If you enjoy knitting and want to create a cute and functional accessory, then a change purse is the perfect project for you! A change purse is a small bag that is used to hold loose change, small items, or even credit cards and keys. It can be a great way to use up leftover yarn and showcase your knitting skills.
Knitting a change purse is a fun and satisfying project that can be completed in just a few hours. There are many different patterns available, ranging from simple designs for beginners to more complex patterns for experienced knitters. You can choose from a variety of stitches and techniques to create a unique and personalized change purse.
Not only are knit change purses adorable and practical, but they also make great gifts. You can easily customize the design and colors to match the recipient’s style or interests. Whether you are knitting a change purse for yourself or as a gift, it is sure to be a treasured item that will get a lot of use.
How to Make a Knit Change Purse: Step-by-Step Guide
Knitting your own change purse is not only a fun and creative project, but it also allows you to customize the size, color, and design to suit your personal style. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating your own knit change purse.
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn
- Size 8 knitting needles
- Tapestry needle
- Button
- Sewing needle and thread
Step 1: Cast On
Start by casting on 20 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method. Make sure to leave a long tail of yarn, as this will be used later for sewing.
Step 2: Knit Rows
Continue knitting in the garter stitch pattern (knitting every row) until you reach the desired height for your change purse. This will depend on how many compartments you want to have.
Step 3: Bind Off
When you have reached the desired height, bind off all stitches to secure your work. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Step 4: Sewing and Finishing
Fold your knitted piece in half, with the wrong sides facing each other. Use the long tail of yarn to sew the sides together, leaving an opening for the purse’s flap. Secure the yarn and cut off any excess.
Attach a button to the front of the purse, aligning it with the flap opening. Use a sewing needle and thread to securely sew the button in place.
And there you have it — your own handmade knit change purse! Now you can fill it with your spare change and enjoy using a unique and personalized accessory.
Materials Needed to Knit a Change Purse
Knitting a change purse is a fun and practical project that can be completed with just a few materials. To get started, you will need:
- Yarn: Choose a yarn that is suitable for your desired purse size and durability. Worsted weight or cotton yarn are popular choices for this type of project.
- Knitting Needles: Use the appropriate size needles for your chosen yarn and desired gauge. Circular or straight needles can be used, depending on your preference.
- Tapestry Needle: This needle will be used for weaving in ends and sewing up any seams in your purse.
- Stitch Markers: These small plastic rings or clips can be helpful for keeping track of stitches or marking specific sections of your pattern.
- Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors will be needed for cutting yarn and trimming any excess.
- Measuring Tape: This tool will come in handy for checking your gauge and measuring the dimensions of your purse.
With these materials in hand, you will have everything you need to start knitting a change purse. Experiment with different yarn types and colors to create a unique and personalized accessory that you can use every day.
Choosing the right yarn for your change purse
When it comes to knitting a change purse, choosing the right yarn is crucial to ensure the functionality and durability of the final product. The type of yarn you select will not only determine the overall look and feel of your change purse, but also its ability to hold coins securely and withstand regular usage.
Fiber composition: The fiber composition of the yarn is an important factor to consider. Opt for a yarn that has a good amount of elasticity and strength, as a change purse needs to be able to maintain its shape and hold its contents tightly. Yarns with wool or cotton blends are often ideal choices, as they offer both durability and flexibility.
- Weight: The weight of the yarn is another aspect to consider. In general, a change purse requires a lightweight yarn that is not too thick or bulky. A fingering or sport weight yarn would be suitable for this type of project, as it allows for a tight and compact knit that can easily fit in your pocket or bag.
- Texture: The texture of the yarn can play a role in the overall appearance of your change purse. Smooth and tightly spun yarns will give a clean and polished look, while yarns with a bit of texture or fuzziness can add a touch of visual interest. Consider the desired aesthetic of your change purse and select a yarn that complements it.
Color: The color choice is purely subjective and depends on your personal preference and style. Opt for a solid color yarn if you prefer a classic look, or experiment with variegated or self-striping yarns for a more playful and unique design. Keep in mind that lighter colors may show dirt and stains more easily, so take this into consideration if you anticipate heavy use of your change purse.
