ADDED DECEMBER 24, 2010: There is now a video of the zipper/latch hook technique by Interweave Knits’ Eunny Jang The video shows how to pick up the stitches through the zipper. Eunny shows the chain method as well as the live loop method--the live loop method is the one to use for this purse.
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This pattern is presented as a Knit-Along and offered as an introductory exploration of TECHKnitter’s ingenious knitted zipper installation technique, as explained in her article The X,Y + Z of Zippers in Interweave Knits, Winter 2010 issue. This revolutionary method is completely NO SEW! The detailed technique directions appear on pages 108 and 109 of the magazine. The complimentary purse pattern appears online and free, but additional instruction from the magazine is also needed.

Installment one covers making the trim attached to the zipper at the top of the purse. Handy links to useful techniques previously explained on TECHKnitting are coordinated into the online pattern.

Per the website:

With its flat bottom, this little purse is roomy beyond expectation: a cell phone and other necessaries fit neatly alongside bills and change. Made up in an afternoon, these are great for gifts too.

Materials, needles and gauge

• Scrap amount of superwash worsted weight yarn, the model uses Cascade 220 superwash --this is the lavender trim at the top of the purse
• Scrap amount of ordinary (feltable) woolen yarn in contrast color, the model uses Cascade 220 in green
• Approx 1/2 ounce ordinary (feltable) woolen yarn in main color, the model uses Cascade 220 in dark purple
• Closed-end nylon or polyester coil zipper in matching color
• “Knit-picker” type mini latch-hook--this is explained in the magazine article
• Crochet hook in size to match yarn
• large eyed sewing needle
• set of 5 small dpn’s to give gauge of about 6 st/in
• set of 5 larger dpn’s to give gauge of about 5 st/in