Classy Clutch

Let's make a pretty clutch handbag! Grab a pretty mercerized cotton and follow along! This project will help you master 2 new techniques and leave you with a great new accessory for yourself or someone you love!!

My personal favorite mercerized cotton is Sinfonia. It comes in a variety of gorgeous solids and several variegated threads and can be found at Hobby Lobby. Don't forget to take your coupon! When working with Sinfonia, I prefer to use hook size E. (For a variation: use a large hook that leaves big holes and line your clutch with a nice fabric!) OR, add a strap!! This pattern is very versatile!

To start, chain whatever width you want your clutch to be. I am chaining 39 because it looks just about large enough to hold a checkbook/wallet.

R1: HDC in 3rd ch from hk and in each st across. (38 hdc across, counting first skipped ch2 as 1 hdc)
R2-14: Ch2, turn, HDC across

When you reach the end of R14 CH 19

R15: HDC in 3rd ch from hk and in each ch across and each st across when you come to the end AbInc(Abrupt Increase) 18 times. (click on the link to familiarize yourself with this technique if you're not a regular follower of Love in the Stitches or just haven't had an opportunity to try AbInc out yet!)

R16-19: ch2, turn, HDC in each st across

R20: sl st in 19 sts, bringing you back down the "arm" of the pattern to the body. Ch 2(first hdc), HDC in next 37 sts.

R21-36: Ch 2, Turn, HDC  across (This makes up the back and the top of the clutch)

For Simple but Elegant: continue to repeat R21 until you finish R44

R45: ch1, turn, follow shell stitch pattern across the edge ending with sc. tie off and hide ends
sew together.

For a Little Something More: Follow these directions for a Cabled Front

R37: Ch 2, Turn, HDC in next 15 sts, fptc around 4th, 5th, and 6th sts from hk 2 rows below, fptc around 3each of the 3 skipped sts 2 rows below. HDC in last 16 sts.

R38: ch 2, Turn, HDC across

R 39: Ch 2, Turn, HDC in next 14 sts, fptc around next 3 fptc, HDC in next 2 sts, fptc around next 3 fptc, HDC in next 15 sts.

R40: Repeat row 38

R41: Ch 2, Turn, HDC in next 13 sts, fptc around next 4 fptc, HDC in next 4 sts, fptc around next 4 fptc, HDC in next 14 sts.

R42: Repeat Row 38

R43: Repeat Row 39

R44: Repeat Row 38

R45 - 52: Repeat Rows 37-44

R53: Repeat Row 37

R54: (scalloped edge) ch1, turn, sc in first st, follow shell stitch pattern across the edge ending with sc. tie off and hide ends. Sew together.

Watch for our drawing! I will post pictures of the May giveaway next week!! Everyone who is a follower of the blog and posts a comment to the Giveaway post will be entered to win!

Click HERE for some Tips on the Classy Clutch.

As always,
Happy Hooking!
Mama Nettie