Overall, selecting the right yarn for your change purse is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your knitting project. Consider factors such as fiber composition, weight, texture, and color to find the perfect yarn that meets both your functional and aesthetic requirements.
Basic Knitting Techniques for Beginners
Knitting is a versatile and enjoyable craft that allows you to create beautiful garments, accessories, and home decor items. If you are a beginner, it’s important to start with some basic knitting techniques to build a strong foundation. Here are a few essential techniques to get you started:
Casting On
Casting on is the first step in any knitting project. It involves creating the initial row of stitches on your knitting needle. There are different casting on methods, such as the long tail cast-on and the knitted cast-on. The long tail cast-on is the most common method for beginners, as it is easy to learn and creates a neat edge. To cast on, you will need to measure a length of yarn, create a slipknot, and then proceed to create the desired number of stitches on your needle.
Knit Stitch
The knit stitch is the most basic stitch in knitting. It creates a smooth and tight fabric and is often used in various patterns. To knit, you will insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and then pull the loop of yarn through the stitch. This will transfer the stitch from the left needle to the right needle. Repeat this process for each stitch on the left needle until you have completed a row. Remember to keep your tension even to achieve consistent stitches.
Purl Stitch
The purl stitch is the reverse of the knit stitch and creates a bumpy texture on the fabric. It is commonly used in combination with the knit stitch to create various stitch patterns. To purl, you will insert the right needle purlwise into the first stitch on the left needle, wrap the yarn counter-clockwise around the right needle, and then pull the loop of yarn through the stitch. This will transfer the stitch from the left needle to the right needle as a purl stitch. Repeat this process for each stitch on the left needle until you have completed a row.
Binding Off
Binding off is the final step in a knitting project. It involves securing the stitches and creating a neat edge. To bind off, you will knit the first two stitches as usual, then insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle and lift it over the second stitch and off the right needle. Repeat this process for the remaining stitches until you have one stitch remaining. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull it through the last stitch to secure it.
These basic knitting techniques will help you get started on your knitting journey. With practice, you will be able to expand your skills and take on more complex projects. Remember to start with easy patterns and take your time to master each technique. Happy knitting!
Step 1: Casting on stitches
Before you can start knitting your change purse, you will need to cast on the required number of stitches. This step will determine the width of your purse, so make sure to follow the instructions closely to achieve the desired size.
To begin casting on, hold your knitting needle in your right hand and leave a tail of yarn approximately six inches long. Take the end of the yarn attached to the ball and make a slipknot by folding the yarn into a loop and pulling the end through the loop. Place this slipknot onto your needle with the tail of the yarn hanging down.
Long-tail cast-on: To use the long-tail cast-on method, hold the tail of the yarn in your left hand and the working end of the yarn (attached to the ball) in your right hand. Insert the right needle into the slipknot from left to right, going under the left-hand strand of yarn connected to the ball and over the strand connected to the tail. Wrap the working end of the yarn counterclockwise around the right needle and pull it through the slipknot, creating a new stitch on the right needle. Repeat this process until you have cast on the required number of stitches.
Knitted cast-on: The knitted cast-on is another common method used to cast on stitches. Begin by holding your knitting needle with the slipknot in your right hand. Insert the right needle into the slipknot from left to right, but instead of wrapping the yarn around the needle like in the long-tail cast-on, you will use the working yarn to knit a stitch. Insert the right needle into the loop between the left-hand strand of yarn and the strand connected to the slipknot. Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around the right needle and pull it through, creating a new stitch on the right needle. Repeat this process until you have cast on the required number of stitches.
Step 2: Knitting the Body of the Purse
Once you have completed the first step of casting on and creating the base of the purse, it is time to start knitting the body of the purse. This is where you will create the main section that will hold your belongings.
To begin, continue working in the stitch pattern that you have established in the first step. This could be a simple knit stitch, a ribbing pattern, or any other stitch pattern of your choice. Remember to keep track of your rows by using stitch markers or counting your stitches to ensure that you maintain the correct number of stitches throughout.
