What do I need to know to knit a purse?

#1

Hi there. I’m a newbie knitter who has, so far, only knitted a garter stitch scarf and a roman stitch headband, but I am really eager to keep going. My heart is set on my next project being a simple purse. Right now, all I have are two, one-sided, 5.5mm needles and two balls of yarn, so I’m guessing that rules out the rounded drawstring I like so much. My second choice was just… well, a square with a strap on it. ^^

I looked for some patterns online, but they all have different instructions! Like, some would say to make the knitted [I]handle [/I]the side/seam of the bag; and others would say to fold the knitting in half, seam it, then add the handles to the top edges. Is there a proper way to do it? Or a “better way”, I should say.

I just want a little bag to hold my eReader, maybe a wallet, and perhaps a Nintendo DS. :3
Also, the lining: is that necessary? Is there a sturdy pattern I could use that would render that unnecessary? Or maybe lining it is simpler than I am thinking. My main issue is that I don’t have any money to go out and buy material for a lining. :[

Are there any techniques I should learn before I attempt a purse? So far, I only know knit, purl, cast on, bind off, and how to seam edges together.

Thank you in advance for any advice and replies! ^^

#2

Hi. Welcome to KH!

Have you looked at ravelry.com for patterns you like? If you find a pattern that looks doable for you, you can always get lots of help here. It could also give you the opportunity to learn some new things. I think a tote bag might be what you’re looking for.

#3

There are purses that you can knit flat and then seam. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of bag patterns.

Lining- If you knit the fabric tight enough it should be fine without a lining. That means using a smaller needle size so the stitches are tighter. It may eventually wear through easier than if it was lined though.

Here’s a couple patterns that might work. Not sure about the size on these, but since they are knit flat you can cast on less if you need to.
http://classiceliteyarns.com/WebLetter/197/Issue197.php

#4

Thank you for the links. :]
I guess I’ll be looking in to how to line purses, then. I don’t want my beautiful creation wearing out before I can use it!
I chose to do something like the first purse linked, minus the flowers. It seems simple enough. Off I go!