It is possible to be your own designer and create a purse that is a compliment to your style and colours. By making your own purse, you don't have to settle for a colour or design that is not quite what you want but close enough.
Choosing Your Purse
When choosing a purse, you must decide what goes in it. Some women carry everything they could possibly need in every situation and some carry only what they absolutely have to. Some women change purses regularly to go with their different outfits and some prefer one purse that goes with anything, usually black or brown in winter and white or beige in summer.
Organizer purses are popular if you prefer to carry a lot in your purse, they have lots of little compartments. Larger tote bags are also popular but make it difficult to find small items deep in the bottom. It is fairly easy to spot someone who only carries what they absolutely need, they carry very small purses or simply put, their purses don't bulge.
Organizer purses are popular if you prefer to carry a lot in your purse, they have lots of little compartments. Larger tote bags are also popular but make it difficult to find small items deep in the bottom. It is fairly easy to spot someone who only carries what they absolutely need, they carry very small purses or simply put, their purses don't bulge.
The Middle Ground
There is a middle ground; an everyday purse and different purses to go with special outfits when needed. Purses are an accessory as important as your makeup, jewellery and shoes. Designer purses are beautiful and their uniqueness and quality sets them apart.
Once you have selected a pattern that suits you, it is easy to knit or crochet a beautiful accessory. Sew a sturdy lining inside; make small pockets if you wish, and you are ready to show off a purse that is uniquely you!
Once you have selected a pattern that suits you, it is easy to knit or crochet a beautiful accessory. Sew a sturdy lining inside; make small pockets if you wish, and you are ready to show off a purse that is uniquely you!
The Main Types
The words purse and handbag are generally used interchangeably. The main types of purses commonly used are:
Handbag: Small to medium sized purses carried by handles.
Over the Shoulder Bag: Small to medium sized purse carried by straps over the shoulder.
Clutch Bags are fancy purses used for an evening out; they are small, usually rectangular shaped, and do not have handles but instead are
clutched in the hand.
Evening Bags are smaller, very fancy purses, with long or short handles, designed for an evening out.
Drawstring Bags are usually medium sized which close easily by pulling a drawstring; they usually do not have compartments.
Hobo Bags are crescent shaped with shoulder straps.
Craft Bags are large square shaped bags designed to carry craft items. The top is usually held in place by straight pieces of wood or plastic so items can easily be removed from the bag.
Tote bag is the commonly used 'carry everything' bag, usually medium to large size with two straps for carrying.
A Satchel is a large bag with a small handle that is carried on your arm rather than on your shoulder; usually used by students or the office worker.
A Duffel Bag is a gym styled bag with many compartments, quite large and used for travel or sports.
Handbag: Small to medium sized purses carried by handles.
Over the Shoulder Bag: Small to medium sized purse carried by straps over the shoulder.
Clutch Bags are fancy purses used for an evening out; they are small, usually rectangular shaped, and do not have handles but instead are
clutched in the hand.
Evening Bags are smaller, very fancy purses, with long or short handles, designed for an evening out.
Drawstring Bags are usually medium sized which close easily by pulling a drawstring; they usually do not have compartments.
Hobo Bags are crescent shaped with shoulder straps.
Craft Bags are large square shaped bags designed to carry craft items. The top is usually held in place by straight pieces of wood or plastic so items can easily be removed from the bag.
Tote bag is the commonly used 'carry everything' bag, usually medium to large size with two straps for carrying.
A Satchel is a large bag with a small handle that is carried on your arm rather than on your shoulder; usually used by students or the office worker.
A Duffel Bag is a gym styled bag with many compartments, quite large and used for travel or sports.
Single Purse Patterns in PDF Format
Click Here to see a selection of single patterns for purses.
Vintage Patterns Books in PDF Format
See a selection of vintage books with patterns for purses:
Handbags, Crochet, Jack Frost Vol. 48, 1945
Hats and Bags, 1957. Knit and Crochet
New Accessories, 1949, Crochet
Fashions, Crochet
Puritan Crochet
Quick Crochet
A Bookful of Crochet, 1935
Gift Suggestions, 1944, Knitting
Handbags, Crochet, Jack Frost Vol. 48, 1945
Hats and Bags, 1957. Knit and Crochet
New Accessories, 1949, Crochet
Fashions, Crochet
Puritan Crochet
Quick Crochet
A Bookful of Crochet, 1935
Gift Suggestions, 1944, Knitting
Enjoy shopping at Karens Variety
Please visit Karens Variety and enjoy shopping in my store where you will find a large selection of patterns and pattern books, both new and vintage. Choose patterns which are mailed to you or patterns which are downloaded instantly in PDF format. The selection changes regularly so please sign up for the monthly Newsletter and receive FREE patterns, articles and special offers. You will also receive a weekly notice of New Listings. Enter the monthly Contest.
See the current list of Free Patterns at Karens Variety.
See the current list of Free Patterns at Karens Variety.
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