Pumpkin Purse

Pumpkin Purse by Jane Burns

What Is Being Made

The Pumpkin Purse is a whimsical knitted accessory designed to hold small items such as Halloween treats or everyday essentials. This beginner-friendly project creates a small, decorative purse with a charming pumpkin aesthetic, measuring 10cm x 10cm when finished. The design is versatile and encourages customization—crafters can experiment with different yarn colors and facial features to create variations like monster purses or other themed designs.

Knitting Techniques Used

This purse is worked flat, meaning it is knitted back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round. The construction method involves knitting a flat rectangular or shaped piece that is then assembled and attached to a purse frame. The finished knitted fabric is either glued or sewn into the purse clasp, combining traditional knitting with simple finishing techniques. This approach makes the project accessible to beginners while producing a professional-looking finished item.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginners:

• Stocking Stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the project, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, classic fabric
• M1 (Make One) – an increase stitch made by picking up the horizontal strand between stitches on the needles to add a new stitch
• K2tog (Knit Two Together) – a decrease stitch that combines two stitches into one by knitting them together
• P2tog (Purl Two Together) – a decrease stitch worked on the purl side, combining two stitches into one

Materials and Yarn

The pattern specifies Jane Burns Stylecraft Special DK in shade 1256 Jaffa, requiring one 100g ball. However, the pattern is flexible and works with any DK or Worsted Weight yarn, allowing crafters to choose colors that suit their preferences or create themed variations. Additional materials include 4mm straight needles, a 9cm x 6.5cm sew-in purse clasp, black felt for facial features, and either fabric glue or needle and thread for assembly. The tension is set at 22 stitches x 30 rows over 10cm x 10cm using 4mm needles and stocking stitch, ensuring the finished purse reaches the intended dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Pumpkin Purse requires only basic knitting knowledge including casting on, knit and purl stitches, simple increases and decreases, and casting off. The flat construction and straightforward stitch pattern make it an ideal first small project for new knitters seeking to build confidence while creating a functional, gift-worthy item.