Vintage Crochet Evening Purse – FREE Crochet Pattern

Handkerchief holder
Crochet Evening Purse

The Crochet Evening Purse is a timeless accessory that blends elegance with practicality, making it the perfect companion for formal occasions or nights out. The shimmering metallic thread, paired with the luxurious gold satin lining, gives this purse a sophisticated and upscale appeal. Its structured design features multiple pockets, offering both style and utility. Whether you choose to embellish it with rhinestones and beads or leave it sleek and understated, this purse is a project that celebrates both creativity and craftsmanship.

This pattern showcases intermediate-level techniques, including shaping, creating pockets, and sewing in a zipper, making it a rewarding challenge for crocheters ready to expand their skills. The inclusion of satin linings and decorative elements allows for customization, making each purse a unique creation. With patience and attention to detail, even those new to working with metallic threads will find this project achievable and gratifying. Plus, the versatility of the design means it can be easily adapted for various occasions or personal styles.

Whether you’re creating it for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this purse is sure to impress. You can even add an embellishment of beads and rhinestones on the front to make this piece really stand out. Dive into this elegant project and experience the joy of transforming simple materials into something truly stunning!


This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Coats & Clark’s Quick Tricks to Crochet Book No. 326 (1956). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2024. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.

Key Details

  • Finished Size: Approximately 7 x 10 inches when folded
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate
  • Hook Size: Steel Crochet Hook No. 7
  • Gauge: 7 single crochets = 1 inch; 8 rows = 1 inch

Materials

  • Yarn: J. & P. Coats “Knit-Cro-Sheen” Metallic, Art. A.64, 3 balls in Black
  • Notions:
  • Coats & Clark’s “Trouble-Free” Zipper, 6-inch Black
  • ½ yard gold satin (36 inches wide)
  • Small button (covered in satin)
  • Walco beads and rhinestones
  • Tools: Milward Steel Crochet Hook No. 7

Abbreviations

  • ch: chain
  • sc: single crochet
  • dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
  • sl st: slip stitch

Pattern Instructions

Main Body

  1. Foundation Chain: Make a chain measuring 15 inches.
  2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across until there are 100 sc (approximately 14 inches). Cut off any remaining chain. Ch 1, turn.
  3. Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
  4. Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures 3½ inches. Mark the beginning of the next row.

Small Pocket

  1. Pocket Opening Row: Sc in the first 62 sc, ch 16, skip the next 26 sc, sc in the last 12 sc. Ch 1, turn.
  2. Following Row: Sc in each sc and ch across. Ch 1, turn.
  3. Continue working in sc until the piece measures 1 inch from the pocket opening, ending at the marked edge.

Large Pocket

  1. Pocket Opening Row: Sc in the first 54 sc, ch 42, skip the next 42 sc, sc in the last 4 sc.
  2. Following Row: Sc in each sc and ch across. Ch 1, turn.
  3. Continue working in sc until the piece measures 10 inches in total length. Break off.

Sew the zipper into the opening of the large pocket. Attach a gold bead to the zipper tab for decoration.

Small Pocket Flap

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 27.
  2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
  3. Row 2: Dec 1 sc at the beginning and end of the row. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
  4. Row 3: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
  5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 alternately until 8 sc remain. Break off.
  6. Attach the thread and sl st around the flap, creating a ch-9 button loop at the center tip.

Finishing Touches

  • Cover the button with gold satin and sew it in place.
  • Line the small pocket and flap with satin and sew them together. Attach the pocket lining to the bag.
  • Line the large pocket with satin and sew the lining from the zipper to the lower edge.
  • Fold the bag in half to measure 7 x 10 inches. Sew one side and the top seam to form a third pocket. Line this pocket as well.
  • Embellish the front of the bag with rhinestones and beads if desired.

Elegant Versatility for Any Occasion

This Crochet Evening Purse combines timeless design with practical functionality, making it a perfect accessory for formal or casual events. The interplay of metallic thread and luxurious satin lining elevates this purse to a statement piece, while the addition of beads and rhinestones lets you customize it to your taste. Whether used for an evening out or as a thoughtful gift, this project will be a treasured creation.