If you would like to add some variation to the body of the purse, you could consider incorporating different stitch patterns. For example, you could alternate between knit and purl stitches to create a textured effect, or you could try a lace pattern for a more delicate and intricate look.
As you work your way up the body of the purse, keep in mind the dimensions and size that you would like the final product to be. Depending on the desired size, you may need to increase or decrease stitches at regular intervals to shape the purse accordingly.
It is also a good idea to periodically check the length of the body as you knit to ensure that you are on track. You can do this by measuring the length after a certain number of rows or by comparing it to a similar purse that you already own.
Continue knitting until you have reached the desired length for the body of the purse. Once you are satisfied with the length, you can proceed to the next step of finishing the purse, which will involve binding off and sewing the edges together.
Step 3: Shaping the change purse
Once you have completed the desired length for your change purse, it’s time to shape it. In this step, you will be decreasing the number of stitches to create a tapered shape.
To begin shaping, you will need to knit two stitches together. Insert your right needle into the next two stitches on the left needle, and knit them as if they were one stitch. This will decrease the stitch count by one. Repeat this decrease every few stitches, evenly spaced, until you have reached the desired width for the change purse.
Note: Keep in mind that the number of decreases you make will depend on the pattern you are following or your desired shape. If you are creating your own pattern, you can experiment with different decrease rates to achieve the shape you want.
Once you have completed the desired number of decrease rows, you can begin binding off. To do this, knit the first two stitches together, then pass the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. Continue knitting two stitches together and passing the first stitch over until you have only one stitch left on your right needle. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming, and pull it through the last stitch to secure it.
Tip: Before seaming your change purse, you can block it to help it maintain its shape. Wet it with water, reshape it, and let it dry completely. This can make a big difference in the final appearance of your project.
Step 4: Adding a button closure
Now that you have completed knitting your change purse, it’s time to add a button closure to keep your coins secure. Follow the steps below to add the button closure:
- Choose a button: Select a button that matches the color and size you desire for your change purse. It should be small enough to fit through the holes in your knitted fabric.
- Position the button: Place your change purse on a flat surface and decide where you want the button to be positioned. This will depend on the size of your change purse and personal preference. Make sure there is enough space between the button and the top edge of the purse to allow for the flap to fold over it.
- Sew the button: Using a needle and thread, sew the button securely onto the flap of the change purse. Make sure to pull the thread tight so that the button sits snugly against the fabric.
- Create a buttonhole: Decide on the placement of the buttonhole and mark it on the main body of the change purse. Carefully cut a small slit or use a crochet hook to create the buttonhole. Test the button in the hole to ensure a proper fit.
- Secure the buttonhole: To reinforce the buttonhole and prevent it from fraying, you can use a blanket stitch or whip stitch around the edges. This will provide additional durability and stability.
Once you have completed these steps, your knitted change purse will have a secure button closure, allowing you to keep your coins safe and organized. Feel free to experiment with different button sizes and colors to add a unique touch to your change purse.
Step 5: Finishing touches
Once you have finished knitting your change purse, it’s time to add the finishing touches to give it a polished look. Here are a few steps to follow:
1. Weave in the loose ends: Trim any excess yarn and use a tapestry needle to weave in the loose ends of your knitting. This will give your change purse a neater finish and prevent the yarn from unraveling.
2. Block your change purse: Blocking is the process of shaping and setting your knitting to ensure it retains its desired shape. To block your change purse, you can dampen it slightly with water and lay it flat on a towel. Then gently shape it into the desired shape and let it dry completely before using or storing.
3. Add embellishments (optional): If you want to personalize your change purse, you can add some embellishments such as buttons, beads, or fabric flowers. Sew them onto the purse using a tapestry needle and some matching thread or yarn.
4. Attach the clasp: To make your change purse functional, you will need to attach a clasp or zipper. Follow the instructions provided with your chosen clasp or zipper to securely attach it to your knitted purse.
5. Give it a final inspection: Before considering your change purse complete, give it a final inspection to ensure everything is secure and the stitches are even. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs before using or gifting your finished creation.
By following these steps, you will be able to add the finishing touches to your knitted change purse and create a beautiful and functional accessory.
