Go ‘green’ and crochet a purse from an old wool sweater. This eco-friendly craft is fun to make and simple enough for a beginner. The hardest part of the project is taking the old wool sweater apart and winding it into a ball.
Begin the process by finding the knot in the yarn along the bottom edge of the old wool sweater. If you cannot find the knot, do not worry. Simply make a small cut in the yarn and begin pulling. A small section of yarn may fall off but that is okay. Continue to pull the yarn and wind it into a ball. This makes it easier to work with when crocheting the purse.
Two balls of wool yarn are needed to make the purse. Either use a second wool sweater or divide the ball in half by winding a second ball from the first. Stop winding when the two balls are approximately the same size. Use a size K/10 1/2/6.5mm crochet hook to complete the project.
Purse Instructions:
Row 1 – Chain 42 stitches.
Row 2 – Double crochet in the third chain stitch from the end. Double crochet in the next 38 stitches. Double crochet three times in the last chain stitch. Turn the chain and stitch on the opposite side. Double crochet in each stitch across. The last double crochet is in the chain 3 that is counted as the first stitch in the row. Slipstitch the last stitch to the third chain stitch.
Row 3 through 24 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in the same stitch as the slipstitch from the previous row. Double crochet in each stitch around. Slipstitch the last stitch to the third stitch in the chain.
Row 25 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in the next four stitches. Complete a decrease double crochet stitch in the next two stitches. Double crochet in the next five stitches. Complete a decrease double crochet stitch in the next two stitches. (Repeat the double crochet in the next five stitches and the decrease double crochet for the remainder of the row.) Slipstitch the last double crochet to the third stitch in the chain. Cut the thread and finish off. Weave the end of the thread back and forth through the last row of stitching.
Strap Instructions:
Row 1 – Chain 72 stitches.
Row 2 and 3 – Double crochet in the third chain from the end and in each stitch across. Complete 3 double crochet stitches in the last stitch. Turn the chain and stitch on the opposite side. Double crochet in each stitch across. Slipstitch the last stitch to the top of the first double crochet stitch.
Attaching the Strap:
Step 1 – Center the strap on opposite sides of the purse.
Step 2 – Slip stitch the two edges of the strap to the edge of the purse.
Step 3 – Cut the yarn and finish. Weave the excess string back and forth through the last row of stitching either on the purse or on the strap.
Felting Process:
Step 1 – Set your washing machine for a small load with hot water. Add 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent. Start the washer.
Step 2 – Place the finished purse in the hot water.
Step 3 – Remove it every 2 minutes and check for shrinkage. Remove the purse from the hot water when the desired size is achieved. This will take from 10 to 20 minutes. Note: The purse will get larger before it gets smaller. This is due to the wool yarn absorbing the water.
Step 4 – Spin water out of the washer when the desired size is obtained. Rinse the purse with cool water. Shape on a flat surface and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Your new repurposed wool purse is ready for use! Add additional personality by attaching beads or sequence to the surface with sewing thread.