This sweet little purse is perfect for carrying the minimum essentials when you don’t want to be encumbered by a larger bag. The bag above showcases a needle-felted image of a sturdy red bicycle on both the front and the back.

The pattern begins with a garter stitch bottom from which stitches are picked up around the bottom rectangle to produce the front, back and sides without seams. Both front and back are reverse stockinette and the sides are knit. The front and back edges are finished with an applied I-cord. The stitches on one side evolve into three I-cords which are braided together before sewing to the bound off stitches on the opposite side to form the purse handle.

The purse above was fabric lined and includes 2 pockets, a key loop and a zipper closure.

Equipment needed: Size 5 cable needles, size 5 dpn, 4 stitch markers, needle-felting needles, darning needle, 3 stitch holders, sewing needle for attaching lining to purse.

Materials Needed: Patons Classic Wool -worsted weight gray yarn for purse body and handle (less than 1 skein of 210 yards - Gauge: 5 st/inch in stockinette), fleece roving in red and black for needle-felting, less than ¼ yard of lining fabric, matching 7 inch zipper and thread.

Finished size: Flattened, the purse measures 7 inches wide and 5 ½ inches tall. The braided handle measured 23 ½ inches long.