Tips for successfully knitting a change purse
When it comes to knitting a change purse, attention to detail and precision are key. Follow these tips to ensure successful results:
1. Choose the right yarn and needles
Start by selecting a yarn that is suitable for the project. A thinner yarn, such as fingering or sport weight, is ideal for creating a delicate and compact change purse. Pair it with appropriately sized knitting needles to achieve the desired gauge.
2. Read the pattern carefully
Before starting the project, take the time to thoroughly read and understand the pattern instructions. Familiarize yourself with any special stitches or techniques that may be involved. This will help prevent mistakes and ensure that you’re on the right track from the beginning.
3. Gauge swatch
To ensure that your finished change purse turns out the right size, it’s important to knit a gauge swatch before diving into the main project. Follow the pattern’s recommended gauge and measure your swatch to make sure it matches. If it doesn’t, adjust your needle size accordingly.
4. Pay attention to stitch count
Counting stitches accurately is crucial when knitting a change purse. Even a small miscount can throw off the entire project. Use stitch markers or place a piece of contrasting yarn every few rows to help keep track of your stitch count, especially if the pattern involves shaping or complex stitch patterns.
5. Finishing touches
When you’re done knitting the change purse, don’t forget the finishing touches. Weave in any loose ends neatly to give the purse a polished appearance. If desired, add a button or zipper closure to secure the contents. Take your time to ensure the final product looks clean and professional.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to knit a change purse successfully. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of creating a functional and stylish accessory with your knitting skills!
Adding embellishments to your change purse
Adding embellishments to your change purse is a great way to personalize and enhance its appearance. Whether you prefer a simple and elegant design or a bold and colorful one, there are many options to choose from to make your change purse truly unique.
1. Embroidery: Embroidery is a popular method for adding detail and texture to your change purse. You can use colored threads to create intricate patterns or monogram your initials for a personalized touch. Consider using different stitches like the satin stitch or chain stitch to add depth and dimension to your design.
2. Beads and Sequins: For a touch of glamour, consider incorporating beads and sequins into your change purse design. You can sew them onto the fabric in a specific pattern or create a random scatter effect. Beads and sequins can add sparkle and shine to your change purse, making it stand out and catch the eye.
3. Appliqué: Appliqué involves attaching smaller pieces of fabric onto a base fabric to create a design or pattern. You can choose to appliqué shapes, letters, or even small motifs onto your change purse. This technique allows you to experiment with different fabrics and textures, adding visual interest to your purse.
4. Ribbons and trims: Ribbons and trims are an easy and versatile way to embellish your change purse. You can use them to create borders, bows, or even attach them in a crisscross pattern. Consider using ribbons or trims with different widths, textures, and colors to add interest and variety to your purse.
5. Buttons and charms: Buttons and charms can add a quirky and playful element to your change purse. You can sew buttons in a specific pattern or place them randomly for a more eclectic look. Charms, on the other hand, can be attached to the zipper or as a hanging embellishment, adding a touch of whimsy to your purse.
By adding these embellishments, you can transform a simple change purse into a fashionable accessory that reflects your personal style. Experiment with different techniques and materials to create a unique and eye-catching design.
Final thoughts on knitting your own change purse
Knitting your own change purse can be a fun and rewarding project. Not only does it allow you to customize your purse to match your personal style, but it also gives you the opportunity to create a practical item that you can use every day. With a change purse, you can keep your coins organized and easily accessible, making it a convenient addition to your purse or wallet.
When knitting a change purse, it’s important to choose a pattern that matches your knitting skill level and personal preferences. There are plenty of patterns available online, ranging from simple designs for beginners to more intricate patterns for advanced knitters. Take the time to read through the pattern and understand the instructions before you start knitting to ensure a smooth and successful project.
Remember to select the appropriate materials for your project. The yarn you choose should be sturdy and able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Additionally, consider the size of your purse and the type of closure you want to use. Whether you prefer a zipper, button, or snap closure, make sure to choose one that is secure and reliable.
Knitting your own change purse allows you to not only engage in a creative and relaxing hobby but also create a practical and functional item for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone else. So why not grab your knitting needles, choose a pattern, and start creating your own unique change purse today?