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:

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