Patterns for pence jug purses started appearing about 1820. They’ve been in various publications in the last 200 years. This 1884 version from The Young Ladies Journal: The Complete Guide to the Work Table called for 3 colors but I chose white. Some versions call for 2 colors.

The jug was meant to hold coins but it’s unknown if it was a decorative object or a working purse. Some patterns call for a metal ring to secure the jug neck before attaching the handle which would make the jug more practical as a purse.
The jug can be any size; mine is 3.25” tall. The original pattern called for #0000 (1.25mm) needles and #20 crochet cotton thread which resulted in a 2” tall jug. My pattern starts with 2 rows worked flat, then joined in the round. The original pattern was worked in the round from the start. The only sewing needed is joining the handle on one end and securing the cast-on stitches at the jug bottom. The bottom of the handle is narrowed to a point but I bound off all 5 stitches at once to suit my taste. You can alter this pattern any way you like to suit yours!
Skills needed: long-tail cast on, knit, purl, k2tog, SSK (slip-slip-ktog), SK2P (slip1-k2tog-PSSO), kf&b (knit front and back in 1 stitch) and bind off in purl stitch.

Gauge is not important in this pattern. Any yarn/thread and needle size will work. Make a swatch to check size and appearance.

150 yards of #20 crochet cotton thread will make one pence jug purse in the stated gauge. One 174 yard ball of DMC #20 Cordonnet thread will make one pence jug.