1940s Handbag, Style Number One
 |
This handbag could be made with a variety of thicknesses of thread or with fingering or sport weight yarn (or with two strands of thread held together). The finished size will depend on the thickness of thread or yarn used. Whether you prefer a small or large bag is up to you. |
Wouldn't it be fun to search out a novelty yarn in a special fiber to make this bag with? My Net Links for Online Yarn/Thread Sources can help with that.
Materials Required:
Original directions called for Jack Frost brand Cordet - (5) 75-yd. tubes, interchangeable with Soutache or Kordette, using a size 5 white crochet hook.
As outlined above, choose your own thread or yarn, according to the approximate size you want your finished bag to be. Change size of hook according to thread or yarn weight used.
CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS
ch . . . chain
s c . . Single Crochet
d c . . Double Crochet
st . . . Stitch
sts . . Stitches
sl st .. Slip Stitch
Ch 4, join with a sl st.
Row 1: Ch 3, work 16 d c in
ring, join with a sl st.
Row 2: Ch 3, work 2 d c in each st
(32 d c in ring), join with a sl st.
Row 3: Ch 3, increase to 54
d c at even intervals around the row, join with a sl st.
Row 4: Ch 3,
increase to 72 sts at even intervals around row, join with a sl st.
Row 5: Ch 3, work 1 d c in same st as ch 3, ch 2,
2 d c in same space, * skip 1 st, 1 d c around the post
of the d c of previous row, skip 1 st, (2 d c, ch 2, 2 d c)
in next st; repeat from * for 1 row ending with skip 1 st,
1 d c around the post of the d c of previous row, join with
a sl st.
Rows 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10: Repeat row 5.
Rows 11, 12 and 13: Repeat row 5 having 3 d c, ch 2, 3 d c over the ch 2 of
row below instead of 2 d c, ch 2, 2 d c.
Row 14: Repeat row 5 having 4 d c, ch 2, 4 d c over the ch 2 of
row below.
Fold bag into shape (see photo).
GUSSET: Fold bag in half, then work gusset
as follows: starting at lower edge (be sure to have a
shell at base of fold) join last shell to first st of next shell,
ch 1, turn.
Row 1: (4 d c, ch 2, 4 d c) in ch 2 of row
below, ch 1, 1 s c in ch 2 of previous shell, ch 2, 1 s c
in 2nd st of same shell, ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Work shell pattern in ch 2 of row below, ch 1,
1 s c in ch 2 of opposite shell, ch 2, 1 s c in 2nd st from hook,
ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Work shell pattern in ch 2 of row below, ch 1, work
1 s c in 2nd st from last s c worked in that shell, ch 2, 1 s c in
2nd st of next shell, ch 1, turn. Continue working shell
pattern from side to side in this manner until 8 shell patterns
have been made in all, working 5 d c, ch 2, 5 d c in last
shell. Work gusset on other side to correspond.
 |
Here's a closer look at the stitches used in making this handbag. |
Sandi's Note: Optional If you choose to, you could make a fabric lining for the inside of the purse. When purse pieces are crocheted, place one front or back piece on a piece of paper and trace around it to make a paper pattern as a guideline for cutting out the fabric liner shape. (Allow a bit extra around all edges for the seam.) Cut two liner pieces. With right sides together, sew around three sides, leaving top open. Fold top edge of liner under about 1/4 inch to wrong side, then fold under again. Sew along folded edge to hold this in place. When crocheted purse pieces are assembled, insert the fabric liner into the purse. Hand sew top edge of liner to the inside of the purse in such a manner that the stitching will not show from the right side of the purse.
How to crochet around post: Some of the instructions in this pattern say to "d c around the post of the d c of previous row". Here's a Diagram of crocheting around post.
Looking for a special purse handle or clasp? See these links of Supplies for Crocheters; also some Button and Bead suppliers may carry purse-making items.
URL of this page is http://crochet.about.com/library/bl_1940bag1.htm
The pattern and the handbag photos are from Jack Frost Handbags printed by Gottlieb Bros. in 1945. (now copyright-expired)
Other 1940s Handbags Patterns: http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa111399.htm
