Beet Street Purse

Beet Street Purse by Javori Designs

Project Overview

The Beet Street Purse is a beginner-friendly knitted bag designed by Andi Javori. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished purse measuring approximately 20 inches around by 12 inches tall (51cm x 30.5cm). The project combines two distinct yarns to achieve its finished aesthetic and is constructed using circular needles and classic knitting techniques suitable for those new to bag construction.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a knitted purse that features a structured body paired with decorative purse handles. The bag is designed to hold everyday items and showcases a combination of wool and silk yarns for both visual interest and functional fiber properties. The finished piece is a practical accessory that demonstrates fundamental knitting skills applied to a wearable project.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Beet Street Purse employs several essential knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters:

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch structure, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, forms the smooth, classic fabric base of the purse body
• Yarn Over (YO) – Used to create decorative openings or lace elements within the knitted fabric
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease stitch that reduces stitch count for shaping
• Slip, Knit, Pass (Skp) – A left-leaning decrease stitch used for balanced shaping throughout the pattern
• Bind Off (BO) – The finishing technique that secures the final row of stitches and completes the knitted edges

The pattern requires working in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction of the cylindrical purse body. Stitch markers and a stitch holder are used to track pattern repeats and manage stitches during construction.

Materials and Gauge

The Beet Street Purse pattern calls for two complementary yarns worked in specific quantities:

• Yarn A – 2 skeins of Beet Street Kauni yarn (100% Wool; 350 meters per 150 grams) in color PP1. This yarn is held as two strands together throughout the project, creating a sport-weight fabric
• Yarn B – 1 skein of Beet Street Loom Speck yarn (100% Silk; 110–160 meters per 25 grams) in color SK-10, used as a single strand for accent details

Construction requires a pair of Size 6 (4.0mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches in length, one stitch marker, and one stitch holder. The pattern also specifies a pair of round purse handles, approximately 5½ to 6 inches in diameter, which are attached to complete the finished bag.

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches by 28 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working Stockinette Stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of the purse.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

This pattern uses sport-weight yarn (achieved by holding two strands of the primary yarn together) and is classified as a beginner-level project. The straightforward stitch techniques and clear construction method make it an excellent introduction to knitted bag making for crafters developing their foundational skills.