A Purse.
Plain crochet-purses are exceedingly strong, and may be made very prettily with a moderate sized netting silk. Those, worked in rows the length of the purse, are the most easily made.
Make a chain in scarlet netting silk of one hundred and forty stitches, on which crochet three plain rows with the same colour. Then, five plain rows in shades of green, or stone colour. These two stripes are to be repeated until the purse is of a sufficient width. When completed, it is to be neatly sewn up, or joined by crocheting the two sides together. The ends are then to be drawn up, and the purse trimmed.
A Plain Purse with one Square and one Round End.
Commence with a chain of fourteen stitches, and joining both ends together, crochet one plain row all round. In the next row, every alternate stitch is to be made a dividing or seam-stitch; this is done by passing the needle under both the corresponding loops in the first row, and making two stitches in the same place. This dividing stitch is to be repeated in the same place on each row, until ten rows are worked; when a sufficient number of plain rows are to be crocheted according to the length of the purse, until the side opening commences.
The opening of the purse is made by crocheting plain rows, alternately, from right to left, and from left to right. When a sufficient number of these are done:—
The plain rows are again to be worked, to correspond with the former part; but, instead of the round end, it is to be left square, and sewn up, with a tassel at either corner.
A Plain-stitch Open Crochet Purse.
Make a chain of one hundred and sixty, or one hundred and seventy stitches; to the last stitch of this, crochet a short chain of five stitches, the last of which is again to be crocheted to the fifth stitch of the chain; repeat this on the whole length of the foundation; and return along the row in the same way, by attaching every fifth stitch to the centre stitch of each loop of the last row. The whole of the purse is to be continued in the same manner, but it may be varied, according to taste, by using two or more colours. When the purse is worked to the size desired, cut a piece of stiff cardboard, and sew the purse firmly to it,—the wrong side outwards; then, damp it with water, and allow it to remain until dry. This process will stretch the purse, tighten the stitches, and bring them all into their proper places. Then, having sewn or crocheted up the sides, draw up the ends and put on the trimmings.—This purse should only be made with fine silk.