DIY: Tassled Herringbone Clutch
I’ve gotten so much use out of my crocheted clutch that I thought it would be fun to design a slightly different, knit version. One of the things that was a pain about the crocheted version was that it really needed to be lined- the crochet stitches leave holes big enough that you can kind of see through, which isn’t the look I was going for. I love the way the lining turned out, but it was an added step that I just don’t have room for in my life. So as I though about how to design my knitted clutch, I knew I wanted a dense stitch that would be thick enough to live its life un-lined. The herringbone stitch is one of my favorites- it’s a great texture, and it’s also very thick- perfect for this project.
I wasn’t sure how to decrease stitches in herringbone and keep the pattern consistent for a triangular flap. I could have googled this, but instead I designed a straight flap because frankly, who has the energy for that? This is a very simple project and could be adjusted for any yarn, any needle size, and any stitch. You just make a big rectangle, sew up the sides, and slap on a giant tassel for good measure. Hope you’ll give it a try!
Supplies:
~90 yards bulky (#6) yarn- I used Yarn Bee’s Astounding in ivory from Hobby Lobby (on clearance!)
Size 15 knitting needles
2 magnetic clasps (I used these sew-on magnetic clasps from Hobby Lobby- half off)
Darning needles to stitch up sides of clutch
Needle and thread in coordinating color to sew on clasps
Pattern:
Cast on 30 stitches (using my yarn and needles, 30 stitches = 10” in width.
Row 1, and all odd rows:
FIRST STITCH: Slip first stitch onto right needle knit-wise; slip second stitch onto right needle knit-wise; insert left needle through front of slipped stitches and knit 2 together; only drop first stitch off of left needle (this means that stitches 2 on will each be knitted twice).
REMAINING STITCHES: Slip first stitch onto right needle purl-wise; slip second stitch onto right needle knit-wise; insert left needle through front of slipped stitches and knit 2 together; only drop first stitch off of left needle (this means that stitches 2 on will each be knitted twice).
You will be left with one stitch remaining on left needle; knit through back loop.
Row 2, and all even rows: *purl 2 together, but only drop one stitch off left needle.* Repeat from * until only one stitch remains on needle; purl last stitch.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until rectangle is 15” long. Bind off.
Note that this pattern is easily adjustable for different yarn/needles- just make a rectangle that measures ~12” x 15”.
Here’s a video tutorial of each row:
I love this texture! And Saturday nights don’t get better than this view (not pictured: cutest husband asleep on couch).
Assembly
Form into clutch shape by folding ‘like a hamburger’ 6” from bind-off edge and stitching up sides. You should have 3” of over-hang on the cast-on edge- this will become the clutch flap.
Sew on male side of metallic clasps on either side of clutch flap. Arrange female side of clasps on clutch body and sew on. Note: if your yarn is thinner, you may only need one clasp to hold flap down. Mine is thick and wants to curl up so I needed one on each side of the flap.
Make tassel and attach to center of flap. If you’ve not made tassels before, see my tutorial on my crocheted clutch post.
Cost
Because everything I bought was on sale (I already owned needle/thread/knitting needles), this clutch cost me $5.50. I really love the texture and the tassel- perfect for a date night when I don’t have to carry all the kid things with me.
Toodles, tlo
