side rows. This shaping technique gradually reduces stitches, creating a tapered triangular flap that folds elegantly over the purse opening. The decreases are accomplished using k2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases, which are fundamental techniques for controlling fabric shaping. The pattern culminates with a CDD (centered double decrease) that elegantly closes the flap point.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the purse body, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• Garter Stitch: Used for the initial 4 rows at the cast-on edge, providing a textured, reversible border
• k2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease used in the flap shaping
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease used in the flap shaping to create balanced, symmetrical decreases
• CDD (Centered Double Decrease): A specialized decrease that removes two stitches while centering the remaining stitch, used for the final flap closure

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires 1 hank of Berroco Espresso yarn (150 grams, color #7956 Fico), which provides sufficient yardage for the entire project. Berroco Espresso is the recommended yarn for optimal results and appearance.

The required tools include straight knitting needles in size 10½ (6.50 mm) and a crochet hook in size 6.50 mm (K). The crochet hook is used for finishing details such as the strap and fringe mentioned in the finished measurements.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished purse achieves the intended dimensions and drape.

Skill Level

Rated as Easy, this pattern is ideal for beginners and those new to purse construction. The straightforward shaping, basic stitch vocabulary, and single-size format make it accessible while teaching valuable techniques in garment shaping and finishing.