Although named a “Charity Purse,” Bart Elwell’s spectacular crocheted purse will become a favorite treasure bag. (Interweave)

The title “Charity Purse” suggests that it was intended to be sold at a charity bazaar. Bart Elwell has made it in one solid color and chose to use a chain instead of the “strings” that were suggested in the original pattern, a hidden snap closure under the flap, and finished the edges with a stitch reminiscent of beading. For the body of the purse, he used an interlocking block stitch of double crochets. His aim was to make the purse practical for today while retaining a vintage quality.

Interweave SKU: EP8837

Materials:

Handy Hands Lizbeth, 100% cotton thread, size 20, 210 yards (192.0 m)/25 gram (0.8 oz) ball, 2 balls of #691 Mocha Brown Medium; www.hhtatting.com

Crochet hook, steel, size 7 (1.5 mm)

Fabric, lightweight woven cotton, ¼ yard (0.2 m), for lining; www.theclothmerchants.com

Pellon interfacing, lightweight or medium weight, ¼ (0.2 m), for interlining; www.theclothmerchants.com

Magnetic snap or hook closure

Chain, fine or medium weight, for handle, 24 inches (61.0 cm); available at jewelry supply stores

Gauge: 26 sts and 21 rows = 2 inches (5.1 cm)