Easy Cabled Knit Purse

Easy Cabled Knit Purse by Frugal Knitting Haus

Project Overview

The Easy Cabled Knit Purse is a beginner-friendly knitted bag project designed to create a finished accessory measuring approximately 8½ inches wide by 8½ inches high. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Frugal Knitting Haus combines classic cable knitting techniques with functional hardware to produce a stylish, wearable purse suitable for everyday use.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a structured knitted purse constructed from two matching sides that are joined together and finished with a functional zipper closure. The purse features decorative cable and textured stitch patterns across the front and back panels, creating visual interest while maintaining structural integrity. The finished piece is sized to hold everyday essentials and is secured with a 9-inch skirt zipper and D-rings for attachment and support.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Increasing stitches: The pattern incorporates strategic increases at the beginning and end of rows to shape the purse sides, creating a wider base that expands from the cast-on edge
• Cable work: Honeycomb cable patterns are worked over a designated stitch section, requiring the use of a cable needle or double-pointed needle to create the characteristic twisted, dimensional effect
• Pattern stitch integration: Multiple stitch patterns are worked simultaneously across a single row, requiring the knitter to maintain different stitch patterns in distinct sections
• Binding off in pattern: The final row is bound off while maintaining the established stitch patterns, ensuring a finished edge that complements the overall design

Stitches Used

• Double seed stitch: A textured stitch pattern that creates a bumpy, reversible fabric, used on the outer sections of the purse sides
• Honeycomb pattern: A cable-based stitch pattern worked over 10 stitches in the center of each purse side, creating the signature dimensional cable effect
• Purl stitches: Single purl columns used as separators between the double seed stitch and honeycomb pattern sections, providing visual definition and structural stability

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for bulky-weight yarn, specifically super chunky yarn such as Lion Brand Thick and Quick, totaling approximately 108 yards or about 6 ounces. This weight creates a dense, quick-knitting fabric suitable for beginner knitters.

Needles and notions: US size 10 knitting needles are used for the main fabric. Additional tools include a cable needle or double-pointed needle for working the honeycomb cable pattern, and a size K crochet hook for finishing. Hardware includes a 9-inch skirt zipper in a color matching the yarn and two metal D-rings or round rings, sourced from the sewing and notions department, which provide durability and support for the weight of items stored in the purse.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is worked at a gauge of approximately 3 stitches per 1 inch, which is typical for bulky-weight yarn on US size 10 needles. Two identical purse sides are created by casting on 24 stitches and working in the established pattern stitch combination. The sides are shaped through strategic increases worked over two rows until reaching 30 stitches, then continued even in pattern until the piece measures approximately 9 inches in length from the cast-on edge. This construction method ensures both sides match perfectly when assembled.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, this purse pattern introduces knitters to cable techniques and multiple stitch patterns while remaining accessible to those new to knitting. The use of bulky yarn and larger needles allows stitches to be easily visible and corrected, and the straightforward shaping and construction make this an ideal first cable project.