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Monday, June 25, 2012

Crochet change purse pattern

This crochet change purse is closed with an internal flex frame. The alternates rows of slip stitch with rows made up of slip stitch, single crochet and half double crochets (American terminology). The slip stitch rows cause a nice thin ribbed effect on one side of the fabric. It's crocheted flat, then seamed up the side. A second piece is made for the top to case the frame.

I chose Eco-Cotton Blend by Red Heart because it's a nice medium weight yarn that's a bit thinner than the kitchen cottons and won't stretch badly out of shape. It's made pre-consumer recycled cotton remnants from tee-shirt production in the USA blended with acrylic.

You will need:

  • Eco-Cotton by Red Heart
  • Size G hook
  • Yarn Needle
  • 3.5 inch internal flex frame
  • pliers
Stitch abbreviations- American terminology
  • ch= chain
  • sl st= slip stitch
  • sc= single crochet
  • hdc= half double crochet
  • st or sts= stitch or stitches
Internal frames come open, and you have to close them with the included pins. They are generally inserted into sewn casings. Because of the bulkiness of crocheted fabric, trying to insert them in crocheted casings was difficult and worked best making the top a bit short. Instead, I close the frames, then open them up and slide the pouch inside the frame, get it aligned right, then stitch the top part of the casing over it. 

To close the frame, first you use the pliers to fold one of the tabs over, then close the frame so the hinge overlaps, and put the pin in. Fold down the top tab to lock the pin in.

The pouch:
Chain 30 loosely. Leave a long enough tail for one side seam (about 12 inches)
Row 1: ch 1 to turn (does not count as first stitch here or throughout), slip stitch down the length of the chain
Row 2:  ch 1 to turn, sl st in first 5 sts, sc in next 5 sts, hdc in next 10 sts, sc in next 5 sts, sl st in last 5 sts
Row 3: ch 1 to turn, sl st in each st
Rows 4-27: Repeat rows 2 and 3

Break off leaving a long tail for the side seam.

Decide which side you want on the outside. Fold in half, narrow ends together, and stitch side seams leaving the narrow end open. Make sure you stitch and knot securely. 

Open the frame and slide it in the frame, aligning it so the top is just outside the top of the frame and it's stretched out across the inside of the frame.

Ch 4
Row 1: ch 1 to turn, sc across each stitch
Row 2: ch 1 to turn, sl st across each stitch
Rows 3-36: Repeat rows 1 and 2

Break off.
Fold around top of the pouch, and stitch the top in place to the top of the pouch. Be careful to only go through one layer of stitches on the pouch so you don't accidentally sew it closed! Ease as necessary to fit. When you get to the open ends, stitch them shut, then open the frame with your fingers, and stitch the bottom of the outside casing in place. Make sure you stitch and knot securely. 

Weave in all ends. 

You can find 3.5 inch internal frames on both Etsy and Ebay. 

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