Cream puff felted clutch

Cream Puff Felted Clutch by Tori Gurbisz

What is Being Made

The Cream Puff is a felted clutch bag designed by Tori Gurbisz and presented by Lachesis and Co. This compact accessory features sweet design details and practical functionality, including a wrist strap and magnetic snap closure. The finished clutch measures approximately 8.75 x 6 x 1.5 inches, making it an ideal size for carrying essentials. The project is intentionally designed to knit up quickly, allowing crafters to create multiple versions in different colors or make inexpensive handmade gifts for friends.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project uses knitting as the primary craft method. The design incorporates felting, a finishing technique that transforms the knitted fabric through a wet blocking and agitation process. Felting creates a denser, more structured material from the knitted base, giving the clutch its finished appearance and durability. The combination of knitting followed by felting allows for a quick construction process while achieving a professional, polished final product.

Stitches and Construction Methods

The Cream Puff clutch is worked primarily in Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern employs a three needle bind off technique, a method used to join two sets of live stitches together while simultaneously binding them off. This technique is particularly useful for creating clean, professional seams in felted projects. Stitch markers are used throughout the knitting process to help track pattern repeats and construction points.

Materials and Specifications

The Cream Puff clutch is crafted using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky, a yarn composed of 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. This bulky weight yarn comes in 137-yard skeins weighing 100 grams. The yarn shown in the pattern is displayed in the Pewter colorway, though the quick knitting time makes it easy to create versions in multiple colors.

The project requires the following needles and notions:

• US 13/9mm circular needle (16 inches) for the main knitting
• US 13/9mm double-pointed needles for certain sections of construction
• US 11/8mm circular needle (16 to 32 inches) for finishing or alternative sizing
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch markers for tracking stitches
• 3.75 inch magnetic snap closure for securing the clutch opening
• Swivel hook with ring for attaching the wrist strap

Gauge and Sizing

The pre-felting gauge is 11 stitches and 14 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch when worked on US 13/9mm needles. This gauge measurement is taken before the felting process, as felting will alter the final dimensions and density of the fabric. The pattern is offered in one size, with the finished measurements provided to help crafters understand the final clutch proportions after felting is complete.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for newer knitters or anyone looking for a quick, satisfying make. The straightforward Stockinette stitch construction, combined with the intentionally fast knitting time, allows crafters of all skill levels to successfully complete this clutch. The three needle bind off technique, while perhaps new to some beginners, is a valuable skill that enhances the quality of the finished piece.