Crochet Purse Pattern

Types of Purses

Like shoes, purses come in all shapes and sizes. There are larger ones that will carry everything from books and extra clothes, as well as smaller purses used for a night out on the town. Purses can have long straps or small handles and zippers or snap fasteners. They can be colorful or plain as day.

By making your own bag from a crochet purse pattern, you will give it your own flavor -- something you won't find in one at your local department store.

Don't think you can't have it all with a crocheted purse. If you have the skills and experience, you can create a bag that will fit your every need and hold just about everything including:

• Cell phone
• Make-up
• PDA
• Wallet
• Pen and paper
• Snacks and drinks for kids
• Diapers and wipes
• Change of clothes for baby
• Medications
• Keys

You can even make a larger crocheted tote for library books, textbooks, groceries and even one made from plastic bags for use at the beach, pool or on a picnic. Use your imagination and don't be afraid to alter your pattern in any way.

Finding the Perfect Crochet Purse Pattern

Once you decide what kind of purse you want to make, you'll need to scour the many free patterns online to find a style that you like.

StarGazer's World

If you are looking for crochet purse patterns -- including vintage bags -- this is the site you want. There are almost 200 bag patterns. Some of the purse patterns include:

• 1890 Shell Bag: This pattern is perfect for the vintage purse collector. The instructions call for gimp yarn, which is rough and durable.
• 1970 Granny Bag: If you want a bag that shouts "flower power," this is it. The main part of the purse is a large granny square, hence its name.
• Cell Phone Purse: This quick and easy crochet pattern is perfect for those learning to crochet.
• Easy Mesh Tote: Use this larger purse for books or small groceries.
• Kid's sunshine tote: This is a great bag for preschool, the library or a playdate.

Crochet Pattern Central

This is a great Web site with patterns for traditional bags, totes and purses of all sizes. Some of the cuter purse patterns include:

• Black Handbag: This small purse is great to use as an evening bag.
• Apple Tote Bag: Makes this cute bag as a year-end or holiday gift for a teacher.
• Joyce's Blue Clutch Bag: Want a simple bag for a casual date? Make this in different colors to match all of your summer clothes.
• Baa the Sheepy Change Purse: This is an imaginative purse and stuffed toy.
• Little Heart Purse: What little girl would not live this red, white and blue purse? It's perfect to take along on a Fourth of July picnic!

NexStitch

These bags scream style! NexStitch, which has the slogan, "Get Hooked on Style" caters to crocheters who really want to make fashionable purses and bags. Some of patterns available for purchase are:

• Hawaiian Motif: This is the perfect crocheted purse to match your flip-flops or bathing suit for a day at the beach.
• Holiday Hobo: A retro-style purse, this v-shaped bag has got it all -- an easy pattern and flare to boot.
• Shelly Shopper: Who said purses have to have long straps? This bag has a raised shell motif and simple grasp handle.
• Cupid's Clutch: This small purse will hold all of your daily essentials and will fit perfectly into a larger purse.

A Final Thought

Remember to read each crochet pattern all the way through before you begin your project. If you want to alter the bag in any way, write down your changes prior to crocheting to make the task go even that much easier.