Crochet purses are one of the items that have been on my make list for forever! I finally got inspired to make one and it is quick, easy and gorgeous (if you ask me ;)!
The Mary Jane Series is a collection of 3 crochet patterns designed with the summer in mind. Typically, when people think summer, they don’t think “crochet” or “knitting” because that is what you do when it is cold outside. However, with this collection I want to show that there is also a space for crochet during the summer months. I do hope that you enjoy this collection and you can find The MJ42 (sunglass case) here and The MJ43 (coin purse) here.
The Inspiration
The entire collection was inspired by the beautiful marguerite stitch. I was flipping through my copy of the book, Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary (a crocheter must-have), and I began swatching immediately. I fell in love with the texture and appearance. It has a very girly vibe, and the fabric is dense too, so I immediately thought of a purse. But I didn’t stop there.
I thought of making a sunglass case first because there was a post by @debrosse_nyc on Instagram last summer I believe. She had a sunglass case made from canvas, which was something I had never seen before. But the coolest part to me was the way the top fastened. She used an item called an internal flex frame, which is used for purses. After attached to the fabric, the top remains closed unless you squeeze the sides to open. Really a clever idea.
I thought the fabric made with marguerites would look beautiful combined with a metal flex frame. Turns out I was right 😉 The MJ43 Coin Purse features the marguerite stitch mainly. But, the base of the pouch is made up of single crochets to give a little contrast (differs from the MJ42). The flex frame on top adds a more store-bought, polished look (like something you’d find for sale in a boutique).
The Yarn
A cotton blend yarn was used for the pattern. Specifically, Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend, which contains 50% cotton and 50% polyester. It is weight 3 yarn, so it’s a middle weight yarn. This yarn was mainly chosen because I am trying to use the yarn that I have rather than purchasing new yarn.
I also chose this yarn because of the cotton content. Cotton is a strong fiber, it is washable and durable. For a coin purse, these features are important. They live at the bottom of purses, drawers and the car, there is no telling what your coin purse might endure.
*One thing to note about the Comfy Cotton Blend yarn, I am worried it will pill. With just a little bit of friction from me moving it around and photographing it and what not, it’s getting fuzzy. It still looks great, but I want to mention this because with more time it might pill.
I also made a set of coin purses made from a weight 4 yarn by Loops and Threads called Crème Cotton. The fiber content is 87% cotton and 17% nylon (which doesn’t add up… but that’s what the website says). At the time this post was written, it looks like the yarn is getting clearanced, so it might not be available. Any way, this was a yarn I also had in my stash. I had made a potholder previously. I think these coin purses will hold up really well. I haven’t noticed any pilling or fuzziness.
When you go to choose your yarn, I would suggest a 100% cotton yarn or a high cotton content yarn. The stitch definition is beautiful and over time it won’t get fuzzy. With that said though, you have the choice to use any yarn you wish.
The Stitch Pattern
The marguerite stitch was used for this pattern, which is also referred to as the star stitch. It has a very unique look, appears complicated, but definitely is not. Watch this simple tutorial to familiarize yourself with the stitch pattern before working up the pattern.
So the marguerite stitch is the star of the party in this coin purse, however, the base is made up of single crochets. So I’ve provided the tutorial for you below.
The MJ43 Pattern
- Get the ad-free, printable version from Etsy HERE.
- Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.
Description
The Mary Jane 43 pairs a unique stitch with a squeeze frame closure to create a fun, summery pouch. Perfect size for holding cash + coins and throwing into a bag, ready for any adventure. Or stow away smaller items, gift to a friend or sell.
Materials
- Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend (35 yds, about 18g)
- Size G / 4.00 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Metal flex frame
- Pliers
Gauge
8 rows x 6 sts (marguerites) = 2″
*The number of stitches is actually the number of marguerites in 2″
Final Measurements
3″ x 4″
Abbreviations
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- ch = chain
- inc = increase (2 sts in the same st)
- rs = right side
- ws = wrong side
- rep = repeat
- st(s) = stitches
Pattern Notes
- Eye means the hole at the top of marguerite made after working the 6 loops and ch 1.
- Leg means one of the loops of marguerite (6 total).
- On the first row, work into the back bumps of every chain. A nice, even edge will form, which makes seaming easier.
- On marguerite rows, work into the back bumps of the starting chains to keep the edge flat.
- Each panel is worked bottom up.
- Work the chs and loops loosely throughout.
- To modify the pouch size, chain a multiple of 2 stitches then add 3 stitches to the total.
- If a metal flex frame is not obtainable, snaps, buttons or cinch ties can be used instead.
- The 2 numbers separated by a comma represent the 2 yarn weights (weight 3, weight 4).
The MJ42 Sunglass Case
Make 2 panels for front + back.
Begin: ch 13, 11
Row 1: sc in back bumps across. (13, 11)
Row 2: inc, sc across, inc in last st. (15, 13)
Row 3: sc across. (15, 13)
Row 4: inc, sc across, inc in last st. (17, 15)
Row 5: sc across. (17, 15)
Row 6: Ch 2, draw loop through back bump of 1st and 2nd ch, draw loop through the next 3 sc, yo, draw through 6 loops on hook, ch 1 (1st marguerite), * draw loop in eye just made, draw loop in last leg of marguerite, draw loop in same st as last leg of marguerite, draw loop in next 2 sc, yo, draw through 6 loops on hook, ch 1, rep from * across, hdc in same st as last leg of marguerite just made.
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc in hdc, sc in first eye, *2 sc in next eye, rep from * across, sc in turning ch.
Row 8-15: Rep Rows 6 and 7 four (three) more times or until desired length.
Finish: Cut yarn and fasten off + weave in all ends.
Assembly: Place both panels together, with rs facing inward. Whip stitch along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.
Add Flex Frame: Wrap yarn around one side of the flex frame, covering it completely in yarn. Tie at the end to secure in place. Thread tapestry needle with yarn and insert needle from ws to rs into the first stitch of the back panel. Next insert the needle from left to right underneath the first 3 loops on the metal flex frame. Pull tight. Repeat the process going from the back panel to the metal flex frame until you reach the end. Tie off and weave in end.
Repeat the same process for the other side of the flex frame. When wrapping yarn, begin from the outside and work in. Sewing the panel to the frame is much easier this way.
After the frame is sewn to the top of the sunglass case, insert the pin into the hinge on the open side. Use pliers to fold the tabs down to keep pin in place.
Now it’s ready for a night out. Enjoy!