DIY Network

Bucket Purse The classic bucket purse gets a stylish update with nylon yarn and clear-plastic or bamboo handles. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-128

Jill Head introduces the simple process of creating a bucket purse, designed by Keisha Davenport. This is a great round purse that sits with a flat bottom and is finished with either one or two handles. The shape, of course, resembles a bucket and is crocheted from the bottom up.

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Materials:

Keisha Davenport's Bucket Purse

4 skeins nylon thread, taupe
crochet hook, U.S. size K
darning needle
purse handles

Gauge: 6 sc = 4"

Abbreviations:
Ch chain
Dc double crochet
Dec decrease, decreases, decreasing
Sc single crochet
Sl st slip stitch
Tr st treble stitch
Yo yarn over

Note: To dec 1 dc: (Yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo, draw yarn through stitch, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook) twice, yo, draw yarn through 3 loops on hook.

Using 2 skeins at a time, ch 5 and close into a ring with 1 sl st in first ch.

Figure A

Row 1: Ch 1 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same space, * 2 dc into space between next 2 sts; repeat from * around (13 dc), sl st into space between beginning ch and next dc to join, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same space, * dc in next space between 2 stitches, 2 dc in next space; repeat from * around (35 dc), sl st into space between beginning ch and next dc to join, turn.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same space, * dc in each of next 2 spaces, 2 dc in next space; repeat from * around *46 dc), sl st into space between beginning ch and next dc to join, turn. Mark with stitch marker.
Row 4: Dc around circle (figure A) and ch 1 when you get to stitch marker.
Rows 5-22: Repeat Row 4.

Lining:
Use a piece of fabric (14"x11") in a complementary color. Sew two sides and bottom of lining, leaving just enough space for a hem on the top. Sew top hem. Once finished, hand-tack or machine-stitch lining onto the bag.

Note: It's best to sew lining into bag before attaching handles.

Figure B

Handles:
Crochet 3 rows--6"-wide tabs (4) to attach to handles to the bag. Attach handles with tabs by folding them over the handles and sewing them onto the "rim" of the bag (figure B).

Optional Shoulder Strap

If you don't want to use ready-made handles, you can make a shoulder strap. Crochet a shoulder strap, 8 rows high and 36" wide, using dc. Attach the strap by sewing it to the "rim" of the bag on both sides, or just to one side of the "rim" and to the bottom of the bag to form a backpack.

RESOURCES :

Coats and Clark yarn
Website: www.coatsandclark.com

GUESTS :

Jill Head
Website: www.myspace.com/wonderwomanjj

Keisha Davenport
E-mail: keisha@crochetnation.org